Learning should never stop. Especially if you're an educator!
Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School science teacher Cheryl Backman just returned from two weeks at the 16th annual Geology Camp for Teachers (G-Camp), hosted by the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Texas A&M University and sponsored by Aramco Americas.
The 25 G-Camp participants were teachers from around the United States. They spent two weeks traveling roughly 3,100 miles through Texas, Colorado and New Mexico and visited three national parks, six state parks and five national monuments to learn more about the geology of the southwest. Sites visited included Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado National Monument and White Sands National Park. 
"G-Camp was a game-changer for me. Experiencing geology in the field - touching rocks, observing formations and learning directly from experts - gave me a whole new perspective," said Backman.
"It was also exciting to meet educators from around the country and share ideas with each other. I look forward to sharing this excitement and deepening my understanding with my students."
During the summer of 2022, Backman participated in Space Academy for Educators.
G-Camp has trained more than 500 teachers since its inception, offering hands-on field trips to important geological sites across Texas and the southwestern portion of the United States. Participants get direct experience with sedimentary layers, tectonic features and fossils, while also creating classroom materials.
This summer's program was led by Michael Pope, Ph.D., a Geology professor and director of G-Camp who emphasized the importance of connecting educators directly with the science they teach.
"Our goal with G-Camp is to connect teachers with the science they teach in a meaningful, hands-on way," Pope said. "When educators experience geology in the field, they gain not only content knowledge but also the confidence to inspire curiosity and scientific thinking in their classrooms."
The program is offered at no cost to selected teachers thanks to Aramco, an energy company.
Applications for G-Camp 2026 will open in early spring. Interested educators can find more details and submit their applications by visiting the G-Camp website.
