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!
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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
High School students who will be entering their Junior or Senior year;During a two-day 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.
With the guidance of experienced ONU faculty and health care leaders in the area, during Monday's virtual sessions, you will learn drug modeling, design and development; perform research on drug information; and learn more about the expanding role of pharmacists in patient care, assessment and counseling.
During Tuesday's on campus session, you will work in a compounding lab; you will learn the steps required to manufacture a product and how to counsel patients on the use of medications and spend time in ONU's HealthWise Pharmacy and the Mobile Health Clinic.
The class size is limited to 24 students and the camp dates are Monday, Jun 14 (virtual) and Tuesday, June 15 (on campus). Cost for the two-day camp is $100.
Summer Music Day Camp for 7-12
Due to the COVID Pandemic, the Ohio Northern University Summer Music Camp will operate as a DAY camp ONLY this year. The dates are June 21-25, 2021, with one concert on Friday, June 25 at 7 p.m. in the Ada Park. (Rain date is Saturday the 26th at 11 a.m.) The concert is free and parents will need to bring lawn chairs.Students will need to bring a sack lunch or go to a fast food restaurant in Ada. We have Taco Bell, Subway, McDonalds, Jalapenos, and several pizza places.
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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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, 2021. A nonrefundable deposit fee of $50 is required with all applications.
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Fees are $250.00 and includes the instruction, t-shirt, and pizza party Friday before the concert.
Sibling Discounts are available
Returning Camper Discount: Returning campers receive $50 off tuition.The balance of fees is due June 21, 2021. Payable on the first day of camp.
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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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Due to the pandemic and local county measures, students will safely rehearse in small groups and much of camp will be held outdoors. Students will be masked and socially distanced.
Students will be pre-assigned to their rehearsal pods and instructed where to be dropped-off on Monday morning. All rooms will be cleaned by my staff between every rehearsal and class. The following are the protocols we will adhere to:
- Student temperature checks every day along with a symptom check
- Minimum of 6 foot separation between musicians
- Indoor rehearsals are no longer than 40 minutes
- Singers must wear a singing mask
- Instrumentalists must wear a mask when not playing- instrumental playing mask is preferred
- Surfaces wiped down between rehearsals
- Room ventilated as best as possible
- Virtual or outdoor performances
ONU GenCyber Summer Day 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), five-day, in-person day camps in summer 2021. Each camp will host 20 middle school students.
• The first camp will be held from June 7-11 (girls only)
• The second camp will be held from June 14-18 (open to everyone)
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 instructor (Dr. Ajmal Khan) 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 2021 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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ONU GenCyber Summer Camp
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
8:30-9 a.m.
Check-in
Check-in
Check-in
Check-in
Check-in
9–9:50 a.m.
Introduction to GenCyber Cybersecurity Concepts, Intro to Cryptography (Module 1)
Introduction to Algorithms and Computational Thinking (Module 2)
Hands-on Activity: Scratch programming for Pi on GPIO pins
(Module 3)
Security using IoT devices (Module 4)
Fundamentals of computer networks (Module 6)
Hands-on Activity: Vigenére Cipher with Website / Encryption using Cipher Wheel (Module 1)
Hands-on Activity: to develop an algorithm using Scratch (Module 2)
Introduction to IoT and Smart Home, Building IoT systems with Pi and Scratch (Module 4)
Project: Implementing a motion detector system using motion sensor, Pi and Scratch
(Module 4)
Intro to Internet Security, Email security, Phishing Attack (Module 6)
11-11:50 a.m.
Careers in Cybersecurity, Discussion about why it is important to learn Cybersecurity (Module 1)
Online Ethics, Correct and Safe Online Behavior (Module 5)
Security of Personal Computers, Digital Devices. Understand security of smartphone and apps (Module 6)
11:50-12:30 p.m.: Lunch and Learn
12:30-1:20 p.m.
