The 44 girls who attended AWE+SUM Camp 2009 were invited to return to Westminster College Saturday, February 13, 2010 for reunion activities. This event was preceded by the opportunity to participate in Westminster College's celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which included volleyball, soccer, indoor rock climbing, basketball, and hip hop dance. That opportunity was a positive one; however, with it came the negative placement of the reunion event on a Saturday of a 3-day weekend (President's Day) which always adds an attendance challenge. Although initial response promised attendance of 18-20, there were actually 10 girls who returned for the reunion, and 8 of them also took advantage of the morning sports activities.

Camp Director Dr. Carolyn Connell and Summer Camps Specialist Emily Hadfield put together an excellent camp refresher program with an emphasis on information to assist the girls in registering for their high school course work. Two important guest presenters were Jennifer Muir, math teacher in a Canyons District middle school, and Dr. Cami Collette, a family practice physician.

The event began with a pizza, salad, brownies and beverage lunch while watching the video Emily Hadfield put together of the 2009 camp workshop and dorm activities. Then Jennifer Muir talked the girls through a power point of course options available at Hillcrest and many other area high schools. This included information about AP and IP classes which make it possible for students to graduate with college level credits. Besides adding a level of challenge to high school courses, the financial burden of a college education will be lessened. Jennifer emphasized the variety of science and math courses available in our high schools and the importance of these courses for success in college and careers no matter in what discipline girls choose to concentrate. Dr. Cami Collette talked with passion about how she chose and achieved her medical career. The girls participated in both presentations with their questions and comments.

Finally for photo time, a small but happy and more knowledgeable group posed for a reunion picture. (Photo includes Jennifer Muir, Dr. Cami Collette and a younger sister as "future AWE+SUM camper.")

The 2010 AWE+SUM Camp date is July 6-8. The camp will run from Tuesday through Thursday this summer because Monday, July 5 will be the Independence Day federal holiday. All information and registration materials are currently available on the Westminster summercamps website. Funding sources for the camp are always needed, but funding seems to be available to support at least the one camp session annually, which in the present challenging economic climate, is extremely good news.

The continuing successes of AWE+SUM camp is exciting, and I am always gratified with AAUW o Utah's financial and volunteer contributions to the project. Whether you are a new or experienced volunteer, I invite you to schedule yourself into the 2010 camp experience. Contact me for details.