Arkansas and the World: International Affairs Summer Camp

The UCA Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies hosts the Arkansas and the World: International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA for high school students on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.  This summer camp is one of the few summer camps in the United States focusing primarily on international affairs.  High school students attending the summer camp participate in educational workshops and experiential learning activities that enhance their knowledge and understanding of international affairs, diplomacy, and organizations.  Specifically, students participate in educational workshops on international relations; the origins and structure of the United Nations (UN); international security issues; international social, cultural, and humanitarian issues; and the fundamentals of Model United Nations.  Students also represent assigned countries in interactive simulations of UN General Assembly committees and participate in group activities during evening plenary sessions, including a Global Trivia Competition.

2023 Summer Camp Photos


Details:

When?  July 14-19, 2024

Where?  University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas

Who may apply for the International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA?  Students interested in international affairs who are entering 10th through 12th grades at any public, private, or charter high school in the state of Arkansas in 2024-2025, as well as home schooled students at the same grade levels in the state, may apply to participate in the International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA.  Students from low-income families are encouraged to apply for the summer camp.  Students participating in the Arkansas Governor’s School (AGS) are not eligible to participate in the International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA during the same summer.  Participation in Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs at high schools is not required for participating in this summer camp.  Parents or guardians of student participants under the age of 18 will be required to submit a signed Parental/Guardian Consent Form, as well as other forms, prior to the start of the summer camp (see “Important Links” below).

What is the cost of participating in the International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA?  Since the International Affairs Summer Camp is funded by a grant from the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) / Academic Enrichment for Gifted & Talented in Summer (AEGIS), there will be no registration fees for Arkansas high school students who are selected to participate in the summer camp.

How to apply?  Interested students are encouraged to submit the online application form below between January 15 and May 15, 2024.  In addition to the online application, students are required to request a letter of nomination from a guidance counselor, administrator, or teacher at the applicant’s high school.  Students are also required to submit an essay of a maximum of 500 words explaining their interest in international affairs and how the program might increase their awareness of the world by May 15, 2024.  All essays and the letters of nomination should be emailed directly to Dr. Mark Mullenbach, Summer Camp Director, at markm@uca.edu.

When will successful applicants be notified? Students who apply to participate in the International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA between January 15 and May 15, 2024 will be notified of the status of their applications by May 31, 2024.  Students whose applications are not initially approved may be placed on a waiting list.  Students on the waiting list will be contacted by June 15, 2024 if their applications are later approved.


Important Links:

Instructions for Online Application Form – Please carefully read these instructions before submitting online application form below.

Online Application Form – Students should submit applications between January 15 and May 15, 2024.

Program Guidelines & Policies

Program Schedule

Parental Guardian Consent Form – Parents should submit this form prior to the start of the summer camp.

UCA Liability Waiver, Photo Release, and Medical Form – Parents and students should submit this information online at least two weeks prior to the start of the summer camp.

International Affairs Summer Camp – Questionnaire – Students who participated in the summer camp are encouraged to respond to the questions in this questionnaire.

International Affairs Summer Camp – Staff ApplicationSummer camp staff must be at least 18 years old and be a high school graduate by the start of the summer camp.

 

Contact Information:

Dr. Mark Mullenbach, Summer Camp Director
Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies
217 Irby Hall, 201 Donaghey Avenue
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035
Phone Number:  (501) 450-3412
Email Address:  markm@uca.edu