Close to 800 young children and teens studied sciences, vet medicine, art and theater at Florida A&M University this summer.
The university is hosting 20 camps this summer, including the annual Ag Discovery,the Exxon Mobile Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp and the 2011 Marching 100 Band Camp that started Saturday.
FAMU hopes to recruit future Rattlers through these programs.
Director of Continuing Education Phyllis Watson said the campers tour the university and learn about the student services that exist.
“I believe the ultimate goal is for the campers to have a very memorable experience, and return to our campus as students upon their graduation from high school,” Watson said.
Many of the students were impressed with the University.
Elliot Shorter, a soon-to-be sixth grader in the Summer Science Camp, said he wants to be a Rattler.
“I don’t know what my major is going to be but I want to go to FAMU,” the Tallahassee resident said.
FAMU’s student dining center was a main attraction for campers.
Although most FAMU students are home for the summer, some remain to help the campers.
Sophomore Mechanical Engineering student Benjamin Fullington said the camps will keep the children’s minds fresh for the school year. He admitted that the students have taught him much over the summer.
“I learned patience is necessary to work with children,” said Fullington. “Kids don’t learn at the same pace and others have to learn that.”
Keyama Young, a local student and camper with the Global Security Summer Institute, said she learned different things.
“They’re teaching us Chinese, about the Central Intelligence Agency and how to avoid Cyber Bullying,” said Young.
FAMU’s Marching 100 will have their campers participate in a Parade this week. They will begin at Bragg Memorial Stadium and end at “The Set” on campus.
The camp will end with the Super Summer-Fest Finale Performance. Current and former members will mix with the campers for the show.
The event is open to the public.