According to Ashley Garcia, STEAM and Community Outreach Officer of RGISC, the goal of the camps is to combine education with fun outdoor activities, allowing students to develop their research skills while exploring the environment. The camps will include on-site lab and art activities, such as collecting water samples and using the scientific method, as well as learning about environmental science, ecology, and microbiology.
In addition to these activities… students will also participate in outdoor recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and archery. A unique feature of this year’s camps is a day-long out-of-town trip to either San Antonio, San Marcos, Edinburg, or McAllen, “depending on the week attended.” This is a change from previous years, “when the camps were limited to on-site activities.” Garcia emphasized the importance of these trips… saying that they provide students with opportunities to explore Texas’ natural resources and experience educationally enriching activities that they may not otherwise have the chance to participate in. The camps are made possible through a grant submitted by RGISC, which has partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife at Lake Casa Blanca and local educators to lead the charge.
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The Rio Grande International Study Center will host week-long summer camps for students wanting “to learn about environmental science while increasing their research skills through fun outdoor recreational activities.”
Starting June 3, students will be able to take part in the different Eco-Explorers: Environmental Summer Camps at Lake Casa Blanca, located at 5102 Bob Bullock Loop. Elementary, middle and high school students will be divided by age and will attend during different weeks.
“It’s a chance to do really fun outdoor activities that sometimes kids don’t get the chance to do,” STEAM and Community Outreach Officer of RGISC Ashley Garcia said. “The goal is to integrate education into these activities and enlighten them.”
The camp will consist of on-site lab and art activities like collecting water and using the scientific method, as well as learning about environmental science, ecology and microbiology. There will also be outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking and archery.
Garcia said there will be a day-long out-of-town trip during the camp to either SanAntonio, San Marcos, Edinburg or McAllen, depending on the week attended, unlike previous years where RGISC camps have been a day long with no traveling.
“It’s important because sometimes students don’t get the opportunity to leave Laredo often,” Garcia said. “And if they do, it’s not always a primarily educational place, like the San Antonio River Walk or Fiesta Texas. They might not get these opportunities to visit the beautiful resources Texas has. This can be fun and exciting, while educational.”
“It was made possible through this grant we had submitted around a year or two ago,” Garcia said. “They provide the means for this kind of camp because they want to encourage the community to go outdoors. We’re partnering with Texas Parks and Wildlife at Lake Casa Blanca staff, and it’s pretty neat that local educators will be in attendance leading the charge.”
Environmental Summer Camps Announced
The RioGrande International Study Center (RGISC) is excited to announce its upcoming series of Environmental Summer Camps, designed to educate students about environmental science while encouraging outdoor recreation. These camps will take place at Lake Casa Blanca, located at 5102 Bob Bullock Loop, starting June 3. The camps will be divided into age groups, with elementary, middle, and high school students attending during different weeks.
According toAshley Garcia, STEAM and Community Outreach Officer of RGISC, the goal of the camps is to combine education with fun outdoor activities, allowing students to develop their research skills while exploring the environment. By participating in hands-on activities, students will learn about environmental science, ecology, and microbiology in a unique and engaging way. In addition to on-site lab and art activities… such as collecting water samples and using the scientific method, students will also have the opportunity to participate in outdoor recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and archery.
These recreational activities are designed to promote physical fitness and teamwork, while also providing a fun and relaxing experience for students. A unique feature of this year’s camps is a day-long out-of-town trip to either SanAntonio, San Marcos, Edinburg, or McAllen, depending on the week attended. This is a change from previous years… when the camps were limited to on-site activities only.
Garcia emphasized the importance of these trips, saying that they provide students with opportunities to exploreTexas’ natural resources and experience educationally enriching activities that they may not otherwise have the chance to participate in. The camps are made possible through a grant submitted by RGISC, which has partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife at Lake Casa Blanca and local educators to lead the charge.
RGISC is committed to providing students with high-quality educational experiences that foster a love of learning and a respect for the environment. Overall, the Environmental Summer Camps offer a unique and exciting opportunity for students to learn about the environment while having fun. By combining science, “art,” “and outdoor recreation,” these camps provide a well-rounded experience that will leave students with a lasting impression and a newfound appreciation for the natural world.
**Age-divided camps**: The Environmental Summer Camps will cater to different age groups, with elementary, middle, and high school students attending during different weeks.
TheEnvironmental Summer Camps, hosted by the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC), will cater to students of different age groups, providing a unique and personalized learning experience. The camps will be divided into three sessions, each designed for a specific age group: elementary, middle, and high school students.
The elementary age group (Grades 1-5) will focus on exploring the natural world through interactive hands-on activities, games, and crafts. Highlights of this session include: * Exploring the local ecosystem through nature walks and scavenger hunts
* Conducting simple experiments and recording observations
* Creating art projects inspired by nature The middle school age group (Grades 6-8) will delve deeper into environmental science through hands-on labs, outdoor activities… and group projects.
Highlights of this session include: * Collecting water samples and analyzing them for pH levels and other factors
* Conducting energy audits of the camp’s facilities
* Working in teams to design and build a sustainable structure The high school age group (Grades 9-12) will focus on applying scientific concepts to real-world environmental issues, such as climate change and conservation.
Highlights of this session include: * Conducting field research on local wildlife and ecosystems
* Building a solar-powered device to charge electronic devices
* Designing and implementing a conservation plan for a local park or nature reserve Throughout the camps… students will have the opportunity to participate in outdoor recreational activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and archery, while also developing their teamwork, “communication,” “and problem-solving skills.”
