ACE Quiz Bowl Camps

Do I have to attend with my team?

No. While many teams choose to attend together, camp is designed as an individual activity. We make all practice placements and team assignments based on individual performance not school affiliation. This means that whether you come to camp with others from your school or by yourself you will get a chance to compete with and against players from all over the country. Year after year, students tell us that one of the best things about camp is the opportunity to make friends with quizbowlers across the country.

Can I pick my roommate?

In making room assignments we generally try to pair students with someone from their school and grade (as much as is possible). If you have a specific roommate request, we will do our best to honor it, so long as both students request each other. To make a roommate request, contact us.

Can I attend more than one camp this summer?

It is possible to attend multiple camp locations. However, because we use the same questions at all three camps, campers who attend multiple sites may only participate in the competitive activities (practices and tournaments) at one site. Students who have attended multiple sites in the same summer in previous years have enjoyed the opportunity to take extra classes.

I attended camp last summer, can I return this summer?

Absolutely. Our program changes yearly. We use a brand new set of questions (written exclusively for our camps) each summer, and we offer new classes every year. We have many campers who come to camp for three or four years in a row.

What classes are offered this summer?

Our philosophy is to hire great teachers and great quizbowl people and let them teach what they’re qualified to teach. Consequently, we’re not able to post an accurate course listing until our staffing process is complete (which often continues into June). We can, however, guarantee that we will offer a wide variety of quizbowl-relevant classes encompassing all major subjects (history, science, literature, fine arts, religion/mythology/philosophy, social sciences, etc.) While we will repeat some of our most popular classes from year to year, most classes offered will be brand new.

I am a middle school student, can I attend camp?

Absolutely. We have several middle school students attend camp every year, and with the growth of middle school quizbowl in recent years, we expect even more this summer.

What should I bring with me to camp?

While facilities at each location are slightly different, be prepared for typical dorm living. Students should provide their own toiletries and linens (XL twin sheets, blanket, pillow, towel, washcloth, etc.) We also recommend that all students bring an alarm clock, notebook/pens and an umbrella. Dress for all camp activities is casual; shorts and t-shirt is generally the norm.

What’s the cost for camp?

Our fees are the same for all three camps and include room, board, instruction, and all competition fees. Campers wishing to order an “ACE Kit” (T-shirt, Backpack, Pens, Highlighters, and Notebook) may do so for an additional $15.

$399 – Residential Student
$269 – Day Student
$219 – Coach/Adult

Where do the questions come from?

All of our competition questions are commissioned exclusively for use at ACE camps. We hire only the best writers and hold all of our questions to high standards of quality, accessibility, pyramidality and appropriateness.

If I bring my laptop, will I be able to access the Internet?

None of the colleges where we have camps allow access passwords to student campers. You may be able to find unsecured wireless access in some places, but this varies widely from building to building and campus to campus. Do NOT plan on having reliable Internet access while at camp.

Will I have free time?

Frankly, not a lot. Most of your day will be spent in organized sessions, either classes, practices or tournaments (for detailed information about the daily schedule, click here). That being said, there will be some time each day that you can spend in recreation. During this time, students play cards, frisbee, ping pong, football, etc.

Can I fly to camp?

Absolutely, and a fair number of campers each year do. Students attending our Redlands camp in Oklahoma should fly in and out of Will Rogers World Airport (OKC). Redlands provides an airport shuttle; Contact us for more information*. Campers at the University of Illinois camp can fly into either of the Chicago airports (ORD or MDY), Bloomington-Normal (BMI) or Indianapolis (IND) and take one of the shuttle services (Lincoln Land Express or Illini Shuttle) to get to campus*. Our Milligan (TN) camp is located an easy 20 minute cab ride from Tri Cities International Airport (TRI). Marietta College is only 4 miles from the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB). Cleveland (CLE), Pittsburgh (PIT) and Columbus (CMH) are also relatively close airports with more flight options. Insurance regulations prevent us from providing airport transfers directly – sorry.
*Shuttle information is provided as a courtesy only and should not necessarily be construed as an endorsement. Please check schedules and pricing before booking.

What is the deadline to register for camp?

There is no registration deadline, per se, but we encourage campers to register early. If space is available, we will accept campers up until the day of camp, but spots are limited, and we accept campers on a first-come-first-served basis.

Does ACE provide scholarship assistance to attend camp?

No. Unfortunately we are unable to provide scholarship assistance at this time.