DNA Learning Center Summer Camps

The DNA Learning Center (DNALC) of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is the world's first science center devoted entirely to genetics education. The DNALC "invented" DNA camps in 1985, and since then over 21,000 students have participated. Each summer, we offer fun and challenging camps for science enthusiasts entering 6th–12th grade at several locations.

Fun with DNA (entering grade 6 or 7) immerses students in activities and experiments designed to build a strong foundation in biology. Through model-making, microscope observations, and laboratories—including DNA extraction and genetic engineering—participants build an understanding of cell biology, microbiology, genetics, and biotechnology.

BioCoding (DNA Science alumni or comparable experience and entering grade 11 or 12) is an introductory course in bioinformatics and computer programing (coding) for students with little or no programming experience. Participants will learn the basics of working with Linux (Ubuntu) and are introduced to the Python scripting language. Skills learned will be used to complete simple bioinformatics projects that utilize DNA sequence data generated from a hands-on lab experiment.