CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Disease Detective Camp and Online Summer Course?

This is very important question.  We think of the two programs as siblings who are similar, but different.

Both programs are free and are application-based. Both allow students to learn about public health, current topics in public health that relate to CDC’s work, and careers within the field. Both programs also have a staff of CDC Museum educators and student counselor staff, with subject matter experts from across CDC.

There are some differences, though.

Disease Detective Camp

The Disease Detective Camp is a program offered in person at CDC’s headquarters in Atlanta, GA. During the five days, participants experience lectures and hands-on activities that mimic the work of CDC staff.

The Disease Detective Camp is perfect for students who love a challenging, active, and social learning environment. Each day of this program is very busy, and participants can expect to learn from 8:45am to 4:00pm.

Two sessions of this program are offered each summer, with 27 slots available in each. We usually receive between 650-750 applications for this program, so it is more competitive than the Online Summer Course.

Online Summer Course

The Online Summer Course is, of course, online! Students work independently to complete lessons and assignments each day, and then join a live web-based class each day. The live class has lectures, discussions, team building, social time, and time chatting with the CDC Museum educators informally.  The course does have assignments that are due each day, so it is important for all participants to have the entire week to devote to the course. To earn the certificate and coveted course shirt, online participants must complete all assignments satisfactorily and on time and must be present for the entire live lesson each day.

The Online Summer Course has more slots available than the Disease Detective Camp. While the course aims to create a fun, social atmosphere during the live portion, the Online Summer Course does offer more opportunities for independent work than the Disease Detective Camp.

Can I use the same application for the Disease Detective Camp and Online Summer Course?

No. We ask that you complete separate applications for each program.

When is the next CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp?

In 2025, two identical sessions of the in-person camp are scheduled for June 23-27 and July 21-25. Each day’s sessions start at 8:45am and end at 4:00pm. Campers are not allowed to leave early, arrive late, or miss days.

What will I learn at CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp?

The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp teaches attendees the fundamentals of CDC’s work: the field of public health and the science of epidemiology. Public health is a vast field that covers many aspects of keeping populations of people healthy. It includes, but is not limited to, research, data collection, data analysis, and health education. Epidemiology, the systematic study of diseases in populations, is one of the sciences used at CDC to help improve the public’s health and is included in the week’s activities. Though students who are interested in becoming medical doctors will enjoy the camp, it does not have a medical treatment focus.

To make the camp an engaging and exciting experience, CDC staff members incorporate as many current newsworthy topics into the camp’s activities as possible. Due to the ever-changing curriculum and CDC facility availability, each camp’s activities may be different. Campers can expect a variety of experiences, including re-created outbreaks, mock press conferences, environmental and global health activities, a laboratory session, an introduction to chronic disease surveillance, public health law, and short lectures from world-renowned CDC scientists. Activities involve more than sitting in a classroom, so campers must be prepared to move around as needed.

I want to be a doctor. Will I learn about medicine during the week?

No. The camp mirrors CDC’s work, and since CDC is not a clinical medical facility, the camp does not have a medical treatment focus. While we do briefly discuss the pathology of some diseases, most of the time is spent focused on the collection and analysis of data and the use of that data to improve people’s health. The camp also covers the many different career options available within public health, including medical doctors, so if you are interested in medicine, this camp could be a good learning opportunity for you.

Who can apply?

The Disease Detective Camp is open to motivated students who will be high-school juniors or seniors during the 2025-2026 school year. In other words, the applicant must currently be a sophomore or junior. Applicants must be 16 years old by the first day of the camp to comply with CDC’s laboratory safety requirements. This is a federal mandate. Absolutely no exceptions can be made to this rule.

Each week-long camp has twenty-seven slots available. The application for camp is competitive, with several hundred students applying to camp each year. In 2024, 702 students applied.

A government-issued picture ID, a driver’s license or passport, is required to get through the security checkpoints at CDC. If you are selected as a camper, you will receive additional information on what you will need to bring with you.

How do I apply?

Please check back here on December 15, 2024 for the 2025 application. The application will be available until the submission deadline, March 7, and all applicants will be notified of their status on May 2, 2025.

All application components must be mailed in. Why can’t I email them?

