Creating opportunities for the next generation of scientists – Community Science Camp 2025 was another success!

We just successfully completed a fourth year of the Community Science Camp which provided a fun, engaging, and educational experience for students in grades 6 through 12. The camp offered participants a dynamic opportunity to deepen their understanding of their local environment, their community, and the accessibility of science. Through hands-on activities, students were introduced to the framework of community science and developed foundational field and laboratory skills in water quality testing and analysis. They also heard from community members, as well as ECU faculty and staff, who are actively working to protect and promote environmental health. These interactions gave students valuable insight into real-world efforts and potential career paths in science and sustainability.

In addition to its educational components, the camp included recreational activities that helped campers relax, have fun, and build friendships. Activities such as swimming, tie-dyeing, and sports like rock climbing and pickleball were made possible thanks to the staff at ECU’s Eakin Student Recreation Center. The camp also encouraged participants to consider how they could share what they learned with their communities, promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. With resources and support from the Isley Innovation Hub, students had the opportunity to design their own t-shirts and create 3D models, blending creativity with scientific exploration.

The camp’s success was made possible through a collaborative effort across ECU, with approximately 12 dedicated faculty, staff and students contributing their time and expertise, including those from the Water Resources Center, the Department of Geological Sciences, and the Department of Biology. A big thank you to all that made this year’s camp successful!