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Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chem Camp
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BIOCHEM CAMP (AGES 13 - 14)

FAQ | REGISTRATION | FACULTY | CONTACT

BYU Biochem Camp

Have you ever wanted to perform experiments with proteins and DNA? Does making mutant cells and glowing proteins sound fun?

Explore and perform experiments with molecules that make all living organisms work.

For youth ages 13 or 14 at the time of the camp. Mature 12-year old youth that have completed a full year of junior high may also submit an application.

2020 BIOCHEM CAMP DATES

Session 5 (ages 13 - 14)
June 22–24
Monday–Wednesday
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily
16 openings (8 boys, 8 girls)
Session 6 (ages 13 - 14)
June 25–27
Thursday–Saturday
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily
16 openings (8 boys, 8 girls)
Session 7 (ages 13 - 14)
June 29 – July 1
Monday–Wednesday
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily
16 openings (8 boys, 8 girls)

BIOCHEM CAMP COST

$185
Generous donors have made tuition scholarships available. If you currently cannot afford the registration fee, please apply and indicate that you need a tuition scholarship.

Students working in lab
Students working in lab

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Participate in real hands-on biochemistry and molecular biology experiments with close mentoring from BYU students and professors.
  • Learn about and explore the molecules of life: DNA, RNA, protein, enzymes, and sugar.
  • Take lab tours and hear about careers in chemistry and life sciences.

BioChem Camp boasts a 3:1 student-counselor ratio.

Students working in lab
Students working in lab

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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    Who may participate in a Chem Camp?
    For ages 13-14 at the time of the camp.
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    How are applicants selected?
    BYU Chem Camps are committed to ensuring that high quality science experiences are available to all members of our community. Equal numbers of girls and boys participate in each camp. Campers are randomly selected from applicants.
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    When will the Chem Camps take place?
    There will be three BioChem Camp sessions.
    • SESSION 5 (ages 13–14) June 22–24, Monday-Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
    • SESSION 6 (ages 13-14)June 25–27, Thursday -Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
    • SESSION 7 (ages 13-14) June 29 – July 1, Monday-Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
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    What if I have children of slightly different ages? Can they attend together?
    Due to the nature of the experiments conducted, we cannot allow youth to attend sessions that are not for their age.
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    What do the Chem Camps cost?
    BioChem Camp (ages 13–14)
    The registration fee is $145.
    The cost includes experiments, activities, and supplies (goggles, lab coat, lunch each day (full-day camps), etc.), and personal instruction from BYU counselors. Families in financial need (eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches) can apply for a tuition scholarship to cover registration. Scholarships are made available by very generous private donors and the Central Utah Section of the American Chemical Society. The cost of the camps is heavily subsidized by private donors and the BYU College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
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    What if my child wants to attend a session with a friend/sibling/cousin?
    If two campers both want to attend a specific session of BYU Chem Camp together, please make a note of it on the application form. We will do our best to accommodate these requests.
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    What activities will campers be doing?
    BioChem Camp (ages 13–14)

    Campers will participate in hands-on lab activities each day. For example, campers will isolate and examine their own DNA, harness the power of bacteria to grow glowing proteins, and examine how cellular DNA repair systems protect organisms (like us!) from the sun. In all these investigations, appropriate safety measures will be followed, and a dedicated BYU student counselor will supervise.
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    What are the requirements to attend BYU Chem Camps?
    Each prospective attendee must fill out a short application to attend a BYU Chem Camp. Upon acceptance applicants must register and pay the registration fee. For students eligible for free or reduced-cost school lunches, a fee tuition scholarship is available. Email chemcamp@chem.byu.edu for more information about a tuition scholarship.
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    What is the daily schedule for Chem Camps?
    BioChem Camp

    SESSION 5
    (ages 13–14)
    June 22-24
    Monday-Wednesday
    9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    (lunch provided)

    SESSION 6
    (ages 13–14)
    June 25-27
    Thursday-Saturday
    9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    (lunch provided)

    SESSION 7
    (ages 13-14)
    June 29-July 1
    Monday-Wednesday
    9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    (lunch provided)

    Drop off and pick up will be located at the south end of the BYU campus near the Botany “Duck" Pond. Lunch will be provided for BioChem Camp. On the last day, parents and families are invited to attend a culminating magic show presentation. Details about this presentation will be sent to parents by email.
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    When is the application due? When will we find out whether we have been accepted?
    Applications will remain open until April 1, 2020.

    Starting in mid-March, accepted applicants will be given instructions on how to register.

Students working in lab
Students working in lab

BIOCHEM CAMP REGISTRATION

How do I register for Chem Camp?


First, apply: Apply Now. Applicants will then be randomly selected to register for camp sessions. Starting in March, accepted applicants will be given instructions on how to register. You will be contact by an email from chemcamp@chem.byu.edu.

Students working in lab
Students working in lab

BIOCHEM CAMP FACULTY

Daniel Ess
Professor Daniel Ess runs a computer simulation research group to discover the details of chemical reactions for reactions related to catalysis and energy. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers. Professor Ess teaches organic chemistry and publishes in chemical education journals.

Besides his time and passion for chemistry, Professor Ess enjoys playing and watching all sports and listening to live music.
Josh Andersen
Professor Josh Andersen leads a team of researchers seeking to understand how tumor cells become resistant to chemotherapy and other stresses that occur within the tumor environment. Professor Andersen teaches undergraduate and graduate biochemistry. When not in the lab, he loves to run, ski, mountain bike and fly fish.
James Moody
Professor James Moody and his team of researchers are working to develop new tools to make it easier to get atomic scale pictures of proteins. Professor Moody and his team also study and engineer enzymes that make and use free radicals to do amazing chemistry. Professor Moody teaches undergraduate and graduate biochemistry. When not in the lab, Professor Moody enjoys running, hiking, camping, drawing, and spending time with his family.

CONTACT

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For Questions
contact
chemcamp@chem.byu.edu
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