Intro to Programming, Intro to Scratch
(Module 2)
Introduction to Raspberry Pi, its Hardware
(Module 3)
Hands-on Activity: Controlling LEDs with Pi and Scratch
(Module 4)
Cyber bullying, Cyber Harassment, Identity Theft (Module 5)
Post-camp Survey
1:30-2:20 p.m.
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 Presentation
2:30-3:20 p.m.
Examples of Good Programming, Discussion, and Assessment
(Module 1 & 2)
Reflect & Discuss: Raspberry Pi, IoT, Scratch, and their role in Cybersecurity
3:30-5 p.m.
Hands-on Activity: Scavenger Hunt
Hands-on Activity: Ozobots
Hands-on Activity: Programming Games and Competitions
Hands-on Activity: Raspberry Pi DIY Projects
Camp GEMS
CAMP GEMS WILL NOT BE OFFERED FOR THE SUMMER OF 2021. LOOKING FORWARD TO HOSTING AGAIN IN 2022A real “gem” for girls who love math and science! Camp GEMS is a highly regarded summer camp for girls entering the seventh or eighth grade. Students spend four days on ONU’s beautiful campus exploring the vast and exciting worlds of technology, math, chemistry, computers, and civil, electrical and mechanical engineering. Courses are taught by expert faculty members, with just 12 students per teacher. Students also partake in fun activities like movie night, tennis, hiking and swimming. Camp GEMS will occur from July 12-15. For any questions, contact Laurie Laird at l-laird@onu.edu or 419-772-2421.
Piano Camp - July 27-30
PIANO CAMP 2020 HAS BEEN CANCELLED. REFUNDS WILL BE SENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
ONU offers an elementary and middle school piano camp. Campers will have the opportunity to improve their own solo piece during daily master classes, and play in a duet or trio - all featured in a recital on Friday. Campers will also participate in activities to further develop their musical skills such as ear-training, improvisation, and movement.
Elementary School Piano Camp is intended for students entering first through fifth grade, with at least six month of previous piano experience. It meets Monday through Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A recital is scheduled for Friday at 12:30 p.m.
Middle School Piano Camp is intended for students entering fifth through eighth grade, with at least two years of previous piano experience. This camp meets Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a recital on Friday at 12:30 p.m.
Register by May 15th to receive a 10% discount!
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.
District Science Day: March 2021
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 419-772-2325.
Workshops
Chemistry and Biology Refresher Courses (For Incoming Students)
Set yourself up for success in the fall. Ohio Northern offers incoming students the chance to review and refresh their skills in chemistry and biology. The four-day refresher courses take place in the summer and include intensive review (six hours a day) of the material ordinarily covered in a good high school course. Participation in these refresher courses will give you a solid foundation to build upon during your college-level classes in the fall. You’ll also get a chance to meet other new Polar Bears!-
College chemistry is not an easy course. It needs to be rigorous in order to properly prepare students who will use chemistry in their major field of study and/or their professional careers. However, any student who has the ability and motivation to prepare for such careers should be able to master the fundamentals of chemistry.
We offer you an opportunity to experience a smooth start into college chemistry. Most of you have had no chemistry since your junior year in high school. Much of the specialized vocabulary, symbolism, basic theory, and fundamental calculations can easily slip from your mind. To alleviate this problem, we are once again offering a chemistry refresher course during the summer for any who wish to take it.
This four-day course is an intensive (6 hours per day) and interactive review of the material ordinarily found in a good high school chemistry course. The intent is to prepare students for a successful start in General Chemistry (CHEM 1711/1811) or Chemistry for Engineering (CHEM 1501) at ONU.
Refresher Sessions
• The Chemistry Refresher sessions will be held July 25-29, 2021 and August 8-12, 2021.
• The sessions can fill up, so register early to ensure you get a spot. The registration deadline for the July session of the Refresher is July 8, and for the August session is July 15.
• An introductory meeting will occur on the first day and instructional time will happen in the morning and afternoons.
• A complete schedule of events will be sent with the acknowledgement of your enrollment in the Refresher.• NOTE: Students attending the Chemistry Refresher may or may not be assigned to their residence hall room for the upcoming academic year. More information regarding room assignments will be sent with the registration information after you have registered. If you would like to confirm your room assignment, please contact Residence Life at 419-772-2430 in the week before the Refresher.
Course Notes
• Instructors for the Chemistry Refresher are Ohio Northern University chemistry professors. They will work directly with you during all the instructional sessions with no more than 20 students in an individual section.
• Students will have time outside of class to explore the University and Ada.
• Chemistry faculty will be available during the summer orientation weekends if you want to discuss the Chemistry Refresher with them before enrolling.
The coverage includes:
• Symbols, formulas, and names of elements and compounds
• The periodic table & how to use it
• The mole concept
• Dimensional analysis and problem solving
• Significant Figures
• Simple equations - molecular, ionic, net ionic
• Stoichiometry - formulas and equations
• Graphing data
• Problem Solving Strategies
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• Room and meal fees are not applicable to commuters.
• For those staying on campus meals are provided.
• Students who arrive early or stay longer may pay for the extra room nights through the Residence Life Office (419-772-2430). Meals will be available on campus or in Ada on a pay-as-you-go basis for the extra days.
• If you need any additional information, please contact the director at:
Dr. Trilisa Perrine : t-perrine@onu.edu, 419-772-2340
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Instructional Fee: $225
Room & Board Fee: $160
Total cost for students staying on campus: $380
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Register here for one of two chemistry refresher courses.
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Register here for one of two biology refresher courses.
Session 1: Zoom; Monday July 19 - Friday July 23
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Cost $275
Session 2: In-Person Instruction on ONU campus; Friday July 30 - Tuesday Aug 3
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and includes some evening sessions
Check in July 30 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Check out Aug 3 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost $475 - includes meals and housing
Commuter Cost - $275
Contact Jamie Siders Sanford with questions - j-sanford@onu.edu or 419-772-3016
Mathematics Refresher
August 04-07, 2021One of the main impediments to success in a first year calculus course is making mistakes in applying concepts from basic algebra and trigonometry. The goal of the course is to help freshmen refresh basic algebra and trigonometry concepts that must be mastered in order to experience a smooth transition into college calculus courses which adequately prepare students to apply calculus in their major fields of study. Students will also be introduced to some of the misconceptions of basic algebra typically displayed in first year calculus exams.
This four-day course is an intensive (6 hours per day) and interactive review of the material ordinarily found in high school algebra and trigonometry courses. The intent is to prepare students for a successful start in Calculus (Math 1631/1641) or Calculus for Life Sciences (Math 1461) at ONU.
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• The Mathematics Refresher sessions will be held August 04-07, 2021.
• The sessions can fill up, so register early to ensure you get a spot. The registration deadline for the August session is July 15.
• An introductory meeting will occur on the first day and instructional time will happen in the morning and afternoons.
• A complete schedule of events will be sent with the acknowledgement of your enrollment in the Refresher.• NOTE: Students attending the Mathematics Refresher may or may not be assigned to their residence hall room for the upcoming academic year. More information regarding room assignments will be sent with the registration information after you have registered. If you would like to confirm your room assignment, please contact Residence Life at 419-772-2430 in the week before the Refresher.
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• Instructors for the Mathematics Refresher are Ohio Northern University professors. They will work directly with you during all the instructional sessions with no more than 20 students in an individual section.
• Students will have time outside of class to explore the University and Ada.
• Mathematics faculty will be available during the summer orientation weekends if you want to discuss the Calculus Refresher with them before enrolling.
The coverage includes:
• Algebra: real numbers, absolute values, functions, algebraic simplification, factoring, solving equations, and graphs
• Trigonometry: Trigonometric functions and identities
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 4-7.
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!