Summer Explorations 2025
Join us for an experience of a lifetime! Summer Explorations provides exciting opportunities and adventures for 3rd grade through 12th grade students.
Whether it is taking a swamp safari to observe rare animal and plant species from a kayak, becoming a junior meteorologist for the day, take a mystery-solving adventure in nature, building space tools, building a bee hotel or a tree frog shelter, there is something for every student's interest!
2025 Dates
- Grades 3-5: June 12 & July 9
- Grades 6-8: June 12, June 18, July 10, July 16, and July 22
- Grades 9-12: June 2, June 18, July 10, and July 15
- Camp Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
Lunch, snacks, and materials provided.
Workshops by Grade
Swamp Safari
June 12 – Thursday
Join us for a swamp safari to observe rare animal and plant species you have never seen before! Let’s float in a kayak and wade into one of the world’s most diverse wetlands in the Southeast. Using various biomonitoring techniques, we will discover elusive salamanders, tree frogs, crayfish, water scorpions, and many more organisms that can tell us about the health of our local ecosystems.
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LEADER: Lisa Pope Adjunct Professor, Catawba College Department of Environment and Sustainability; Coordinator, ForestSmart Schools Program Lisa Pope teaches in the Department of Environment and Sustainability at Catawba College. Her work focuses on the preparation and professional development of environmental educators. She supports students in achieving NC Environmental Education Certification through the NC Office of Environmental Education & Public Affairs.Lisa also serves as Coordinator of the ForestSmart Schools Program administered by the Catawba College Center for the Environment. Lisa has a passion for exploring the great outdoors with students of all ages! |
Bug Safari
July 9 – Wednesday
Join the Bug Doctor for an adventure in the Fred Stanback Jr. Ecological Preserve! We’ll find, capture, and identify insects, spiders, and other amazing small creatures while we learn about bug biodiversity, important bug jobs, and how scientists use bugs to do ecosystem health checkups. This is an adventure you do not want to miss!
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LEADER: Dr. Sue Calcagni Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
Dr. Sue Calcagni, Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science, is an environmental toxicologist, invertebrate ecologist, and physiologist. Dr. Calcagni’s work centers on teaching and mentoring undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines to help build the next generation of toxicologists, invertebrate biologists, environmental professionals, and overall data nerds! Dr. Calcagni teaches a wide variety of science courses, ranging from first-year science courses in biology and environmental sciences to advanced topics courses in those subjects at Catawba College, while also mentoring student research. Beyond Catawba, Dr. Calcagni has most recently served on the Board of Directors for the Carolinas Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (CSETAC), including as their President, and has served on the Boards of watershed organizations such as the Yadkin Riverkeeper in North Carolina and Soque River Watershed Association in Georgia. Dr. Calcagni enjoys traveling & exploring public lands, hiking, camping, bug photography, and helping people identify & get to know the insects, spiders, and other bugs they encounter – so send her a photo of a cool bug if you’re stumped. |
Atmospheric Adventures: Junior Meteorologists
June 12 – Thursday
Become a junior meteorologist for the day! In the morning, you’ll team up to build and calibrate your own weather gadgets before taking them outside to measure wind speed, humidity, and air pressure. Next, you’ll tackle real weather maps, plotting fronts and pressure systems before launching mini weather balloons and logging your results in real time. After lunch, head to the Virtual Reality Lab for an immersive journey through hurricanes, blizzards, and droughts to learn how they form and impact the world around us. Finally, you’ll cap off the day by writing a script and filming a green‑screen weather forecast packed with fun graphics and your own on‑air style. By the end, you’ll have real data, epic VR adventures, and a one‑of‑a‑kind forecast video to share!
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LEADER: Jennifer Barbee Professor Jennifer Barbee, M.Ed.; Department of Teacher Education, Catawba College Professor Barbee joined Catawba in 2021 and holds an M.Ed. in Middle School Science focusing on STEM education from Catawba and a B.A. in Elementary Education from UNC–Charlotte. With over 20 years in K–12 classrooms and experience as an instructional coach and tech facilitator, she brings inquiry‑based science and engaging digital tools to every learning adventure. |
I Saw the Signs: Decoding Messages from Nature
June 18 – Thursday
How does a tree tell time better than a clock? Could raccoon footprints crack a missing persons case? Discover the answers to these questions and more as we uncover the secrets of nature hidden in plain sight! In this hands-on, mystery-solving adventure, we’ll explore how animals and plants leave behind clues – like tracks, tree rings, and more – that help us understand what’s happening in the world around us. We’ll delve into the world of wildlife forensics, dendrochronology (aka tree time-travel), animal tracking, and more to learn how investigators use nature to unravel real-world mysteries.
