What's Naval Academy Summer Youth Programs Like?

I'm really curious about the summer youth programs at the Naval Academy. Has anyone attended? What kind of activities do they offer, and is it a good experience if I'm considering the academy for college?

The United States Naval Academy's summer programs, such as the Summer Seminar and STEM Camp, are often considered a fantastic insight into life at the Academy. The Summer Seminar is aimed at rising high school seniors interested in pursuing an appointment to the Naval Academy. This program is an intense, six-day immersion into the academic, athletic, and professional training midshipmen receive at the Naval Academy. During Summer Seminar, you'll experience a taste of Plebe Summer, which is the training program for incoming freshmen. Activities include physical training in the form of intramural sports and calisthenics and also classroom learning. The focus areas range from Navigation to Information Warfare, so prospective applicants get a thorough understanding of the diverse fields of study at the Academy.

On the other hand, the STEM Camp targets younger students, from grades 9-11, with an emphasis on the robust science, technology, engineering, and math programs at the Academy. This is a hands-on, design-based program that aims to encourage excitement about these fields. Students work together in groups to solve real-world problems, which can include designing a virtual reality device or creating an efficient propulsion system.

Apart from the comprehensive programming and rigorous physical activity, another benefit is the opportunity to learn about the admissions process to the Academy first-hand. Due to the competitive nature of admissions, the Summer Seminar, in particular, can serve as a valuable resource in shaping your application when the time comes to apply. That said, acceptance into these programs is no guarantee of admission to the Academy.

Overall, these programs represent a significant opportunity to gain firsthand experience of life at the Naval Academy and a snapshot of a service academy's unique educational approach.