Students work cooperatively with the guidance of CityLab educators to learn concepts and skills associated with biotechnology and to think scientifically and creatively in the context of authentic laboratory challenges. SummerLab offers two curricula:

Clinical Connection: A Medical Research Challenge

Clinical Connection is focused on exploring medical research and techniques. This hands-on week will introduce the use of cutting edge technology to research disease and the processes involved in the development of potential treatments.

Dates: July 23-27

At the end of all sessions on Friday, students will present their work at a poster session, to be followed by a reception. Parents, friends, family, and BUSM faculty are all invited.


Go for the Glow: Production and purification of Green Fluorescent Protein

Go for the Glow is focused on the central concepts and skills of recombinant DNA technology as it applies to biotechnology. The use of green fluorescent protein (GFP) allows students to visualize the processes of gene expression, lysis, and purification.

Dates: July 9-13, July 16-20, July 30-August 3, August 6-10, August 13-17

At the end of all sessions on Friday, students will present their work at a poster session, to be followed by a reception. Parents, friends, family, and BUSM faculty are all invited.

Pleasant Valley Day Camp provides an environment where children can connect with nature and have the freedom to play, discover and explore their interest in the outdoors. The various programs include daily hikes within the sanctuary to observe animals and plants, related nature crafts, games, songs and more.

Biology and Advanced Biology students go on behind-the-scenes tours of places such as the New England Aquarium, take short courses on topics such as evolution at Harvard's Museum of Natural History and conduct biology experiments. Mandarin and Advanced Mandarin Chinese students talk and write about fun-filled daily field trips to Asian and Boston attractions such as the Museum of Fine Arts and whale watches. Boston Heritage, Science, and Culture students explore top attractions in daily field trips to Boston and surrounding locales such as Plymouth and Salem. Price includes all admission fees, material and lab fees, and lunch. July 5-July 22.

Harbor Discoveries camps is a marine science camp focused on learning by discovery, exploration, and fun! Our 1 to 2 week programs have themes ranging from marine mammals, sharks, crabs, and more! One of our signature programs, Schooner Adventures, is a special program that offers marine science with a twist. After a week of preparation and terrestrial exploration, our crew of young explorers will board a Grand Banks schooner and set sail for a five-day, four-night excursion exploring Massachusetts Bay. Campers will study the rich biodiversity of Stellwagen Bank. In addition, they will take part in all the activities that keep the ship afloat, from setting the sails to steering at the helm and even some daily chores. This program is run in cooperation with the Ocean Classroom Foundation.