Camp Information Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next CDC Disease Detective Camp?
Two sessions will be offered in 2010: June 21-25, and July 19-23.
Who can apply?
The CDC Disease Detective Camp is open to motivated students who will be high school juniors and seniors during the 2010-2011 school years. CDC’s lab building safety requirements require applicants to be 16 years old at the time of the camp to enter certain buildings on CDC’s campus, so applicants must be 16 years old by the first day of the camp. No exceptions can be made for this rule.
How do I apply?
To be considered for a slot in the 2010 camps, download and complete the 2010 application (available here) 
(58KB, 5 pages) . Complete the application and mail it to the address indicated on the application. You will receive a confirmation e-mail once your completed application has been received. Applicants without e-mail access will receive a phone call. The CDC Disease Detective Camp is highly competitive, with over 500 applications submitted in 2009. Only completed applications will be considered.
I think my son/daughter would really enjoy this camp. How can I sign him/her up?
Due to the popularity of this camp, we expect there will be more interested students then we can accommodate. For this reason, interested students must apply.
To ensure that the camp is an enjoyable experience for all participants, please discuss the camp with your son/daughter and refrain from applying on his/her behalf. We urge you and your son/daughter to read the information on this site and complete the application together. Applications are available online or you may call 404-639-0830 to have an application mailed to you.
Can I reserve a spot until I mail in my application?
Because this is a competitive process, we can not reserve spaces. Once the April 2nd application deadline is reached, each application will be reviewed.
How are participants selected?
During the initial phase, applicants are selected based on the “Application Essays” questions on the application and the Recommendation Form. We are seeking a diverse and eager-to-learn group of campers! The second phase consists of slots assigned through a lottery system.
How will I know if I was selected?
Notification letters will be mailed out on May 3, 2010. All applicants will receive a letter indicating if he/she was given a slot in the camp or not.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost associated with attending the CDC Disease Detective Camp but campers will need to pay for their own lunches.
Where is the CDC?
CDC’s main campus is located at 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia. The CDC Disease Detective Camp’s headquarters is in the Global Health Odyssey Museum, at CDC headquarters.
I do not live in the Atlanta area. May I attend?
Non-Atlanta residents may apply for the camp, but are responsible for providing their own accommodations and transportation. Past campers have stayed with family friends or relatives in Atlanta.
What type of activities can I expect?
To make the camp an engaging and exciting experience, CDC staff members incorporate as many current newsworthy topics into the camp’s activities as possible. Due to the ever-changing curriculum and CDC facility availability, each camp’s activities may be different. Campers can expect a variety of experiences including re-created outbreaks, mock press conferences, an individual research activity, and short lectures from world-renowned CDC scientists. Take a look at the sample schedule.
I work in the evenings. May I leave early?
To be respectful to camp presenters, campers are not allowed to leave early or arrive late. Please make arrangements that allow you to attend the camp 8:45-am – 4:30 pm each day.
My parents work at CDC. May I have lunch with them?
While we understand that you may want to visit with your parents, your best chance at getting to know your fellow campers is by staying with the group -- even during lunch.
Science is not my best subject. May I still apply?
The field of public health is full of professionals with a diverse range of expertise -- and not all are scientists! You only need to be eager to learn to apply for a camp slot.
What will I need to bring with me?
A government-issued picture ID is required to get through the security checkpoints. If you are selected as a camper, you will receive additional information on what you will need to bring with you.
Who will be attending the CDC Disease Detective Camp?
Twenty-four high-school juniors and seniors will be selected for each camp session. Most attendees are from the Atlanta area, but in the past we have had out-of-state attendees. This is a wonderful opportunity to make friends from other schools!