Summer at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign means it’s time to welcome future Illini to campus for ACES Family Academies, a beloved three-day experience where fun meets discovery. Hosted by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, this interactive program runs July 9–11, 2025, and is open to kids ages 8–13 and their ACES alumni relatives.

Designed to ignite curiosity and create memories across generations, ACES Family Academies invites participants to explore hands-on workshops that bring college life and ACES majors to life — from food and agriculture to human development, technology, and the environment.

“ACES Family Academies is more than just a summer camp — it’s a chance to explore real-world topics, spark new interests, and experience college life as a family,” said program organizer Meghan Brockamp, the coordinator of alumni engagement at ACES. “We design workshops to reflect the richness of an ACES education while making it accessible and fun for younger learners.”

This year’s lineup features a wide range of engaging topics, including:

• “Get the Dirt on Dirt” lets students dig into soil science — literally — while discovering how samples from the Illinois soil archive, some more than a century old, are helping us understand land stewardship today.
• “Plant Science Lab: Protecting Pollinators, Saving Seeds, and Growing Gardens” explores the importance of native plants and pollinators through hands-on activities like planting seeds and making recycled pots to take home.
• “Paint Your ACES Off” brings art and identity together in an interactive session on branding. Participants will paint their own canvas masterpiece inspired by ACES values and learn how branding connects people to purpose.

Participants stay overnight in a university residence hall and enjoy meals at the Ikenberry Dining Center, giving families a true Illini experience. The cost to attend is $200 per participant, and space is limited.

"Participating in ACES Family Academies with my daughter was such a meaningful experience — both as an alum and as a parent,” said Rocky Lacey-Nelson (B.S. ’97), ACES Alumni Board President. “It was incredible to see her curiosity sparked by the same college that shaped my own path. This program creates lasting memories and opens young eyes to the power of learning and discovery. We had a fantastic time last year, and we’re excited to come back!"

Registration is now open online and closes on June 6, 2025. For questions about the event, including any accommodation needs, please contact acesalumni@illinois.edu. 

ACES Family Academies is proudly supported by the College of ACES Alumni Association. To help ensure ACES Family Academies continues to inspire the next generation, consider making a gift. Select “other” as your gift designation and enter “ACES Family Academies Fund #338631” to directly support this program.