THE FUTURE OF FIELD CAMP: ATTRACTING INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDENTS TO ENGAGE IN CLIMATE ACTION

Field-based learning is foundational in student comprehension of climate change and geosciences. The hands-on nature of experiential learning helps spark curiosity and ground concepts introduced in traditional classroom settings. The climate crisis has created a job market where there are more job opportunities in a variety of careers related to climate change and field camps can serve as an efficient method to bridge the green skills gap. Inclusive best practices involve providing field-based learning opportunities to women, as they are disproportionately affected by climate change, and international students as global perspectives are also desired in climate based work.

At Bryant University, a summer field camp experience dubbed “Climate Change 3Fs: Facts, Forces, and Future” introduced a senior female undergraduate business student, Taylor Vahey, to the fields of geoscience and climate change, which catalyzed her to pivot her career entirely. Before attending the field trip to the world-renowned middle Miocene fossil site in Clarkia, Idaho, this student had not completed any formal college level science courses. Traveling with the field trip team with faculty members and students with diverse background (male and female, domestic and international, science and non-science majors), her role was originally to photograph the fossil collection process and assist in the communication of the findings. Being inspired, following the field experience, she went on to engage in climate activism across campus and presented at seven academic conferences that academic year. Upon graduation from Bryant University, she advocated for the creation of a sustainability based position at her alma mater and is now working as their first Sustainability Coordinator. Vahey now plans to dedicate her career to solving climate issues engaging in sustainable business practices and climate justice work. Her story is a testament to the power of experiential learning through interdisciplinary field camp experiences.