2024 GeoAdventure Camp
In June, students travelled to southern Utah to explore national parks, learn academic skills, and tour college campuses. This camp is an annual event in which GEAR UP students socialize and experience new opportunities, all guided by GEAR UP staff and college professors.
Students exploring southern Utah's national parks.
Horseriding near Bryce Canyon!
GEAR UP students and staff enjoying nature at camp.
This June, the camp started with students travelling by bus down to Southern Utah University, where they learned more about both the campus and the expectations of the week-long camp. They toured the campus and got to know the staff and other campers, before getting dinner and looking over maps of the national parks. Afterwards, the group traveled down through Red Canyon, then to the Bryce Canyon area to prepare for the next day.
The following day, one group of students rode horses along trails near their lodging, while the other was taken on a geology hike through Bryce Canyon national park. The two groups swapped after a few hours, so that all could experience the activities of the day. After tacos and rest, the group woke and drove to Zion's national park, where they were shown the sights and sites that the park had to offer. Professors from Southern Utah University guided them along the way, teaching them about the environment and geology in a directed hands-on way. After hikes and interactions with park staff, the group then drove to Utah Tech University, where they'd be residing for the evening.
As the camp came to an end, students were given a tour of Utah Tech University, where, like Southern Utah University, they learned the different programs and opportunities available. They then said their farewells, boarded the buses, and returned home. The camp was a fantastic experience, and enabled these students to experience new opportunities, and to explore the options that await in their futures. Overall, it can be said that the GeoAdventure camp "rocked".