For your awareness, some camps may be held during weeks of federal holidays also observed as official university holidays. Campus partners are asked to consider and plan camp activities according to the availability of services on such days. For a list of official university-wide holidays and observance dates visit the AU HR site.
For camp programming tips that recognize the federal holidays, please contact AYP at auyouth@auburn.edu or (334) 844-5100.
21st Century Explorers Camp
June 23 – June 27, 2025
Rising 9th – 12th Grade
The 21st Century Explorers Camp will focus on students exploring different college and career options. Students will also go through mentoring training in preparation to volunteer with 21st Century Community Learning Center students throughout Alabama. Students will participate in hands-on experiences on Auburn University and Southern Union Community College’s campuses.
This camp is coordinated by Auburn University’s Truman Pierce Institute faculty and staff, through funding by the Alabama State Department of Education. Students will have fun while learning to combine STEM, art, music, and other skills. Using skills learned at this camp, participants will return to 21st Century Community Learning Centers at a local school and serve a minimum of 40 hours volunteering in a 21st CCLC afterschool or summer camp within the year.
To learn where you can serve your 40 volunteer hours, please review the 2023-2024 Site List.
*If you notice that your site is not listed, please contact Erika Rucker, eatmoef@auburn.edu, for clarification.
This week long residential camp is designed to:
- Train high school students as tutors for 21st CCLC after-school and summer programs.
- Encourage careers in education
- Provide field experiences in life sciences: fisheries, horticulture, forestry, etc.
- Provide enrichment activities incorporating nature into literature, art, music, etc.
- Provide positive experiences on a university campus
Camp participants will experience campus-life while residing in Auburn's resident dormitories, eating at campus dining facilities, and enjoying evening social and recreational activities. Campers will have 24/7 counselor supervision.
HOUSING:
Campers will reside in dormitories. They are designed in suites consisting of two double-occupancy rooms connected by a bathroom.
They are designed in suites consisting of two double-occupancy rooms connected by a bathroom.MEALS:
Meals will be provided at The Edge at Central Dining. All dietary restrictions and allergies are taken into consideration for each meal.
FACILITIES:
Truman Pierce Institute - Chartered in 1982 as a research and outreach unit in the College of Education, our institute is devoted to the study and improvement of teaching, learning, and leadership. Our work focuses on ways to improve schools and communities by creating partnerships, conducting research, and providing programs to meet the needs of schools and communities.
Applications
Applications will open on December 10, 2024 and close on March 19, 2025.
To apply, students must:
- Be an Alabama high school student
- Have parental permission
- Write an Interest Statement (included on application form) describing why they should be selected to participate in this innovative summer camp experience
- Send a letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal, or school official
- Sign an agreement (included on application form) to work in extended-day programs for a minimum of 40 hours either as a volunteer or paid employee
- Provide transportation to the Summer Camp at Auburn University
What to Bring to Camp:
Please pack lightly – but do not forget to bring bedding, a towel, and toiletries.
Campers should refrain from bringing no more than one (1) suitcase and one (1) personal sized bag to camp.
Dorm Room:
- XL twin sheets/thick blanket or sleeping bag and pillow
- Alarm Clock
- Phone Charger
Toiletries:
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Soap
- Bath Towel
- Hairbrush
Clothing & Shoes:
- T-shirts: Loose fitting, tank tops must have straps three fingers wide and cover all undergarments
- Shorts: At least 3.5” inseam
- One (1) pair of jeans/long pants
- Underwear
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Tennis Shoes: We walk up to 6 miles daily!
- Closed toed shoes
- Swimsuit: For girls, a modest one piece swimsuit. For boys, no speedos or jammers.
- Flip-flops or Water Shoes: For the pool
- Sweatshirt or Jacket
- Dress up Outfit: Dressy casual (modest) outfit (e.g.: modest sundress, polo & khakis, pants & blouse)
- Rain Jacket or Poncho
Miscellaneous:
- Laundry Bag
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Beach Towel: For the pool
- Bug spray/Sunscreen
- $50 key/meal card deposit: Make check payable to Auburn University
Optional:
- Spending Money
Last Updated: November 20, 2024