Last week marked the closing of three summer camp programs in the College. Starting with the Research Extension Apprentice Program (REAP) followed by the AgDiscovery Camp and finally the 4-H Youth Leadership Laboratory, over 125 young people converged on campus between June and July to increase awareness of career opportunities in Agriculture and Human Sciences. Through these camps, the University is taking action to address the critical shortage of well-trained professionals in the food and agricultural sciences.

Camp evaluation data from REAP, the first campus of the summer, revealed that students were particularly interested in sessions on team building, creating healthy snacks, sausage making; and producing and selecting quality eggs. At the closing ceremony, students expressed their excitement to return to their respective homes with unforgettable memories using the lessons they learned in team building, working with different personalities, forming relationships, improving communication skills, preparing for business endeavors and becoming future college students, especially at PVAMU.

The AgDiscovery camp, co-hosted by PVAMU and TAMU, and supported by the USDA-APHIS, gave participants from areas such as Hawaii, Maryland, Texas and the Virgin Islands a look at two uniquely historical land-grant perspectives. The partnership encouraged students to not only explore beyond the walls of college but also learn from diverse viewpoints. They stretched beyond their comfort zones and experienced career options in a broad array of fields. The featured speaker at the culminating event was Director Kenneth E. Johnson, Director Civil Rights Diversity and Inclusion at USDA, APHIS, OCRDI, Riverside, Maryland.

The Youth Leadership Laboratory hosted the largest number of guests over the shortest period of time. Under the auspices of the 4-H & Youth Development Program, these students joined their extension county agent chaperones from across the state of Texas for a fun filled exploration of labs, college preparatory experiences and exposure to the STEM components of Agriculture and Nutrition.

All camp programs in CAHS this summer are made possible through USDA support.

Click to view fun photos from the CAHS online Gallery.
James Palmer

 

James Palmer, Ph.D.
Interim Dean and Director of Land-Grant Programs
jmpalmer@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-2214