At USF Spy Kids, young adventurers (from rising 3rd-5th grades) step into the role of secret agents, learning the basics of cybersecurity through fun and engaging activities. Over the week, campers will take on exciting missions that teach essential online safety skills, problem-solving, and the basics of coding—all while working undercover. In this immersive narrative story, campers act as recruits for a cybersecurity agency C.A.G.E. (the Cybersecurity Agency for Global Engagement.)
Our USF Spy Kids will experience hands-on challenges and collaborative tasks designed to unlock their inner cyber detectives. Through spy-themed games and scenarios, they’ll learn how to crack secret codes and ciphers, navigate social engineering, and protect sensitive personal information—all while developing critical thinking and teamwork skills. By the end of camp, each agent will be equipped with knowledge to stay cyber safe in a digital world!
USF Spy Kids Details
Camp Director: Jada Sheerin
Location: USF Tampa and USF St. Petersburg
Grade Levels: Rising 3rd - 5th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Cost: $375
| Dates | Campus |
|---|---|
| June 8th - 12th, 2026 | USF St. Petersburg |
| July 13th - 17th, 2026 | USF Tampa |
| July 27th - 31st, 2026 | USF Tampa |
What to Expect
Mission-Based Learning
Campers become cyber spies, completing missions that teach internet safety, protecting privacy, and the basics of cybersecurity. Each mission reveals skills they'll need to navigate digital spaces safely. From decoding messages to online etiquette, they gain a well-rounded start to cyber safety in an interactive way.
Interactive Spy Skills Training
Through hands-on games, puzzles, and spy-themed activities, campers learn the essentials of problem-solving and coding in a beginner-friendly format. They crack ciphers, explore digital clues, and uncover secret messages, making complex cybersecurity concepts easy and exciting for young learners.
Team Building & Collaboration
USF Spy Kids work together on missions, discovering the power of teamwork as they share ideas, solve problems, and help each other complete tasks. By the end of camp, each agent will have strengthened their communication and collaboration skills while enjoying the excitement of a team-focused spy adventure.
Digital Responsibility and Awareness
With a focus on responsible online behavior, campers learn about protecting personal information and staying safe in digital environments. Real-life scenarios help them understand how their actions affect their online world, building ethical digital citizenship habits they can carry beyond the camp.
Unleash your child's inner detective at the USF Spy Kids Summer Camp on the Tampa campus! Designed for students in grades 2-5, this exciting camp combines mission-based learning with interactive activities that teach internet safety, privacy protection, and basic cybersecurity skills. Campers will decode messages, navigate digital clues, and learn online etiquette, all while having fun and building friendships.
Working together on missions, they'll discover the power of teamwork and strengthen their communication abilities. With a focus on digital responsibility, campers will learn how to protect personal information and foster ethical online behavior. Join us for a summer of adventure and growth that will equip your child with the skills they need for a safe digital future!
Useful Information
Registration and Program Details
When does registration open for the USF Spy Kids Summer Camp?
Registration for all summer camps opens on February 1st, 2026.
What is the capacity of the USF Spy Kids Summer Camp?
Each session of the USF Spy Kids Summer Camp has a capacity of 30 campers.
Where is USF Spy Kids located?
USF Spy Kids is located on both the USF St. Petersburg and Tampa Campuses. We will share the exact camp location closer to the start date, and all details will be emailed to you in advance.
After registering for USF Spy Kids, when will I start receiving logistical details including drop-off and pick-up?
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 USF Spy Kids.
Do campers need to pack lunch and snacks?
Yes. Campers should bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a refillable water bottle each day.
Staff & Safety
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff who will be leading USF Spy Kids?
USF Spy Kids is led by USF staff member Carmen Warner, a teacher with 19 years of experience working with elementary students. We maintain a 10:1 camper-to-staff ratio, and the two additional staff supporting the program are also certified teachers.
Are staff background-checked and trained?
Yes. All staff undergo Level 2 background checks and complete USF’s youth protection and safety training.
How are medications handled during camp?
We ask families to share any medical information that our staff should be aware of to help keep your child safe. Our team does not hold, offer, or administer medications at any time. If a medical emergency occurs, staff will provide basic support while immediately contacting emergency services (911).
Cancellation & Changes
What is the cancellation, transfer, and refund policy for USF Youth Experiences programs?
If you need to cancel or transfer a camp registration, please email youthxp@usf.edu.
Cancellations or transfer requests received at least 15 business days prior to the
camp start date will be eligible for a refund or transfer to another available camp,
minus any administrative or processing fees. Cancellations or transfer requests received
within 15 business days of the camp start date are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
No refunds will be issued after a camp has begun, regardless of the number of days
attended or participation level. No refunds will be issued if a participant is dismissed
from camp due to a violation of the camp’s conduct policy or code of behavior.
We make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event
it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or combine camps, or change a camp location,
you will be notified by email or phone. Please ensure your contact information is
up to date. If USF cancels a camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules
a camp, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new session.
Take a look at photos from last year's USF Spy Kids Summer Camp
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