As a regional leader in higher education, Ohio Northern University is committed to civic engagement. Every year we host thousands of K-12 students and community members on campus for camps, workshops, concerts and special events. Take time to explore all of our public offerings!
For K-12 Students
We host a variety of camps and programs for students in grades K-12. Young learners can grow their knowledge and hone their skills while getting a glimpse of college life.
Pharmacy Camp
June 12-17, 2022Summer Academic Camp Registration Closes at noon, Sunday, June 3.
High School students who will be entering their Junior or Senior year;
During a weeklong pharmacy course, you’ll discover the expanding role pharmacists play in improving patient lives. You will gain insight into the various science disciplines involved in the research and development of pharmaceutical products and patient care. This camp will evolve as you first learn the history of pharmacy and then progress through an enriching set of hands-on experiences that will expose you to a vast array of pharmacy disciplines. With the guidance of experienced ONU faculty and health care leaders in the area, you will learn drug modeling, design and development; work in a compounding lab; venture into the field of pharmacy where you will visit multiple pharmacy settings; perform research on drug information; and learn more about the expanding role of pharmacists in patient care, assessment and counseling. Lastly, through hands-on lab and research experiences, you will learn the steps required to manufacture a product and how to counsel patients on the use of medications. All of this will prepare you to present your final project to ONU faculty and your parents.
Note: the class size is limited to 24 students (no exceptions).
Cost for the camp is $495.
Due to the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, all information is subject to change.
Please direct questions to camps@onu.edu.
Summer Academic Camps in the Arts and Sciences
June 12-17, 2022Summer Academic Camp Registration Closes at noon, Sunday, June 3.
High School students who will be entering their Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior year
Choose one of six sessions:
Music Cultures - SESSION IS CLOSED
Biological Illustration
Teaching Social Studies for Fun and Profit - SESSION IS CLOSED
The Physics of Cedar Point
Global Problems and World Peace
Applications of Statistics in Sports and Games - SESSION IS CLOSED
Due to the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, all information is subject to change.
Please direct questions to camps@onu.edu.
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ENROLLMENT FOR THIS SESSION IS NOW CLOSED
Study the music of the world and experience playing instruments from China, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, and Indonesia. This class will offer hands-on learning as well as historical and cultural perspectives on music from different parts of the world. The session will perform a short concert at the end of the week.
Learn about the music of traditional Chinese Opera, and play the suona, erhu, bangu, cymbals, gongs; learn a Ghanaian dance and the drumming that accompanies it; play the steel drums; learn Latin percussion; and explore the music of the gamelan.
Do more than just read about it! Let’s make music!!
Class size is limited to 30 students.
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Close, careful observation is an essential skill for scientists – and artists. Throughout the week, students will examine specimens, identify structures, learn about functions and consolidate all that information into a visual product.
Class size is limited to 15 students. Register Here
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ENROLLMENT FOR THIS SESSION IS NOW CLOSED
Students will gain insight into what the life of a social studies teacher is like. Professor Russ Crawford, the primary instructor, taught in the South Dakota and Iowa public schools for eight years, before earning his PhD in History. Students will also interact with student teaching candidates, and professional teachers who have come through our program. They will learn how to create and deliver lessons, and generally talk about history, government, economics, geography, & etc. for a solid week. What could be more fun?
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Do you love roller coasters? Have you ever wondered how these awesome scream machines work? This session is designed to explore the math and science behind amusement park rides. Basic concepts such as velocity, acceleration, force, work and energy will be introduced and examined in detail. The principles of engineering will be essential to the course, as well, and students will participate in a number of engineering build challenges. A trip of ONU's new engineering building is included. The final exam takes place at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. A strong grasp of algebra is essential for this course. NOTE: This is NO expectation that participants will ride rides but are free to do so.
Class size is limited to 20 students. Students must have taken Algebra 1 in order to sign up for this class. Register Here
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We the peoples of the United Nations determined: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, ……… reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women” Preamble to the UN Charter.
This session provides students with an understanding of the major global problems and the ways to resolve them and achieve world peace. We will examine contemporary global problems such as war (Russia – Ukraine war), Terrorism, Nuclear weapons, human rights violations, the environment, diseases and poverty. Collective problems demand collective efforts to resolve them. The session will therefore examine the contributions of all stakeholders particularly the youth, (the leaders of tomorrow) to achieve world peace. The method of instructions are lecture, discussion, films and group interactive studies and presentations. The purpose of this session is to develop students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills to enable them make objective judgments of global problems as well as make constructive proposals to address these problems in order to achieve global peace.
