SAME Camps Program
Start Your STEM Journey Today! SAME’s STEM/Engineering & Construction Camps offer high school students interested in a highly unique STEM experience the chance to spend a week at a military base learning engineering, construction and design, while developing leadership skills and discovering the potential of a career in STEM.
Led by SAME professionals and other volunteers from the military and engineering community, for more than 20 years the SAME Camps Program has focused on practical, project-based learning that provides hands-on opportunities to explore STEM fields and to chart a course for future education and career opportunities.
SAME camps feature an impressive record of producing thousands of engineers and STEM leaders. They provide a rigorous experience for students interested in exploring STEM skills and careers. During the week, campers gain a sense of what it takes to become a STEM professional and learn what options exist to explore that interest from high school to college and beyond. Each camp has a unique curriculum that features hands-on activities conducted in competitive environments promoting teamwork, leadership, project management, and problem-solving.
SAME STEM Camps Recap 2024
Our theme for the 2024 camps season was Start YOUR STEM Journey! And what a journey it’s been. We had the privilege of taking 265 students and 116 mentors to the five camp installations across the United States.
Learn more about Camps 2024 activitiesInformation on 2024 SAME Camps
This is by far the BEST high school-aged experience that my son had! It set him on the road to an AFROTC scholarship and he now serves as a first lieutenant in the mechanical engineering field at Minot AFB. The SAME camp set the tone for him.
Elizabeth Dorey Alford, Camper Parent
Start Your STEM Journey in 2024!
Looking to engage in hands-on learning and fun?
SAME offers week-long summer STEM/Engineering & Construction Camps for high school students! Led by industry professionals and other volunteers from the military and engineering community, the SAME Camps Program focuses on hands-on, project-based learning that provides students with opportunities to begin exploring STEM fields, including science, engineering and construction as well as technology and the environment, and to chart a course for future education, leadership, and workforce opportunities.
The camps each feature many dynamic activities, including building concrete beams and dog kennels, operating drones and remote-controlled underwater vehicles, using survey equipment, conducting experiments, constructing and racing cardboard boats, and more!
2024 SAME Camps Schedule
SAME/U.S. Army Camp
June 9-15, 2024 | Vicksburg, Miss.
SAME/U.S. Marine Corps Camp
June 23-29, 20204 | Camp Lejeune, N.C.
SAME/U.S. Navy Camp
June 23-29 | NAS Jacksonville, Fla.
SAME/U.S. Air Force Academy Camp
June 23-29, 2024 | Colorado Springs, Colo.
SAME/U.S. Navy Camp
July 14-20 | Port Hueneme, Calif.
SAME Camps Highlights
- Camps last one week and range from $100 – $800.
- Scholarships for campers are available.
- Camps are offered at five locations/bases.
- Lodging and all meals provided.
- Camps held in June and July; all are overnight camps.
*Early Bird discount for accepted applicants expired Jan. 31.
Did you Know? Campers are selected by SAME Posts from around the country, which often provide offsetting financial support toward camp tuition. Each year, more than 75 percent of campers receive over half their costs paid.
Attending the SAME/Marine Corps Engineering & Construction Camp has been one of the most life-changing and interesting experiences I have gone through. Every day, there were so many new and exciting feats to accomplish and concepts to learn. Through the duration of the camp, I was part of the Bravo Squad. It was led by three amazing mentors and throughout the week, team-building exercises brought us together as a group and strengthened our teamwork. We may have not been the top team, but we were constant contenders and had great morale and inspiration no matter what.
Gabriel Goudie, 2021 Camp Participant
Explore Your Potential
Build Concrete Beams to Strength Test
Operate Drones and Remote-Controlled Underwater Vehicles
Use Survey Equipment
Construct and Race Cardboard Boats
Erect Doghouses and Work as a Team
Create Water Filtration and Grade Performance
Connect with Peers in Competitive Learning
Develop Leadership Skills and Solve Challenges Collaboratively
Make Friends and Mentors Who Can Guide You
Start your STEM Journey with SAME!
Application Criteria
- Rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior in Fall 2024 (at least 15 years of age at time of camp).
