Get Real! Camp in Sodus, NY

The Get Real! Science Sustainability Camp—simply called Get Real! Camp this year, as it was led by transdisciplinary teams of our graduate students in the science, math, social studies, ELA, and elementary ed programs—wrapped up with young climate justice activists sharing findings from what they learned about climate change during the weeklong camp at Sodus Junior/Senior High School. The campers used their authentic learning experiences to highlight the vulnerabilities in their community and to find equitable and sustainable ways to address the climate crisis. This summer, April Luehmann (Associate Professor of Science Education at the Warner Graduate School of Education and Director of Get Real! Science) and her team guided middle school students in conducting three transdisciplinary investigations focused on mitigating and adapting to extreme weather conditions, identifying the essential role plants and food play in climate change, and finding ways to reduce trash, including creating compost from food waste.

Our students were so proud and excited about Get Real! Camp. It was clear when we had over sixty people that attended our showcase that included our youth, parents, grandparents, teachers, community members, steady work, and community partners. We can't thank you enough for bringing this amazing camp to us students here in Sodus. I know some of your team traveled two to four hours a day to be with us and we are so grateful. - Val Fanning, Director of Grants, Sodus Central School District