WT to Offer New Science Camp for Area Middle Schoolers

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — Budding scientists can learn all about critters, rocks, the climate and even bugs at West Texas A&M University’s first Science Camp.

The three-day camp for rising sixth through eighth graders will be held June 24 to 26 on WT’s Canyon campus.

Fee is $200, including lunches. To register, visit WT Extended Studies’ camps and youth programs website.

The focus of this camp is to capture the attention of younger students and help them to connect with the potential for science-related careers,” said Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer, WT’s Natrelle and Dr. Russell Long Professor of Companion Animal Studies and one of the camp coordinators. “Our hope is that these same students realize that WT is a great opportunity to further their education in the future when considering where to go to college.”

Students will get a hands-on experience, said Dr. Olivia Villanueva, instructor of chemistry and another camp coordinator.

 “WT faculty members will lend their expertise to the young scientists, who will use microscopes to observe chemical reactions; learn about wild animals, companion animals and bugs; and many other activities each day,” Villanueva said.

Among the companion animals students will encounter is Willow Kate, WT’s own therapy dog, or “pawfessor.”

The camp will be hosted by the Departments of Chemistry and Physics and Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. All of the department’s disciplines will offer activities for the students, including wildlife biology, physics, chemistry, geology, environmental science, climate science and entomology.

The new Science Camp is one of 75 summer youth camps offered between May and September by the University.

Providing regionally impactful programs is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $165 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Photo: Drs. Olivia Villanueva, left, and Sara-Louise Newcomer discuss plans for West Texas A&M University's first Science Camp, to be held June 24 to 26. WT therapy dog Willow Kate looks on.

—WT—