MinerAlert
1. What’s the purpose of the camp?
The Mining Engineering Camp introduces students to the field of mining engineering through hands-on learning experiences. Students will participate in laboratory demonstrations and activities involving geology, mineral resources, water systems, aggregates, metals and applied chemistry. By linking these topics to real-world applications, students gain insight into how mining engineering supports infrastructure, technology, energy production and modern life, while building foundational skills in problem solving, teamwork and critical thinking.
2. Who’s the camp for?
High school students entering their sophomore, juniors and senior year in Fall 2026 interested in STEM, learning about engineering, math and science, and that would like to pursue a career in engineering.
3. Why attend?
4. What’s included in the summer camp?
Camp fee covers housing, meals, transportation, program materials and social activity resources.
1. Where will the students stay?
This is a residential summer camp, so the students will stay in the Miner Village dorms on campus. Each student will have their own bedroom, but they will share a living space and bathroom with one dorm mate.
2. Are the dorm mates assigned?
The dorms will be assigned upon check-in.
3. Is housing supervised?
4. Can students leave their dorms on their own?
1. Are the meals provided?
Meals are provided and paid for by the university. The students will receive breakfast, lunch and dinner.
2. Can dietary restrictions or allergies be accommodated?
Students will be asked about dietary restrictions and allergies during registration so all accommodations can be made.
1. What should the student pack?
Students should pack for an overnight, two-day stay and dress appropriately for participating in lab experiences. Items they should pack include:
2. Are laptops required or provided?
Laptops will not be required.
3. Do students need calculators, notebooks or specific software?
Students will not need to bring their own supplies. They will be given a lab notebook.
4. Should students bring “spending money”?
It is not mandatory that students bring their own spending money. However, if the students would like to do so, they may.
1. What kind of projects will students work on?
Students will learn about the different aspects of mining engineering. They will participate in lab demonstrations and hands on activities that involve geology, minerals, water, aggregates, metals, and chemistry related topics to understand how mining engineering plays a major role in our everyday life.
2. Are there labs, fieldtrips or industry visits?
Yes, students will visit an industry site to observe professional mining engineers in the field.
3. Are there evening or social activities?
There are fun social evening activities planned for the students. The agenda for the activities will be shared before the camp.
1. Who supervises students?
Students will be assigned both a dorm leader and a camp leader who will supervise and guide them throughout the camp. There will be one camp leader for every five students, and faculty members will also be present to lead camp activities.
2. What’s the emergency protocol?
The university has medical staff and campus police in case of any emergency. The ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ Police works 24/7 on campus, contact at 915-747-5611.
1. Will student shave Wi-Fi access?
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ offers guest access to the Wi-Fi.
2. Can students use their phone?
Students may carry their phones during camp but will be asked to keep them on silent and put them away during instructional time, lab experiments and hands-on activities. Phones may be used in the evenings during free time.
3. How can parents contact students and the camp staff?
Parents can communicate with their student through their personal cell phones. Contact numbers for camp staff will also be provided.
1. What behavior is expected of students?
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, responsible and professional manner at all times. This includes treating peers, staff and campus facilities with respect, actively participating in program activities, following safety guidelines in labs and workshops, and adhering to all camp and campus policies. The program reflects a collegiate environment, and students are expected to demonstrate maturity and accountability throughout their stay.
2. Is there a curfew?
As a residential program, structured curfews are in place to ensure student safety and rest. Students must be in their assigned residence hall by the designated time each evening, quiet hours will be enforced to support a positive living environment.
3. Is alcohol, vaping or smoking allowed?
The possession or use of alcohol, tobacco products, vaping devices, or any illegal substances is strictly prohibited at all times and locations during the program.
4. What happens if rules are violated?
Violations will be addressed promptly. Consequences may include verbal warnings, loss of privileges, parent/guardian notification or dismissal from the program depending on the severity of the situation. Serious infractions, especially involving safety or prohibited substances, may result in immediate dismissal without refund.
5. Are students required to attend all sessions?
Students are expected to attend and actively participate in all scheduled academic sessions, labs, workshops and activities unless excused by camp staff for illness or approved circumstances. Full participation is essential to gain the complete educational camp experience.
1. When and where is check-in?
Miner Canyon Student Housing
3490 Sun Bowl Dr. El Paso, TX 79902
Details will be emailed based on camp date.
2. When and where is pick-up?
Miner Canyon Student Housing
3490 Sun Bowl Dr. El Paso, TX 79902
Details will be emailed based on camp date.
3. Is transportation provided?
Transportation to and from the camp is not provided.
Transportation during the camp activities is provided.
4. Can students arrive late or leave early?
No. The camp is designed as an immersive experience from beginning to end, so students benefit from being at the camp at all times to be part of the daily activities.
5. Where should parents park?
Miner Canyon Student Housing
3490 Sun Bowl Dr. El Paso, TX 79902
1. What does the program fee include?
The camp fee is $50, which reserves the student’s spot and confirms their attendance. Housing, meals, transportation and supplies are all provided by the camp.
2. Are scholarships or financial aid available?
Please contact miningengineering@utep.edu, for guidance on cost concerns.
3. What is the refund or cancellation policy?
This is a non-refundable camp.
4. Are there any additional costs?
No, there are no additional costs beyond the camp fee
1. Will students receive a certificate of completion?
Yes.
2. Can this camp experience be used for college applications?
Yes.
3. Will students earn any academic credit?
No.
4. Are recommendation letters available?
No.