Listen to this articleTimaya Taylor, an incoming senior at River City Early College, recently completed a week-long program called the Society of American Military Engineers (S.A.M.E.) Camp in Vicksburg. Taylor’s exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to engineering were acknowledged at the camp’s closing ceremony when she received the Larry Harper Leadership Award.
(Photo submitted by Chanel Tenner)
S.A.M.E. Camp, an annual event, aims to introduce young engineers to the diverse world of engineering while fostering leadership skills. Taylor expressed surprise at the low participation of local residents from Vicksburg, where the camp takes place each year.
“I was shocked to see that there weren’t many students from Vicksburg attending the camp. Considering it happens here every year, it was unexpected. I hope more people become aware of this opportunity,” said Taylor.
(Photo submitted by Chanel Tenner)
To attend the camp, applicants need to complete an application process. Taylor mentioned that she personally paid a $100 fee, while some participants were fortunate enough to receive sponsorships.
The Larry Harper Leadership Award holds significant importance within the S.A.M.E. Camp community. It is named in memory of Larry Harper, a former camp leader who passed away from cancer years ago. Harper played a pivotal role in the camp’s history.
(Photo submitted by Chanel Tenner)
During the week-long program, participants were divided, with separate accommodations and counselors for girls and boys. The daily routine consisted of waking up at 6 a.m., engaging in various activities and visiting different engineering camps. Taylor recalled visiting a concrete site and interacting with engineers at the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and other educational excursions. Mathematics played a crucial role throughout the camp, deepening participants’ understanding of engineering principles.
“At the camp, we visited a concrete site and took part in different activities. We also went to the ERDC and had the opportunity to talk to many engineers,” Taylor explained.
Taylor emphasized that each location visited during the camp provided valuable insights into the world of engineering. Civil engineers were present to discuss bridge construction, exposing participants to the broad spectrum of engineering disciplines.
(Photo submitted by Chanel Tenner)
This year, the camp hosted 36 attendees, with 14 girls and 22 boys. Taylor, who participated from June 11 to June 17, was pleasantly surprised when she was announced as the recipient of the Larry Harper Leadership Award.
“The award was completely unexpected. It was unique because the camp counselors and organizers, not the campers, decided who would receive it. They never mentioned it until the award ceremony. I was genuinely shocked,” Taylor expressed.
Aspiring to major in Mechanical Engineering, Taylor valued the opportunity to directly interact with experienced engineers and gain insights into the field. Grateful for the enlightening panel discussions at the camp, Taylor eagerly looks forward to pursuing engineering in college after high school.
Taylor’s preferred choice for higher education is Mississippi State University, reflecting her dedication to forging a future in engineering.
“The camp is truly amazing. It’s surprising that I hadn’t heard about it until this year, considering it was the 20th anniversary. I believe it’s an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in engineering to attend because of the valuable experiences it offers,” Taylor commended.
As Timaya Taylor sets her sights on a promising engineering future, her recognition at the S.A.M.E. Camp and her commitment to leadership stand as testaments to her potential for success in the field.
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