Community outreach continues to be an emphasis of the College of Sciences and Mathematics through its summer camps, and a mainstay of its summer programming is returning in 2024. “Beetles, Bugs, & Butterflies,” Belmont’s longest-running summer camp, will host two sessions this summer — one for first through third graders and another for fourth through sixth graders.
Dr. Steve Murphree, professor of biology, will once again spearhead the summer effort, just as he has since starting the camp alongside Dr. David Hill in 1992.
Belmont alumna Dr. Kara Garrett (‘18) attended "Beetles, Bugs, & Butterflies” and later volunteered at the camp while pursuing a neuroscience degree.
“As a child, my interest in insects was my introduction into the world of science, but it was not something shared by many people around me,” Garrett said. “The children who attend this camp are so excited to meet and make friends who share their passion for insects. As they collect their nets, there are so many smiles and remarks about what bug they hope to catch that day. Later, some will run up to Dr. Murphree, looking for his excited response to a unique bug they found on their own.”
A more recent bug camp participant, 12-year-old Joseph Hoye, never wanted his camp experience to draw to a close.
“Joseph looked forward to camp every summer,” said his mother, Joanne Hoye. “Joseph missed bug camp so much once he aged out that he wanted to make his own bug camp at home. Then, he wanted to return to Belmont's campus during bug camp and take our own bug walk in hopes that we run into 'his bug professor' and the other kids at camp.”
At the heart of “Beetles, Bugs, & Butterflies” remains Murphree himself, the lifeblood of the program for more than three decades. 
“I can’t begin to imagine the number of children who have been positively impacted by 'Beetles, Bugs & Butterflies,'” said Garrett. “Dr. Murphree’s influence goes beyond learning about insects — it really is about finding a community that supports your passion and growth. Throughout my time in medical school, I kept in touch with Dr. Murphree who became a mentor to me. I started with an interest in insects and found my first scientific mentor.”
For Murphree, the smiles and energy of children exhibiting a passion for science has fueled him since day one of “Beetles, Bugs & Butterflies.”
“I keep doing it because I enjoy facilitating the children’s learning about insects and seeing them get excited about it,” he said. “Some alumni have even matriculated as Belmont science majors over the years. I have a hand-crafted ceramic praying mantis from a camp alum and another former student recently donated some of her Madagascan hissing cockroaches.”
Registration for 2024 sessions is now open. The first camp for younger participants will be held from June 10-14, and programming designed for older participants is July 8-12.
