Celebrating our 10th year, USF CyberCamp is a dynamic 5-day program, where students from all skill levels will find challenge and connections. Beyond the traditional classroom, CyberCamp provides a gateway to the Tampa cybersecurity community, giving them the opportunity to develop interest and cyber skill sets, learn alongside cybersecurity professionals, and compete in the annual Capture the Flag competition.
Much like a professional networking even or conference, students will have the option to participate in multiple activities each day, from lockpicking to hands-on with critical infrastructure. In each, students will engage with cyber and security professionals to make connections, find mentors, and build community.
High School CyberCamp Details
Camp Director: Dr. Nathan Fisk
Location: USF Tampa - Muma College of Business
Grade Levels: Entering 9th - 12th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dates: TBD
Cost: TBD
What to Expect
Build Your Cyber Foundations
Start the week with an immersive introduction to cybersecurity concepts and tools. Whether you're brand new or already experienced, you’ll dive into core skills that set the stage for the rest of the program.
Explore Real-World Cyber Domains
From networking fundamentals to AI, web exploitation, physical security, and social engineering, each day focuses on a major theme shaping today’s cybersecurity landscape. Students learn directly from the professionals who work on these challenges every day.
Choose Your Own Cyber Adventure
Just like a professional conference, CyberCamp offers multiple breakout activities daily—lockpicking, hands-on critical infrastructure labs, hardware hacking, and more. Students select sessions based on their interests and skill level while connecting with mentors across Tampa’s cybersecurity community.
Compete, Collaborate, and Connect
The week culminates with USF’s annual Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, where participants put their skills to the test. Along the way, students meet cybersecurity experts, build community, and explore possible career pathways in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Celebrating 10 years of innovation, USF CyberCamp is where curiosity becomes capability. Over five dynamic days, students of all skill levels gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, explore real-world security challenges, and meet the professionals shaping the future of cybersecurity. The program concludes with our exciting end-of-week Capture the Flag competition—an unforgettable opportunity to compete, collaborate, and showcase your cyber skills.
Useful Information
Registration and Camp Details
When does registration open for the USF High School CyberCamp?
Registration for all 2026 summer camps will open on February 1, 2026.
What is the capacity of the USF High School CyberCamp?
While previous years of CyberCon welcomed up to 100 participants, this year’s program has been intentionally scaled down to provide more individualized support and deeper engagement. For 2026, the program capacity will be 30 students, allowing for increased one-on-one interaction with instructors, mentors, and cybersecurity professionals.
Does my child need prior experience in cybersecurity to attend the USF High School CyberCamp?
Prior experience is NOT required! Our conference model caters to various skill levels in cybersecurity. However, students should be prepared to pick and choose which sessions they want to attend and feel comfortable participating in those discussions.
Will my child need a device for the USF High School CyberCamp?
Yes, every camper will need a device for the camp. We strongly encourage your child to bring their own laptop, as they will be most comfortable using their own device during sessions. While we do have a limited number of laptops available on a first-come, first-served basis, we do not recommend bringing tablets
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff that lead the USF High School CyberCamp?
The USF High School CyberCon is a dynamic collaboration among the USF Office of Youth Experiences, the 502 Project, and the Neon Temple, spearheaded by Dr. Nathan Fisk, an assistant professor of cybersecurity education in the USF College of Education. Together, these organizations work to create an exceptional week of cybersecurity learning. We also invite USF colleges, departments, and student organizations to contribute workshops, alongside industry leaders from the private sector, including Cisco, Reliaquest, the Secret Service, and the FBI, ensuring a rich and diverse educational experience for all participants.
Where is the USF High School CyberCamp located?
The USF High School CyberCamp will be held at the USF Tampa campus in the Muma College of Business.
What time is drop off and pick up for the USF High School CyberCamp?
Our staff will be ready to welcome your child for drop-off at 8:50 AM in front of the yet to be determined camp location, with pick-up starting at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for drop-off or pick-up, please call our office at (813) 974-3355 to let us know.
After registering for the USF High School CyberCon, when will I start receiving logistical details, including drop-off and pick up times?
You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at the USF High School CyberCon.
Residential Options
Are there residential options available for the USF High School CyberCamp?
Yes, the High School CyberCamp is eligible for Rocky’s Residents, a residential add-on offered for select high school programs. This option provides 6 days and 5 nights of supervised on-campus housing, meals, and evening programming that supports community building and exposure to university life.
How can I register for Rocky's Residents residential add-on?
During registration for your day camp, you will have the option to add Rocky's Residents as part of the process. There is no separate registration required for the residential program.
How much does the Rocky's Residents residential add-on cost?
The cost for Rocky's Residents is $1,395 per camper. This includes:
- 6 days and 5 nights of accommodation at Juniper-Poplar Residence Hall
- All meals provided at USF Dining Halls
- Supervision and activities led by trained counselors
- Recreation and wellness activities, including sports, fitness challenges, and more
- Access to campus facilities, such as recreational fields and study lounges
- A campus tour and presentations from USF Admissions and Student Success
- Evening events with student organizations and USF faculty
- Laundry facilities for campers' use
- 24-hour on-call emergency maintenance and support
Policies
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel a camp registration, please email youthxp@usf.edu. If the cancellation occurs 10 business days prior to camp start date, you will receive a refund with the exception of administration fees. However, if the cancellation is received within 10 business days of the camp start date, no refund will be given. No refunds will be issued after the start date of the camp.
We make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event that it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If USF cancels the camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules a camp you will have the option to receive a full refund.
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