Who says summer camp is just for kids?
Camp SWMS 2025!
This September, members of the Horn Point Laboratory (HPL) SWMS chapter welcomed friends from the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment SWMS chapter for “Camp SWMS” — a weekend filled with crafts, campfires, and collaboration. The event blended the nostalgia of summer camp with the spirit of community-building and professional support, giving participants space to relax, recharge, and dream up future connections.
The weekend kicked off with a classic camp activity: friendship bracelets. Bright threads and simple knots quickly became colorful tokens of the bonds we build in STEM and beyond. While hands were busy tying knots and braiding patterns, conversations flowed easily about research challenges, shared hobbies, and life outside of science. Soon after, everyone gathered for a shared pizza dinner and happy hour, where laughter mingled with the smell of campfire smoke drifting through the air. By the time the fire was fully lit, campers were ready for s’mores, storytelling, and plenty of laughter that carried late into the night. Marshmallows toasted to golden perfection (and sometimes charred to a crisp) became the perfect fuel for ghost stories, tales from the field, and even a few Girl Scouts’ songs.
As the fire burned low, the group set off on a night hike guided by naturalist Donna Stotts. Donna encouraged us to tune into our senses, explaining how the rods and cones in our eyes adjust to darkness and reminding us that night vision takes patience. Along the way, we paused to listen to the chorus of late-summer insects and, in a moment of perfect timing, caught sight of a brilliant meteor streaking across the night sky. Small moments of wonder, like recognizing the rustle of a bird in the tree tops or marveling at the faint glow of the river, added layers of magic to the walk. Nothing snaps you back to childhood faster, however, than the unmistakable surprise of running face-first into a spider web on a dark trail! Those who stayed overnight climbed into the nostalgic top bunks of the bunkhouse, where the sounds of cicadas buzzing and foxes calling in the distance made for the perfect lullaby.
Saturday began the way every good camp day should: with a strong cup of coffee, a gentle stretch, and a hearty breakfast shared with new friends. The day’s first activity brought out campers’ creative sides with arts and crafts. Tables overflowed with materials for cyanotype prints, nature collages, and decorating tree “cookies.” As the sun shone outside, participants laughed over reality TV shows and proudly compared their creations, encouraging one another to add another bead or use a curly twig. With everyone in a relaxed and playful mood, the conversation transitioned into a collaborative brainstorming session, where members from both chapters shared ideas for future partnerships, outreach projects, and ways to continue strengthening ties across campuses.
The afternoon brought more time outdoors. Trails explored under the light of day revealed hidden treasures overlooked the night before: mushrooms tucked under logs, sea nettles drifting in the salt marsh water, and the distinct tracks of deer and raccoons along sandy paths. The group expanded their exploration to HPL’s campus, admiring the mix of natural beauty and working science around every corner. Participants got a behind-the-scenes look at the work being done to support oyster restoration at Horn Point’s oyster hatchery.
Camp SWMS was more than just a weekend retreat - it was a chance to build friendships, celebrate creativity, and support one another as scientists. The laughter around the campfire, the art projects we brought home, and the conversations about future partnerships all reflect the mission of SWMS: bringing together scientists of all career levels to discuss, celebrate, and promote the diverse experiences of women in marine science.
Until next time, we’ll be keeping the camp spirit alive - bracelets, s’mores, and all.
