2026 AEGIS Summer Camp: Breakout Bonanza June 8-18, 2026
“Breakout Bonanza” is a two-week summer day program held from June 8-11 and June 15-18 from 8:30-3:30. The camp was developed for students entering fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades in the 2026-2027 school year who are interested in science, engineering, art, innovation and escape rooms.
Students will explore how technology, science, engineering and mathematics are utilized in developing and creating ingenious puzzles to baffle and entertain. Students will utilize circuitry and programming along with math, science and artistic skills to develop challenging escape room puzzles. They will combine those puzzles into a unique theme-based storyline for other students and adults to solve.
The “Breakout Bonanza” camp will be held at the Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Eligibility
Nominees must be willing to commit to the entire program.
Students entering 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grade during the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year are eligible to apply.
Applicants must demonstrate:
Creativity and critical thinking in math, science and/or technology.
A high degree of self-motivation
The ability to participate effectively in individual and small team environments
The maturity to handle setbacks; this is a real-world experience and it will get messy
All qualified students will be considered for selection regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, cultural, or language differences.
Application Process (Applications open in April 2026)
The following forms and documents must be submitted by Friday, May 1st:
Student Application to be completed and submitted online by the applicant or family member.
Camper Skills Inventory to be completed and submitted online by the applicant.
Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or community member (not a parent or guardian) who has experience in a working or learning environment with the applicant. The recommendation should be provided digitally to the applicant. Applicants will submit the Letter of Recommendation as a PDF document by uploading it within the Student Application.
Important Dates to Remember
April 3, 2026 - Online Application Process Opens
May 1, 2026 - Applications and Forms Due
May 6, 2026 - Selection Results Emailed to Students/Parents
May 11, 2026 - Accepted Students' Commitment Form and Registration Materials Due
June 8, 2026 - Opening Day of Breakout Bonanza Summer Camp
June 18, 2026 - Last Day of Breakout Bonanza Summer Camp
For more details or information contact:
Bill Shelly, Breakout Bonanza Camp Director
870-730-2933
This camp is made possible by the
Academic Enrichment for Gifted/Talented In Summer grant from the
Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education,
Office of Gifted and Talented/Advanced Placement
