Increasing Awareness of Photonics with Summer Camps

The CREOL Laser and Photonic Summer Camp is a week-long experience that was conceptualized to increase awareness and interest in the field of photonics among high school students. This paper explains the structure of the camp, staffing needs, and the pedagogical approach used. Specifically, a guided inquiry approach using the ABC-CBV-RAL method was adopted. After an initial one time offering of a one-week camp in 2023, the summer camp was expanded to three one-week camps in 2024. Survey results completed after the completion of the camp indicate that students are more interested in the field of photonics and likely to pursue the major. Future efforts will be made to increase awareness of the field by implementing an application process for admission to the camp, increasing the number of scholarships available, and expand the number of seats available to students.