UT Knoxville Kids U Summer Camps 2026: The Complete Guide for Maryville Families
UT Knoxville has a dedicated summer camp program for kids called Kids U, run through UT CPELL (Center for Professional Education & Lifelong Learning). It runs right on the UT campus in Knoxville, about 20 minutes from Maryville, and this year the 2026 registration is already open with some camps starting tomorrow, June 1.
The camps are weeklong, three hours a day, morning or afternoon sessions, for rising grades 3 through 12. Most are run by Black Rocket, a Knoxville-area educational program that specializes in STEM, coding, and creative tech for kids. Fees range from $179 to $259 per week depending on the camp.
If you are an UT employee, faculty, or affiliate, there is a discount available - check the registration page for details.
June 1-5: Early June Options
Make Your First 3D Video Game! (Grades 3-5) A Black Rocket classic - kids design immersive 3D game worlds, learn game physics, event scripting, level design, and storytelling. Projects are hosted on a password-protected Black Rocket site for sharing with friends. Windows-only. $209.
Junior Robotics Camp: First LEGO League Explorer (Grades 3-5) Kids build and program with LEGO SPIKE Essential Prime kits and tackle the FIRST LEGO League Explore Challenge. No prior experience needed. $229.
Sumo Robotics Wrestling Camp (Grades 4-8) Design, build, and program a LEGO SPIKE Prime robot to compete in sumo-style battles. Kids learn programming, sensor integration, and strategy. $259.
June 8-12
NEW! Roblox Coders (Grades 3-5) New this year - kids learn Lua coding while designing experiences in Roblox using Roblox Studio. Game design meets actual coding. $209.
Wild World of Bugs (Grades 4-6) Outdoor camp where kids trap, identify, and collect insects in different habitats around Knoxville. Thursday session meets at Ijams Nature Center. $179 (cheapest camp of the summer).
LEGO Spike Prime Battle Bots Competition (Grades 4-9) Build and program competitive robots for an arena-style competition. Includes a "Pit of No Return" challenge. $259.
June 22-26
NEW! Minecraft Modders (Grades 3-5) Kids customize Minecraft worlds by learning scripting and logic to create mods. Requires Java version of Minecraft (not console or mobile). $209.
LEGO Architecture: Skyscrapers (Grades 4-8) Study the history of skyscrapers, learn structural principles like balance and stability, then design and build LEGO models. Ends with a showcase. $229.
First LEGO League Challenge (Grades 4-8) More advanced FLL prep - students build, program, and practice missions on an official competition table. Good for kids preparing for the actual FLL season. $259.
July 6-10
NEW! Code Breakers (Grades 3-5) Learn HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through web projects and design challenges. $209.
NEW! Connecting Through Signs: American Sign Language Basics (Grades 3-5) Intro to ASL through games, movement, and interactive activities. Learn to fingerspell, greet others, ask questions, and explore Deaf culture. No prior experience needed. $189.
LEGO Architecture: Exploring the Great Designers (Grades 4-8) Recreate famous landmarks and design original structures while learning architectural principles like scale, balance, and structural integrity. $229.
Practical Details
- Location: UT Knoxville campus (600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37996)
- Duration: 1 week per camp, 3 hours per day on weekdays
- Time: Morning or afternoon sessions
- Ages: Rising grades 3-12 (camps grouped by grade band)
- Fees: $179-$259 per camp
- Registration: utconferences.eventsair.com/kids-u-2026/register
- Phone: (865) 974-0150
- Email: professionaled@utk.edu
- Refund policy: Full refund minus $25 processing fee if canceled 10+ business days before camp start. No refunds within 10 business days. Substitutes or transfers allowed.
- Consent forms: Required 10 business days before camp start
Note on device requirements: Several Black Rocket camps (3D Game Design, Roblox, Minecraft) require a Windows PC. If your kid only has a Chromebook, Mac, or tablet, those won't work. Check the specific camp description before registering.
It is worth bookmarking the registration page and checking back - UT CPELL sometimes adds camps throughout the spring. The Wild World of Bugs camp at $179 is a particularly good value, and the outdoor component at Ijams Nature Center makes it a unique option for kids who need some fresh air mixed in with the learning.