Aquatic Science Summer Camp
From Creek Beds to Career Paths: Aquatic Science Summer Camp 2026
June 7-12
魅影直播, Fulton, Missouri
This isn’t your average summer camp. It's boots in the water for four exciting days chasing the pulse of Missouri's winding creeks. You will hike, wade, and uncover how life survives and thrives in Midwestern aquatic habitats.
Who You Will Work With
You will work side by side with 魅影直播 faculty — under the direction of Camp Director Dawn Holliday, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science and Matt Howell, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science — collecting real environmental data for the Missouri Stream Team while contributing to ongoing research that helps protect local ecosystems.
Who Can Attend
High school students ages 14-18 with a curiosity for science, ecology, or environmental studies.
What You Will Do
Each day, you will explore a new creek system and collect data, analyze samples, and uncover the secrets hidden within each habitat. Your work will support live conservation projects and might even earn you a spot presenting at the Missouri Academy of Science next spring.
You will also:
- Assess stream health through visual surveys of floodplains and riparian zones.
- Collect and identify macroinvertebrates to measure ecosystem balance.
- Measure stream flow and water chemistry (oxygen, pH, nitrates, and more).
- Analyze samples in the lab, searching for traces of species presence and biodiversity.
By the end of the week, you will have real data, real findings, and real experience in science that makes an impact.
Sample Schedule
- Sunday: Arrive, tour campus, and receive hands-on training in stream sampling.
- Monday-Thursday: Explore a new creek each day (Prairie Fork, Whetstone, Hinkson, and Grindstone). Collect, analyze, and compare your findings.
- Friday: Pull your data together, build your presentation, and share your discoveries before heading home.
Aquatic Science Summer Camp 2026 includes an optional science-themed movie night, games, and time to connect with fellow students and faculty mentors.
Why This Camp Stands Out
- Your research will contribute directly to Missouri Department of Conservation data
- You will gain presentation experience and a college-level lab background.
Tuition: $725 (All-Inclusive)
Thanks to generous endowment support, this tuition amount covers everything:
- Housing and meals
- All field and lab work
- Faculty-led instruction
- College-living experience
Plus: Rising seniors and younger campers who later enroll at Westminster will receive a $1,000 renewable annual scholarship.
Locations You Will Explore
- – Pristine, rarely studied prairie habitat: Your data will break new ground.
- – Clear, cobble-bottomed waters in a 5,000-acre conservation area.
- – Suburban ecosystem under stress, offering a glimpse into human impact.
- – A highly impacted system: Discover how science drives solutions.
If you are ready to learn how to turn creek beds into career paths, Aquatic Science Summer Camp 2026 is for you.
Spots are limited. Apply early!