The camp's academic convener, Kaye Wilson, said the annual event, billed as "a week of serious fun", was being held for the 21st time.
"It gives these bright young students a chance to work with scientists," Mrs Wilson said.
The camp had become an increasingly popular nationally known institution, and 230 pupils from throughout the country were attending this year, she said.
The main programme starts today, with registration and an orientation session held on campus yesterday.
A total of 21 university science and health science departments are involved in the camp, with the budding young scientists pursuing their own research projects in the mornings, and enjoying a series of shorter "science snacks" covering a range of other topics in the afternoon.
Prof Terry Chapin, of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, who is visiting Otago University as a William Evans Fellow, will give a public lecture on climate change at the university's St David lecture theatre at 7.30pm today.
The camp aims to raise awareness about future science careers and university study prospects, and involves a mix of science and other fun activities.
Pupils will take part in a "great outdoors adventure and barbecue" on the Otago Peninsula on Wednesday and a dance and games evening on Thursday.
