Wildlife Science Summer Programs
The wildlife science summer program at Lees-McRae College is designed to offer a summer academic enrichment program to students who (1) have completed at least their freshman year of high school and (2) are currently enrolled in or have completed a high school level biology course. Participants have the choice of two sessions as described below.
WEEK 1: Wildlife Science Summer Program
June 15–21
This program is designed for high school students who are curious about the natural environment and want to explore ecology and biology experiences that shape programs like wildlife biology. Participants will be introduced to hands-on experiences that involve learning about plant and animal ecology and conservation at the Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station and surrounding areas of western North Carolina, and about veterinary sciences and wildlife rehabilitation, including gaining exposure to outdoor patient care and wildlife education at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
WEEK 2: Wildlife Science Summer Program
June 22–June 28
This program is designed for high school students actively interested in pursuing a college education in the wildlife biology field. Successful participants will have attended either week 1 of the summer program in June 2025 or a previous wildlife camp at Lees-McRae College or have previous experience working with different types of organisms. Participants will work in a clinical setting alongside mentors and staff at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and engage in detailed wildlife studies at the Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station.
Summer wildlife camps allow high school students to explore the great outdoors
In late June 2022, while many Bobcats are pursuing off-campus ventures over the summer, a different group of students moves into the dorms. For two weeks Lees-McRae hosts ambitious, animal-minded high school students.
Camp Information
Location
Campers will be housed in a residence hall on campus, two to a room. No roommate requests can be accommodated. Residence/Camp counselors supervise campers during after-hours and in between class and/or lab activities and throughout the evening. The camper-to-counselor ratio is approximately 1:7.
Meals
Students will eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining halls. Dietary needs will be reasonably accommodated. Be sure to note any dietary needs and/or allergy information in your online application.
Staff
Camp activities and sessions will be staffed by May School of Natural and Health Sciences faculty and staff members and Lees-McRae College staff and undergraduate students. Residence/Camp counselors will supervise the students for all other activities.
Cost
One Week = $2,000 ($1,300 tuition and $700 room/board)
Two Weeks = $3,400 ($2,000 tuition and $1,400 room/board)
This cost includes lodging and meals, camp insurance, instruction, materials and supplies, field trips, transportation during camp, and a camp t-shirt/souvenir. Participants will have the opportunity to actively study wildlife biology, veterinary science, conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation from both academic and experiential learning approaches.
An electronic payment service fee of 2.7% for all credit/debit card transactions will apply.
Please note: A refundable $200 application deposit is required or you can pay the full program amount—$2,000 for one week or $3,400 for both weeks. Applications will not be reviewed until the deposit has been received.
Final Payment Option
Thank you for securing your camper’s spot with your deposit! To complete your registration, please submit the remaining balance using the link below by June 5, 2025.
Final Payment Amounts
One Week = $1,800
Two Weeks = $3,200
To make a final payment by check, please make checks payable to Lees-McRae College and mail to:
Lees-McRae College
Attn: Wildlife Camp
191 Main St. W.
Banner Elk, NC 28604
Be sure to include your camper's name with the payment to ensure it is applied correctly.
Apply
Eligibility
All students entering 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2025 are welcome to apply. We are unable to make exceptions for younger students (our age limit is 15–17 years). Home-schooled students are also encouraged to apply, as are students from out of state and out of the country.
Contact Us
With questions, contact wildlifecamp@lmc.edu.