Challenge to Excellence (C2E)

Goal

To inspire students to “stretch themselves” by participating in enriching academic and creative experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning skills.

Register for C2E (9^th-12^th grades), Sunday, June 7 - Friday, June 12, 2026

Register for C2E (7^th-8^th grades), Sunday, June 21 - Friday, June 26, 2026

Now in their 42^nd year at Southern Illinois University, the Challenge to Excellence (C2E) Camps are highly regarded one-week residential experiences for junior high and high school students who are ready to stretch their potential. This long-standing Midwest tradition blends academic enrichment with creative expression, offering a unique space where academically talented students can thrive. Campers dive into specialized subjects from the fields of the sciences, engineering, mathematics, technology, and the humanities. SIU faculty, experts from the community, and the STEM Education Research Center (SERC) provide the instruction and leadership for these enriching camps.

The week at C2E camp is a dynamic one. Each day balances engaging, hands-on classroom projects with classic summer recreation. Students transition from higher-level thinking in the lab or studio to recreational activities like swimming, art, and outdoor field trips to Southern Illinois’ most beautiful nature destinations. It is a safe, supportive environment where the focus remains on curiosity, critical thinking, and the joy of discovery.

Beyond the curriculum, the true heart of C2E lies in its community. By bringing together motivated peers from across the region, the program helps students build lasting friendships and develop skills that inspire excellence far beyond the summer. Whether they are exploring a new interest or deepening a lifelong passion, C2E participants leave with the confidence and creativity needed to excel in the classroom and the world beyond.

C2E Gallery

Important Dates

Challenge to Excellence (9^th-12^th grades) - Sunday, June 7, 2026 - Friday, June 12, 2026.

Challenge to Excellence (7^th-8^th grades) - Sunday, June 21 - Friday, June 26, 2026.

Application Deadline - Thursday, April 30, 2026 11:59 PM, CST.

Registrations

Challenge to Excellence (9^th-12^th grades) - Sunday, June 7, 2026 - Friday, June 12, 2026.

Registrations are Now Open

Register here

Registration form

Challenge to Excellence (7^th-8^th grades) - Sunday, June 21 - Friday, June 26, 2026.

Registrations are Now Open

Register Here

Registration Form

Important Notes

Required Form: The Camp Medical Release Form is required for camp participation and must be received five (5) business days prior to camp beginning. Click HERE to download the form.

You may also request one by mail, fax, or emailing conferenceservices@siu.edu.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: ALL requests for refunds must be submitted in writing. The registration fee, less a $15 cancellation fee, will be refunded if you cancel at least 7 business days prior to the camp. Any time after that date, refunds (less the $15 fee) will be issued for medical reasons only and must have a signed statement from your physician. If a medical cancellation request is not received by the last day of instruction, a refund will not be issued. Refunds are not given to campers who voluntarily leave camp or who are sent home for disciplinary reasons.

Residential vs. Commuter: This is offered as an option at registration; in past years some local families have elected to bring their camper back and forth each day of camp. There are some great benefits, though, to registering your son or daughter for the residential option. As a former outdoor educator, I’ve seen that the sleep-over component of camp can enhance the students' experience a great deal by allowing more unstructured time for campers to interact and get to know one another. And as far as group cohesion goes, it’s ideal if all the campers have a chance to share the entire experience. As the C2E Camp Director, I invite you to consider choosing the residential option regardless of your student’s address! If you would like to talk directly about the residential experience for your student, please contact reach out at: shannon.weger@siu.edu