COVID-19 Statement
These programs are in-person and have been postponed until further notice.
Program Overview
Girls Summer Science Camp: an immersive educational experience with a fun and supportive all female staff, for campers in grades 8-12. This program is held at Webber Lake, North of Truckee, California.
During this camp, participants work in small groups to complete an independent scientific research project. Female scientists will offer mentorship throughout this process. The camp will culminate with students giving a scientific presentation about their research to their peers. Each day, in addition to their research, students will have opportunities to explore, swim, and kayak on Webber Lake.
Weekend Mini-camps: 3-4 times a year we offer the same format as our full-length camp but in a weekend mini format. These programs will be held at locations throughout California, and are designed to be accessible for those that can’t attend a full week of camp in a remote location like our full program. Dates and locations are TBD. Check back for current information below.
Current program details:
Location: TBD (postponed due to COVID)
2020 Camp Dates: TBD
Cost: TBD
Scholarships: TBD
Drop off: TBD
Pick up: TBD
Girls Summer Camp Outline
Students will design and conduct…
…an original research project and emerge with a polished research presentation suitable for use on a college application.
General Camp Outline
Day 1: arrival and meet-and-greet
Campers arrive at Webber Lake Campground after dinner, set up tents, and settle in. Following this, we’ll have a campfire with S’mores to get to know each other.
Day 2: design research projects
Campers will hike to Lacey Meadow to explore, begin formulating research questions, and finish the day with a swim or kayak on Webber Lake. A female scientist will lead an educational evening program.
Day 3: data collection
Campers collect preliminary data and figure out how feasible their project is, then have time to improve or change their projects as needed. Guided hike to Webber Falls for the afternoon. Day concludes with an evening walk and games around the campfire.
Day 4: data collection
Groups continue working on collecting data for their research projects. In the afternoon campers will kayak on Webber Lake. Groups doing comparative studies can collect samples from the lake. Evening talk lead by female scientist, followed by more work on projects.
Day 5: service work and data collection
Groups will complete a service project at the campground or on trails near Webber Lake. They also have time to finish data collection. The evening ends with a campfire with skits and s’mores.
Day 6: Final Presentations
Groups finish working on their scientific poster. Instructors help students practice their presentations. Any groups that are done will have time to hike, swim, or kayak. During lunch groups will present their research projects. Each group will field questions following their presentation. Parents and interested partners are invited to the presentation session at noon.
Packing list
This list varies each year and will be updated before the next camp.
Post Program Nature Hikes
A guided hike held by the Truckee Donner Land Trust will follow. Campers will help guide the hike.
Specific details will be added for each camp when they become available.
Celebrate Science Evening
Camp concludes with formal presentations at Celebrate Women In Science, our capstone event in Truckee, California, the evening following camp. Campers will present their research to their peers, parents, and the public.
Questions? Contact us:
Please contact Meg Seifert: meg@headwatersscienceinstitute.org with any questions.
Camp Sponsors
Staffing and Emergency Policies:
Headwaters Science Institute is committed to maintaining the highest safety and security standards for our programs. When your children are in our care, you can trust that they are safe.
- All employees and contractors are background checked before they start working with us. We use a national-level background check program called National Crime Search (nationalcrimesearch.com) that searches all states and county records for any criminal records, sex & violent offenders, and includes a terrorist search.
- Our staff members are all first-aid and CPR certified. Some are Wilderness First Responder certified as well.
- We have a safety plan for every field site we use and know where the nearest fire station is located. We are never more than a few minutes walk to the nearest road.
- In the unlikely event of an emergency, we always work in areas that are easily served by 911. Our field site on Donner Summit is less than 2 miles from the nearest fire station with full-time EMT services and the hospital is a short 10-minute ride away.