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ENROLLMENT FOR THIS SESSION IS NOW CLOSED
This session will look at the use of statistics (and mathematics, particularly probability) in the world of sports and games. A wide assortment of interesting situations will be examined, such as:
- Which professional sports league has the largest (or smallest) variation in team strengths?
- Based upon win probability for individual games in the schedule, what is the probability that Ohio State will go undefeated in football?
- What are the odds of winning at tic-tac-toe if both players choose each move at random
- Exploration of a logical flaw related to the famous 6th game of the 1975 World Series, in the movie "Good Will Hunting".
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ONU Summer Academic Camps may close a camp discipline due to lack of enrollment. At such time campers will be notified and will be able to pick a second camp option, or receive a full refund. Camp closure decisions and camper notifications will be made no later than the close of registration on May 26 at noon.
If a camper wishes to cancel their registration prior to May 26th, the individual or organization making the original camp payment will receive a full refund. Cancellation after this date will receive a refund of 50%. No refund will be issued for a camper that is a “no show” or dismissed for disciplinary reasons.
Summer Music Camp for 7-12
The Ohio Northern University Summer Music Camp is turning 50 this year! It will take place from June 19-25, 2022 with an invitation for alumni to participate on Friday and Saturday. A final concert will take place on Saturday, June 25 at 4 p.m. and will include both current and alumni campers.Camp is designed for students in grades seven-12, and provides many performing and educational opportunities. Campers can register to participate in band, choir, and/or orchestra, and we offer classes in music theory, music technology, world music, music history, rock and roll music, conducting, piano classes and jazz improvisation.
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Learn all about our offerings, faculty and activities here.
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Students now enrolled in grades 7-12 are eligible. Applications can be printed and mailed in with the deposit of $50 or you may use the web form above.
The deadline for camp applications is June 5, 2022. A nonrefundable deposit fee of $50 is required with all applications.
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Students Grades 7-12:
Residential Fees include dorm room, three meals a day, t-shirt, and tuition. $495.00
Day Camper with Meals Fees include two meals a day (lunch and dinner), t-shirt, and tuition $300.00
Day Camper No Meals includes the t-shirt and tuition $200.00
Sibling Discounts are available
$50.00 deposit required with all applications, balance of fees due on the first day of camp
Alumni Participants
We are asking for a small fee for the alumni. $30 per participant - additional donations accepted.
The purpose of the fee is to establish a scholarship account for campers. Your fee will include a t-shirt, rehearsal in the group of your choice (choir, band, orchestra) and the concert. Please contact Dr. Waters if this fee is an issue, or if you would like to donate to camp without attending. Fees will be collected on site at registration.
Housing and food are not provided for alumni
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The camp is held on the beautiful campus of Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. All rehearsals, classes and performances are held in Presser Hall and the outstanding Freed Center for the Performing Arts.
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ONU GenCyber Summer Camps for Middle School Students
The GenCyber camps are designed for students who are interested in exploring the field of cybersecurity through interactive, hands-on activities and discussions. The camps will provide engaging group activities, face-to-face instruction, structured discovery, hands-on laboratory exercises, and informal instruction to both individual and combined groups of participants. Upon completion of the camp, participants will have a strong understanding of cybersecurity in addition to mastering basic skills that can help them be safer online.ONU will host two free (no cost to participants), week-long, residential camps in summer 2022. Each camp will host 26 middle school students.
• The first camp will be held from June 5-10
• The second camp will be held from June 12-17
GenCyber camps are open to all participants at no cost. Funding is provided jointly by the NSA and the NSF.
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GenCyber is a nationwide grant program funded by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). This program has the following objectives:
- Increase interest in cybersecurity careers and diversity in the cybersecurity workforce of the nation
- Help all students understand correct and safe online behavior
- Improve teaching methods for delivering cybersecurity content for K-12 curricula
ONU’s College of Engineering was awarded a GenCyber grant to create and host two GenCyber Camps in the summer of 2021. ONU is the only university in the state of Ohio to host GenCyber summer camps for middle school students in 2021.
