National Youth Science Academy and Science Adventure School are combining forces to create an exciting new opportunity for WV youth!

National Youth Science Academy has decades of programming under our belt specializing in introducing students from all over the globe to the exciting opportunities to learn here in WV. Science Adventure School specializes in outdoor -adventure education and positive youth development having served almost 4000 youth since 2019. Together, we’ll be uniting our high-impact programming with WV’s greatest natural places to form a seven-day adventure and experience of a lifetime for thirteen youth rising to 5th or 6th grade in WV.

What will we do at OWL?

Youth will meet our team at the National Youth Science Academy campus in Davis, WV. From there, our fun-filled week will include:

• Exploring iconic WV sites like Blackwater Falls State Park, Seneca Rocks, Green Bank Observatory, and more.
• Experimenting with new activities like canoeing, rock climbing, caving, mountain biking, and more. No experience needed!
• Experiencing the sometimes hidden science behind WV’s treasures including astronomy, geology, fossil hunting, and so many more exciting topics.

Schedule

Because we are an outdoor education and adventure program, this schedule is very likely to change based on weather in the region and therefore the activities planned will likely shift too. As such, this is just a high level overview and subject to change. Also note that there are many more fun activities and educational opportunities buried in each moment of the day than are listed below.

Sunday 8/10 – Arrival to NYSA base in Davis, set up camp, play games, and enjoy an opening fire.

Monday 8/11 – Explore the area on an interpretive hike, learn biking skills and the Science Behind the Sport of Biking, learn about the historic town of Cokeville, and play in the Blackwater river.

Tuesday 8/12 – Meet a famous local artist, Octavia Spriggs, and learn how to connect your fun outdoor experiences to a budding interest in art, check out Cathedral State Park, Charm Farm, and join the fabulous Callie Cronin Sams to explore the exciting critters in our waterways.

Wednesday 8/13 – Depart the NYSA base for an expedition through some of WV most iconic places like Dolly Sods Wilderness and Seneca Rocks. We’ll be taking our time, learning about the uniqueness of these places, and exploring as we enjoy our road trip. We’ll end at Green Bank Observatory and set up camp there.

Thursday 8/14 – Learn about the Green Bank Observatory as well as concepts in astronomy and physics from some of the scientists who work there!

Friday 8/15 – For our last day together, we’re planning two epic adventures. On our way back to Davis, we’ll be stopping to do some flatwater paddling on Spruce Knob Lake and exploring what’s underneath our great state caving near the Sinks of Gandy. We’ll arrive to a fun campfire celebration for our last night together!

Saturday 8/16 – Departure day means we’ll be preparing lunch for our families! Participants will be excited to tell about their exciting adventures, so please plan to join us for lunch and presentation of our week together.

Logistics:

• Participants will arrive on Sunday, August 10th and depart on Saturday, August 16th.
• Participants must be between 10 and 12 years old – rising 5th and 6th graders.
• To register, you will be responsible for paying a $100 deposit. However, this amount will be refunded to you after the participant completes the program.

Next Steps:

• If you are interesting in joining us, please fill out the online application. The priority deadline for applicants is Friday, July 18th.
• We will be reaching out to all applicants the following week, July 21-25, to let you know if you will be moving on to registration or if you’ll be on the waitlist.
• If you are selected to attend, we will be sending you a registration packet that will need to be promptly completed in order to secure your spot. We will also hold two open-house Zoom meetings where you can join us to ask questions, meet the team, and get ready for your adventure.

FAQs:

Do I need to have experience in adventure activities?

No! You sure don’t. This program is built to help youth gain comfort and excitement for outdoor activities through thorough and patient instruction by our experts. We strictly adhere to “Challenge by Choice,” meaning that we’ll help you step out of your comfort zone with support and encouragement, but we’ll never ask anyone to do anything they truly don’t want to do!

What gear or equipment do I need to participate?

We ask that you bring along personal clothing and shoes, but that’s all you truly need! If you have your own gear (like headlamps sleeping bags, sleeping pads), you’re welcome to bring them along, but we have all those items in clean, new, and working condition, ready for your use! You’ll receive a complete packing list as part of your registration packet, but for now, anticipate a list that includes clothing for seven days (pants, shorts, t-shirts, socks), toiletries, towels, shoes, rain gear, hat, medications, a sheet, and a pillow.

Who are the people who are running this program?

For the duration of the program, you will be guided by four of WV’s most highly trained and experienced outdoor, STEAM, and adventure educators. They are:

Greg Corio – Greg has spent over 25 years developing and executing outdoor adventure programming all over the country for WV youth. Greg is a dedicated outdoorsperson from Grafton, WV, who is passionate about ensuring WV youth get to experience what makes WV (and our people) so special. Helping youth find the confidence, grit, and determination to do great things in life is what drives Greg to continue to push the boundaries and fight for a better future for all West Virginians.

Ryan Haupt – A WV native from Charleston, Ryan is the Executive Director of the National Youth Science Academy. He earned his PhD in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Wyoming which included the study of ground sloths and the WV state fossil – Megalonyx jeffersonii (a 10 foot tall ground sloth that lived in WV during the last ice age!). Ryan brings a wealth of experience and passion for science education to the team, and is eager to provide WV youth with top-tier, STEAM-based opportunities.

Ali Jeney – From Clarksburg, WV, Ali is an environmental geoscientist, educator, and outdoorsperson. She is currently the Director of Science Adventure School, a cutting-edge outdoor orientation program designed for 6th grade students in WV. She specializes in using adventure sports and the outdoors to facilitate unique and appropriately challenging learning opportunities to help students recognize their own individual value, strengths, and pride.

Nathan Sams – The Associate Director of Programming and Development at NYSAcademy, Nathan brings to our team over 25 years of teaching experience in formal and informal settings in WV. With degrees in mathematics and chemistry, as well as a doctoral degree in STEM Education, Nathan is passionate about inspiring lifelong learning through leveraging students’ interests and natural sense of curiosity and wonder.

Guest Speakers, Lecturers, and Volunteers – In addition to the four full-time guides, students will enjoy activities with experts and enthusiasts in various STEAM fields throughout the week.

Use the form below to apply!

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