Programs for Youth and Families

Available Camps

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.

Cook Like a Chef Camp

For over 15 years, the College of Health and Human Development and Department of Nutritional Sciences have offered Cook Like A Chef, a summer youth camp for 11- to 14-year-olds. Over 500 children have participated in this popular day camp held on campus.

Visit the Cook Like a Chef Camp page for additional information.

DNA Camp: DNA and Your Health

The DNA Camp: DNA and Your Health is presented by Penn State’s Department of Biobehavioral Health. This week long program will introduce students age 13- 17 years old to basic research laboratory techniques for collecting their own saliva and extracting DNA from the sample. Campers 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.

Visit the DNA Camp page for additional information.

Kinesiology Camp: Where Sports and Science Meet

Kinesiology Summer Camp is for 10- to 14 -year-olds. 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.

Visit the Kinesiology Camp page for additional information.

Creating Opportunities for Young Hospitality Leaders (COYHL)

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.

Visit the Creating Opportunities for Young Hospitality Leaders (COYHL) page for additional information.

Community Hero Initiative Program (CHIP) NEW for 2024

CHIP (Community Hero Initiative Program) is a program designed for high school students after completing their 10th grade year offered to Centre County school students. These include:  Bald Eagle Area, Bellefonte, Penns Valley, Philipsburg Osceola, State College and St. Josephs Institute.  Students will spend 4 days in early summer on the Penn State campus to complete learning outcomes through team building activities and group discussions.  Program will focus on: combatting micro aggressions and bias within society; instill solidarity; promote physical exercise and mindful activities to reduce stress; understand food insecurities  and learn how to garden; understand resources to promote survivorship when adversity may arise and instill grit.  This program will foster community awareness and outreach to better serve our communities with impactful purpose.  At the conclusion of the 4-day program, 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.  All in all, this is an interactive program for students to learn, reflect, create, and prosper as they begin to prepare for their future endeavors.

Visit the Community Hero Initiative Program page for more information.