DSU Cyber Camp for Middle School Girls
The DSU Cyber Camp for Middle School Girls is a fun, hands on cybersecurity camp for middle school girls who want to learn, create, and explore how to stay safe and confident online. Cyber Camp for Middle School Girls is supported by Dakota State’s Governor’s Cyber Academy and aligns with Dakota State’s long-standing CybHER outreach work.
Camp overview
| Date | Location | Who | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15th-18th, 2026 |
DSU Campus Stay in residence halls |
Middle-school girls (capacity 100) | $250 |
Registration
Please check back later for registration info as it becomes available.
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About the camp
This camp is designed for current middle school girls and includes team-based games, guided challenges, mini labs, and friendly competitions. Campers learn alongside DSU faculty, DSU students, and guest mentors while building practical skills, confidence, and community. You’ll practice problem-solving, learn how to recognize scams, and explore ways to stay safe in a digital world.
Computers are provided for all sessions and campers stay in DSU residence halls, offering a safe and supervised introduction to college life while building independence, responsibility, and friendships.
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Learn Python by building real mini tools
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Write simple Python programs that do fun things fast like decoding messages, checking passwords, and solving puzzles
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OSINT challenges
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Use open source intelligence techniques to find clues, verify information, and connect the dots in a safe, age appropriate way
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Security basics that feel like a game
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Practice spotting phishing and scams
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Learn how attackers trick people and how to shut that down
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Build stronger passwords and understand why passphrases win
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Digital forensics labs
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Collect evidence and follow the trail
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Recover files and piece together what happened
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Learn how investigators think when they are solving a case
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Crypto and secret messages
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Explore cryptography through hands on puzzles and ciphers
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Encrypt and decrypt messages
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Learn how modern encryption protects texting, shopping, and apps you use every day
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Team missions and competitions
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Work in squads to solve challenges
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Earn points, unlock levels, and win bragging rights
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Make friends and learn how to lead under pressure
Educational takeaways
- Get a fun introduction to cybersecurity, digital investigation, and online intelligence.
- Build critical thinking and problem-solving skills you can use in school and everyday life.
- Learn how cybersecurity connects to privacy, safety, and real-world decision making.
- Explore future pathways in cyber and technology through DSU programs and near-peer mentors.
Campers from DSU Cyber Camp for Middle School Girls 2025