Bug Camp 2026

Camp Dates

Bug and Plant Camp: Sunday, June 7th – Thursday, June 11th, 2026
Advanced Bug and Plant Camp: Sunday, June 21st – Thursday, June 26th, 2026

Camp Overview

Mississippi State University has a long and proud history of hosting Bug & Plant Camp, an entomology tradition that spans decades. In fact, it’s the oldest “bug camp” in the world! Participants have traveled from across the country, and even internationally, to experience the excitement of learning about insects, plants, and the natural world at MSU.

Each summer, budding naturalists and insect enthusiasts wake up early and stay out late collecting insects and exploring the outdoors. Camp is based out of the Clay Lyle Entomology Complex on the MSU campus, with field trips to incredible natural areas such as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

The Mississippi Entomological Museum proudly offers two unique camps, each providing hands-on educational experiences both in the field and in the lab:

Bug & Plant Camp (Original) - For beginners or first-time campers, and those that just enjoy everything that the OG camp has to offer. The original Bug & Plant Camp introduces participants to the fascinating world of insects through collecting, identifying, and pinning. Campers learn the essentials of entomology and botany, gaining an appreciation for the diversity of life around them. This camp builds a strong foundation for anyone new to entomology or looking to strengthen their basic insect identification and collecting techniques.

Advanced Bug & Plant Camp - For returning campers who just cannot get enough! Designed for returning participants, the Advanced Bug & Plant Camp dives deeper into ecosystem-based learning. Campers explore biodiversity, ecological interactions, and field-based research methods while engaging in more complex lab activities. The advanced camp challenges participants to think critically about how insects interact with their environment and their importance in agriculture, conservation, and ecosystem health.

Camp Life

Camp activities start early and often run late into the evening. From plant pressing to backlighting, each day offers new experiences, and new insects to discover! Outdoor collecting takes place rain or shine and is only postponed in cases of severe weather. Campers should come prepared for whatever the great outdoors has in store.

Camp Activities and Topics

Collecting, identifying, and pinning insects
Night collecting and backlighting
Tours of the Mississippi Entomological Museum and research collections
Scanning electron microscopy
Beekeeping demonstrations and honey tasting/judging
Forensic and medical entomology (topics such as Zika and West Nile Virus)
Forest and aquatic entomology
Insect–plant interactions and guided hikes
Carnivorous and edible wild plants
Integrated Pest Management and plant ecology
Entomophagy (yes—tasting edible insects!)
Sessions are led by departmental faculty, staff, and students, ensuring campers learn directly from experts in the field.

Age Range

Both camps are open to youth ages 12–17.

Registration and Fees

Cost per camper: $450
Cost per accompanying adult staying in dorms with camper: $200 Campers and guardians are housed in university dormitories. Keys are issued each evening and collected by camp counselors each morning to prevent loss. Please note: a $150 fee will be charged to legal guardians for lost keys.

What Registration Covers

Lodging in university dorms
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner x 4 days)
Snacks and drinks during outdoor activities
Transportation and vehicle costs for field trips
Parking permits for guardians staying on-site
Sunscreen and bug spray
Collecting and pinning materials (nets, jars, etc.)
An insect drawer for you to take home at the end of camp!

Housing

Dormitory-style housing is provided by Mississippi State University, with campers staying two per room. Accompanying adults staying in the same room as their camper are covered under the standard $200 fee.

If a camper or adult prefers a single room (private room), please contact the camp coordinator to check availability. A $50 single-room fee will be added to registration if space allows.

Dorms are thoroughly cleaned between each camp session, with communal showers. Bedding is not provided. Campers should bring extra-long twin (XL Twin) bedding for their stay. Please see “what to bring” for more information.

What to Bring

Clothing
All campers are expected to bring and wear appropriate attire for 5 days of camp. Many of our activities will be outside around high grass, briars and weeds, so long pants and closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended. We personally recommend lightweight, long clothing such as dry-fit/athletic shirts or Columbia-style shirts/pants for better weather/insect protection. You may wear shorts, but chiggers and ticks may cause you grief. For indoor work, clothing should meet general lab-safety standards (Close-toed shoes, long pants, shirts covering arms and midsection. Short-sleeved shirts are fine, but no sleeveless shirts please).
Weather-specific Clothing
- Rain jacket (we will go out, rain or shine!)
- Light jacket/flannel (for inside or night collecting)
- Hat or cap (HIGHLY recommended to protect from heat/direct sun)
- Sunglasses, if desired
Footwear
- Comfortable tennis shoes or hiking shoes (2 pairs)
- EXTRA SOCKS!
- Rainboots/Muck boots
Bedding
- Pillow
- Sheets (twin-sized)
- Light blanket or sleeping bag.
Toiletries
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Towels (one extra towel for wet field work sites)
- Wash cloths
- Shower shoes (Flip flops, etc.)
Misc.
- WATER BOTTLE
- Backpack
- Flashlight and batteries (head lamps recommended!)
- Bug spray and sunscreen!
You may (but are not required to) bring
- Your phone, we will talk about entomology-related photography and apps BUT they should be used respectfully and not a distraction to camp activities
- A camera
- Your favorite family-friendly card or board game
- Your own snacks (dorms must be kept neat and clean)

Quick Links

Explore CALS

Contact Us

Emily Anthony | 662.325.0855
Admissions Coordinator

Jada Chubb | 662.325.7752
Director of Academic Relations, Curriculum, and Advising