Apply to Be a Camper

OWL Camp 2027 Dates: 

Residential Camp: (drop off Sunday and Pick up Thursday)

Week 1 - June 06 to 10, 2027 - students in grades 6 and 7 at time of application
Week 2 - June 13 to 17, 2027 - students in grades 7 and 8 at time of application
Week 3 - June 20 to 24, 2027 - students in grades 6 and 7 at time of application

Day Camp: (drop off and pick up daily)

Week 4 - June 28 to July 01, 2027 - students in grades 5 and 6 at time of application
Week 5 - July 05 to July 08, 2027 - students in grades 5 and 6 at time of application

If you have any questions, please email us at owl@owu.edu.

Greetings from OWL, where plans are underway for our 45th summer camp in 2027! If you have not had previous experience with OWL, we hope you will read the information on this website and consider our program in planning your summer schedule. If you have been an OWL camper or parent in the past, we welcome you back! OWL is designed to meet the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of gifted and talented middle school students in Ohio. It offers a place for students to learn new ideas, be challenged, and interact with others who have similar abilities.

The academic program of OWL features:

• Curriculum with classes in humanities, creative arts, mathematics, science, logic, and computers
• Recreational, and social activities
• 24-hour supervision by adult counselors
• Residential Camp for qualified current (at time of application) 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
• Day Camp for qualified current (at time of application) 5th, and 6th grade students
• Selection is based on academic guidelines and/or creativity, talent, leadership

Tuition for our 2027 camp is $TBD for residential camp and $TBD for day camp. These fees cover the entire cost of the program. Financial assistance is available on the Fees & Scholarships page.

The link to begin the application process is below. A complete application includes: Parent/Guardian Form, Student Information Form, Student Application (plus Essay), two Teacher Recommendations (online forms completed by teachers, coaches, etc.), and a Student Academic Record (completed by a school gifted coordinator, guidance counselor, or principal). The application deadline is January 31, 2027. We urge you to submit your materials promptly, as space is limited and applications frequently exceed capacity.

Important Things to Know

• The applicant's parent begins the application process.
• It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and the applicant to ensure that all forms are received by the deadline. This can be monitored in the OWL Camp portal.
• Incomplete applications will not be processed.
• No faxed, emailed, or mailed applications can be accepted.
• Do not send or submit money with the application.
• Be considerate of school personnel and request recommendations well in advance of deadlines.
• Complete your application on time or early. The number of students who apply exceeds the available spaces and late applications will be added to the wait list.

Essay Prompt Information for 2026

The goal of the student essay is to help the OWL staff get to know you on an individual basis. It provides you with an opportunity to share your interests, abilities, and creativity.

Choose only one question listed below to respond to in 250 words or less. Originality, uniqueness of thought, organization, and correct mechanics (spelling, punctuation, and grammar) will help us select OWL participants. Please remember to include your name on your essay.

Essay Prompt Question Options:

Deadlines

• Application - Camper applications open on December 1st, and must be submitted online no later than January 31st.
• Financial Aid - If you are applying for financial aid, you must submit a completed financial aid application along with the required supporting documentation by January 31st. Please note that you will be applying for financial aid BEFORE learning whether your child has been accepted.

Start a New OWL Camper Application

• Beginning December 1st, parents/guardians can initiate the application process at this link/portal. 
• Need help applying? 2027 OWL Application - click here for a step-by-step PDF guide.