- On a track that will provide a basis for attending an accredited engineering college or university (such as taking appropriate STEM courses).
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 (not required but highly recommended)
- Demonstrated leadership characteristics through participation in extracurricular activities, sports, and/or community activities.
- Prepared to participate in various physical activities.
- U.S. citizen, and able to provide proof of medical insurance.
Costs & Registration
Registration fee for the camp is $100 or $800 (depending on the camp). This includes lodging, meals, materials, instruction, and mentoring. Once selected to attend, campers must submit half the registration fee to hold their spot. Sponsorships for the other half of the amount (or more) may be available from SAME Posts. Sponsorships are not absolutely guaranteed and if not sponsored by a Post, the camper could be responsible for all camp fees and transportation.
SAME/U.S. Army Camp
June 9-15, 2024 | Vicksburg, Miss.
The SAME / U.S. ARMY Camp is seeking 40 qualified high school students interested in attending the SAME/Army Engineering & Construction Camp in June 2024. Students will engage in hands-on engineering and construction activities under the mentorship and supervision of SAME professionals and other volunteers from the local engineering community. The week-long program includes interaction with of architecture/engineering firms, construction companies, military leaders, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Army Camp Highlights
- Camp lasts one week and costs $100.
- Camp is overnight; all food, lodging, and supervision is provided.
- SAME Camps feature many dynamic activities, including building concrete beams, operating drones, using survey equipment, constructing, and testing cardboard boats, and more.
- Must be at least 15 years of age to apply; rising junior, or senior.
Thank you for sponsoring me so I could go to the SAME camp for a week. During the camp I got to meet loads of different engineers and see many cool engineering projects. I also got to participate in many activities. During the week the four different teams competed to see which team was the best, and I am proud to say my team won. I included some photos so you can see all the activities I did while at camp. Some of the activities included a boat ride down the Mississippi, seeing a black hawk helicopter and going inside of it, and driving some really cool robots. Thank you again for everything.
Pierce Oldroyd, 2023 Army Camper
SAME/U.S. Navy Camp
June 23-29, 2024 | Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.*
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) is accepting nominations for 40 qualified high school students interested in attending the SAME/Navy STEM, Engineering & Construction Camp in summer 2024 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. Students will engage in hands-on engineering activities under the mentorship and supervision of SAME professionals, base commands, and other volunteers from the local engineering community. Campers live, eat, and complete activities as squads with support from uniformed servicemembers and STEM-related working professionals.
*SAME/Navy Camp in Jacksonville is being held for the first time in 2024.
**Photos are from 2023 SAME/Navy Camp at Port Hueneme.
Navy Camp Highlights
- Camp lasts one week and costs $800.
- Camp is overnight; all food, lodging, and supervision is provided.
- SAME Camps feature many dynamic activities, including building concrete beams, operating drones, using survey equipment, constructing, and testing cardboard boats, and more.
- Must be at least 15 years of age to apply; rising sophomore, junior, or senior.
Application Criteria
- Must be at least 15 years of age to apply; rising sophomore, junior, or senior.
- On a track that will provide a basis for attending an accredited engineering college or university (such as taking appropriate STEM courses).
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 (not required but highly recommended)
- Demonstrated leadership characteristics through participation in extracurricular activities, sports, and/or community activities.
- Physically fit.
- U.S. Citizen and able to provide proof of medical insurance.
Costs & Registration
Registration fee for the camp is $800. This includes lodging, meals, materials, instruction, and mentoring. Campers are selected by SAME Posts from around the country, which often provide offsetting financial support toward camp tuition.
Once selected, campers must submit half the registration fee to hold their spot. Sponsorships for the other half of the amount (or more) may be available from the Posts. In fact, each year more than 80 percent of campers receive over half their costs paid.
I had a great week! I made some wonderful friends and got some great experience working in competitive teams with people I had never met before. We built and strength tested concrete beams and stick bridges applying construction concepts and figuring out as a team what might work and not work. We built and operated drones and remote-controlled submarines. We welded and used survey equipment. We built, and raced cardboard boats that we designed in our squads. The Navy and camp staff were helpful and supportive. They let us learn and fail without intervening but gave us tips along the way. I would like to thank you so much for this experience. The knowledge I have gained will definitely help me as I continue in school and as I continue to look at future jobs. I hope to build on these chances to learn new things.
