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CHEM CAMP (AGES 9 - 12)

FAQ | REGISTRATION | FACULTY

Come explore chemistry as you make molecules and measure changes you can’t see with your eyes. Experiments include titration, making batteries, identifying solutions, chromatography, ester synthesis, electrolysis, and macromolecule testing. There are two identical camp sessions (session 1 and 2) for 9–10-year-old children and two identical camp sessions for 11-12-year-old children. Camp (session 3 and 4). Ages are defined as the ages children will be at the time of camp. Mature 12-year-old youth that will have completed a full year of junior high before camp are invited to submit an application to BioChem Camp.

2024 CHEM CAMP DATES

Session 1 (ages 9 - 10)

July 9-10
Tuesday-Wednesday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Session 2 (ages 9 - 10)

July 11-12
Thursday-Friday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Session 3 (ages 11 - 12)

July 16-17
Tuesday-Wednesday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Session 4 (ages 11 - 12)

July 18-19
Thursday-Friday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

CHEM CAMP COST

Ages 9–10 $155; Ages 11–12 $165
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

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Participate in chemistry experiments with close mentoring from BYU students and professors.
  • Explore chemistry as the central science, and its relationship to physics, biology, and medicine.
Students working in lab

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • For ages 9–12 at the time of the camp. Mature 12-year old youth that will have completed a year of junior high can submit an application to biochem camp.
  • 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.

  • There will be four sessions.
    • SESSION 1 (ages 9–10): July 9-10, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    • SESSION 2 (ages 9–10): July 11-12, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    • SESSION 3 (ages 11–12): July 16-17, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    • SESSION 4 (ages 11–12): July 18-19, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Due to the nature of the experiments conducted, we cannot allow youth to attend sessions that are not for their age.
  • Chem Camp (ages 9–10) Registration fee is $155.

    Chem Camp (ages 11-12) Registration fee is $165.

    The cost includes experiments, activities, supplies (goggles, lab coat, etc.), personal instruction from BYU counselors, snacks, and lunch. Families in financial need (eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches at school) can apply for a tuition scholarship to cover registration. You will apply for a scholarship after you receive an acceptance letter, not during the initial application process. Scholarships are made available by very generous private donors. The normal cost of the camp is also heavily subsidized by very generous private donors.
  • 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.
  • Chem Camp (ages 9–12)

    Campers will participate in hands-on lab activities each day. For example, during the 9-10 camps experiments include titration, making batteries, identifying solutions, and chromatography. During the 11-12 camps, experiments include ester synthesis, titrations, electrolysis, chromatography, and macromolecule testing. During all these experiments appropriate safety measures will be followed, and a dedicated BYU student counselor will supervise campers.
  • 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 abut a tuition scholarship.
  • Chem Camp

    SESSIONS 1 and 2 are for 9-10 year olds are both two-day camps that begin at 9:00 a.m. Drop off will occur between 8:30-8:45 a.m. Snacks and lunch will be provided. Pick up occurs between 2:45-3:00 p.m.

    SESSIONS 3 and 4 are for 11–12 year olds are both two-day camps that begin at 9:00 a.m. Drop off will occur between 8:30-8:45 a.m. Snacks and lunch will be provided. Pick up occurs between 2:45-3:00 p.m.

    Drop off and pick up for all sessions will be located at the south end of the BYU campus near the Botany “Duck” Pond.

    Additional schedule details will be sent to parents after registration is complete.
  • Applications will open October 1, 2023. Acceptances will be extended beginning in March 2024. Like the BYU Chem Camp Facebook page to receive updates.

Students working in lab

CHEM 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

CHEM 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, watching all sports, and listening to live music.

Kara Stowers

Professor Kara Stowers studies catalyst design that will decrease the energy required for making chemicals from renewable sources. She has a diverse chemistry background that allows her to approach these challenges from a number of angles. Professor Stowers teaches both introductory general chemistry and advanced inorganic chemistry.

When she is not researching or teaching, Professor Stowers can be found hiking, snow-shoeing, or reading classic fiction.

Jennifer Nielson

Professor Jennifer Nielson is actively engaged in the international chemistry education community, traveling to Uganda each summer to lead professional development courses for chemistry teachers. She teaches general, organic, and biochemistry courses at BYU, and organizes community outreach programs like the hands-on chemistry workshop for kids at the Provo library during National Chemistry Week each fall.

Professor Nielson is an avid fan of good food and her favorite chemistry is in the kitchen.

Wally Paxton

Professor Wally Paxton creates new synthetic materials that mimic natural cell membranes to help release medicines at the right place in the body. He also creates new kinds of sensors for biological organisms.

In his free time, Professor Paxton enjoys mountain biking and playing Super Smash Bros. with his boys.