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Instruction will be delivered by the camp director (Dr. Saeed Al-Haj) and the lead instructors (Dr. Ajmal Khan and Dr. Stephany Coffman-Wolph) who have established expertise in cybersecurity teaching and research. A team of female engineering student counselors will also assist the camp participants.
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GenCyber Camp Summary:
- The camp is offered at NO COST for all participants
- The camp will be offered in-person at the ONU College of Engineering
- Participants will learn valuable cybersecurity knowledge and skills, and will be inspired to consider a career in the growing field of cybersecurity
- Instruction and mentorship from ONU faculty
- Free Raspberry Pi kit, t-shirt, and lunch for all participants
- Students must be in grade 6-8 in fall 2022 to be eligible to apply
- Selected participants must confirm participation and commit to attend the entire camp and its follow-up activities
If you have any questions, please contact us at gencybercamp@onu.edu
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Sunday at 2:00pm: Campers check-in, meet the staff, and explore the ONU campus.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
8:00 –
8:50
Introduction to GenCyber Cybersecurity Concepts, Intro to Cryptography (Module 1)
Introduction to Algorithms and Computational Thinking (Module 2)
Introduction to Pi GPIO,
Intro to Scratch Programming for Pi
(Module 3)
Security using IoT devices (Module 4)
Fundamentals of computer networks (Module 6)
9:50
Hands-on Activity using Vigenere Cipher with Website (Module 1)
Hands-on Activity: to develop an algorithm using Scratch (Module 2)
Hands-on Activity: Scratch programming for Pi on GPIO pins
(Module 3)
Project: Implementing a motion detector system using motion sensor, Pi and Scratch
(Module 4)
Hands-on Activity: Basics of computer networking (Module 6)
10:00 –
10:50
Careers in Cybersecurity, Discussion about why it is important to learn Cybersecurity (Module 1)
Introduction to IoT and Smart Home, Connecting IoT devices with Pi and Scratch (Module 4)
Introduction to Internet Security, Email security, Phishing Attack (Module 6)
11:00 –
12:00
Hands-on Activity on encryption using Cipher Wheel (Module 1)
Introduction to Raspberry Pi, its Hardware
(Module 3)
Online Ethics, Correct and Safe Online Behavior (Module 5)
Security of Personal Computers, Digital Devices. Understand security of smartphone and apps (Module 6)
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch and Learn
1:00 –
1:50
Intro to Programming, Intro to Scratch
(Module 2)
Operating System of Raspberry Pi
(Module 3)
Hands-on Activity: Controlling LEDs with Pi and Scratch
(Module 4)
Cyber bullying, Cyber Harassment, Identity Theft (Module 5)
Post-camp Survey
2:00 –
2:50
Hands-on Activity: Scratch Programming (Module 2)
Hands-on Activity:
Unboxing Raspberry Pi kit, setting up and installing OS on Pi (Module 3)
Creating & Presenting Posters on Online Behavior and Social Networks
(Module 5)
Project Setup and Presentation
3:00 –
4:30
Examples of Good Programming, Discussion, and Assessment
(Module 1 & 2)
Search & Reflect & Discuss: Cybersecurity Career Awareness Activity.
Evening
Scavenger Hunt and Crypto Games
Ozobots Games and Coding
Programming Games and Competitions
Raspberry Pi DIY Projects
District Science Day: March 26, 2022
Asynchronous Virtual Project Submission and Asynchronous Virtual Judging
This event is open to students in grades 5-12. All student participants, teachers, judges and volunteers MUST register through STEM Wizard. The fee is $25 for each student participant, and payment can be made through STEM Wizard. All questions should be directed to Cynthia Hill at 419-772-2996 or Jamie Siders at 419-772-3016.
Learn to Swim
The Polar Bear Swim School provides one-on-one and small group swimming lessons to children ages 4 and up. Swimming is an important life skill that all children should master. Experienced student-athletes on ONU’s swimming and diving teams serve as instructors. Classes take place in the spring and fill up quickly.
Athletic Camps, Clinics and Tournaments
Young athletes can refine their skills by working with seasoned ONU coaches and college athletes. Throughout the year, ONU’s athletic department sponsors numerous sports camps, prospect clinics and tournaments for area youth and teams. Below you’ll find an overview of the programs offered for each sport.-
We offer advanced skills camps for football players in grades 9-12 in the spring and summer. Players receive instruction in strength and conditioning, and evaluation and feedback on football-specific skills. In addition, our football program sponsors a free, one-day youth camp for players ages 9-13 in the spring. Participants learn drills, participate in activities, meet the ONU football players and watch them scrimmage.
