Camp ARCH

The College of Architecture hosts Camp ARCH, a one-week summer program for high-achieving high school students. Camp ARCH combines academic instruction with social activities so you can experience what it would be like to be a full-time student in one of our programs.

Students leave Camp ARCH with a broader understanding of our academic programs, initiatives, curriculum, resources, and life in Aggieland.

  • High school students sitting in a classroom wearing Texas A&M hardhats and safety vests give the gig 'em
    Camp ARCH allows students interested in majoring in construction science to experience and participate with work in the field.
  • Camp ARCH students wearing safety vests throw paper airplanes
    The construction science track at Camp ARCH gives students a glimpse into what work in the field is all about.
  • A high school student works on rendering the head of a bird
    The visualization track at Camp ARCH gives students the opportunity to practice digital animation.
  • Three Camp ARCH students view an urban plan
    In the landscape architecture track, Camp ARCH students learn the fundamentals of sustainable and aesthetic environmental design.
  • Two Camp ARCH students work on landscape design plans
    Camp ARCH is a one-week summer program that allows high-achieving high school students to participate in one of the College of Architecture’s academic disciplines.
  • Camp counselors wearing Camp ARCH shirts give the gig 'em
    For many campers, Camp ARCH is the first time they can practice their skills using professional guidance, resources and facilities.
  • Camp ARCH students work on small models using paper and straws
    In the architecture track, Camp ARCH students begin assembling models and assessing how design practices impact the built environment.
  • Three Camp ARCH campers assemble a small cardboard architecture model
    Camp ARCH gives students a taste of life at the College of Architecture by allowing them to participate in one of our four major academic disciplines.
  • A Camp ARCH student works on the rendering of a bird
    In the visualization track, Camp ARCH students can use rendering software to bring any idea to life.
  • Camp Arch campers pose underneath an arched project installation created with large assymetrical shapes
    Students interact with an art installation piece while attending Camp ARCH.

Camp Course of Studies Options 

During your time at Camp ARCH, you will participate in one area of focus. Your focus area enrollment is based on your program preference and course availability. You will choose one of the following:

Architecture 

Architecture courses prepare campers for the same design studio instruction and learning environmental design students experience during their first year at the college. You will focus on creating a hand-built, 3D model using CAD software, laser-cutting and other specialized tools.

Construction Science

This course allows you to immerse yourself in many components of our construction science program. You will participate in site visits, interactive lectures, building information modeling (BIM), and presentations by the Department of Construction Science faculty members. 

Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning 

The landscape architecture and urban planning course mirrors elements of professional design studios and encourages creative, individual thought within a team dynamic. You’ll explore three-dimensional space arrangements, form making, spatial functions and be given the opportunity to create and communicate designs for the public realm.

Visualization 

The visualization course gives you the opportunity to design and create your own visual applications and website within a small team. You will be responsible for developing a website, an app, a brand logo, collateral material and a 2D motion ad campaign.

Camp Details 

Camp ARCH is for incoming 10th, 11th and 12th-grade students. Students graduating in Spring 2022 are ineligible to attend this program.

2022 Camp Dates: July 11–July 16, 2022

Camp ARCH costs  $1,200. This price includes:

  • Three meals a day and snacks
  • Dormitory accommodations
  • Social activities 
  • Souvenir items
  • Class supplies

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for Camp ARCH, please fill out the application and submit it by the due date. This year the application will be due April 1, 2022 by 11:59 pm.

1. Fill out the application

Start your Camp ARCH application today. In order to be considered for Camp ARCH, you will need to complete the entire application, including:

  • Application form 
  • Copy of official high school transcript
  • Essay
  • Recommendation letter
  • Portfolio (optional) — example portfolio
  • Résumé (optional)
  • Scholarship essay (optional)

A limited number of scholarships will be available to students with financial need. In order to be considered for the scholarship, you will need to complete the scholarship essay located in the application.

Essay

Please provide an essay explaining why you would like to attend Texas A&M University, what your aspirations are, and why Camp ARCH would be beneficial to you. Essays should be without grammar or spelling errors and extra points will be added for creativity and making it fun to read. This is a somewhat free-form essay, so use your imagination with pictures, diagrams, or words to help us get to know who you really are. The essay’s length should be at least one page, no more than 2 pages.

Scholarship Essay (optional)

On a separate page, please provide an essay explaining your need for financial assistance. Include any relevant information such as family income, whether you are a first-generation college student, the number of household dependents, or anything that you wish the scholarship committee to be aware of. This essay should be no longer than one page, single-spaced. These scholarships will be awarded based on need.

Letter of Recommendation

Your letter of recommendation should be coming from a teacher, counselor, or professional mentor. This letter of recommendation should highlight your academic and personal achievements and how you exemplify one or more of the Aggie Core Values (Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, or Selfless Service).

Only one letter of recommendation is required. Any additional letters will not be considered.

2. Submit your application before the deadline (April 1, 2022 by 11:59 p.m. CST)

Apply for Camp ARCH

Any applications received after the final deadline will automatically be placed in the Waitlist for Camp ARCH 2022.

3. Receive a final decision 

A final decision regarding your participation in camp should be emailed to you by mid-May. Participants are selected to attend Camp ARCH based on their entire application, including their personal statement, high school academic achievement, interest in attending Texas A&M, and intent to major in a program in the College of Architecture.

Camp Counselors

Camp counselors facilitate activities, engage with students, and make Camp ARCH as enjoyable as possible. We invite all College of Architecture students in good standing with the university to submit a counselor application to be considered. The application includes: 

  • General application form 
  • Essay 
  • Interview 

A counselor’s role includes:

  • Welcoming each student to Texas A&M University
  • Providing each student with a wonderful experience 
  • Ensuring each student is accounted for and is engaged in every project
  • Staying overnight in the dorms throughout the week
  • Being respectful to the professors/professionals in and out of the studio 
  • Holding other counselors/students accountable 
  • Showing up on time to each event   

As a counselor, you will be compensated for your involvement in Camp ARCH and your meals and housing will be provided. 

Contact

If you have any questions regarding Camp ARCH, email Karina Badillo, Program Directory, at camparch@tamu.edu.