Nebraska 4-H

Big Red Summer Academic Camp

June 7-12, 2026

Youth at Big Red Camp

Camp Sessions and Details

Animation Camp

A truly playful way to learn animation from LA-based animators! In this animation camp, students will gain a deep understanding of how to control movement at the frame-by-frame level. Students will walk through the principles of animation using a wide variety of animation techniques including stop-motion as well as basic digital processes. We will also watch a variety of animated films, both historical and contemporary, and talk about how they were made. Taught in collaboration with the Calibraska Arts Initiative by LA Based animators and animation students from Los Angeles, CA. Classes will be held at the new Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts. No animation or drawing experience necessary, but a spirit of exploration is required! Former campers are always welcome to join us again!

Related Careers: Animator, Editor, Storyboard Artist, Visual Development, Independent Filmmaker, Director, Motion Graphics Artist, Stop-Motion Animation

  • Camper Limit: 10
  • Early Tuition: $750
  • Regular Tuition: $800
  • Late Tuition: $850

Registration Opens February 10, 2026

Digital Media Camp

Do you enjoy writing? Do you want to be on the radio? Do you dream of producing videos? Do you love social media? Students attending this camp will receive intensive, hands-on training with writing, photography, videography, and other media creation methods to introduce them to the skills needed for careers in Advertising and Public Relations, Broadcasting, Journalism, and Sports Media and Communication. Students will have access to production studios and a variety of media production equipment to produce a team multimedia project. With creative storytelling at the core, experience the ever-changing world of media and communications. Spend the week learning from the media experts at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Related Careers: Art Director, Creative Director, Social Media Director, Digital Content Manager, Digital Media Producer, Promotions and Marketing Manager, Photographer, Production Director, Broadcast Producer, Radio Broadcasting, Sports Broadcasting, Sports Journalism

  • Camper Limit: 15
  • Early Tuition: $625
  • Regular Tuition: $675
  • Late Tuition: $725

Registration Opens February 10, 2026

Engineering Camp

Engineering Camp is a fun, high-energy, hands-on experience where high school students get to learn about all things related to engineering. We will visit lab spaces, hear from faculty, take off-campus excursions, and build in plenty of hands-on activities to get students thinking and acting like a real engineer. We will allow students an opportunity to learn about and experience many fields of engineering such as mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, environmental, biological systems, and more! Communication and teamwork will be integral parts of the students’ camp experience. The camp will be led by faculty and staff from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, College of Engineering. To ensure the best possible learning experience for campers, enrollment is limited to students entering 10th-12th grade in the 2026-27 academic year.

Related Careers: Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Bio-Systems, Environmental, Architectural, Computer Science, Construction Management

  • Camper Limit: 20
  • Early Tuition: $625
  • Regular Tuition: $675
  • Late Tuition: $725

Registration Opens February 10, 2026

Esports Camp

(Pending)

Do you enjoy playing videogames? Do you want to be a content creator? Do you dream of being an Esports pro? Do you want to learn how to build a personal computer? Students attending this camp will receive intensive, hands-on training in advanced problem-solving skills, social skills, collaboration, teamwork, managing success and failure, time management and healthy lifestyle choices centered around the growing industry of Esports. Highlighting careers in Advertising and Public Relations, Broadcasting, Journalism and Sports Media and Communication. Students will have access to production studios, cameras, microphones, consoles and computers needed for gaming and streaming. With team building at the core, experience the way to win with controllers, mouse keyboards and in life. Spend the week learning from the Esports experts at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Related Careers: Programming, Broadcasting/Shoutcasting, Journalism, Creative Director, Esports Professional, Content Creator, Social Media Director, Community Outreach Director, PR Specialist, Broadcast Producer, Audio Engineer, Video Engineer, IT Specialist

  • Camper Limit: 15
  • Early Tuition: $625
  • Regular Tuition: $675
  • Late Tuition: $725

Registration Opens February 10, 2026

Food Systems Camp

Join us for an exciting journey into the world of food systems! This camp is designed for curious minds who want to understand how food moves from the soil to the store and beyond. You’ll dive into plant and soil science, experiment with industry tools, and explore the consumer side of food through marketing outlets and supply chains. Experience a variety of production systems and sales outlets to see food systems in action, then wrap up with a creative pitch project where you design your own innovative food system idea. If you’re interested in agriculture, sustainability, or entrepreneurship, this camp is your chance to explore it all!

