Staff & Camp Facilities

We pride ourselves in our awesome staff! We hire experienced science teachers from around the state to come and work with our campers. As a certified PD provider through TEA, TEEAC and TAGT, teachers receive continuing education credits for being a part of our camp. Learn more or apply to be a teacher. Alongside our teachers, we also have fun and energetic counselors and activity facilitators that are Texas State University students majoring in Recreation Administration, Education, Biology, or other related fields. We also work with staff and faculty from other departments on campus to facilitate a variety of educational and recreational activities. Our staff are there to help your child have the best, safest, and most educational camp experience possible.  If you are interested in working with the Aquatic Science Camps, please contact Kellie Donajkowski to learn more about the application process.

Expand FAQ List

  • Donajkowski pic
    Education Program Manager

    Kellie Donajkowski

    Contact info:
    Office: FAB 226A
    Email: eardc_education@txstate.edu
    Phone: 512-245-2329

    Kellie Donajkowski was born and raised in Michigan, she attended the University of Michigan and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a Master’s of Science at the School of Natural Resources and Environment with an emphasis on Behavior, Education, and Communication. She has spent the last seven years working in the field of environmental education doing programming of all types to groups of all ages. When she is not working, she spends time reading and knitting, as well as hiking and exploring with friends.

     

    Hutchins with turtle
    Assistant Director of Education

    Dr. Benjamin Hutchins

    Contact info:
    Office: FAB 226
    Email: eardc_education@txstate.edu
    Phone: 512-245-2329

    Ben Hutchins received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Western Kentucky University, a Master’s degree from American University in Washington D.C. and his PhD in Aquatic Resources from Texas State University. Ben worked as the state’s invertebrate biologist for 5 years, with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before coming to the Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center in 2019. As a Peace Corps Volunteer (Morocco) and participant on international cave exploration expeditions, he brings a love of the outdoors and a sense of exploration to the Aquatic Science Adventure Camp. When not working, he spends time hiking, playing the piano, caving, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

     

     

     

     

  • Most of the scientific discovery sessions will be held at the Freeman Aquatic Biology Building on the main Texas State University campus.  FAB was built specifically to be a center for cutting-edge aquatic biology research. The grounds surrounding FAB feature a spring-fed creek, an artesian well, numerous ponds, and is located directly across the street from the headwaters of the San Marcos River and Spring Lake. FAB is home to the EARDC offices and many active research laboratories.  Campers will have access to high-quality equipment and facilities to investigate the natural world around them

    FAB FRONT                FAB LAB 

    FAB SESSOM CRK

     

  • Located just across Spring Lake from FAB is the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and the historic Spring Lake Hall. Texas State University’s most famous attraction, the Meadows Center is home to the glass bottom boats that have taken visitors on tours over the crystal-clear water of Spring Lake for over 60 years. In addition to the glass bottom boat tour, campers will be able to explore the museum and aquarium, view birds and other wildlife from the wetlands boardwalk, and learn about water conservation from their knowledgeable staff. See more about the Meadows Center at www.meadowscenter.txstate.edu

     

       aquarena springs                         glass bottom boat

     

    aquarena boat   discovery hall

  • The residence halls at Texas State are air-conditioned. The rooms are equipped with 2 twin beds, desks, and chairs. Most also have a chest of drawers and a closet. Rooms are double occupancy with a shared hall bathroom. Boys and girls are separated by floor or wing depending on the hall layout. Teachers and staff will be assigned a private room on the same floor as the campers.      

     

       DORM 1          DORM 2                  

     

  • Overnight Campers will have the chance to spend the second half of the week at the beautiful University Camp, a property owned by Texas State University along the shores of the Blanco River near Wimberley. U Camp is about a 20 minute drive from the main Texas State campus. Campers will stay in one of two lodges, Bluebonnet and Juniper, (gender separated) with counselor supervision. Lodges are equipped with kitchens and climate control. Restrooms and showers are available in the lodge (Bluebonnet) or in a separate bath house (Juniper). Campers will need to provide their own bedding. While at U Camp, campers will enjoy the many amenities the 126-acre property has to offer including prime swimming areas, hiking trails, athletic fields, a natural water slide, and much more! Campers will also participate in age- and comfort level-appropriate activities on the challenge ropes course facilitated by Texas State University Outdoor Recreation staff, including zipline, climbing wall, balance course, and more.

    U CAMP HALL      BLANCO TUBE

     

    UCAMP ROPE