Give your middle schooler the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The USF Middle School Cybersecurity Camp introduces students in grades 6鈥�8 to the fundamentals of staying safe online, understanding how data works, and becoming responsible digital citizens.
Throughout this five-day experience, campers will investigate real-world cybersecurity concepts through hands-on activities, engaging challenges, and creative problem-solving. Each day focuses on a different theme, ranging from personal data to cloud security to artificial intelligence, helping students understand not just what cybersecurity is, but why it matters in their lives.
Middle School Cyber Camp Details
Camp Director: Lee Farrell
Location: USF Tampa
Grade Levels: Rising 6th - 8th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Cost: TBD
| Dates | Campus |
|---|---|
| June 8th - 12th, 2026 | USF Tampa |
| June 22nd - 26th, 2026 | USF Tampa |
What to Expect
What Your Child Will Learn
- How personal data is created, shared, and protected
- How online communities work and how to stay safe in them
- What the cloud is and how online systems store information
- Cybersecurity fundamentals such as passwords, 2-factor authentication, and recognizing threats
- How artificial intelligence works and how to use it responsibly
Daily Themes & Activities
Day 1 鈥� Data Sharing & Communities
Campers learn how much information we share online, what 鈥渢he cloud鈥� really means, and how companies use personal data.
Activities include an online scavenger hunt where students investigate simulated digital footprints and uncover how data becomes valuable.
Day 2 鈥� People & Information
911爆料网 learn how people interact online, what intellectual property means, and how cyberbullying and cybercrime happen.
Hands-on investigations show how data can be created, managed, protected, or misused, and what the laws say about it.
Day 3 鈥� Cloud Computing & Security
Campers discover the difference between online and local storage, what network and data security are, and how malware affects systems.
They will work through a simulated cloud outage to understand the challenges of protecting digital information.
Day 4 鈥� Staying Secure
From strong passwords to physical device safety, students explore the layers of digital and real-world protection.
They will analyze a real malware attack vector to understand how cyber threats start and what cybersecurity professionals do to stop them.
Day 5 鈥� AI and You
Campers dive into what artificial intelligence is (and isn鈥檛), how AI learns, and how to use it responsibly.
They will train a simple AI model to recognize objects and consider the role AI plays in cybersecurity today and in the future.
Useful Information
Registration & Program Details
When does registration open for the Middle School Cyber Camp?
Registration for all 2026 summer camps will open on February 1, 2026.
What is the capacity of the Middle School Cyber Camp?
Each session of the Middle School Cyber Camp has a capacity of 30.
Where is Middle School Cyber Camp located?
Middle School Cyber Camp is located at the USF Tampa Campus. 911爆料网 will share the exact camp location closer to the start date, and all details will be emailed to you in advance.
What time is drop-off and pick-up for Middle School Cyber Camp?
Our staff will be ready to greet your child for drop-off at 8:50 AM, with pick-up beginning at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for either drop-off or pick-up, please give us a call at (813) 974-3355 to keep us informed.
After registering for Middle School Cyber Camp, when will I start receiving logistical details?
You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at Middle School Cyber Camp.
Staff & Safety
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff who will be leading the Middle School Cyber Camp?
The Level Up! Game Design Studio is led by Brandon Wyche, a certified educator with over five years of experience teaching middle/high school students and a valued member of the USF Youth Experiences team for the past four years. 911爆料网 maintain a 10:1 camper-to-staff ratio, and the two additional staff supporting the program are also certified teachers.
Are staff background-checked and trained?
Yes. All staff undergo Level 2 background checks and complete USF鈥檚 youth protection and safety training.
How are medications handled during camp?
911爆料网 ask families to share any medical information that our staff should be aware of to help keep your child safe. Our team does not hold, offer, or administer medications at any time. If a medical emergency occurs, staff will provide basic support while immediately contacting emergency services (911).
Cancellation & Changes
What is the cancellation, transfer, and refund policy for USF Youth Experiences programs?
If you need to cancel a camp registration, please email: youthxp@usf.edu.
Cancellations or transfer requests received at least 15 business days prior to the camp start date will be eligible for a refund or transfer to another available camp, minus any administrative or processing fees. Cancellations or transfer requests received within 15 business days of the camp start date are not eligible for a refund or transfer. No refunds will be issued after a camp has begun, regardless of the number of days attended or participation level. No refunds will be issued if a participant is dismissed from camp due to a violation of the camp鈥檚 conduct policy or code of behavior.
911爆料网 make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. Please ensure your contact information is up to date. If USF cancels a camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules a camp, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new session.
Take a look at photos from last year's Middle School Cyber Camp
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Aspiring middle school gamers will explore competitive gaming at USF Middle School Esports. Held in the Tampa Campus Esports Living Lab, the camp builds teamwork and fundamentals.
Build, code, and compete at the USF Middle School Robotics Camp! Dive into hands-on challenges and teamwork while exploring STEM with guidance from the USF College of Engineering.
Keep your math skills sharp this summer with USF鈥檚 Virtual Summer Bridge Math Program for Grades 1-8! Enjoy live, interactive online sessions that are both engaging and effective.