# Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp

Ohio State's week-long day camp in critical thinking and philosophy for grades 9-12, with themed 2026 sessions on the Philosophy of AI and Philosophy and Identity. Tuition is $500 with full need-based scholarships.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | The Ohio State University Department of Philosophy |
| Category | other |
| Cost | $500 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Columbus, OH |
| Time commitment | ~35 hours/week |
| Apply | https://philosophy.osu.edu/summer-camp/application |

## About this program

# Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp

PACT is run directly by the Department of Philosophy at The Ohio State University, not by a pre-college vendor, and it is built as an introduction to philosophical thought for students who have never taken the subject. Camp runs 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a week on the Columbus campus, with each session organized around a theme; the 2026 offerings were Philosophy of AI and Philosophy and Identity.

## What You'll Do

- Hear guest lectures from Ohio State philosophy faculty on the session theme
- Take part in interactive discussions, media analysis, and structured debates
- Practice identifying arguments, assumptions, and fallacies as formal critical-thinking skills
- Join a week-long "community of inquiry" with peers from across Ohio and beyond

## Who Should Apply

Students who will be in high school (grades 9-12) in the coming school year or who were in high school the previous year - typically ages 14 to 19. The application asks for an online enrollment form, an academic recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or tutor, and short written responses about why you want to attend and a learning experience that mattered to you.

## Outcomes

Participants leave with a working grasp of philosophical method, argumentative writing practice, and a documented university department program on their record. Tuition is $500 covering instruction, materials, facilities, and daily lunch, and full-tuition scholarships are available for students with financial need.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp cost?

Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp costs $500. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp?

Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp online or in person?

Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp is an in-person program based in Columbus, OH. Expect a time commitment of roughly 35 hours per week.

### How do I apply to Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp?

Apply directly through The Ohio State University Department of Philosophy's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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