Sparking Curiosity: Aramco-supported G-Camp empowers science teachers
Program puts into action Aramco’s belief in acting with purpose, delivering positive impact on both society and the environment.
Science teachers from across the U.S. apply for the experience giving them a professional development opportunity and a chance network with like-minded professionals committed to enriching the classroom curriculum.
- G-Camp helps to transform classrooms by equipping educators with hands-on geoscience knowledge and real-world teaching tools.
- Founded in 2008, G-Camp has grown into a nationally recognized professional development program.
- Since it began, more than 500 teachers from 34 states have participated in the program, reaching an estimated 700,000 students.
This year, Texas A&M University’s College of Geology and Geosciences headed out on its popular Geology Camp, a 14-day immersive geology field experience for teachers of students in Grades 5-12.
Supported by Aramco as part of its global citizenship and STEM education initiative, the program continues to transform classrooms by equipping educators with hands-on geoscience knowledge and real-world teaching tools.
G-Camp puts into action Aramco’s belief in acting with purpose, delivering positive impact on both society and the environment. Much like Aramco, G-Camp provides teachers with resources and empowers them with the knowledge and creativity to inspire the next generation of geoscientists on how best to protect and rehabilitate natural ecosystems.
This summer, 26 teachers and five faculty members embarked on a journey through Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, exploring active depositional systems, volcanic landscapes, and glacial valleys.
The camp began with two days on campus in College Station, Texas laying the groundwork for interpreting rocks and geological formations. The group then hit the road for a 12-day adventure, reaching elevations over 13,000 feet and visiting sites such as ancient marine deposits, sand dunes, faults, and pristine streams.
The G-Camp experience continues to evolve each year with new field sites and geological themes. For 2025, the itinerary included stops at volcanic slopes, fault footwalls, and glacial valleys, ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience.
A legacy of impact
Founded in 2008, G-Camp has grown into a nationally recognized professional development program. Since it began, more than 500 teachers from 34 states have participated. By 2020, more than 450,000 students were impacted by teachers who attended G-Camp.
University organizers say the impact increases geometrically as new cohorts are added , collectively reaching an estimated 700,000 students with this year’s 2025 class.
The ripple effect is profound as teachers bring back rock samples, stories, and inquiry-based lesson plans to inspire critical thinking and scientific curiosity in their classrooms.
G-Camp supports national science education standards, not just those in Texas, and emphasizes diversity and inclusion, welcoming educators from inner-city districts and underrepresented communities. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, a virtual version of the camp ensured continuity of learning and connection.
The camp began with two days on campus in College Station, Texas laying the groundwork for interpreting rocks and geological formations. The group then hit the road for a 12-day adventure, reaching elevations over 13,000 feet and visiting sites such as ancient marine deposits, sand dunes, faults, and pristine streams.
Real world relevance and experience
The G-Camp experience continues to evolve each year with new field sites and geological themes. For 2025, the itinerary included stops at volcanic slopes, fault footwalls, and glacial valleys, ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience.
Stops included, among others:
- Rio Grande Gorge
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Colorado National Monument
- Old One Hundred Gold Mine
- Dinosaur Raceway at Clayton Lake State Park in New Mexico
- Dinosaur Ridge in Colorado
Teachers inspired by experience
Testimonials from the 2025 cohort reflect the value and excitement of the experiences as in groups past.G-Camp is an amazing experience for classroom teachers! Going on the trip provided me with materials to use in my classroom as well as lesson plans, ideas from other teachers, and a network of like-minded professionals from around the country.
Tara Hodge, Eighth-grade science teacher, Southwest Junior High School, Arkansas
“This experience will be a force multiplier for years to come,” he said.