University of Maryland Mini-Med School for Kids

UMSOM’s Mini-Med School for Kids is a specialized summer camp that educates children on health and medicine through a series of weekly sessions. In partnership with the Salvation Army’s Franklin Square Boys and Girls Club, this program runs over five weeks each summer, featuring faculty-led presentations that cover a broad spectrum of healthcare topics. Sessions have included understanding common childhood illnesses, how bones recover from fractures, and addressing contemporary issues like cyberbullying. The camp sessions last for one hour in the early afternoon and are designed not only to inform children but also to motivate them towards careers in science and medicine. The curriculum spans various areas of pediatric health, mental health, emergency medicine, and public health. Over the years, past programs have introduced children to topics like DNA workshops, infectious diseases, nutrition, mental health coping strategies, and STEM career exploration. The program merges scientific education with practical understanding, making health topics accessible and engaging to young learners during the summer season at their local Boys and Girls Club.