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Summer Camps and Programs for Students

Bobcat Nature Academy for Middle School Students

This series of summer experiences takes middle school students out of the classroom and gives them a front-row seat to the natural world. Throughout each 1-week camp, our instructors provide hands-on learning experiences on our campus and across the street at Sleeping Giant State Park.

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Overview

The natural world around us offers many opportunities to explore, question and grow. Participants will have the chance to learn about the local diversity using the scientific method to develop their own scientific hypothesis, test their hypothesis and present their findings. This summer, come explore the exciting world of ecology.

Most of the learning will happen outdoors, with a focus on a different group of organisms each day. Activities will include collecting aquatic invertebrates in the stream, using dichotomous keys to identify native trees, and planting native plants for our pollinators. Participants will also learn more about environmental sustainability and be challenged to create ways to live more sustainably.

At the end of this program, you'll walk away with:

  • Ability to define the basic scientific principles behind ecology, evolution and environmental studies

  • Skills and techniques necessary to observe and quantify biodiversity and understand the role of adaptation in the diversity of life on Earth

  • Knowledge about the plants and animals that live around us and how they play different roles in the ecosystem

  • An understanding of their role in the ecosystem and how to live more sustainably

Schedule

  • Session 1: July 10-14, 2023

  • Session 2: July 17-21, 2023

This program offers both on-campus residential and commuter options.

Sample Schedule

Time Activity Detail
9 a.m. Morning Program Meeting Check-in with the group and a brief overview of today’s lessons.
9:30 a.m. Morning Outdoor Lesson The class will walk to Sleeping Giant State Park and study the natural world.
Noon Lunch Break Eat and socialize with your classmates.
1 p.m. Afternoon Outdoor Lesson The class will walk to Clark's Pond to study the aquatic natural world.
4 p.m. End-of-Day Review and Debrief Meeting A chance to reflect and discuss the day as well as look to the days ahead.
4:30 p.m. Day Program Ends Dismissal for commuter students.
5 p.m. Dinner Dinner will be provided for those students with full room and board.
6 p.m. Evening Activities (Group Recreation, Games, Guest Speakers, Independent and Group Enrichment Projects) The evening is reserved for overnight students to have fun, experience our on-campus amenities and bond with each other and staff through organized group enrichment activities.
10 p.m. Quiet Time  

Program Costs

This summer camp is structured as a consecutive series of unique 1-week camps. Participants can apply to either the first or second week, or may elect to join us for both weeks where they will learn something new every day.

  Residential Commuter
Session 1 (July 10-14, 2023) $1,250 $750
Session 2 (July 17-21, 2023) $1,250 $750
Both Sessions 1 & 2 (July 10-21, 2023) includes weekend activities and supervision $2,500 $1,500

All options include:

  • Faculty-designed and delivered programming, administered on campus with educational support staff and program materials

  • Technology and software support

  • A Quinnipiac T-shirt

  • A certificate of completion

  • Access to special Quinnipiac Admissions events

You may request financial aid and support may be available for those who indicate their need for financial assistance in their online application. Financial support awards are based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.

Participation Requirements

Participants must be current middle school students. Typically, participants are between the ages of 12 to 14 years of age at the start of the program. Eligibility is based on grade level as of June 2023.

Equipment and Materials

All equipment and materials are provided, though it is expected that each participant has the appropriate outdoor summer attire for outdoor activities. Recommended items include hiking shoes, rain gear, sun block and insect repellent.

Application and Payment Deadlines

Deadline to apply: Monday, May 1, 2023
Space is limited per session and enrollment is based on when a deposit payment is received.

Deadline to submit payment: Payment is due within 30 days of applying to fully register for a program.

Payment Methods and Refund/Cancellation Policy

Applications are reviewed when they are received and students are accepted on a rolling basis.

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Our Program Instructors

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Accommodations

Quinnipiac University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as an institution of higher education. Students who have a current IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to share any accommodations or modifications they may require in order to access the fundamentals of a QU summer program or camp they plan to attend.

Students requesting disability-based accommodations should indicate this within the application as well as email summerprograms@qu.edu about any and all specific accommodation needs.

Rules & Regulations

Read Quinnipiac University’s Summer Camp and Pre-College Program Policies for 2022