Mason Brown, 2022 Navy Camper (Port Hueneme)
SAME/U.S. Marine Corps Camp
June 23-29, 2024 | Camp Lejeune, N.C.
The SAME/Marine Corps STEM, Engineering & Construction Camp is geared toward students interested in pursuing engineering-related studies in college or a service academy and is built on the steps that professionals encounter when working with a client to deliver sound installation and facilities-related products. Campers live, eat, and complete activities as a squad of 10, under the guidance of a uniformed servicemember and two STEM-related working professionals. Berthing is provided in Marine Corps barracks and/or local hotels; meals are taken at galleys or in the field; and instruction is conducted at various sites at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Marine Corps Camp Highlights
- Camp lasts one week and costs $800.
- Camp is overnight; all food, lodging, and supervision is provided.
- SAME Camps feature many dynamic activities, including building concrete beams, operating drones, using survey equipment, constructing, and testing cardboard boats, and more.
- Must be at least 15 years of age to apply; rising sophomore, junior, or senior.
Application Criteria
- Must be at least 15 years of age to apply; rising sophomore, junior, or senior.
- On a track that will provide a basis for attending an accredited engineering college or university (such as taking appropriate STEM courses).
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 (not required but highly recommended)
- Demonstrated leadership characteristics through participation in extracurricular activities, sports, and/or community activities.
- Physically fit.
- U.S. Citizen and able to provide proof of medical insurance.
Costs & Registration
Registration fee for the camp is $800. This includes lodging, meals, materials, instruction, and mentoring. Campers are selected by SAME Posts from around the country, which often provide offsetting financial support toward camp tuition.
Once selected, campers must submit half the registration fee to hold their spot. Sponsorships for the other half of the amount (or more) may be available from the Posts. In fact, each year more than 80 percent of campers receive over half their costs paid.
Attending the SAME/Marine Corps Camp has been one of the most life-changing and interesting experiences I have gone through. Every day, there were so many new and exciting feats to accomplish and concepts to learn. Throughout the duration of the camp, I was part of the Bravo Squad. It was led by three amazing mentors, and during the week, team-building exercises brought us together as a group and strengthened our teamwork. We may not have been the top team, but we were constant contenders and we had great morale and inspiration no matter what.
Gabriel Goudie, 2021 USMC Camper
SAME/U.S. Air Force Academy Camp
June 23-29, 2024 | Colorado Springs, Colo.
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) is accepting applications for qualified high school students interested in attending the SAME/Air Force Academy Engineering & Construction Camp in June 2024 at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. This is a week-long, live-in STEM camp, with full immersion in engineering and STEM activities. The Air Force Academy provides world-class facilities for this program. Campers work as teams to complete engineering tasks in a competitive environment. They are supervised, mentored, coached, led, and guided 24/7 by STEM professionals and college students in a STEM major.
Air Force Academy Camp Highlights
- Camp lasts one week and costs $800.
- Camp is overnight; all food, lodging, and supervision is provided.
- SAME Camps feature many dynamic activities, including designing, constructing and testing concrete beams, dog houses and cardboard boats, as well as team-building and leadership opportunities.
*If student is completing their junior year of high school, they must provide proof of an expressed interest in applying to a Service Academy or ROTC Program (this does not include JROTC).
Application Criteria
- Must be at least 15 years of age to apply; rising sophomore, junior, or senior.
- On a track that will provide a basis for attending an accredited engineering college or university (such as taking appropriate STEM courses).
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 (not required but highly recommended)
- Demonstrated leadership characteristics through participation in extracurricular activities, sports, and/or community activities.
- Physically fit.
- U.S. Citizen and able to provide proof of medical insurance.
Costs & Registration
Registration fee for the camp is $800. This includes lodging, meals, materials, instruction, and mentoring. Campers are selected by SAME Posts from around the country, which often provide offsetting financial support toward camp tuition.
