At a glance
- CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) will host the Data Detectives Camp on August 3-7, 2026.
- Our free, week-long camp is open to students entering 6th and 7th grades who want to gain skills in statistics and data science.
- The application period is now open; the deadline is March 19, 2026.
Overview
At CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Data Detectives CampA, students entering 6th and 7th grades explore statistics and other data science-related topics.
Campers participate in fun, hands-on group activities that build on what they've learned about statistics in school. Our week-long sessions build science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) awareness, skills, and confidence.
Our campers learn to think critically, solve problems, work with others, and approach challenges like data detectives by—
- Asking the right questions
- Collecting information
- Analyzing data
- Displaying results
NCHS offers this free day camp. Campers learn from scientists and staff from NCHS, other federal agencies, science organizations, and universities.
Each year about 30–36 children—chosen from hundreds who apply—attend the camp. Since our first camp in 2016, Data Detectives has taught statistics and data science to more than 300 middle school aged children from across the United States.
2026 camp details
Date, time, and location
NCHS will host the 2026 Data Detectives Camp in Maryland.
National Center for Health Statistics
Hyattsville, Maryland
Monday, August 3–Friday, August 7
9:00 am–4:00 pm (ET)
Data Detectives is an in-person day camp. Campers do not stay overnight at the camp. There is no before- or after-care for campers.
Cost
Data Detectives Camp is free. There is no fee to apply to or attend the camp. Campers must bring their own lunches and water every day. Parents or guardians must provide transportation to and from the camp location.
Who can apply
Students entering 6th or 7th grades at the beginning of the 2026 school year may apply for Data Detectives Camp. The camp is designed for students wishing to build STEM skills and confidence.
A child may attend camp only one time. Many potential detectives apply each year, and space is limited. The camp also covers the same concepts each year.
How to apply
The application period for Data Detectives Camp is now open! To apply, please download both forms below and follow the instructions at the top of each form.
- Camper application form: The student and a parent or guardian must both complete this form.
- Teacher recommendation form: The student's math or science teacher must complete this form. For children who are homeschooled, a tutor, counselor, or the homeschool instructor (other than the parent) must complete it.
Application deadline
A committee will review all completed applications and select about 36 children to participate in the camp.
Camp partners
Established in 2016, Data Detectives Camp is conducted by NCHS in collaboration with multiple federal agencies, science organizations, and universities. Over the years our partners have included—
Federal agencies
- Bureau of Justice Statistics
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- U.S. Census Bureau
Science organization
- American Statistical Association
Universities
- University of Maryland Joint Program in Survey Methodology
- University of Maryland School of Public Health
- University of Maryland Social Data Science Center
Notice
- The NCHS Data Detectives Camp wordmark and the NCHS Data Detectives Camp design mark are trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Unauthorized use of the marks is strictly prohibited.