CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The National Youth Science is staying virtual for a second year in a row due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Dr. Brian Kinghorn, camp director, said that means delegates will not be required to travel to Pocahontas County.
“Obviously they can’t do some of the hands on science, but there’s a lot digital tools and data that they can work with,” he said.
The online program focuses on STEM; science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“We’re encouraging delegates to disconnect on the weekends and go outdoors. We’re going to have an outdoor safety and education training,” Kinghorn said.
Kinghorn said last year’s virtual camp helped them continue their work this year.
“As a result, we were able to get the funding to hire staff,” he said.
There are 140 delegates from across the nation and from 12 countries.
Several tours will be available this year including a tour of M.C. Escher’s art and the Greenbank Observatory.
The camp runs through July 21.
Kinghorn said the hope was campers would be able to return to Camp Pocahontas in 2022.