Summer Youth Camps

Your Summer Starts Here!

Illinois State University offers the ideal setting for a memorable and successful summer youth camp experience. Located in the welcoming community of Normal, ISU provides a safe, vibrant campus environment designed to support both learning and fun. Only two hours from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, ISU is a central location to maximize your attendance.

Our beautiful, walkable campus features modern residence halls, versatile indoor and outdoor facilities, and expansive green spaces perfect for activities, team building, and exploration. With convenient access to dining, recreation, and academic buildings, everything your group needs is just steps away, creating a seamless and engaging experience for campers and staff alike.

Beyond the facilities, ISU delivers a true sense of community. Campers benefit from a welcoming atmosphere, attentive support services, and a campus culture focused on connection, growth, and discovery. Whether your program is focused on academics, athletics, or enrichment, Illinois State University provides the resources, flexibility, and support to bring your camp to life.

Process to Book a Summer Youth Camp at ISU

1. Fill out the Event Inquiry Form .
2. A program coordinator will contact you with pricing and availability.
3. Sign an ISU Agreement to reserve your dates.
4. Receive list of due dates.
5. Complete the minors on campus process to abide by ISU’s University Protection of Minors policy (instructions provided to you by your assigned program coordinator).
6. Finalize your housing, dining, and meeting space accommodations. Your program coordinator will handle it all!
7. Submit a rooming list and final numbers.
8. Submit your Certification of Liability Insurance (requirements will be emailed to you).
9. Final Touch Base Meeting
10. We will meet you at the front door when you arrive!

Deposit

A 50% deposit will be due prior to your summer camp. The due date for the deposit will be in early May.

Timeline

The ideal timeframe to reserve your summer camp is to inquire 8-10 months prior. That said, at any time you are interested in reserve housing and dining, please submit the event inquiry form above or contact Megan at memccan@IllinoisState.edu. Once you have reserved your dates, more information and due dates will be provided to you.

Summer 2026 Housing Rates and Accommodations

All rates below are per bed and apply to June - July 2026. The rates are subject to a 6% State Tax. Certain groups may be assessed an additional 6% local tax depending on the nature of their stay. This tax may be exempt depending on a group’s affiliation with ISU and/or funding source.

All rooms include an extra-long twin mattress and bed frame, dresser, desk, chair, and wi-fi. All residence halls are air conditioned. There are no refrigerators in the rooms. Each floor has a mix of single rooms, double rooms, and suites. A suite has 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within the suite. There are shared bathrooms on each floor. Parking is free for guests staying at the residence halls.

• Basic Room Package

  Does not include linens.
  
  Multiple Occupancy: $37.00
  Single Occupancy: $45.00

• Linen Package

  Includes (per guest): 1 pillow, 1 pillow case, 2 flat sheets, 1 wash towel, and 1 bath towel
  
  Multiple Occupancy: $39.00
  Single Occupancy: 47.00

FY26 Dining

Dining service is available for summer campers. Watterson Dining Commons has an all-you-care-to-eat buffet style dining. The rates below are subject to a 9.75% local food tax and a 2% Service Tax for a total of 11.75%. This tax may be exempt depending on a group’s affiliation with ISU, the funding source, and/or if the group has a tax-exempt letter on file.

• Dining Rates

  Breakfast: $8.97
  Lunch: $13.31
  Dinner: $13.31

• Meal Times

  Breakfast: 6:30 am – 8:30 am
  Lunch: 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
  Dinner: 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Ready to Start Planning?
Complete the Event Inquiry Form and you will hear from a team member within 24 hours.