When does GEMS take place?

Camp is held during 1 week in the summer from 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday on the Penn campus. Lunch is provided, transportation is NOT. Camp staff will meet campers at a drop off location and take them to their sessions each day. GEMS is a day camp ONLY. Overnight accommodations are not available.

How much does GEMS cost?

The camp fee was $650 per participant in 2025. Each participant will receive a certificate of completion, a GEMS t-shirt, daily lunch, and families are invited to attend the closing reception at the end of the week. A limited amount of need-based financial assistance is available. Contact the Camp Director for more information.

Who can apply?

If you are entering 6-8th grade in Fall 2025 from Philadelphia and the surrounding area, are interested in math, science and/or engineering, and have at least a B average, you are encouraged to apply. Participants need to presently live and attend school within 60 miles of Penn’s campus at the time of application. PLEASE NOTE: Participants from previous GEMS camps are NOT eligible to return to the program.

When will I hear if I’ve been accepted?

Admission is NOT first come first serve. Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline. Decisions will be emailed to all participants in April.

If you have additional questions, please contact us.