Dakota Dreams Career Exploration Summer Camps

 

SOUTH DAKOTA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Students entering 7th and 8th grade in the 2025-2026 school year can participate in free, five-day residential career exploration camps this summer. Hosted on South Dakota college campuses, these camps expose students to various career paths through fun, engaging and hands-on learning. Throughout the week, campers will gain a better understanding of themselves, their career interests and how their education prepares them for professions.

2025 CAREER CAMP DATES AND LOCATIONS
Camp dates and locations include the below:
  • June 15-19, 2025 |  University of South Dakota, Southeast Technical College
  • July 6-10, 2025    |  Black Hills State University and South Dakota Mines, Western Dakota Technical College
  • July 13-17, 2025  |  Black Hills State University and South Dakota Mines, Western Dakota Technical College
  • July 13-17, 2025  |  Dakota State University, Mitchell Technical College
  • July 13-17, 2025  |  Northern State University, Lake Area Technical College
  • July 13-17, 2025  |  South Dakota State University, Lake Area Technical College
Note: We will make every effort to accommodate camp preference, but there is no guarantee that you will be assigned to your first choice.
 
WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Exposure to careers through hands-on learning.
  • Three full days on a university campus.
  • A day trip to an area technical college.
  • Tours of area businesses.
  • Transportation to and from off-campus field trip sites.
  • On-campus housing (four nights) in a university residential hall.
  • Campus dining facilities (all meals, snacks and drinks included).
  • Evening recreational and social activities.
  • 24/7 representative supervision. 
Cost

Participants will not be responsible for costs, except transportation to and from the Summer Camp.

Application Process

An application will be made available from mid February through March 31, 2025. Applicants are expected to be notified of their status by the mid to the end of April 2025.

Contact

Interested middle school students or their parents with additional questions should email careercamps@sdbor.edu.