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LEADER: Rachel Bentley Program Coordinator, Catawba Honors Program; B.S., Catawba College Rachel is a graduate of Catawba College and holds a degree in Environment & Sustainability with a concentration in Environmental and Outdoor Education. During her time as a Catawba student, Rachel worked as an educator with several environmental education organizations including Greenville Zoo, Muddy Sneakers, Bald Head Island Conservancy, and the Center for the Environment. She is passionate about interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, and connecting communities to the wilder world around them. |
Cosmic Quest: Stellar Explorers
July 10 – Thursday
Blast off into space science! In the morning, you’ll team up to build and calibrate your own “space tools.” Assemble a tabletop telescope and craft a simple radio receiver to pick up satellite signals. Then head outside to measure crater impact patterns and chart the movement of the International Space Station as it zips overhead. After lunch, explore star patterns and planets by plotting constellations on a sky wheel and creating a scale model of our solar system. Next, dive into the VR Lab for an immersive journey through the cosmos. Fly past Mars, swoop by Saturn’s rings, and peer into distant nebulae. Finally, cap off your space adventure by writing a script and filming a green‑screen “mission report,” complete with on‑air flair and galactic graphics. By day’s end, you’ll take home real observation data, epic VR memories, and your very own space exploration video!
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LEADER: Professor Jennifer Barbee, M.Ed. Department of Teacher Education, Catawba College Professor Barbee joined Catawba in 2021 and holds an M.Ed. in Middle School Science focusing on STEM education from Catawba and a B.A. in Elementary Education from UNC–Charlotte. With over 20 years in K–12 classrooms and experience as an instructional coach and tech facilitator, she brings inquiry‑based science and engaging digital tools to every learning adventure. |
The Bee’s Knees: Pollinators in Action
July 16 - Wednesday
Get ready for a fun-filled, hands-on adventure into the buzzing world of pollinators! The Bee’s Knees: Pollinators in Action is a dynamic, interactive education day designed just for middle school students. Through exciting stations, engaging games, and real-world science, students will explore the essential role pollinators play in our ecosystems and daily lives.
Participants will rotate through action-packed learning stations like the Pollination Simulation Lab, where they’ll use real tools to investigate how pollen moves from flower to flower, and Meet the Pollinators, featuring fun ID games and trivia. They'll even get to build their own mini bee hotels to support native pollinators in their own backyards!
Then it’s time for the Pollinator Olympics—a high-energy series of games that teach real pollinator behaviors through movement and teamwork.
Students will wrap up the day by planting pollinator-friendly flowers or crafting seed bombs to take home and earn their very own Buzz Badge to celebrate their new pollinator powers.
Whether you're a budding scientist, a nature lover, or just ready to have some fun, The Bee’s Knees is the perfect way to learn, play, and make a difference for our planet’s most important little helpers!
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LEADER: Hannah Addair Sustainability Program Director, Catawba College Hannah Addair is a Catawba College Alumna, class of 2018, where she received her degree in Music with a concentration in Worship Arts and a minor in Religion. In 2021, she received her certification in Architectural Technology with a specialization in Sustainability from Central Piedmont Community College. Hannah has worked with the Center for the Environment team since 2023, where she continues to work on advancing Campus sustainability initiatives. Hannah is a member of the Tree Care Advisory Board, Sustainability Committee, and Staff Council. She is also a Staff Advisor for the Environmental Stewards Program, Catawba Outdoor Adventure Club (COA), and Helen Foil Beard Women's Society. Through zero-waste education and outreach, the expansion of Campus pollinator gardens, annual move-out programs, hosting Catawba's first ever Sustainable Fashion Week, and many others, Hannah works diligently to make Catawba College a fun, safe, and sustainable environment for all - people and nature! |
Tree Frog Trek
July 22 – Tuesday
Come explore Tree Frogs and their habitats! Tree frogs eat insects and other small invertebrates, so they are beneficial to people and wildlife. Learn how to identify them by species and their calls.
Make & Take: Learn how to build a tree frog pipe to create a sheltered home for tree frogs in your own backyard!
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LEADER: Lisa Pope Adjunct Professor, Catawba College Department of Environment and Sustainability; Coordinator, ForestSmart Schools Program Lisa Pope teaches in the Department of Environment and Sustainability at Catawba College. Her work focuses on the preparation and professional development of environmental educators. She supports students in achieving NC Environmental Education Certification through the NC Office of Environmental Education & Public Affairs. Lisa also serves as Coordinator of the ForestSmart Schools Program administered by the Catawba College Center for the Environment. Lisa has a passion for exploring the great outdoors with students of all ages! |
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Macro Photography of Micro Biodiversity
June 2 - Monday
Macro photography is the art of taking close-up photographs of small organisms like insects, flowers, and salamanders. These photographs reveal details that would otherwise go unnoticed by the naked eye.
