Forty-six first year students kick started their studies with the annual Bachelor of Advanced Science Camp, held at Koonjewarre in Springbrook last month.
First year student James Vandeleur says the camp provided a unique opportunity to socialise with the cohort in a more relaxed setting outside the classroom.
“It was great having the freedom and time to really get to know people and get past just a friendly hello,” James said.
“Hands down my most memorable experience from camp was the night we all sat around the billiards table and spent the night chatting away.”
Fellow first year student Arwen Nugteren also appreciated the opportunity to meet new people and form new friendships.
“I really enjoyed the group activities we did as it was a fun way to really get to know the other people in my cohort,” Arwen said.
“The trivia evening, fudge shop visit and the bushwalk were some of my favourite experiences from the weekend.”
The two-day camp program is designed and led by students in the UQ Science Leaders Academy, a program for highly engaged science students to develop their leadership skills, contribute to the University and improve the student experience for others.
Bachelor of Advanced Science student Germain Tobar was one of 12 Science Leaders who led a series of teambuilding challenges, icebreaker activities and memorable nature experiences, including a night time glow worm walk and swimming underneath the waterfalls.
“Having moved away from my hometown to study at UQ, attending the Advanced Science camp in my first year was an amazing way of introducing me to the program as it gave me the opportunity to form early connections with peers and mentors,” Germain said.
“Returning to the camp as a leader allowed me to give back to the UQ community, and help students have an even better experience than I had in my first year.”
Faculty of Science Student Experience Coordinator Aimee Clarke said the camp gave students of the Bachelor of Advanced Science program the chance to develop strong bonds with peers in a relaxed environment.
“This is the sixth year the camp has taken place, connecting students with peers and mentors from a wide range of disciplines – not just their own – and developing essential skills in problem-solving, communication, relationship building and team-work,” Ms Clarke said.
“It also provides our Science Leaders with opportunities to develop their leadership and mentoring capabilities.”
The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) is a four-year program that provides high achieving science students the opportunity to pursue their scientific passion and gain extensive research experience under the guidance of prominent research scientists and thought-leaders.
