From camper to leader, students come full circle through the Faculty of Science Summer Camps

The return of the in-person and popular Faculty of Science Summer Camps this summer was perfect timing for Reece Antler, a former summer camp attendee who this year joined the program as a camp leader. 

For the past two years, the Faculty of Science Summer Camps program has delivered virtual programs to help students continue science learning at home during the COVID pandemic. This summer saw the return of the camps program to in-person activities on campus, and as a second year university student Reece met eligibility requirements, so this year it’s game on for the self-described science enthusiast. It’s also a family affair — his older sister Riley was also a camp leader in the program.

“She’s a big inspiration to me,” says Reece, adding that she made sure the two of them were never in the same camp together.

“One week, Riley would teach the computer science camp and I would take Minecraft and the next week it would be the opposite,” he laughs. 

It’s a full circle moment. This summer, Reece led the game design and computer science camps and loved it. The camp leader role involves overseeing science-based explorations and activities from grades 1 to 9, mentoring students as they progress through the week and supporting other leaders as needed. 

“The cyber-minis are still learning to type and use a mouse and they sometimes need extra help,” he says. “Week to week there may be campers who have unique needs or require a little extra one-on-one help, and we adapt our camps to meet our campers' needs and overcome them together. Normally, it’s about four leaders to 24 students.”

As a kid, Reece loved the Faculty of Science Summer Camps, particularly coding, but he was most inspired by the leaders who supported him and others throughout their camp experience. 

“I distinctly remember thinking: ‘what if I don’t want to code?’ But the leaders convinced me to keep going and that left me with a positive experience,” he says. “A good portion of the campers are here because their parents want them to do something science-related during the summer, or they have an interest in computers, but some of them are not sure how to start. That extra support that was provided to me when I was a camper stuck with me. Now, meeting the campers and hopefully giving them the same support that was given to me — piquing their interest and encouraging them to continue on — that’s the highlight for me.”

Camp leaders Matthew Tam, Jacob Mellick and Sophie Do (left to right). Sophie Do is a second-year Faculty of Science student who attended DiscoverE summer camps as a student. She joins this year's cohot of Science Summer Camp leaders. Photo credit: Dawn Graves

Sophie Do, a second-year biological sciences student in immunology and infection, attended DiscoverE summer camps as a kid, and this summer taught Minecraft as part of Science Summer Camps.

“When I was younger, I had a lot of fun doing different activities and learning about topics that are not often covered in school,” she says. “Science classes can be quite limited so learning about more complex topics in camp really drew me into wanting to learn more about science. Now, as a leader, it feels very rewarding when kids tell you how much they love an activity or how much fun they’re having. Summer camp is part of core childhood memories and being able to be part of that for someone else makes me glad I decided to become a leader.”

Encouraging young people to explore science and technology is important, says Reece, because it’s always evolving. “This is especially true with computer science which is what I'm teaching here at the camps. I mean, who knows, they may end up being the next Albert Einstein or Steve Jobs!” 

Because there were no returning leaders this year who would normally serve as senior leaders, Reece and his cohort pitched in to help Cody Steinke, Engagement Associate (Camps & Outreach), who oversees the entire program. 

“It was very difficult to bring back the program after two summers had passed, but it went well and the experience for everyone involved was rewarding,” says Steinke. “I am extremely thankful for all the enthusiastic and passionate university students and staff that made this summer a success.” 

Although game design remains a strong interest, Reece decided to pursue an education degree with a major in music after two years of coaching a drumline team at his former high school. He plays close to 50 instruments with some proficiency but is particularly fond of drumming and guitar.

The experience he and Sophie are gaining as camp leaders is irreplaceable. Asked if he will be returning next year, Reece immediately answers yes. 

““I am hopeful that I will have the opportunity to be a leader with the science camps throughout my degree at the U of A,” he says. “It’s an amazing summer job.”