About

The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is an immersive, five-day academic summer experience hosted by the David J. Sencer CDC Museum at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Designed for rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old, the camp provides an inside look at epidemiology and public health. The 2026 in-person sessions run from June 23–27 and July 21–25, 2026.

Throughout the week, campers engage in lectures, simulations, and team projects led by CDC experts. The curriculum mirrors the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) training, covering outbreak investigation, chronic disease tracking, and emergency preparedness. Students participate in mock press conferences and laboratory simulations, gaining practical insight into how the CDC responds to global health threats.

Admission is highly competitive, with only 27 participants per session selected from a nationwide pool of applicants. For the 2026 cycle, application materials will be released on February 9, 2026, with a postmark deadline in early March. Applicants are evaluated based on essay responses and a teacher recommendation. All materials must be physically mailed to the museum to comply with federal security protocols regarding personal data.

The camp is offered free of charge, though participants must arrange their own housing and transportation. Hosted on a secure federal campus, this fast-paced program provides a unique pipeline for students considering careers in health science, policy, or data analysis.