DiscoverU Teen Programs

spark. ignite. launch.

DiscoverU Camps at Parkland College will spark your curiosity, ignite your passion, and launch you into potential careers. Your summer will be unforgettable when you go to Parkland camps! Between 2017 and 2022, nearly 750 students explored their future careers through our teen summer programs. Taught by professional educators and experts in various fields, our camps inspire and challenge students who love to tinker, explore, and develop their talents. Scholarships are available for qualifying individuals.

DiscoverU 2025

DiscoverU is back for summer 2025 throughout June and July! See our camps online. Preview camps starting February 1st. Registration begins February 14th.

What ages do you serve?
Parkland Community Education offers a variety of summer camps, and age requirements vary. Generally, DiscoverU camps serve students ages 10-18. Please check details for individual camps. For younger students, please view the College for Kids programs. All students must meet the age requirement for specific camps by the first day of camp. Those who do not meet the age requirement will not be able to participate.

How do I register my student?

To register, visit parkland.edu/ceRegister. Use your computer, tablet, or phone to register online, 24 hours a day! Our online registration system provides you with an easy way to register, pay, and receive confirmation. You are highly encouraged, as the parent or guardian, to set up your account using a household profile before you register. You may include multiple students from your household. This will save you time and ensure that the registration process goes smoothly. 

Registrations are taken on a first come, first served basis. Camp sizes are limited, so register early. Please only register your student for camps they wish to take. Camps with low enrollment will be cancelled. 

What if a camp is full?
If the camp you prefer is full, you may add your child to the wait list. Simply select Add to Waiting List when making your camp selection. Should a space become available, you will be contacted. Payment is required to secure a seat. If there is a conflict with current registration you will have the option to transfer your child’s enrollment.

When is the registration deadline?
The registration deadline for summer camps is typically one week before the camp begins. No refunds will be issued to students who cancel after the registration deadline. 

What is the cancellation policy?
Requests for cancellations must be made before the registration deadline to secure a 100% refund. If a camp is cancelled by Community Education, you will be notified. We will provide you with alternative camp options where space is available. If no option meets your satisfaction, a full refund will be provided.

Do you provide transportation?
Parkland College does not provide transportation to summer camps. You are responsible for making arrangements.

What should I do if my child has food allergies and is required to carry an Epi-pen and other medication?

Please indicate that your child has a food allergy for which he or she is required to carry an Epi-pen and other medications during the registration in the section about allergies. Please also indicate whether your student requires emergency medication (e.g. insulin, Epi-pen). If you child will be eating lunch at camp, we must know about food allergies so we can make proper arrangements.

Additionally, parents/guardians must complete, sign, and submit the following forms:

  1. Permission to Dispense Medication and Waiver and Release of All Claims form to Community Education. Note that the following information should be specified on the form:
    1. Type of medication
    2. Time medication should be administered
    3. Specific instructions, including how to handle side effects and storage instructions.
  2. Authorization for Students to Self-Carry form.  Complete this only if your child will carry an Epi-pen or other medication on his or her person.
  3. Food Allergy Action Plan form. Please note that this form must be signed by your child’s physician.
  4. Student Allergy History form. Please note that parents and guardians must sign.

Please note:

  1. Only prescription medications in original containers with the doctor’s name and the dosage on the label will be accepted. Changes in medication must be submitted to Parkland College Community Education in writing, including specific instructions for medication.
  2. Parents and Guardians are required to provide emergency medication (e.g. insulin, Epi-pen) to the Youth Program Manager on the first day of camp.
What should I do if my child needs to take medication at camp?

Some students may need to be given medication during camp. In order for Parkland College Community Education to be able to dispense medication, these guidelines must be followed:
    1.  Parent/guardian must complete, sign, and submit the Permission to Dispense Medication and Waiver and Release of All Claims form to Community Education.
    2. The following information must be specified on the form:
      1. Type of medication
      2. Time medication should be administered
      3. Specific instructions, including how to handle side effects and storage instructions.
    3. Only prescription medications in original containers with the doctor’s name and the dosage on the label will be accepted. Changes in medication must be submitted to Parkland College Community Education in writing, including specific instructions for medication.
    4. Parents and guardians are required to provide this medication to the Youth Program Manager on the first day that medication needs to be administered.
    5. Send only the daily designated amount of medication that will be dispensed by staff. A log will be kept of the medication as it is dispensed. Parkland College will secure all medication.

      If a student is self-medicating, staff must be notified in writing of this situation so they are aware in case of an emergency
    How much does a class cost?

    The registration cost varies for each class. Please check our registration site for specific registration costs. Payment is required at the time of registration. If you register online, payment must be made with a credit or debit card.

    How does my child apply for a scholarships?

    A limited number of scholarships are available for teens who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

    To apply, complete the online scholarship application and then submit financial need document to communityeducation@parkland.edu or deliver in person at 1315 North Mattis Avenue, Champaign, IL 61821.

    Applications will be reviewed and those who are awarded a scholarship will be notified by email. Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first served basis.

    NOTE: scholarships are awarded for only one class each summer. Should you choose to enroll your teen in more than one class, you will be responsible for paying for additional class(es) at the time of registration. There will not be any reimbursement for class(es) registered and paid for before a scholarship is awarded.