Oakland University Philosophy Camp

# Oakland University Philosophy Camp Oakland University's Department of Philosophy runs a fully residential summer camp that brings high school students together with philosophy professors for a week of sustained argument. Each year has a theme - the 2026 edition was "Fact and Fiction," examining truth-telling in art, journalism, and media. Campers stay four nights in Oak View student housing and spend their days moving between faculty lectures, small-group discussion, and preparation for a mock ethics bowl. ## What You'll Do - Attend lectures from Oakland University philosophy faculty on the year's theme - Argue positions in facilitated small-group discussions and activities - Prepare a case and compete in a Mock Ethics Bowl against fellow campers - Live on campus for four nights and join evening social activities and campus nature walks ## Who Should Apply High school students curious about philosophy; no coursework in the subject is required, and the camp is designed as an introduction rather than a competition for specialists. Because it is residential, it suits students from across Michigan and neighboring states, not only the Detroit metro area. ## Outcomes Campers come away with a first taste of university-level philosophy, ethics bowl experience that transfers directly to the National High School Ethics Bowl circuit, and a residential college experience on a public university campus. Cost is $675 with a $50 early-bird discount for registering by April 1, and scholarships are available by application.