Science, Fun to Intersect at Camp

Jun 28, 10:39 PM

Current Headlines: By Kellen Henry

khenry@wvgazette.com

More than 100 of the future's brightest scientists, mathematicians and engineers arrived at Yeager Airport on Wednesday. The students were chosen to represent their home states as delegates to the National Youth Science Camp at Camp Pocahontas in Bartow.

"It's just a nice chance to get away for a month and have a nice time, learn something and take a break before heading off to college. I like the idea of having the wilderness and being with new people doing something completely different," said Klee Simmons, a Virginia delegate who plans to study polymer and fiber engineering next year at Georgia Tech.

Each state invites two students to attend the camp. The delegates are recent high school graduates interested in the sciences who have excelled in academics and in school and community leadership. They attend the camp free. Their travel expenses are included.

The National Youth Science Foundation also welcomed 16 international delegates from Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Mexico, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago this year.

Jennifer Turner, a delegate from Toronto, said she is excited about the physics program.

"I want to learn how and why everything works. Bio is about what you are, but physics is about how everything works and how we can make it work better," she said.

The students spend four weeks participating in lectures, directed studies, and seminars with researchers and experts in fields such as global warming, genomic medicine, radio astronomy and energy sustainability.

They will also learn about leadership and appreciation for nature as they mountain bike, rock climb and cave around the Monongahela National Forest.

"It comes down to bringing them all together and building relationships in the outdoors. They are all awesome kids in the classroom, but putting them in a place where they've never been before challenges them and helps them grow," said Larson Hogstrom, the camp's public information coordinator, who attended the science camp in 2005.

Campers also can explore art, music and other interests during leisure time. Hogstrom said one-third of this year's participants listed music as an interest and many brought their own instruments to camp.

"I think that one of the main attractions is getting to do so much stuff outside. It's free and fun and science looks good on a resume. I like how it includes people from all over," said Melissa Bobo from Arkansas, who strummed her guitar near the baggage claim at Yeager.

Though the delegates have some information about what to expect at the science camp, many of the activities are surprises.

"It's to keep them on their toes ..." Hogstrom said. "They are very smart people in terms of planning their education and classes and activities. One thing we're really proud of is the ability to take care of that for them and not let them have to worry about their next meal or what they're doing the next day. The focus is on what they're doing that day and on relationships in the here and now."

This summer's activities include a tour of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, kayaking on the New River and a cave concert in the Sinks of Gandy with musician Peter Mulvey. Delegates also will visit Washington, D.C., for sightseeing, a panel discussion at the National Academy of Sciences, and a luncheon with legislators hosted by Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va.

"This is a unique opportunity for West Virginia to host a program of national impact," said Andrew Blackwood, director of the National Youth Science Foundation. "People often see science as boring and dry - scientists aren't really people. That's not the truth. When I see the interaction between instructors and students, they are so attentive and eager to absorb the information."

After checking in and receiving nametags and a schedule on Wednesday, the delegates left to spend the day with volunteer host families in the Charleston area. Today they will meet at Dow Chemical for a tour and luncheon before traveling to Bartow to begin camp.

This marks the 44th summer for the National Youth Science Camp. Blackwood said the National Youth Science Foundation hopes to open its own camp facility by 2013 for the 50th anniversary of camp and the 150th anniversary of West Virginia. New facilities could help expand the foundation's programs and engage more young people in the sciences, he said.

To contact staff writer Kellen Henry, use e-mail or call 348- 5100.

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