Related Careers: Agronomist, Horticulturist, Plant Biologist, Digital Agriculture Specialist, Nutritionist/Dietitian, Food Systems Policy Analyst, Entrepreneur, Marketing Specialist

  • Camper Limit: 20
  • Early Tuition: $625
  • Regular Tuition: $675
  • Late Tuition: $725

Registration Opens February 10, 2026

Math and Data Science Camp

How is math the foundation of data science? Have you ever wondered how spam emails are identified, or how data science helps doctors tell the difference between cancerous and benign cells? At Supporting Participation and Advancing Real-World KNowledge in Math and Data Science: SPARK-MDS Camp, we will explore the mathematical principles behind data science and machine learning, applying them through interactive lectures, coding, and projects.

We will start with the basics: How is data represented mathematically, and why are data transformations powerful? As we progress, we’ll explore how high-dimensional data, such as high-resolution images, can be compressed while preserving key features. You’ll also gain hands-on experience using machine learning to uncover patterns and make predictions, like forecasting housing prices or recognizing handwritten digits. Along the way, you'll also see how mathematical tools and algorithms help reveal the “shape" of your data, making complex relationships more intuitive.  

This camp is for students entering grades 10-12 who are curious about data science and the math that powers it. Taught by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Mathematics Department. Applicants will be asked to upload a current transcript via BigRedCamps@unl.edu immediately following your registration.
 

Related Careers: Data Scientist, Mathematician, Statistician, Computer Scientist

  • Camper Limit: 15
  • Early Tuition: $625
  • Regular Tuition: $675
  • Late Tuition: $725

Registration Opens February 10, 2026

Robots & Drones Camp

Join us for an exciting, hands-on week where you'll design, build, program, and test a robot or drone to tackle real-world agricultural and environmental challenges! Throughout the cap, you'll work alongside a diverse team of engineers and graduate student mentors, exploring how robotics and drones are revolutionizing modern farming and scientific research.

Each camper will build their own robot or drone while also collaborating on a team project, applying engineering principles to solve practical challenges in agriculture. Whether you're passionate about engineering or just love to create and tinker, this camp is a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, meet link-minded peers, and discover how technology is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. 

No prior experience? No problem! Come ready to innovate, experiment, and have fun! 

Related Careers: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Bio-Systems, Environmental, Architectural, Computer Science

  • Camper Limit: 20
  • Early Tuition: $700
  • Regular Tuition: $750
  • Late Tuition: $800

Registration Opens February 10, 2026

STEM Odyssey Camp

Join UNL faculty as we head out for dynamic and exploratory adventures in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We will spend our days visiting UNL STEM labs and centers to experience a wide array of STEM career options, all while engaging in our own hands-on, youth-designed STEM experiment or design challenge.

Related Careers: Scientist, Healthcare Professional, Computer Programmer, Geologist, Agriculture or Environmental Engineer, Statistician, Marine Biologist, Researcher

  • Camper Limit: 14
  • Early Tuition: $625
  • Regular Tuition: $675
  • Late Tuition: $725

Registration Opens February 10, 2026

Unicameral Youth Legislature Camp

Do you want to learn what it’s like to serve as a state senator? The Unicameral Youth Legislature is a legislative simulation for current high school students who take on the role of lawmakers. Student senators sponsor bills, conduct committee hearings, debate legislation and discover the unique process of the nation’s only unicameral. The Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature, through the Unicameral Information Office, conducts the Unicameral Youth Legislature simulation and students learn directly from current state senators and staff.

Related Careers: Law, Business, Government, Lobbying, Legal Consulting

  • Camper Limit: 20
  • Early Tuition: $625
  • Regular Tuition: $675
  • Late Tuition: $725

Registration Opens February 10, 2026

PROGRAM CONTACT

For questions about this program or the information on this page, please contact: