VetCAMP FAQs

VetCAMP is a highly competitive summer camp with an average of 6 applications per 1 camp spot. Applicants are strongly encouraged to utilize the entire character count offered within their application to convey their passion for exploring veterinary medicine, their leadership/volunteer/extracurricular experiences, and their commitment to academic success. Strong VetCAMP applicants are those that display a strong ability to handle academic rigor, leadership skills and diverse extracurricular experiences, and thoughtful essay responses.

The VetCAMP 2026 application deadline is April 6th at 5:00pm EST. No late applications will be accepted. If you experience trouble while submitting the application, the VetPAC staff are available to assist with technical errors until from 10:00am to 3:00pm EST Monday-Friday at 919-515-1277.

Submitting an application to VetCAMP does not guarantee acceptance. Due to the high volume of applications each year, VetCAMP completes a holistic review of all applications and selects the most competitive students based on their applicant’s demonstrated academic success, demonstrated leadership skills and diversity within extracurricular experiences, as well as thoughtful and thorough essay responses.

Yes! VetCAMP is a highly competitive camp that cannot accommodate all applicants each year. With this in mind, VetCAMP looks favorably on reapplicants and especially looks for robust answers describing ways that students have improved their academics and demonstrated growth in their leadership roles and extracurricular activities.

Campers who previously attended Virtual VetCAMP are eligible to apply for in-person VetCAMP programming.

Campers who have already attended an in-person VetCAMP are ineligible to apply for in-person VetCAMP a second time.

Each spring, the VetCAMP Application Committee conducts a holistic review of every complete application received. Application decisions are made on the basis of GPA, the strength of applicant essays, listed animal/veterinary experience, leadership experiences, and community service. While applications are reviewed as they are received, final rankings of applicants are not created until after the final application deadline has passed and all applications have been reviewed.

The finalized date for VetCAMP 2026 application decisions will be sent via email to all emails provided in the application on Tuesday, May 5th 2026 by 5:00PM EST.

Requests for early decisions cannot be accommodated as the application committee does not make final decisions until after the application closes and all applications have been reviewed.

VetCAMP 2026 accepts 40 students per week of in-person programming with a 5 person wait list. Virtual VetCAMP accepts up to 250 students.

VetCAMP accepts rising high school sophomores (age 15+) through rising college freshmen. Applicants must be 15 years or older by  July 1st, 2026 to apply.

Yes. VetCAMP is able to accommodate traveling and out-of-state students through its Overnight Camp option. VetCAMP coordinates housing for any overnight campers through NC State University Housing. Overnight campers will live together on the same floor with VetCAMP Overnight Counselors and are provided with evening activities after camp.

The VetCAMP 2026 schedule will be released in January 2026.

• Week 1: July 16th – July 10th
• Week 2: July 13th – July 17th
• Virtual: June 22nd – June 26th

Education

The camp fee covers educational resources and educator fees for hosting 5 days of programming, which will include guest speakers, educational unit and laboratory demonstrations, transportation, and camper materials. 

Leadership and Supervision

We employ about sixteen (16) NC State students for the VetCAMP program. These include 5 daytime counselors and 4 overnight counselors in the evenings. In addition, VetCAMP is supported by 2 student coordinators and NC State staff/faculty, including the VetPAC Director and Program Associate, who are present during daytime programming. These young adults dedicate many hours each spring to preparing the curriculum, coordinating unique experiences, and working alongside faculty and staff. Campers are supervised 24 hours a day to ensure safety and support throughout the program.

Safety

NC State University requires a minimum of one (1) staff member for every ten (10) participants for all residential programs with youth 15 to 17 years of age.The camp program also purchases a supplemental insurance policy to help cover out-of-pocket expenses in emergency medical situations.

A secondary transport vehicle is always available during VetCAMP in case of an emergency.

Housing

Five (5) nights stay in a hall-style dormitory on NC State Campus. Typically there are two (2) campers per room and 4 counselors. Rooms include two twin-size beds, a closet, a min-refrigerator, and a small microwave.

Meals

VetCAMP strives to provide a variety of food and ensure options are available to those with dietary restrictions.

Breakfast: On the first day of camp (Monday), VetCAMPers receive a continental-style breakfast provided at the dorm by the VetCAMP staff. Typically this includes a variety of breakfast bars, bagels, muffins, fruit, juices, and water. Tuesday- Friday VetCAMPers will receive an all-you-can-eat buffet-style at one of the University Dining Halls.

Lunch: Typically lunches are “fast-food” style catered meals such as pizza, Chic-fil-A, Subway, etc.

Dinner: Options vary by day. VetCAMPers will either eat dinner at a restaurant of their choosing at one of the several restaurants located on hillsborough street or an all-you-can-eat buffet-style at one of the University Dining Halls. 

Snacks and Beverages: The camp program strives to keep snacks such as granola bars, fruit snacks, etc. and water available to campers throughout VetCAMP programming. 

Transportation

Additional staffing and emergency vehicles are available at all times to maintain ratios in case of an emergency.

Instructions for the VetCAMP 2026 camp fee payment will be sent in the acceptance email to all selected applicants on Monday, May 4th 2026 by 5:00PM EST. Payment for camp is due within 2 week of the acceptance notification (May 19th, 2026).

VetCAMP does not offer payment plans or scholarships for the application or camp fees. However, applicants are encouraged to search for and apply to third party scholarships.

The VetCAMP application fee is nonrefundable.VetCAMP registration fees can only be refunded up to May 20th, 2025. Once the refund deadline has passed, no refunds will be issued.

VetCAMP coordinates housing for overnight campers through NC State University Housing. Click HERE for more information on overnight accomodations. Overnight campers will live together on the same floor with VetCAMP Overnight Camp Staff and are provided with evening activities after camp.

Yes, campers who are 18 or older may drive themselves to camp.

Campers flying into RDU (Raleigh-Durham International Airport) are responsible for arranging their own transportation to camp, as staff are not permitted to provide airport pick-ups.

For options, we recommend checking out NC State’s airport transportation guide.

If you have questions about exceptions or special circumstances, feel free to contact us directly at vetpac_camp@ncsu.edu

Overnight campers check in on the Sunday before their camp session, between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Day campers check in on the first day of camp at 8:30 AM.

Overnight campers stay in campus residence halls and enjoy a full camp experience from Sunday evening through Friday. Days are filled with hands-on activities, workshops, and time to connect with other campers.

Meals alternate between the Fountain Dining Hall, catered lunches, and dinner excursions on Hillsborough Street—giving campers a variety of fun and tasty options.

Each evening, campers can join in on activities like craft night, movie night, game night, or painting the Free Expression Tunnel.

Day campers are also welcome to join evening activities if they notify camp staff at least 24 hours in advance.

Day campers are dropped off between 8:30 AM and 8:45 AM, Monday through Friday. The drop-off location may vary throughout the week, and families will receive updates with specific instructions.

Throughout the day, campers participate in the same engaging activities and workshops as overnight campers. Lunch is provided each day and is catered on-site.

Day campers are also welcome to join evening activities (such as craft night, movie night, or painting the Free Expression Tunnel) if they notify staff at least 24 hours in advance.