All components of your application, including your teacher recommendation form, must be physically mailed in together. Nothing can be emailed in because your application contains personal identifiable information (PII). You need to place pages in order with no staples, folds, or double-sided printing in a 9 x 12 (or similar size) envelope and address it to:

CDC Museum Public Health Academy
1600 Clifton Road NE
MS H19-M
Atlanta, GA 30329

I am not a US citizen. Can I apply?

Yes. Non-US citizens may apply to be considered for camp, but must be able to show documentation requested on the application and must bring original passport each day of camp. All documentation must be valid (not expired).

Any non-US citizen living abroad who travels into the U.S. for camp must obtain a B1 (business) visa at customs. Accepted campers arriving to CDC’s campus will not be able to enter with a B2 (tourist) visa. No exceptions can be made. If you are offered a slot in camp, you will receive additional information regarding security.

What happens after I apply?

Once your application is received, you will receive two emails. The first, a notification email, will be within 48 hours of course staff receiving your application and entering it into the evaluation process. This email is a confirmation that we received your application. The second, a status of application email, will be sent to all applicants on May 2, 2025. This second email will notify you if you have been offered a spot in the online course. Be sure to add cdcm_phacademy@cdc.gov to your e-mail address book so that notifications do not go to your spam folder.

If for any reason you do not receive a response by May 2, 2025, contact us by e-mail at  cdcm_phacademy@cdc.gov. Note that the CDC Museum is not open on weekends, and the quickest way to get a response is by email.

I think my teenager would really enjoy this camp. How can I sign them up?

Due to the popularity of this camp, we expect more interested students than we can accommodate. For this reason, we have an application process for interested students.

To ensure that the camp is an enjoyable experience for all participants, please discuss the camp with your teenager and refrain from applying on their behalf. We urge you and your teenager to read the information on this site and complete the application together.

Can I reserve a spot until I mail in my application?

Because this is a competitive process, we cannot reserve spaces. Once the application deadline is reached, each application will be reviewed.

How are participants selected?

Applicants are selected based on the Application Essay Questions submitted and the teacher/counselor Recommendation Form. A panel of current CDC employees will read each application and use a rubric to score applications based on completion, proper grammar, well thought-out responses, eagerness to learn, and teacher recommendations. We are seeking a diverse and eager-to-learn group of students!

How much does it cost?

There is no cost associated with attending the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp, but campers must provide their own housing for the duration of the program as well as transportation to and from CDC’s campus in Atlanta, GA.

Where is the CDC?

CDC’s main campus is located at 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30329. The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is organized and hosted by staff in the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, at CDC headquarters. Non-Atlanta residents may apply for the camp, but are responsible for providing their own accommodations and transportation. Campers in past years have stayed with family friends or relatives in Atlanta.

I do not live in the Atlanta area. May I attend?

Yes! Non-Atlanta residents may apply for the camp, but are responsible for providing their own accommodations and transportation. Campers in past years have stayed with family friends or relatives in Atlanta.

What type of activities can I expect?

To make the camp an engaging and exciting experience, CDC staff members incorporate as many current newsworthy topics into the camp’s activities as possible. Due to the ever-changing curriculum and CDC facility availability, each camp’s activities may be different. Campers can expect a variety of experiences including re-created outbreaks, mock press conferences, environmental and global health activities, a laboratory session, an introduction to chronic disease surveillance, public health law, and short lectures from world-renowned CDC scientists. Activities involve more than sitting in a classroom so campers must be prepared to move around as needed.

I work in the evenings. May I leave early?

No. To be respectful to camp presenters, campers are not allowed to leave early or arrive late. Please make arrangements that allow you to attend the camp from 8:45 am to 4:00 pm ET each day.

My parents work at CDC. May I have lunch with them?

No. While we understand that you may want to visit with your parents, your best chance of getting to know your fellow campers is by staying with the group — even during lunch.

Science is not my best subject. May I still apply?

Yes! The field of public health is full of professionals with a diverse range of expertise — and not all are scientists! You only need to be eager to learn to apply for a camp slot.

What will I need to bring with me?

A government-issued picture ID is required to get through the security checkpoints. If you are selected as a camper, you will receive additional information on what you will need to bring with you.