The Summer Physics Camp started in 2017 as an effort to provide local students an opportunity to interact with role models in STEM, be exposed to cool hands-on science and discover what scientists do day-in and day-out. At the camp we not only share our technical fields but also share our personal paths and it is often that sharing that makes our students realize that few years earlier we were in their shoes and we were also uncertain about what to do in life.

Held at Pojoaque Valley High School in 2017, 2018 and 2019 the camp supported 20-25 students every year from Northern New Mexico and also offered a unique opportunity to tour LANL in person! Many students met their uncles or parents during those tours and students came from as far as Taos and Las Vegas.

The unexpected pandemic brought a challenge to the organizers but they faced it and from that challenge we built a VIRTUAL camp in 2020 and 2021 which offered new opportunities for students from rural areas in NM and also allowed us to offer the camp to a larger number of students through partnerships with Sandia National laboratory and Hawaii Science Museum. And if you join the camp… you will learn that we use the term: “if life gives you lemons… get ready to make lemonade!” and we can tell you that students (and parents) had lots of fun doing the VIRTUAL camp and building robots at home!. In 2022 the camp was hosted by New Mexico School for the Arts(NMSA)  and invited 40 students from NM and Hawaii to participate in the in-person camp again. At the crossroads of many public transportation venues, NMSA offered an amazing venue to link STEM and creativity.

If you want to look at what we did in previous years, you can browse through our previous year’s website and see the activities, and lots of pictures of our students having fun.

After the camp, we continue to be in touch with the students, encourage them in their educational paths and share opportunities that we believe they might be interested in like talks, information about internships or college scholarships.  After the camp, students are encouraged to apply for interships at the National laboratories and the number of past students that secure internships at LANL in a variety of roles has increased from 16 in 2020 to 24 in 2023!.  In addition, students that participate in the camp are joining the SAGE Journey program.

The SAGE mission is to engage curious and passionate young people and empower them to explore a wide range of possibilities for their futures and are offered monthly virtual events and opportunities like internships at DOE National Laboratories. There is much more than STEM at LANL and we are committed to help our community.

More information

You can find more information here:

https://newmexicoconsortium.org/summer-physics-camp

https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/internships/summer-schools/summer-physics-camp

Got a question? please, send your questions and inquiries to spcyw-nm@lanl.gov

Past camp websites:

2019- https://sites.google.com/view/2019-summer-physics-camp/home

2020- https://sites.google.com/view/2020-summer-physics-camp/home

2021- https://sites.google.com/view/2021-summer-physics-camp/home

2022- https://sites.google.com/view/2022-summer-physics-camp/home

2023-  https://sites.google.com/view/2023-summer-physics-camp/home

2024- https://sites.google.com/view/2024-summer-physics-camp/home

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Program:

This camp explore topics related to energy and energy security (reliable, affordable access to all fuels and energy sources) and offer students a chance to boost their understanding of how STEM improves the world around us through hands-on activities, demonstrations, tour or Los Alamos National Laboratory, talks and a multiday hands-on engineering project.

Students will learn the principles of physics, engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, computer programming and cybersecurity, and will apply their knowledge in a range of exciting hands-on multi-day projects. They will also explore different energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal and nuclear power, to better understand the challenges faced by our modern society.

Participants will also learn a broad range of professional skills including:

• how to write a resumé
• how to apply and interview for a job
• the opportunities available at our local colleges and at Department of Energy National Laboratories like Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

For more information see our past camp websites:

2019 https://sites.google.com/view/2019-summer-physics-camp/home

2020- https://sites.google.com/view/2020-summer-physics-camp/home

2021- https://sites.google.com/view/2021-summer-physics-camp/home

2022- https://sites.google.com/view/2022-summer-physics-camp/home

2023  https://sites.google.com/view/2023-summer-physics-camp/home

2024- https://sites.google.com/view/2024-summer-physics-camp/home

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Costs:

This summer camp is FREE to students. Daily lunch and snacks will also be provided. Students completing the full program will be offered a stipend and the opportunity to be part of the national SAGE Journey program.

A limited number of FREE residential spots will be available to selected students living more than 60 miles away from Santa Fe and unable to commute to the camp each day.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Students living in NM, NM tribal communities or East Hawaii Island.
• Completed Algebra I or a higher-level math course
• Able to commit to 2-week full participation Monday- Friday, 9am-4:30pm
  

Acceptance to the camp is not based on grade point average but on how the experience can impact your future.

All students are welcome to apply and one of our goals is to engage those who may not normally consider themselves as potential scientists.

How to Apply:

Application deadline:  COB Monday, April 1, 2025

• Please fill out this form. You will be asked to write an essay about yourself, why you believe the camp will be useful to you and your interests.
• Ask a teacher/counselor to send before 4/1/2025 a reference letter explaining why they think this camp will benefit you to spcyw-nm@lanl.gov
• Obtain copies of your school transcripts confirming you have Algebra 1 and email to spcyw-nm@lanl.gov before 4/1/2025.

Questions:  spcyw-nm@lanl.gov

Application is due April 1, 2025

TO APPLY CLICK HERE

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Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Share your time and expertise: Volunteer at the free physics camp this summer

Success depends on support of people like you

Please fill out this form if you are interested in volunteering for the camp this year. The success of the camp resides on the amazing volunteers that participate in it.

Ways to volunteer:

1) topic lead: organize several sessions on a specific topic 

2) session lead: volunteer for one hour, one day (morning or afternoon)

3) session or topic support: join a session/s and volunteer on already planned activities

4) logistics support: (design posters, signs, badges, certificates, purchase materials etc)

5) Residential chaperone

Interested in becoming a sponsor? 

The success of the Summer Physics Camp depends on our wonderful sponsors. We appreciate the support and do our best in exhibiting their business. Donations are tax deductible and can be sent to:

New Mexico Consortium
Attn: Teri Thomas-SPCYW
4200 West Jemez Rd, Suite 301
Los Alamos, NM 87544

Sponsors include:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Does this camp cost anything?

No! This camp is completely free to attending students. Lunch and snacks are provided each day.

Q: What if I can’t afford it because I need to stay home and work to make some money this summer?

Students completing the full program will be offered a stipend and the opportunity to be part of the national SAGE Journey program.

Q: Will I be accepted if I have a low grade point average?

Acceptance to the camp is not based on grade point average. Please apply! 

Q: How do I know if I am eligible for this camp?

• You must live in NM, NM tribal communities or East Hawaii Island
• You must have completed Algebra I or a higher-level math course
• You must be able to commit to 2-week full participation Monday- Friday, 9am-4:30pm

Q: Can boys apply?

Yes, while the camp started as a camp for young women, for the last few years it has been open to all students. Encourage your student to apply if he/they are interested and would benefit from this program. Selection is not based on GPA but on the impact attending the camp can have on the student.