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.

Registration for 2025 will open soon. 

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 2024 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.  

Cost

The cost for attending one week of camp is $2,000 ($1,300 tuition and $700 room/board) and for attending both weeks is $3,200 ($1,800 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. 
 

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—$2,000 for one week or $3,200 for both weeks. Applications will not be reviewed until the deposit has been received.

Apply

Registration will open soon!

Contact Us

With questions, contact wildlifecamp@lmc.edu