Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
This summer, South Texas College opened its doors to students of all ages, inviting them to spark their curiosity and unleash their creativity through its annual summer camps. From jewelry making and toy photography to biology, piano, drumline, welding and more, participants immersed themselves in exciting, hands-on learning experiences that will benefit them beyond the summer.
Biology Instructor Xiomara Galvan Garcia shared how the camp has transformed students, sparking curiosity, building confidence and inspiring future career goals. She emphasized the joy of watching students evolve over just one week from timid observers to engaged learners eager to explore the world of science.
“Over the years, I’ve seen the profound impact that summer camp has on the kids,” she said. “Their curiosity ignites as we explore how bacteria grow or discuss ecosystems and their relevance to daily life. By the end of the week, many students express interest in pursuing careers in science. Some dream of becoming doctors, while others aspire to enter STEM fields. It’s also incredibly rewarding to see shy students build confidence and engage more with their peers.”
Garcia added that returning campers often come back eager for new challenges, ready to build on what they learned in previous years. She explained that their enthusiasm not only demonstrates the lasting impact of the camp, but also creates a positive influence on first-time participants.
“The camp instills confidence, fosters a deeper understanding of biology and encourages curiosity in a field that some may have found intimidating,” she said.
Olivia De La Rosa, STC’s dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, emphasized the camps’ role in connecting youth to higher education.
“The main goal of our camps is to introduce kids to all that STC has to offer,” she said. “These camps give them the chance to spend time on campus, learn from college faculty and experience the college environment firsthand. We hope they leave excited about their experience and return to enroll in our programs in the future.”
Students were equally enthusiastic about their time at the camp, sharing how the experience left a lasting impression. Mackenzie Ramirez, a jewelry-making camp participant, expressed her excitement about both the learning and social aspects of the program.
“My favorite part about this camp has been making new friends and learning new skills I never thought I’d get the chance to try,” she said. “It’s been such a fun and welcoming environment, and it’s made me even more excited about school and future opportunities. I would definitely do this camp again and can’t wait to check out the other camps STC offers.”
In creative arts, students tapped into their imagination through toy photography under the guidance of Adam McGrath, STC director of Creative Arts within its Communication and Creative Services department.
“The kids really enjoy the camp because they get to see instant results,” he said. “Many come in with little to no knowledge of photography, unsure of what to expect, but by the end of the camp, they leave with new skills and the ability to take noticeably better photos. Watching their confidence grow as they see their work improve in real-time is incredibly rewarding.”
STC’s summer camps continue to foster a love for learning while introducing young students to the endless possibilities of higher education.
Information source: STC