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We offer preseason training camps (weekend days) for baseball players in grades 7-12 in the winter. Players can prepare for the upcoming season with these indoor workout sessions. In addition, we offer indoor prospect workouts for players in grades 9-12. During these four winter sessions, players can prepare for their high school tryouts by working on offensive and defensive skills.
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Softball players in grades 7-12 can attend a one-day elite skills camp in the winter to work on offensive and defensive skills. In addition, ONU’s softball program sponsors an indoor winter tournament for 16u and 18u softball teams.
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We host a men’s basketball shootout in early summer for junior high and high school teams. It’s a great opportunity for players and teams to build skills while competing in a fun tournament. ONU also hosts a summer basketball camp for boys in grades 5-12. The camp features top-notch instructors, excellent competition (boys come from all over Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky), fun activities and great food.
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ONU hosts a women’s basketball shootout in early summer for high school teams. Participating teams can build their skills while enjoying great competition. In addition, ONU hosts a summer basketball camp for girls in grades 5-9. Participants will encounter excellent instruction, fun, competition and friendships.
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The ONU men’s lacrosse team hosts fall and winter prospect clinics for high school students interested in playing lacrosse at the collegiate level. The clinic includes intense drills and skill development followed by a scrimmage where players can showcase their talents. A campus tour and meeting with admissions staff is also offered.
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The ONU women’s lacrosse team hosts a winter prospect clinic for high school students. The clinic focuses on lacrosse fundamentals including skills, techniques, workout routines and drills, and ends with a scrimmage and campus tour. In addition, ONU hosts a girls lacrosse 5V5 tournament with a middle school (grades 6-8) and a high school (grades 9-12) division for lacrosse teams.
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ONU men’s soccer hosts summer camps for high school soccer players to work on tactical, technical and team-building skills.
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ONU hosts a four-day high school team girls camp in the summer. The camp focuses on preparing high school teams for the challenges of the upcoming season by working on tactical, technical and team-building skills.
Youth Cheer Clinics
Young cheerleaders – both girls and boys – can participate in ONU cheer clinics! We offer clinics for students in grades K-8 and 9-12 during the year. Participants are divided into mini-squads based on their age and ability and work with ONU cheerleaders and coaches on chants, jumps and stunting and tumbling techniques. Clinics are packed with fun, friendship and cheering and typically include a t-shirt, pizza and participation in an ONU game.
HOBY Ohio West Seminar
For more than 50 years, HOBY has inspired young people all over the country to be positive leaders and instruments of change in their school, community and world. HOBY, which stands for Hugh O’Brian Youth, is America’s foremost youth leadership organization and stresses volunteerism, integrity, excellence, diversity, and community partnerships. Ohio Northern University is proud to be the host site for the HOBY Ohio West Seminar every summer. This year’s event takes place June 9-12, 2022.
For Community Members
For local professionals and community members, ONU provides many enrichment programs and activities.Lecture Series
Our Lecture Series brings to campus renowned academics and leaders in a variety of fields. The public is invited to join the campus community at these lectures. It’s an opportunity to hear from the experts on relevant topics in science, business, engineering, health/medicine and law.
Keiser Distinguished Lectureship in Life Sciences
Kritzler Lectureship in Chemistry
Spotts Lecture Series (Engineering)
Sebok Pharmacy Lecture
Kormendy Lecture Series (Law)
Lovett Distinguished Lecture Series (Business)
Celebrate Red, White and Blue
ONU celebrates our nation’s birth every July with a free public concert on campus featuring the Lima Symphony Orchestra. Community members are invited to pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends listening to patriotic music performed by the area’s top musicians. Join us on the sculpture mall east of McIntosh Center between Presser and Weber halls. Come early and bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Enrichment and Entertainment
With a vibrant arts scene and a tranquil setting, Ohio Northern provides the perfect setting for getting away from it all. Stay at the Inn at Ohio Northern and catch a concert or visit our art galleries.
Reaching Out, Making an Impact
ONU students make a positive impact in West Central Ohio through a variety of outreach activities. Check out some of the ways we are helping people and contributing to local communities.
There's More!
Restaurants, festivals, recreation, shopping and more. See what else Ada has to offer!