Camp ARCH counselors pose in front of the Langford Architecture complex

Camp ARCH

The School 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.

  • Camp ARCH students build abstract shapes with construction paper in a studio
    Participants in the Architecture section of Camp ARCH get to work with faculty from the Department of Architecture and learn the processes of design.
  • Camp ARCH counselors pose with mini golf clubs at Grand Station Entertainment
    Camp participants get to spend time at Grand Station to immerse themselves in College Station community life.
  • 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.
  • A group of Camp ARCH students presents their findings to the class
    Participants in the Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning course work in groups to design spaces that will impact communities.
  • A group of Camp ARCH students pose on a sand volleyball court after playing a game
    Camp participants also get to spend time visiting one of the campus’s many recreation centers.
  • 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.

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 school. You will be introduced to architectural thought and learn how to use tools, workflows, and methods to help beginning design students understand a design process.

Construction Science

The Construction Science course will give campers the opportunities to explore the different arenas of construction and learn how teamwork is essential in constructing any building. Areas that the students will be interactive in learning concepts of construction management include teamwork, LEED, estimating, project controls, scheduling, plan reading, technology, and safety elements.

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 learn about the societal importance of landscape architecture and urban planning as well as develop skills in urban analytics, data-driven problem solving, and practice design and visualization processes.

Camp Details 

Camp ARCH is for incoming 10th, 11th and 12th-grade students. Students graduating in Spring 2023 are ineligible to attend this program.

2023 Camp Dates: July 10–July 15, 2023

Camp ARCH costs  $1,250. 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 15, 2023 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
  • 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 no more than 500 words.

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 500 words. 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 15, 2023 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 2023.

3. Receive a final decision 

A final decision regarding your participation in the 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, letter of recommendation, high school academic achievement, interest in attending Texas A&M, and intent to major in a program in the School of Architecture. SAT/ACT scores are not a factor considered for admission to Camp ARCH. Decisions are solely based on the contents of the application. Admission to Camp ARCH is not a reflection of admission to Texas A&M University and the School of Architecture.

Camp Counselors

Camp counselors facilitate activities, engage with students, and make Camp ARCH as enjoyable as possible. We invite all School 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 Director, at camparch@tamu.edu.