Want to work in a clinic, laboratory, or shelter? What about at a wildlife sanctuary, in a zoo or on a farm? Veterinarians and veterinary technicians practice in these and many other locations!
Each summer, MSU CVM offers a series of fun, educational camps specifically for students ages 10 to 17 with dreams of one day becoming a veterinarian, veterinary technician, scientist or working in an animal-focused career. MSU Vet Camp is a hands-on experience led by actual veterinary medicine professors with the assistance of current veterinary students, who serve as camp counselors. Camp features a variety of interactive labs, letting participants explore veterinary medicine.
Both day and overnight camps are available based upon camper age, with day camps lasting either one day or three days and overnight camps lasting five days.
Our camp will engage all your senses, as you see, feel, smell, and hear about animals from the view of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Your curiosity will be ignited as you experience animal anatomy, microbiology, radiology, and an array of other real-life aspects of a career caring for animals. And, speaking of careers, you will learn about the many different avenues available in the field from small to large animals, public health, pathology, research, rehabilitation and more!
2025 Vet Camp Dates
| May 21-May 25 | Overnight Camp Session #1 (15-17 yr olds) |
| May 27 | One-Day Camp Session #1 (10-12 yr olds) |
| May 28 | One-Day Camp Session #2 (10-12 yr olds) |
| May 29-May 31 | Three-Day Camp Session (13-17 yr olds) |
| June 3 | One-Day Camp Session #3 (13-14 yr olds) |
| June 4-8 | Overnight Camp Session #2 (15-17 yr olds) |
Sounds like fun, right? To take part, you’ll need to apply.
Being accepted to MSU Vet Camp is competitive! We receive hundreds of applications for a set number of slots.
Interested campers and parents should read our Vet Camp Quick FAQs to learn more about the application, cost of camp, and timeline moving forward
Stay connected through Facebook – Mississippi State Vet Aspirations, Instagram – MS State VetAspirations, or email at vetcamp@cvm.msstate.edu.
You can also join our email list by completing the survey below.
The 2024 Vet Camp application opens in late January and closes early March.
(Remember, the application portal is only open for a set time as noted above each year!)
Vet Camp Quick FAQs
How will applicants be selected?
Our committee looks for campers who have an interest in veterinary medicine. It is important that applicants answer the essay prompt as thoroughly as they can.
Given that we have more eligible applicants than we have space, each eligible student application is given a random number, and a drawing will be held to determine participants for each camp.
If I have attended a camp session previously, can I apply again?
In order to give more students, the opportunity to attend our camps, students who have previously attended our 3-day camp or our overnight camp are ineligible to participate.
What is included in the cost of camp?
Camp fees cover meals, housing (if applicable), and scrub tops. Lunch is covered for all day campers. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are covered for overnight campers.
When is the deadline to pay camp tuition if accepted?
Camp tuition will be due by mid-April. The acceptance email will contain the due date. Payment can be made using the link that will be given with the acceptance email.
When will applicants be notified of their status?
All applicants will be notified via email by mid-late March. Please remember to check your spam folders.
What are the dates for this year's camp sessions?
Dates for Vet Camp 2024 are set! Below are the sessions offered, along with the dates and age groups that apply.
| Camp Dates | Camp Type |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, May 22 – Sunday, May 26 | Overnight Camp Session #1 (15-17 yr olds) |
| Tuesday, May 28 | One-Day Camp Session #1 (10-12 yr olds) |
| Wednesday, May 29 | One-Day Camp Session #2 (10-12 yr olds) |
| Thursday, May 30 – Saturday, June 1 | Three-Day Camp Session (13-17 yr olds) |
| Tuesday, June 4 | One-Day Camp Session #3 (13-14 yr olds) |
| Wednesday, June 5 - Sunday, June 9 | Overnight Camp Session #2 (15-17 yr olds) |
What does the camp schedule look like? Is learning primarily lecture-based or hands-on?
All camp sessions (day and overnight camps) are hands-on learning environments. You will learn alongside MSU CVM veterinary students, veterinary staff, and faculty veterinarians and researchers as you experience veterinary medicine on the Wise Center campus! The schedule for our day camp and overnight camp sessions from 2022 can be found **HERE**. Camp schedules are subject to change each year, but this will give you an idea of what a typical camp experience is like.
How much does camp cost?
Summer 2024 Prices
| Camp Type | Price |
|---|---|
| One-day Camp | $125 |
| Three-day Camp | $400 |
| Overnight Camp | $750 |
There is a $25 non-refundable application fee required for each application at the time of submission. If accepted, the camp fee will be due by the deadline given in the acceptance email.
What ages can attend camp?
One-day camp is open to campers 10 to 14 years old, and our overnight camp session is open to campers 15 to 17 years old. One three-day camp session is open to campers 13 to 17 years old. Campers must meet the minimum and maximum age requirement ranges by the day a camp begins to be considered eligible for that specific session of camp.
How many applications do you receive for camp each year?
We receive many more applications than there are spots available. Because of this, and because we continue to see a significant increase in the number of applicants each year, more sessions were added in 2019. Camp is competitive, and a careful review is given to all applications received. If you do not get accepted this year, you can certainly try again next year!
Can I only apply to one camp session, or can I apply to both day and overnight sessions?
You can apply to both day camp and overnight camp if you wish. Both day camp and overnight campers are required to submit an essay. In addition, overnight campers must submit a letter of recommendation.
Where do overnight campers stay for camp?
Campers who attend overnight camp are housed in a residence hall on the University’s main campus. All overnight campers are chaperoned with both an overnight camp coordinator and overnight camp counselors. We are unable to offer housing for day camp sessions.
When is the deadline for me to apply to camp?
The Vet Camp application opens the last Friday in January and closes the first Tuesday in March each year. Follow us on social media or check back on the website for the exact dates!
How do I apply for camp?
The veterinary camp application is an online process. You can apply through our website during the official application period.
What are the requirements to apply to camp?
To apply for camp, you will need to submit the following online:
Day Campers
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a brief essay response to the online writing prompt
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a completed online application
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a $25 non-refundable application fee
Overnight Campers
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a brief essay response to the online writing prompt
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a completed online application
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a $25 non-refundable application fee
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a letter of recommendation from anyone other than a family member.
These items are required to be considered for a spot in any camp session. Campers applying to both day and overnight night camps will only have to submit one application and application fee. Campers must also meet the minimum and maximum age requirement ranges for a camp by the date it begins to be eligible for participation.
