Registration and Logistics
- When is the camp?
Our summer 2024 program will be held July14-19. - How much does it cost to attend?
The camp fee for 2024 is $1,395. The camp fee includes lodging, meals, and activities. The number of admitted campers is limited to facilitate close interaction with camp directors and additional faculty (all of whom are psychology professors), resident advisors (current and former psychology majors), and guest speakers. Campers are assigned to groups of 20 to 25 and attend classes in these groups.
- What is the contact information for the camp?
The email address is camppsych@gettysburg.edu .
- Who is eligible to attend Camp Psych?
Camp Psych is designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. In rare cases, we sometimes admit recently graduated seniors.
- Is financial aid available?
We offer one or two full-tuition waivers. Students can apply for the full-tuition waiver as part of the application process. - When is the application deadline?
Applications will be accepted until the camp is full and will be considered on a rolling basis. We sometimes receive applications from more qualified applicants than we can admit especially as the camp fills. Once admitted, campers will receive instructions for completing online registration. When the camp is full, registration will close. - What is the refund and cancellation policy?
Refund requests received up to 60 days prior to the start of the camp will be given a full refund. No refunds will be issued less than 60 days from start of camp. - My camper will be arriving by plane/train/bus. How do they get to campus?
Transportation is not provided as part of Camp Psych. However, campers who need transportation to/from airports and train stations (e.g., Harrisburg Amtrak or BWI) can pay an additional fee to receive transportation from the Gettysburg College Transportation Department. Accepted campers will receive information on how to pay and register for this transportation. Please note that Camp Psych personnel do not schedule or coordinate this transportation.
Camp Life
- Does my camper need to do academic preparation for the camp?
No. We welcome campers with varying levels of psychological knowledge from no knowledge to extensive knowledge. - What does my camper need to bring?
We will provide linens and towels for each camper (a pillowcase, 2 towels, 2 flat sheets, and a blanket). Each room also has a micro fridge. We recommend that campers bring washcloths, toiletries (e.g., toothpaste, hair dryer, feminine products, shower soap, etc.), any relevant and parent-approved over the counter medication (e.g., antacids, Tylenol, etc.), comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella, a refillable water bottle, and money for souvenirs. Campers may also want to bring their own blanket or comforter and drinks and snacks to keep in their room if they would like. - What are the accommodations for campers?
Campers will live in air-conditioned college residence halls. Campers will room with one or two other campers and will share bathrooms in typical dormitory style. - Who will be living with my students?
Campers will live in a college residence hall with resident advisors who are current or recent psychology majors at Gettysburg College. Resident advisors are selected based on their expertise in psychology and their maturity and leadership experience. Resident advisors will work with students in and outside of class to support the goals of the camp and all aspects of the campers' experiences. - Does my camper need to bring a computer?
Campers do not need to bring computers. However, campers are permitted to bring computers if they wish. Wireless access is provided across campus. - Can my camper have a cellphone?
Yes. However, campers will be asked to turn off cellphones and other portable electronic devices during class sessions. - What does a typical day look like?
See a typical day at Camp Psych. - How much money should I send with my child?
All camp-related meals and expenses are covered by the camp registration fee. Campers may want to bring additional money for bookstore purchases, snacks, or souvenirs. - Can I send mail to my camper?
Yes. Please send mail to:
Camp Psych at Gettysburg College
CAMPER: CAMPER NAME
Box 407
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, PA 17325 - How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
The dorm is locked at all times. Resident advisors live with the campers and will do a bed-check each night at curfew (10:00 PM). Gettysburg College public safety officers are on duty 24 hours a day seven days a week. More information about Gettysburg College Public Safety
Health/Medical Concerns
- What if my student has food allergies or special dietary needs?
No problem. Gettysburg College dining services can accommodate many special dietary needs (e.g., food allergies, vegetarian, vegan), though the dining services cannot provide meals that are completely kosher or completely organic. Campers will be asked to complete a special food allergies form so please let us know about any accommodations at that time. - My camper is on prescription medicine. How is that handled?
As part of the registration process, fill out a medical release form. Depending upon parent/guardian instruction, campers will administer their own medications or resident advisors (chaperones) will keep medicine locked at all times and will administer it as needed. - What if my child gets sick?
Parents/guardians will be contacted in case of illness to discuss how each individual situation will be handled. The nearest hospital, Gettysburg Hospital, is just 2 miles down the road (147 Gettys Street.) Gettysburg College Public Safety officers will ensure safe transport to the hospital if necessary. The camp does not have its own nurse or other medical staff.
College Preparation
- Will my child have the opportunity to have a campus tour?
Yes. Each day there will be a free choice period in which campers will be able to choose from a variety of activities. Campers will have the opportunity to do campus tours during these times. - Will this camp help my child get into college?
Camp Psych is designed to give your camper an insider view into the science of psychology and a glimpse into what college life is like. Our curriculum is designed not only to increase your camper's knowledge of psychology, but to increase critical thinking and analytical skills. Part of what makes Camp Psych unique is that our directors and faculty are all currently teaching psychology at the college level, and our camp curriculum is very much aligned with the kind of work we do with our first-year college students. While any one experience is not a guarantee of admission to an institution, we do believe that this camp can be a great part of a comprehensive college preparatory experience.