Once selected, campers must submit half the registration fee to hold their spot. Sponsorships for the other half of the amount (or more) may be available from the Posts. In fact, each year more than 80 percent of campers receive over half their costs paid.
Thank you for the fantastic opportunity at the Air Force Academy. I learned so many things and had a great time in the process, feeling and thinking like a real engineer. I met many amazing people who not only advised but encouraged me to grasp STEM in alternative ways. In addition to receiving suggestions on projects, I appreciate the excellent advice from the cadets, mentors, and presenters about engineering and my future prospects. My favorite project was the concrete beam as it was something new and different for me. I learned a lot about tension and rebar relating to the concrete itself and how to build it better next time. From the moment I was accepted to this camp, to the moment I left the grounds, I was in excellent hands. Thank you so much for this experience!
Ava Johnson, 2022 USAFA Camper
SAME/U.S. Navy Camp
July 14-20, 2024 | Port Hueneme, Calif.
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) is accepting nominations for qualified high school students interested in attending the SAME/Navy STEM Engineering & Construction Camp in summer 2024 at the Naval Construction Battalion Center, Port Hueneme, Calif. Students will engage in hands-on engineering activities under the mentorship and supervision of SAME professionals, base commands, and other volunteers from the local engineering community. Campers live, eat, and complete activities as squads with support from uniformed servicemembers and STEM-related working professionals.
Navy Camp Highlights
- Camp lasts one week and costs $800.
- Camp is overnight; all food, lodging, and supervision is provided.
- SAME Camps feature many dynamic activities, including building concrete beams, operating drones, using survey equipment, constructing, and testing cardboard boats, and more.
- Must be at least 15 years of age to apply; rising sophomore, junior, or senior.
Application Criteria
- Must be at least 15 years of age to apply; rising sophomore, junior, or senior.
- On a track that will provide a basis for attending an accredited engineering college or university (such as taking appropriate STEM courses).
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 (not required but highly recommended)
- Demonstrated leadership characteristics through participation in extracurricular activities, sports, and/or community activities.
- Physically fit.
- U.S. Citizen and able to provide proof of medical insurance.
Costs & Registration
Registration fee for the camp is $800. This includes lodging, meals, materials, instruction, and mentoring. Campers are selected by SAME Posts from around the country, which often provide offsetting financial support toward camp tuition.
Once selected, campers must submit half the registration fee to hold their spot. Sponsorships for the other half of the amount (or more) may be available from the Posts. In fact, each year more than 80 percent of campers receive over half their costs paid.
I had a great week! I made some wonderful friends and got some great experience working in competitive teams with people I had never met before. We built and strength tested concrete beams and stick bridges applying construction concepts and figuring out as a team what might work and not work. We built and operated drones and remote-controlled submarines. We welded and used survey equipment. We built, and raced cardboard boats that we designed in our squads. The Navy and camp staff were helpful and supportive. They let us learn and fail without intervening but gave us tips along the way. I would like to thank you so much for this experience. The knowledge I have gained will definitely help me as I continue in school and as I continue to look at future jobs. I hope to build on these chances to learn new things.
Mason Brown, 2022 Navy Camper (Port Hueneme)
Spring/Summer 2024
U.S. Army
U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy
Engineering & Construction Camp
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Vicksburg, MS
June 9 – 15, 2024 | Fee: $100.00
Grades: Rising Junior, or Senior as of Fall 2024
View the camp flyerEngineering & Construction Camp
Naval Construction Battalion Center, Port Hueneme, CA
July 14 – 20, 2024 | Fee: $800.00
Grades: Rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior as of Fall 2024
View the camp flyerEngineering & Construction Camp
NAS Jacksonille
Jacksonville, FL
June 23 – 29, 2024 | Fee: $800
Grades: Rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior as of Fall 2024
View the camp flyerU.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Marine Corps
Engineering & Construction Camp
U.S. Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO
June 23 – 29, 2024 | Fee: $800
Grades: Rising Junior, or Senior as of Fall 2024
View the camp flyerEngineering & Construction Camp
Camp Lejeune
Jacksonville, NC
June 23- 29, 2024 | Fee: $800
Grades: Rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior as of Fall 2024
View the camp flyerPartner Camps
Logistics and registration for these camps are managed by our partners
SAME partners with the following camps to recruit participants. Please follow their links to apply to these specific programs:
- SAME-Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Exploring Engineering STEM Academy. Participants will be exposed to different engineering disciplines and hear from STEM professionals from local engineering societies like SAME, ASCE, IEEE, STE, and GEF. We forwarded all the campers the registration link. Fee is $1100. BSA administers this camp
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy Introduction Mission. Registration is handled by the Coast Guard Academy directly.
