Programs for Youth and Families

Health and Human Development 
Youth Programs

Commitment to the health and well-being of children, youth, and families is knitted into the fabric of the College of Health and Human Development and is evident through our teaching, learning, research, and outreach. The outreach programs listed here are opportunities for young people to participate in fun and engaging learning experiences with HHD faculty and staff.

DNA and Your Health 
Department of Biobehavioral Health

June 17-18 & 19-20, 2024 (9am-1pm)
Age 13-17
$250 by June 1st, $275 after June 1     

DNA and Your Health is a weeklong camp that introduces students to basic research laboratory techniques for collecting their own saliva and extracting DNA from the sample. Students will then determine the concentration of this extracted DNA and undertake an investigation to see what DNA changes are found that may provide an insight into their own body's health. Information will be shared on how best to maintain a healthy body and their biological age through diet, exercise and getting the recommended hours of sleep for their age.

Where Sports and Science Meet 
Department of Kinesiology

***Tentative 2025 Dates: June 24-27 (9am-2pm)***
June 25-28, 2024 (9am-2pm)
Age 10-14
$299

Campers will learn about the field of Kinesiology, including research and potential career paths. Each day campers will engage in an educational session that will present an overview of a particular area of Kinesiology (athletic training, health and physical education, coaching, sport performance and fitness, physical therapy, disability sports and adapted physical activity, wellness for the older population) followed by an applied learning experience (AT simulation lab, fitness and movement skill testing, sport performance testing, disability sport simulation, Center for Fitness and Wellness). The camp is also designed to inform campers of undergraduate study possibilities as well as career paths.

Creating Opportunities for Young Hospitality Leaders (COYHL)
School of Hospitality Management

July 14-19, 2024 (Residential)
Rising 11th and 12th Graders
$1,500 (Scholarships may be available)

Do you ever think a career in lodging and resort management, food and beverage management, or event management might be fun? Do you like teams and enjoy using your creativity? Do you see yourself working with people? Do you ever think you want to own your own business one day?  You can find out about all the opportunities in the wide, wide world of hospitality management that can be yours by applying to this multi-day leadership program — COYHL Summer Program in Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management.

Community Hero Initiative Program (CHIP) 
Department of Kinesiology

July 15-19, 2024 (9am-2pm)
Rising 11th Graders
$100

This is an interactive program for students to learn, reflect, create, and prosper as they begin to prepare for their future endeavors.  CHIP is designed for Centre County students from Bald Eagle Area, Bellefonte, Penns Valley, Philipsburg Osceola, State College and St. Joseph's Institute.  Through team building activities and group discussions students will learn about the following:

• Combatting micro aggressions and bias 
• Instilling solidarity
• Promoting physical exercise and mindful activities to reduce stress
• Understanding food insecurities
• Learning how to garden
• Understanding resources to promote survivorship when adversity may arise and instill grit 

This program will foster the awareness needed to better serve communities with meaningful impact.  At the conclusion of CHIP, participants will be offered an opportunity to become a CHAMP (Community Health Ambassador Master Participant) by serving leadership hours within a community setting such as The Centre County Food Bank, etc.  

Cook Like a Chef Camp

Will not be offered Summer of 2025.