Camp xSEL 2023

Overview

Camp xSEL (Excellence in Science Education for Liberia) implemented its third camp in 2023, with funding from the BRIDGE-U: Liberia project.

The program aims to achieve four goals:

  • Increase the science, math, and English knowledge of campers.

  • Develop the soft skills (confidence, communication, teamwork, friendship) of campers.

  • Improve Camper’s readiness for higher education in the health sciences.

  • Improve the pedagogical skills of university and high school teachers

The third iteration of Camp xSEL was successfully implemented July 31-September 1, 2023 with a total of 95 campers recruited from the 15 counties of Liberia. Among the campers, there were 52 11th graders and 43 12th graders, with a gender balance of 49 females and 46 males. It was hosted at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary campus on the Robertsfield International Airport (RIA) Highway.

As part of the Camp xSEL preparations, 34 staff were recruited as instructors and counselors, and trained for their respective roles. Lead, Co- and Lab Instructors participated in an Instructor Training to build their pedagogical skills. For the first time, an Instructor training was held at Tubman University in Maryland County.

Camp Location and Logistics

Camp xSEL 2023 was hosted at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS) on Roberts Field Highway due to the unavailability of facilities at the University of Liberia’s Fendell Campus. The LBTS location provided a secure and spacious environment for academic and recreational activities, with enhanced security measures and dedicated dormitories for campers.

To accommodate the diverse geographic origins of the participants, a detailed transportation plan was implemented. Campers from counties with challenging road conditions, such as the southeast and northern regions, were flown to the camp by Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). Despite some logistical challenges, including weather delays and airport miscommunication, all campers successfully arrived and departed from camp.

Academic Program

Extracurricular Activities and Personal Development

In addition to the 4 instructors selected to teach at 2023 Camp xSEL, the training welcomed other TU and high school teachers, with the goal of building a cohort of instructors for a 2024 satellite camp in Maryland.

The camp itself featured a mix of academic coursework (with classes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math and English) and extracurricular activities (guest speakers, critical thinking labs, field trips, health workshops, sports and alumni engagement). To formally complete Camp xSEL, campers must attend at least 14 of 18 classroom days. For the 2023 camp, 100% of campers completed the program and earned a certificate at the graduation program. An evaluation of the 2023 camp revealed that to a large extent, the program met its stated goals.

Camp xSEL's curriculum, originally developed during the 2020 program design, focuses on providing rigorous STEM education. Classes ran from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, combining lectures, group work, mini-labs, quizzes, and poster presentations. The co-teaching model facilitated effective mentorship between instructors and co-instructors, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

In addition to classroom instruction, students engaged in interactive lab sessions in biology, chemistry, and physics. Labs encouraged students to explore scientific concepts using simple materials, emphasizing teamwork and inquiry-based learning. Highlights included DNA model creation, enzyme and cellular regulation experiments, and physics demonstrations like Lenz’s Law.

Field Trips

Field trips were a key component of the camp, offering students hands-on learning experiences. Campers toured the ULCHS laboratory, explored the Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary, and visited historical landmarks like Providence Island and Hotel Africa. These outings provided exposure to Liberia’s scientific, historical, and environmental heritage, deepening campers' understanding of their nation’s role in global science and history.

Outside of academics, campers participated in a range of activities designed to develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills. These included debate nights, quiz competitions, and talent shows. Campers also took part in interactive health workshops on sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and genetics. Guest speakers from various professional backgrounds, such as Dr. Kumblytee Johnson (PREVAIL) and Wilbur Harris (Psychiatrist), shared insights into their careers, inspiring campers to pursue their aspirations.