Do you like math, science, and engineering? Do you enjoy discovering new concepts, problem solving, and learning about system mechanics? Are you creative, persistent and desire to make the work a better place through STEM?
If so, the Naval Academy Summer STEM program is for you. The program is a great catalyst to initiate your pursuit of a future in science and engineering.
Participation in the Naval Academy Summer STEM program provides an opportunity to experience what the Naval Academy and Annapolis, MD have to offer.
During this residential program, campers will create, build, and explore in world-class lab facilities, working alongside USNA’s distinguished faculty and Midshipmen.
Participants will also experience real-life application and learning at one of the Top 5 “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” in the country, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
Applications for the 2023 program open January 4th.
Apply for the USNA Summer STEM ProgramResources & Information
About SAME Camps
Each summer, SAME Camps provide aspiring engineering students from across the country an opportunity for hands-on learning in collaboration with military engineers and SAME members.
The week-long camps, held in conjunction with the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps are designed for high school students who excel in math, science and technology courses and are interested in pursuing engineering, architecture, or a related field in college. The camps are led by a professional staff of engineers from both private industry and the uniformed services. Many former campers have gone on to STEM careers in both the military and civilian capacity and come back to the camp as mentors.
If you are interested, your first step is to determine if you are eligible and then go through the application process for the camp you select.
Am I Eligible?
To qualify for consideration, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 15 years old and have completed their freshman year of high school at the time he/she departs for camp.
- For the US Army Camp, you must have completed your sophomore year in high school.
- Be enrolled in school at the time of the camp.
- Be on a high school track that will provide a basis for attending an accredited engineering college or university (i.e., taking appropriate math and science courses).
- Have an intent to pursue a degree in architecture, engineering or a related field.
- Have demonstrated leadership characteristics through participation in extra-curricular activities, sports, and/or community activities.
- Be physically fit and healthy.
- Be of high moral character.
- Students cannot attend more than one SAME Camp in the same year.
There are more details on the Camp Application.
Additional Information for the U.S. Air Force Academy Camp:
- If the student is completing their junior year of high school, they must provide proof of an expressed interest in applying to a Service Academy or ROTC Program (this does not include JROTC).
- Proof of being a qualified applicant.
Questions?
Contact Amy McGeever, Project Manager, STEM Camps
Congratulations on becoming an alumnus of a SAME camp. We hope you continue to strengthen and grow the relationships you developed while at camp. Here are more resources you can access as camp alumni.
SAME College Scholarship Application
SAME offers former campers from any of the camps an opportunity to compete for a $5,000 scholarship (four-year, continuing scholarship with annual stipends of $1,250).
In addition to having attended a SAME camp, qualified applicants must be high-school seniors preparing to enter college and who will major in engineering, architecture, or other STEM field. The scholarship is not intended for those who have already been accepted to a service academy.
Download the application instructions and submission form.
SAME Membership
Student members represent the next generation of innovative STEM thinkers ready to take on society’s challenges. Recognizing the need to cultivate this valuable asset, SAME offers FREE membership to all full-time students enrolled in high school, 2-year or 4-year colleges and universities (through the undergraduate level), trade schools, and military academies.
Go to the student member section for information on member benefits and how to join.
What is SAME?
A professional organization that supports your technical knowledge and career development. SAME offers a wide variety of professional development opportunities to help you stay current on issues facing the nation.
The benefits to joining SAME include:
- Scholarships ––SAME provides over $1M in scholarship money annually from the national society and our local Posts.
- Opportunities to serve as a camp mentor.
