SIM Camp FAQ

For campers and parents:

Is SIM Camp running this summer?
Yes! We are planning to run SIM Camp in person in 2024.

What are the dates for SIM Camp 2024?
SIM Camp Epsilon will run from Monday, June 3 to Friday, June 7.

Do you provide housing?
No, SIM Camp is not a residential camp.

Do I need to register to reserve a spot for SIM Camp?
All students must first apply to SIM Camp, and if accepted, will then need to complete an online registration form to reserve their spots.

When will we hear about acceptances?
We will not consider applications until after April 26th, and we will start sending decisions soon after. We will continue accepting applications until the camp is full.

How much does SIM Camp cost?
SIM Camp is $200/student. Need-based scholarships are available, so please do not let the cost of camp discourage you from applying! Tuition helps us cover some of our staff costs and supplies, and also reserves your space at camp.

Who is the target audience for SIM Camp?
All mathematically curious students meeting the appropriate grade and age requirement are welcome to apply! We especially encourage gender and racial minorities typically underrepresented in STEM to apply!

Do I need to be on math team to enjoy SIM Camp?
No! While some of the topics will be similar to some competition math, most of it will be different. The problems that we do in camp can be open ended, and often have more than one solution. Campers are encouraged to spend a lot of time working in groups, and having different perspectives helps solve problems better!

Do I need to have good grades in math class to participate in SIM Camp?
No. SIM Camp is for students who are enthusiastic about math; this does not always mean getting good grades. If you like making sense of ideas, looking for patterns, and figuring out why things work, SIM Camp is for you!

Is SIM Camp a good place to get tutoring or get ahead in school over the summer?
SIM Camp is not a tutoring program or summer school. It is an opportunity to play with fun mathematical ideas that are not usually covered in school.

What supplies do I need for SIM Camp?
Staff will provide all supplies necessary to participate in SIM Camp.

What if I need accommodations in order to participate in SIM Camp?
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in SIM Camp, please contact the SIM Camp Staff at math-simcamp@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

How long does a day at SIM Camp last?
SIM Camp hours have historically been from 9 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. CDT, with lectures, activities, and plenty of breaks for lunch and relaxing.

Who runs SIM Camp?
SIM Camp is run by graduates students in the University of Illinois Department of Mathematics. The courses are developed and run by graduate students and undergraduate assistant instructors.

How is SIM Camp funded?
We are funded by grants from Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society. We also receive support from the University of Illinois Department of Mathematics and the Department of Mathematics Outreach fund, with in-kind support from the Illinois Mathematics Lab and the University of Illinois student chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics. SIM Camp is also supported by camper tuition.

If you interested in supporting SIM Camp, please consider donating to the Department of Mathematics Outreach fund, which supports our Camp and other outreach initiatives. Your support helps our department fulfill Illinois's land grant mission.

For camp instructors:

Do you provide housing?
We do not provide housing. In the past, instructors and assistants have either already had an apartment on campus for the summer, have sub-let one, or have stayed with a friend.

Can I take a class/have another job during this time?
The University does not allow anyone registered for at least 3 credit hours to work more than 28 hours a week. We expect assistant instructors to be available 9am to 5pm during the weeks of employment. For instructors, we expect you to be available 9am to 5pm during the weeks you are planning and teaching, and for 4 hours a day during pedagogy training.

Can international students work? What if I'm on fellowship?
International students are welcome to apply! We will also work with students on fellowship, but it is your responsibility to know the rules of your visa or fellowship. For example, some fellowships might view camp as fulfillment of a teaching or service requirement, but you would be paid by the fellowship. Others might require you defer the fellowship for the summer, and some might not allow it.

Can I teach a course that has been previously taught?
It depends on the course. We want campers to be able to come back year after year. Let us know if you want to learn more about teaching previous courses.

For campers and parents:

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