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 18–24
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 25–July 1
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 2023 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.
Cost
The cost for attending one week of camp is $1,600 ($1,000 tuition and $600 room/board) and for attending both weeks is $2,800 ($1,600 tuition and $1,200 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.
Please make checks payable to Lees-McRae College and mail to:
Lees-McRae College
Attn: Shinjini Goswami
Lees-McRae College Summer Programs
PO Box 128, Banner Elk, NC 28604
OR
You may pay online using our secure payment service. 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. After completing the application form, you will be directed to a payment window. You must pay $200 at minimum, or you can pay the full program amount—$1,600 for one week or $2,800 for both weeks. Applications will not be reviewed until the deposit has been received.
Apply
Registration for the Wildlife Science Summer Programs is now closed. Registered participants may make remaining payments online here.



Contact Us
Shinjini Goswami
Program Supervisor
Assistant Dean of Natural and Health Sciences
goswamis@lmc.edu