- Contacts at College chapters to learn more about the college experience.
- Participation in a Virtual Student Chapter, an online community of STEM interested students.
- Free attendance to SAME national conferences and training events.
- Networking with other SAME members.
- Access to cutting-edge professional development opportunities.
- Volunteer leadership opportunities at the local, regional and national levels to grow your skills.
Join SAME today to start building your professional network! In addition, you can also follow SAME on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to begin engaging with the organization.
Student Chapters
Student Chapters promote the goals and objectives of SAME and encourage the advancement of careers in STEM by connecting college students with private, public, and military professionals.
Student Chapters are listed in the Post directory. Scroll through the list to find a chapter near you.
Can’t find a SAME Student Chapter? Take lead and start one! Find relevant information under the College Outreach Committee on how to start a Student Chapter in your local school or university. Students interested in starting a Student Chapter should contact the nearest SAME Post and ask for a mentor to assist them.
The Military Engineer
Want to keep up on what’s happening in the world of engineering, then read The Military Engineer, the official journal of SAME. Originally published as Professional Memoirs, since 1909, TME has been the leading voice championing the contributions, the achievements, and the legacy of military engineers and those aligned with ensuring the national security of the United States.
View the Special Inserts on the SAME camps
Sept/Oct Issue, 2016 | Sept/Oct issue, 2017
Mentors, Assistant Mentors, Squad Leaders & Staff Application Instructions
Be a Camp Mentor or Camp Staff
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) annual STEM Engineering & Construction Camps offer Young Members, Non-commissioned Officers, teachers, strategic partner staff, and individuals with a STEM background a valuable opportunity to support tomorrow’s leaders and STEM professionals.
The success of the SAME camp program depends on the experience and talents contributed by the staff, cadets, college students, and other volunteers that come from our many SAME Posts and partner organizations. They fill critical mentor and staff roles.
Learn more about camp mentor and staff recruitment and apply to become a mentor. If you have questions about serving as a mentor/staff, contact the specific camp director, or email
Amy McGeever, SAME Program Manager.
As part of the 2023 camp season, SAME is recruiting candidates for the following positions:
- Mentors – 8-20 per camp
- Assistant Mentors/Squad Leaders – 4 to 10 per camp
- Support Loggies – 3 to 10 per camp
- Staff – 3 to 10 per camp
Host a Camp
For posts looking to host a camp, SAME has resources available to you.
Contact: Amy McGeever, Project Manager, STEM Camps
Video: Watch STEM Camp — How to start The Exploring Engineering Academy camp.
Partnering with BSA
Want to partner with the Boy Scouts of America to develop a camp or engineering merit badge event? SAME has a national agreement with the BSA’s Learning for Life Program. Please contact Jack Seibert to connect to the Boy Scouts.
Watch the BSA promotional video: “Exploring Engineering Academy“.
STEM Activities
If you need assistance with activities as part of your camp curriculum, take a look at the Boy Scouts of America STEM related merit badge requirements.
View the list of STEM related merit badges.
More About Our Mission
Campers are supervised by mentors made up of professional engineers, engineering students, military personnel, educators, and other STEM professionals. These mentors are committed to inspiring campers to pursue STEM in college. Mentors are also resources for the campers, providing long-term connections for our alumni.
Specific locations vary year to year. Additional information about the locations and registration information will be posted here as it becomes available.
Financial aid: Many SAME Posts provide full or partial sponsorship for camp fees.
Becoming a Camp MentorSAME Camps 2023
Thanks to all the mentors and volunteers for inspiring future professionals at SAME’s 2023 STEM/ Engineering & Construction Camps.
SAME Camps in the News
National Sponsors
Companies Donating $1000
Companies Donating $500
“Though my career as an engineer has barely begun, I have had a relationship with SAME since I was in 8th grade when I visited the Northern Virginia Post to present my model rocket. I later received a scholarship to attend the SAME/U.S. Army Engineering & Construction
Sophia Gull, Civil Site Engineer, Jacobs
Camp in Vicksburg, Miss., and earned two Post scholarships for college. SAME has provided me with many great connections and networking opportunities all along the way.”
