By Tanya Stephens

For FlipSide

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Two years ago, I drove 12 hours across the country to drop my daughter, Lauren, at the National Youth Science Camp. Just by seeing the sheer beauty of the rivers and forest of West Virginia, I knew that she would remember this summer forever.

My younger daughter is attending NYSC this year. Camps such as the National Youth Science Camp have provided my academically talented daughters with a peer group they did not have in their high school.

At NYSC, my daughter met some of the top high school seniors in the country, students she would see again in college and at conferences. After NYSC, my daughter became part of a network of scientists from all around the world who share the bond of a summer spent doing science in West Virginia.

National Youth Science Camp was particularly well suited because my daughters not only enjoy academics; they have run track and cross-country as well as represented the USA at the World Youth Climbing Championships. For them the camp was a perfect fit because it catered not only to their love of academics or athletics but to their combination of the two.

With free camps such as NYSC, students can see the rewards of excelling in academics and the opportunities their hard work will create for them. With many top colleges now offering financial need and athletic-based scholarships rather than merit scholarships, it is important to reward academic achievement. Programs such as NYSC reward students who have worked diligently throughout high school providing the opportunity to explore new areas of science, try new activities and most importantly, have fun.

Thank you to the NYSC for your wonderful program, and thank you to the state of West Virginia for supporting such an amazing program.