CITRIS and the Banatao Institute’s CIDER Program invites you to the 2025 DroneCamp, a hands-on, five-day training event designed to teach you everything you need to know about using drones for mapping and field data collection. This program is open to all, regardless of experience level. DroneCamp will be held at CSU Monterey Bay from June 23 to 27, with virtual participation available via Zoom on event days. There will also be a virtual pre-camp from June 12 to 13, where interested participants will be introduced to the data processing software used during the main event.
2025 marks the ninth year of DroneCamp, where instructors from the University of California and California State University systems will provide workshops and hands-on drone training. DroneCamp has been designed for participants with varying backgrounds, including researchers, educators, and first responders. Each participant will have the opportunity to choose between various workshop focus areas based on their interests and background.
Live access to all the classroom presentations and workshops will be available for those who cannot attend DroneCamp in person during the event and pre-camp one-on-one sessions with instructors. In-person attendees will also benefit from flight workshops and the following opportunities:
- Fly a variety of drone platforms
- Directly engage with instructors and other participants
- Expand their networks
- Gain access to all the software used throughout the week
- Explore the iconic Monterey Bay Area
The in-person event will include light refreshments, daily lunch, and the Monday evening dinner social. Please note that dinners and lodging will be the participant’s responsibility.
Early-bird registration for DroneCamp is now open until April 30.
- Early-bird general admission rate (non-academic, in-person): $1000
- Earl-bird academic rate (in-person): $600
- Early-bird virtual rate: $100
The DroneCamp Scholarship Program will financially support students, nonprofits, and others who want to participate in DroneCamp. This year, funds are available for students at UC Santa Cruz and CSU Monterey Bay, as well as employees of UC ANR. Others are welcome to apply, but funds are limited. To apply for a DroneCamp scholarship, please complete an application form. The application deadline is 5 PM Pacific Time on Thursday, May 22, or whenever all scholarships have been awarded.
