FAQs
Have questions? We’re here to help! Browse our FAQs for answers about our programs and what to expect. If you need more details, feel free to reach out to our team!
We look at age as of June 1 to determine eligibility, regardless of grade level in school. For summer 2026, both of our camps serve students ages 11-14. In the coming years, we will be adding additional camps for other age ranges. We hope to eventually serve students ages 8-18. To stay in the loop about new camps, join our mailing list.
For 2026, NMC will offer camps in two locations: Claremont, California and Raleigh, North Carolina. In the coming years, we will be adding multiple camps each summer to accommodate even more campers. If you have a suggestion for a camp location or are a university or residential high school that is interested in becoming a camp site, please let us know by emailing our team at info@nationalmathcamps.org.
Camp Conway and Camp Sierpinski differ mainly in their dates and locations. Day-to-day schedules may vary slightly, but the overall program experience — its design, philosophy, and level of mathematical challenge — is the same at both camps.
All NMC camp experiences will include a mix of advanced math sessions led by professional mathematicians, alongside recreational activities designed to foster friendships, build a strong sense of community, and create lasting memories. Our camp locations have plenty of communal meeting areas, greenspaces, and recreational facilities conducive to interactive learning and play. For camp-specific information on course content, sample schedules, and activities for campers, please visit the individual camp webpages.
Because each camp is unique, the prerequisites for attendance vary by location. Please visit the individual camp webpage for details on what is required and/or recommended.
We will provide a packing list that includes essentials like clothing, toiletries, and personal items. Detailed instructions will be provided upon registration and will depend on the camp selected and the age range of the campers. Please note that for our 2026 summer camps, campers will not be permitted to bring laptops, portable gaming devices, or other electronics that play video or have access to games or apps. Cell phones are allowed but usage will be limited to set periods each day.
NMC camps are located at safe & secure campuses that feature 24/7 security. All staff are experienced, vetted, and highly-trained personnel. Professional mathematicians and camp counselors are on-hand to ensure both academic success and safety. Dormitory access is secured, with campers assigned to counselors in small groups. Camp-specific safety protocols will differ depending upon the age of the campers; please check specific camp webpages for details.
We do not offer a day camp option because we believe the outside-of-class enrichment activities and the relationships formed during the residential camp experience are integral to what makes our programs unique and impactful. We place a strong emphasis on the social and emotional components of the camp, ensuring that every camper feels safe, welcomed, and supported throughout their journey with us.
Not sure if your child is ready for a residential camp? Feel free to reach out to us via email or phone — our team is happy to talk through your questions or concerns. We routinely welcome first-time residential campers, and we have experience supporting twice-exceptional campers who may need additional supports.
For the best camp experience and to foster positive transformations, we encourage campers to stay focused on their learning and social activities during the camp session. For camps serving ages 11+, parental visits are typically not allowed. However, we take very seriously the trust that you place in us leaving your children in our care, and make it a priority to keep our parents informed and ensure that you’re able to stay in touch with your children during camp.
We regularly post updates via the camp parent portal to provide parents with daily information on activities and pictures of your campers enjoying their experience. Parents are able to send messages to their camper via our parent portal which are printed and handed out by our staff daily. Both of our 2026 camps also have two designated periods per day for phone calls home – see below for more information about mobile device use at camp.
Mobile device policies differ by camp, so please check specific camp FAQs for policy details. In order to create a positive and inclusive environment that prioritizes the campers’ focus on learning and in-person socialization, mobile device use is typically not allowed during classes and activity periods.
For our 2026 camps, campers will be able to use mobile devices during set times each day to contact home and respond to messages. Regular updates via the camp parent portal will provide parents daily information on activities and pictures of your campers enjoying their experience. In the case of an emergency, parents will be able to contact their campers by calling the camp’s 24-hour emergency hotline.
All of our camps have selective admissions. Please check the specific camp page for information about the application process. If applications are not yet open, we recommend joining our mailing list to stay in the loop. Once your camper is offered admission, we will provide a link to register via our online portal.
We are always on the lookout for fellow math fanatics who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators. If you are interested in a seasonal role at one of our camps, visit our Jobs page to see available roles. You can also join our mailing list to be informed when new positions are available.
