Camp Shule

Camp Shule is a summer enrichment program that combines the fun and friendships of traditional camps with intellectual inquiry, creative exploration, and personal growth. It gives youth opportunities to explore academic, artistic, and athletic interests in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Camp Shule is open to youth (typically ages 7–17, sometimes listed as grades 2–12) looking to engage in academic enrichment and creative activities during the summer months.

Camp Shule operates at the Nyumburu Cultural Center on the University of Maryland, College Park campus: 4018 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20742.

General inquiries about Camp Shule can be sent to nyumburu@umd.edu or by phone at 301-314-7758.

Registration questions can be sent to CampShule@umd.edu

Camp Shule typically runs as an extended summer program (often eight weeks) on weekdays excluding university observed holidays and/or campus closures  Exact dates and weekly schedules vary year-to-year and are released closer to the summer season.

Camp Shule programming includes, but is not limited to:

• Academic enrichment (e.g., math, reading, writing, computer literacy)
• Arts and creative workshops (e.g., music, drama, crafts)
• Recreational activities and athletic exploration
• Field trips across to explore the UMD campus community (e.g., pool)

These are designed to engage campers in hands-on learning and creative problem-solving.

Official daily schedules (including start/end times, activity blocks, and break periods) will be provided to registered families prior to the start of camp.

Camp Shule activities schedule starts at 9:00am on each day and concludes at 4:00pm.  

Unless otherwise communicated, all swimming will take place at the UMD Eppley Recreation Center indoor swimming facility. All campers are restricted to standing depth only. Swim and pool time is non-instructional, but closely monitored by certified lifeguards and our staff. Campers who are more comfortable and experienced can swim in the deeper water after successfully passing the swim test.

Registration details — including opening dates, forms, and online portals — are announced each spring. Families can register on the ACTIVE Networks Portal. Families interested in Camp Shule should check the Nyumburu Cultural Center site or contact the camp directly for current registration information. If you are interested in registering please complete the pre-registration until the registration portal is live. Thanks for your patience as we are using a new vendor for registration with a more user-friendly platform. We will send out an email to the email on file once the registration portal is live so that you can officially register your camper.

Yes. Camp Shule typically charges program fees (e.g., weekly tuition and a registration fee). Exact amounts are published with the registration materials. In 2026, the tuition fees will be $200 per week and the non-refundable one-time registration fee is $25. (Future fees are subject to change). 

The fees are reviewed and set on a yearly basis. 

Campers must follow applicable local and state immunization requirements. Documentation is requested upon registration or check-in. Additional immunization records are not required to be submitted to Camp Shule if:

• The camper currently resides in the United States, a U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia, AND
• The camper has received all required immunizations, without any exemptions.
• If the camper does not reside in the United States, a U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia, OR has any immunization exemptions, an immunization certificate form MD-896 from their medical provider must be submitted prior to participation in Camp Shule Summer Camp.

Policies may be subject to change based on State, local and University of Maryland requirements.

Camp staff are trained to supervise activities and campers. Parents/caregivers are required to disclose any health concerns and provide necessary authorizations or action plans for medications and medical needs. Failure to disclose may affect the camper's ability to continue in the program.

If your child is bringing ANY medication (prescription, non-prescription, or emergency) for use during the camp day, please read the following regulations:

• Medications must be in its original packaging.
• Medications must not be expired.
• The Medication Administration Authorization Form must be completed and signed by the prescribing doctor for EACH medication. Forms submitted for school are also acceptable, provided that the dates are still valid.
• If a medication is an inhaler for asthma, an Asthma Action Plan Form must also be completed and signed by the prescribing doctor.
• In the case of emergency allergy medications such as epinephrine (i.e., EpiPen) and/or antihistamine, an Allergy Action Plan Form must also be completed and signed by the prescribing doctor.

Submit all medications and relevant forms at check-in for camp. Forms may also be submitted in advance online via your account portal.

**Camp Shule Summer Camp legally cannot accept any medications that are expired, not in original packaging, or without all required documentation. Due to safety concerns, campers that require emergency medications may not be permitted to participate in Camp Shule without all required authorization forms and action plans.**

We maintain a minimum supervision ratio of 1:10 staff to campers for our programs at all times. For the safety of our campers and staff, we cannot accommodate campers requiring more intensive supervision needs.

Families should prepare:

• Packed lunch and snacks or lunch money for Stamp Student Union eatery
• Water bottle
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Materials for any specific scheduled activities (information will be sent before camp).

Campers should avoid bringing electronics, valuables, or food requiring refrigeration. Cell Phones are allowed but must not be used during academics. We are not responsible for any lost or damaged technology devices or valuables.

Nyumburu Cultural Center
4145 Fieldhouse Dr, College Park, MD 20742
FREE Parking Regents Garage on Field House Drive & Lot 1 & Z after 4pm
    Authorized Pick Up (ID Required) 
    Late Fee After 6pm ($1.00/per minute per camper)

Camp Shule fees include extended care hours. Students are able to be dropped off as early as 7:00am and picked up no later than 5:59pm.

Late pickup procedures and any associated fees will be communicated in camp materials. Camp hours are 7am-6pm. Late fee after 6pm ($1.00/per minute per camper)

Camp Shule’s mission is to foster cultural pride, academic growth, and a strong sense of belonging by engaging youth in age-appropriate learning rooted in the diverse histories and lived experiences of the African Diaspora. Through exposure to influential leaders and cultural trailblazers, campers encounter inclusive, cross-cultural role models that support positive identity development, academic excellence, and mutual respect. By integrating academic enrichment, recreation, and cultural education, Camp Shule encourages participants to explore historical and contemporary perspectives that shape our society, strengthening self-awareness, interdependence, and an inclusive worldview that promotes lifelong learning, connection, and purpose.

“Shule” means school in the Swahili language, so our students spend their summers engaging in education from multiple angles with specific sessions in math, reading and writing. Precisely speaking, the primary purpose of Camp Shule is to expand the prior academic knowledge of our campers in order to improve content mastery and academic success in 2nd-12th grade student populations.

Campers are expected to respect staff and peers and participate in activities safely. Specific behavior and dismissal policies are outlined in registration materials.