AUBURN – Kate Speer, a 2004 graduate of Edward Little High School, was one of two delegates selected to represent Maine at the National Youth Science Camp this summer from June 24 to July 20.

Speer and 96 other high school graduates from across the country participated in the four-week program, in its 41st year. The camp is located in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia and merges aspects of science, outdoors, arts and music.

Speer said, “The lectures on Inca suspension bridges and education in Africa impacted me most. They spiked my curiosity to travel to other places.” Speer is planning to study dance and math at Swarthmore College this fall.

Scientists from all disciplines travel to the camp to offer lectures and directed studies. Examples of this year’s lecture topics included renewable energy, breast cancer, neural networks, structural engineering and genetics.

The studies provide “hands-on” experience in specific fields. Delegates may dissect a human hand, build their own computer, explore a bog or plan a mission to Mars.

Delegates not only learn about groundbreaking scientific research, but also explore the surroundings offered through the outdoor program of hiking, caving, mountain biking, rock climbing and kayaking.

Contributions to the National Youth Science Foundation make it possible for delegates to attend free.