CSX's Hazardous Material and Chemical Safety team participated in the 10th annual ChemCamp for area schoolchildren last week, along with three local chemical manufacturing customers. This year, 18 children in the eighth and ninth grades attended the week-long event.

The children spent one day with each of the four member companies and one day in science-based activities on the campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville. CSX's special day was held June 22 on the campus of University of North Florida, where the children performed simple experiments, watched science and engineering demos and walked the Nature Trail on campus. CSX employees also were on hand to speak to the children about the importance of education in the sciences and the opportunities available at CSX in those areas.

"It was a full day of science, engineering and environmental education activities," said Mike Lunsford, director-Chemical Safety, "At the ChemCamp, we encourage children to think about the sciences as a career path. We know that in the future we're going to need employees prepared for science, technology and engineering careers, so we do anything we can to encourage them."

ChemCamp is sponsored by the member companies of the North Jacksonville Community Advisory Panel, which includes CSX, LyondellBasell International Flavors and Fragrances and the First Coast Manufacturers Association.