Design and Construction Discovery Camp (DCDC)

2025 Camp Dates & Information Coming in December 2024

Rising 11th and 12th Grade

Design and Construction Discovery Camp (DCDC) is hosted by the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) and will expose participants to the majors in the CADC and the career possibilities that follow a degree from the CADC. The camp is open to all students with a focus on students from underrepresented geographic locations and backgrounds.

As this is a scholarship camp, students selected for the program will have the $800 camp fee waived. Applications must be complete by April 1, 2024 to be considered. Selections will be released in early April. Please note that application submission does not guarantee selection.

With the instruction of faculty, current students and staff, students will complete projects in the CADC majors, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design, Building Science, Industrial Design and Graphic Design through the five day/four night camp. Each day of camp will focus into one of the three schools in the CADC, and the final day of camp will include an exhibition of all the work from the week along with awards for the most outstanding projects.

The goals of DCDC are as follows:

  • Illustrate the many career opportunities that exist in the fields of Architecture, Design and Construction
  • Expose participants to the diverse, studio and lab based majors in the CADC
  • Provide experiential learning opportunities through project-based curriculum
  • Experience campus-life at Auburn University and engage with faculty, staff, and current undergraduate students

Camp participants will reside in Auburn's resident dormitories, eat at campus dining facilities, and enjoy evening social and recreational activities. Campers will have 24/7 counselor supervision.

What is required to apply to the Design and Construction Discovery Camp (DCDC) with the College of Architecture, Design and Construction?

  • The online application will open on December 1, 2023 and close on April 1, 2024 at 4:45PM CST. To apply, you must complete the required portions of the online application, which include demographic information, two short answer questions and uploading a high school transcript as well as a letter of recommendation. You are also allowed to submit proof of free or reduced lunch if you would like.

What will the short answer prompts be for this year?

  • Why are you interested in the CADC majors?
  • Which of our majors interest you the most and why? (Between 500-750 words)
  • What are your college and career goals?
  • How will attending DCDC help you achieve your college and career goals? (Between 500-750 words)

What are your college and career goals?

  • How will attending DCDC help you achieve your college and career goals? (Between 500-750 words)

What costs are associated with DCDC?

  • DCDC is a scholarship camp. All students selected will have the $800 camp fee waived. Students are required to pay a $50 key deposit upon arrival that will be returned to them when they return their room key upon check out. Students will also be expected to pay for their travel to and from campus for the camp.

How many students are accepted?

  • No more than 20 applicants will be accepted for the Summer 2024 DCDC

What does the selection committee look for in a DCDC applicant?

  • The selection committee is looking for applicants who have a strong interest in the fields of Architecture, Design and Construction, and clearly communication their interest in learning more about the fields through their short answer questions. Emphasis will also be given to applicants with a strong letter of recommendation and good high school transcripts. The application is open to all students but students who self-identify as members of underrepresented populations are highly encouraged to apply.

Who should I pick for my letter of recommendation?

  • We recommend that your letter is written by someone who can speak to your character, work ethic, career goals and academic excellence. This person could be a teacher, mentor, coach, volunteer coordinator/supervisor, scout leader, etc. We do not recommend having a family member write your letter.

My recommender wants to send my letter directly to AYP. What should they do?

  • If you are unable to upload your letter of recommendation as a PDF with your application, send your letter as a PDF to the Auburn Youth Program Office email: auyouth@auburn.edu

Where can my school send a transcript?

  • We do not require an official transcript! A clear, legible copy of your most recent transcript is sufficient. Please obtain a copy from your school’s front office or counselor and upload it with your online application.

I am homeschooled. What should I submit for a transcript?

  • If you have an umbrella school, you can submit your transcript the umbrella school provides. If you do not have an umbrella school, submit a PDF document that includes “Homeschool Transcript” at the top that includes your courses from 9th, 10th and if applicable, 11th grade with the course and grade listed.

Can I submit test scores with my application?

  • The selection committee does not review SAT or ACT scores. Please do not submit these scores with your application.

When and how will I find out if I am accepted?

  • We will notify selected students in early April via the email submitted with the application and selected students will have until April 15, 2024 to accept their spot in the camp. The email notification will come from auyouth@auburn.edu.

If I accept my spot in the camp but have to cancel is there a penalty

  • If you accept your spot in camp and cancel less than 14 days before camp starts or are a no show for the camp, you will be responsible for paying for your spot in the camp at $800.

Is there a waitlist for applicants who are not accepted?

  • Applicants who are not accepted are placed on a ranked waitlist. We do not release rankings. If an accepted camper declines their spot or does not accept their spot by April 15, we will contact the next person on the waitlist.
Applications

Applications will open on December 1, 2023 at 9AM and close on April 1, 2024.

Apply Now


Camp includes the following items:
  • On campus housing
  • All meals, snacks and drinks while at camp
  • Program instruction, materials and equipment
  • Transportation to and from off-campus field-trip sites
What to Bring to Camp

Please pack lightly – but do not forget to bring bedding, a towel, and toiletries.

Campers should refrain from bringing no more than one (1) suitcase and one (1) personal sized bag to camp.

Dorm Room

  • XL twin sheets/thick blanket or sleeping bag and pillow
  • Alarm Clock
  • Phone Charger

Toiletries

  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Bath Towel
  • Hairbrush

Clothing & Shoes

  • T-shirts: Loose fitting, tank tops must have straps three fingers wide and cover all undergarments
  • Shorts: At least 3.5” inseam
  • Four (4) pairs of jeans/long pants (no leggings) for construction project
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Pajamas
  • Tennis Shoes: We walk up to 6 miles daily!
  • Closed toed shoes – must be worn everyday
  • Swimsuit: For girls, a modest one piece swimsuit. For boys, no speedos or jammers.
  • Flip-flops or Water Shoes: For the pool
  • Sweatshirt or Jacket
  • Dress up Outfit: Dressy casual (modest) outfit (e.g.: modest sundress, polo & khakis, pants & blouse)
  • Rain Jacket or Poncho

Miscellaneous

  • Laundry Bag
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Beach Towel: For the pool
  • Bug spray/Sunscreen
  • $50 key/meal card deposit: Make check payable to Auburn University

Optional

  • Spending Money

Last Updated: August 6, 2024