“For two weeks of their life, the world is designed for them”: Wildlife Science Summer Programs return for summer 2026
There is a certain type of person who runs toward creatures most of the general public would run away from. Who would happily spend all day climbing trees or flipping rocks in a stream. Who memorizes bird calls in their free time.
That type of person belongs at the Lees-McRae Wildlife Science Summer Program.
Each week-long session of the Wildlife Science Summer Program caters to high school-aged students who live and breathe wildlife biology. Not only does the program introduce students to potential career paths, but it also helps students build community with like-minded peers.
“For two weeks of their life, the world is designed for them,” Assistant Camp Director and Lees-McRae alumna Julie Banner ’22 said. “Every activity we do is built around them and their interests. When they leave camp they take a little bit of that with them, so they remember that there’s a place for them and they will find their people when they get to college. They remember to stay unapologetically inquisitive and a little bit wild.”
The program is organized by Assistant Dean of Natural and Health Sciences and Associate Professor of Biology Shinjini Goswami, with assistance from Banner. Other members of the School of Natural and Health Sciences faculty host various labs at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and the Elk Valley Preserve that represent the type of work they would do in college-level science classes. The first week focuses on introducing students to the wildlife sciences and the second week offers a deeper exploration of clinical work and research. Both weeks also include off-campus field trips to broaden students’ knowledge of wildlife careers.
In 2025, around 20 rising juniors and seniors arrived in Banner Elk to participate in one or both sessions. Several students had attended a previous program and were eager to get started, while others were nervous and unsure what to expect. However, it didn’t take long for even the shyest student to realize they were surrounded by people just like them.
“When I came here the first time, I was amazed at how many people shared my same interests and how many of them I wanted to hang out with constantly,” said high school senior William Bryce Greenley, who attended the camp before both his junior and senior year. “I’ve learned so many things from this camp. I’ve learned how to better talk to people who share my interests and how to act in a college type of setting. You are just constantly out in the field experiencing the work you would do even after you graduate. It’s awesome being able to do that kind of stuff.”
The first week was filled with opportunities to explore the Elk Valley Preserve and learn about ecology, conservation, and local ecosystems. Students participated in mammalogy, herpetology, ornithology, botany, and macroinvertebrate labs; took field trips to Grandfather Mountain and Linville Caverns; and worked on applied ecology projects that reinforced what they’d spent all week learning. They also had plenty of time to bond and enjoy staying on a college campus.
Week two elevated the experience. Students tried more advanced lab techniques like genetic sequencing and electrofishing; learned about local astronomy, geology, and insects; and took behind-the-scenes tours of the Greensboro Science Center and Western North Carolina Nature Center. Throughout the week they worked on educational presentations about the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s ambassador animals, which they shared with their families on the last day.
The fun and education continue this summer. Applications are now open for both sessions of the Wildlife Science Summer Program. Week one will be held June 7–13 and week two June 14–20. Students do not have to attend both weeks, but must attend week one (either this summer or a previous summer) to take part in week two. Applicants must be entering 11th or 12th grade and be ages 15–17.
Applications will be accepted through Sunday, May 10. With questions, contact wildlifecamp@lmc.edu.
Apply today