Macro photography is one of the most rewarding genres of photography you can learn about and enjoy. With skills and practice, you will be able to capture amazing images of the natural world to inspire, inform and aid in conservation efforts around the world!
You will learn how to use your own equipment, either a smartphone or a camera, to capture impactful images. You will also gain experience with professional equipment such as digital single lens reflex cameras (dslr), GoPro, audio equipment, and more!
Participants are encouraged to bring their own smartphone and/or camera but having these isn’t a requirement to be part of this focus group.
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LEADER: Dr. Joe Poston Professor of Biology/Biology Department Chair; B.S., Butler University; Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Dr. Joe Poston is an ecologist who studies birds, amphibians, and insects. He works to further our understanding of the conservation and behavior of these groups of animals. He serves on the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee, on the Scientific Council for Birds in North Carolina, and on the North Carolina Bird Atlas Steering Committee and Scientific Committee. |
I Saw the Signs: Decoding Messages from Nature
June 26 – Thursday
How does a tree tell time better than a clock? Could raccoon footprints crack a missing persons case? Discover the answers to these questions and more as we uncover the secrets of nature hidden in plain sight! In this hands-on, mystery-solving adventure, we’ll explore how animals and plants leave behind clues – like tracks, tree rings, and more – that help us understand what’s happening in the world around us. We’ll delve into the world of wildlife forensics, dendrochronology (aka tree time-travel), animal tracking, and more to learn how investigators use nature to unravel real-world mysteries.
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LEADER: Rachel Bentley Program Coordinator, Catawba Honors Program; B.S., Catawba College Rachel is a graduate of Catawba College and holds a degree in Environment & Sustainability with a concentration in Environmental and Outdoor Education. During her time as a Catawba student, Rachel worked as an educator with several environmental education organizations including Greenville Zoo, Muddy Sneakers, Bald Head Island Conservancy, and the Center for the Environment. She is passionate about interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, and connecting communities to the wilder world around them. Rachel currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the Catawba Honors Program and frequently assists the Center for the Environment on environmental education projects as she works toward earning her N.C. Environmental Educator Certification. |
Oak and Feather Expeditions
July 10 – Thursday
Experience Conservation Expeditions to research sites to engage in important conservation efforts close to home!
Wildlife conservation is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring the long-term survival of species that benefit people and the planet. Join us to gain field experience in wildlife monitoring and management. Surprises around every corner!
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LEADER: Lisa Pope Adjunct Professor, Catawba College Department of Environment and Sustainability; Coordinator, ForestSmart Schools Program Lisa Pope teaches in the Department of Environment and Sustainability at Catawba College. Her work focuses on the preparation and professional development of environmental educators. She supports students in achieving NC Environmental Education Certification through the NC Office of Environmental Education & Public Affairs. Lisa also serves as Coordinator of the ForestSmart Schools Program administered by the Catawba College Center for the Environment. Lisa has a passion for exploring the great outdoors with students of all ages! |
Solar Sparks! Cheap, Abundant, and Clean – Everyday uses for Clean Energy
July 15 – Tuesday
Everything is better when you power it with renewable energy, right? In this exploration, Noah will lead participants through various hands-on applications for solar power. Participants gain a greater understanding of the importance of timing, range of applications, and scale for everyday renewable energy uses. Participants will explore the beautiful Catawba College campus, tour some of their renewable energy infrastructure, and work with home-scale renewable energy for possibilities in cooking, transportation, and more...
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LEADER: Noah Upchurch Sustainability Program Director, Catawba College Noah Upchurch is Sustainability Program Director at the Catawba College Center for the Environment. In this role, Noah leads critical initiatives aimed at advancing sustainability and environmental stewardship within the college community and beyond. This role entails leading the College’s AASHE STARS sustainability Report and leading AASHE STARS improvement projects, conducting carbon accounting and maintaining the College’s carbon-neutral status, strategic implementation of sustainability-related donations and gifts, co-leading the student sustainability leadership development program, the Environmental Stewards Program, managing and communicating about renewable energy systems at the College, transitioning the College’s vehicle fleet, and setting up cross-departmental sustainability initiatives. |
Learn More:
Read more, make payments, and more below:
You will be notified by email of your acceptance once your application materials and fee have been received and reviewed by our Acceptance Committee.
Your deposit is due within 15 days of the acceptance email being sent (refundable before June 1.) Additional health and permission forms will be emailed to you and need to be returned as soon as possible. Please note that proof of a current physical (within a year of July 10) is required in order to attend the Summit.
- A $15 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of application.
- If accepted, the deposit goes toward the $50 program fee
- Program fee covers lunch and supplies
- Final balance is due 14 days prior to program day
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at envsummit@catawba.edu or 704-637-4791.
