Submitted by: Mark Mullenbach, markm@uca.edu on 07/02/2025
The Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies (GPI) will host the Arkansas and the World: International Affairs Summer Camp for 50 Arkansas high school students on the campus of the UCA on July 13-18, 2025. This summer camp, which is funded through a grant to the department from the Arkansas Department of Education (Academic Enrichment for Gifted/Talented in Summer-AEGIS), is one of the few summer camps in the U.S. focusing primarily on international affairs and diplomacy. It is an educational summer camp that includes both classroom instruction and experiential learning activities throughout the week. Students will participate in educational workshops that enhance their knowledge and understanding of international relations, international organizations, United Nations, and the fundamentals of Model United Nations. Students will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers about recent developments in international affairs. Throughout the week, students will represent assigned countries during committee and plenary sessions of the UN General Assembly. Students will also participate in several groups competitions, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Poster Competition and the Global Trivia Competition. At the end of the week, the summer camp culminates in an emergency plenary session of the UN General Assembly during which students will use their knowledge of international affairs and diplomatic skills to resolve an international crisis. The summer camp, which is co-directed by Dr. Mark Mullenbach and Dr. Bailey Fairbanks, is staffed by several current and former UCA students, as well as past participants in the summer camp.
