Mega Doctor News
By Sara Reyna
The South Texas College Biology and Continuing Education departments, combined efforts to successfully launch their annual Biology Explorers youth summer camp, attracting a full house.
With its kickoff event at the college’s Pecan campus, the week-long camp was designed for elementary and middle-school aged children to embark on a hands-on exploration through the field of biology in a laboratory setting.
Maribel Sanchez, a parent from McAllen, Texas, said she learned about the summer camp through its popularity among other parents, which prompted her to get her children involved in a new and exciting experience.
“My biggest motivation was exposing my kids to a college setting while they also get to learn and develop new skills in topics that they like. This is our first time participating at STC’s camps, but we’re excited to continue enrolling them in these camps in the future,” said Sanchez.
At the Biology summer camp, young scientists dive into a variety of activities that encourage curiosity like learning the basics of lab safety, examining their cells under a microscope and seeing the inner workings of an ecosystem through plant and bacteria growth.
STC Associate Professor of Biology JeanMarie Fors, Ph.D., shares her excitement for the turnout and remarkable growth of the summer camp.
“This is the third summer that I help facilitate the biology camp, and it’s a pleasure to see how much it has grown over the years. This year we have a full roster of new and returning children,” said Fors. “Knowing the kids are eager to learn about science within a college setting is exciting.”
Biology Explorer Elise Cantu, 12, said she was skeptical about trying something new until the first day opened up a new world of ideas and exciting opportunities that she gets to share with her fellow campers.
“At first, I didn’t know what to expect with the camp, but I am loving what we are getting to learn so far and working with the other kids,” Cantu said. “I would love to be a doctor or work in a lab someday, so I am looking forward to all of the lessons they have planned for us, but I might be most excited to take my cool lab coat home.”
Upcoming Biology Explorers summer camps will also be held July 8 – 11 at STC’s Starr County and Mid-Valley campuses.
For more information on all the camps being offered this summer at STC, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/youth-camps/
