Objectives:

To provide students an opportunity to learn basic science concepts using insects and other arthropods and to promote a positive attitude towards science by using insects as models. Campers will have the opportunity to observe the diversity of insects in their natural habitats and the laboratory and to learn about a broad range of biological, environmental, and ecological topics. Field trips on campus are an integral part of the camp.

Topics:

Preliminary topics include lectures/activities on:

• Raise your own "special insect pet"
  
• Insect architecture and diversity
  
• Food consumption: How and why Fred and Anna ate the whole thing
  
• Defense Mechanisms: Insect games of hide and seek
  
• Communication: How insects rap
  
• Social behavior in the insect society
  
• Insect art and crafts
• Other topics depending on interests of campers

These activities will be age appropriate for the students.

Dates:

This year's camp will have three sessions:

Beginner Campers:

• July  11 - 15
• July  18 - 22

Advanced/Repeat Campers:
(must have already completed session for beginning campers; campers will spend more time collecting and identifying insects and laboratory observations. New and exiciting activities have been added for previous advanced/repeat campers.)

• July 25 - July 29

Non-residential, the camp will be held daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation and a box lunch with a beverage for the campers. The campers are to be dropped off and picked up on time before and after class.

Registration & Fees:

Registration is limited to 40 campers per session with each session having a staff/camper ratio of 1 to 5. Sessions with less than 15 students will be cancelled. Campers may sign up for both a beginning and advanced session if desired.

The fee of $275.00 covers all the materials needed for the week of camp. Payment of this fee and completion of a medical history and release form are required to complete registration. Since enrollment is limited to 40 students for each session, the application form should be submitted ASAP.

A printable registration form (PDF format) is available by clicking the link below or by calling or writing to the address below. Please make checks payable to the University of Maryland.

registration form

Please send the completed registration form and payment by check to: