Summer 2026 Adventure Series
The summer 2026 schedule is posted and registration is live! We can't wait to build on the great success of summer 2025, which saw record enrollment, amazing topics, and a ton of fun.
Program Basics
Have fun, meet new friends and continue your quest for knowledge as you take part in this nationally recognized, award-winning academic adventure! We are committed to working to make Carolina Master Scholars the ultimate camp experience, and we hope that you make plans to join us in summer 2026!
The CMS Adventures Series embraces healthy living, community service and social interaction in an interactive learning environment.
- Acceptance is selective and courses fill quickly, so don't miss out!
- Courses are based out of USC Columbia.
- Scholars can enroll in one adventure per week.
- Class size is limited to 20 scholars per adventure, unless otherwise noted.
- View a typical day at camp and a sample class schedule.
- Course fees depend on the type of enrollment. Additional lab and transportation fees may apply and are noted on individual program pages.
- Partial scholarships may be available.
Check out answers to common questions about the program.
If you have additional questions or need more information, email adventures@sc.edu or call 803-777-9444.
Admissions, Costs and Scholarships
To be eligible for admission to the Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series, a student must:
- Be a rising 6th through 12th grader
- Be academically talented and gifted as established by objective means
- Attend an institution or home school accredited by an approved state or national accreditation organization, or provide objective evidence of academic success as specified in subparagraph 4 below
- Submit a completed application and a report card or official transcript from an accredited
institution subject to the following:
- Applicants attending unaccredited institutions or institutions that do not award traditional numeric grades may submit, in lieu of an official transcript, approved standardized test scores (i.e., ACT, MAP, PACT, PSAT, PLAN, SAT, STAR, or ITBS scores), or the results of a standard intelligence test administered by a licensed psychologist (at the applicant’s expense).
- Applicants who have previously attended an Adventure Series program will need to submit an updated report card/official transcript and be in good standing (i.e., no disciplinary issues) at both their institution and the Adventure Series.
- Students who participated in Duke TIP Talent Search at 4-6 or 7-8 grades are automatically accepted into the program upon submission of an application and proof of Duke TIP Identification Number or SC Junior Scholar status and recent report card/official transcript..
- All applicants must be covered by a valid health insurance policy during their enrollment in a Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series course, proof of which must be provided on the standard Consent and Waiver.
- Because admission to the Adventure Series is highly competitive and limited to academically
talented students, an applicant generally must meet one of the following criteria
in order to be selected for admission:
- Maintain a grade point average equivalent to a 3.25 GPA.
- Score at or above the 93rd percentile nationally in reasoning ability on a standardized aptitude test or score at or above the 94th percentile nationally on a standardized achievement test or be classified as gifted and talented based on the results of a standard intelligence test.
- Completed applications, report card/transcripts or test scores are reviewed and evaluated holistically to determine if an applicant should be admitted to the Adventure Series.
- The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Enrollments in Adventure Series classes are limited, and applicants found to meet eligibility requirements will be offered admission on a first come, first served basis.
Choose the type of enrollment to fit your needs:
Residential
Residential scholars check in Sunday afternoon and check out Friday at 2 p.m. The program fee includes all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and all afternoon and evening activities. Scholars reside in a university residence hall and experience student life at USC alongside counselors. Lab fees may also apply to some courses.
Commuter
Commuting scholars check in Sunday afternoon for a mandatory orientation. Daily check-in is Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. Daily check-out is Monday through Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Friday check-out is 2 p.m. The program fee includes lunch and all afternoon activities. Commuters are also invited to participate in the Wednesday evening pizza party and activities. Lab fees may also apply to some courses.
| Residential | Commuter | |
| Early Bird Registration (1/28 - 2/28) | $1,150 | $675 |
| Regular Registration (3/1 - 4/30) | $1,200 | $700 |
| Late Registration (5/1 - 7/6) | $1,250 | $750 |
Applications will continue to be accepted until a course is full or closed. An early bird discount of $25 off Commuting participants and $50 off residential participants will be offered to those who submit applications, along with the $200 nonrefundable deposit (postmarked) no later than February 28. Please note that courses are likely to reach maximum enrollment prior to the early bird deadline.
No promotional code is necessary for the early bird rate when registering. The discount will be taken off automatically through Feb. 28.
*Applicants who qualify for more than one discount will be awarded the highest applicable discount. Discounts may not be combined.