232244
232902

Vernon  

Science of summer camps

Where else can children get away from the TV, computer or phone this summer while making a mess and having fun than the Okanagan Science Centre?

The centre's summer camps start Monday, and they offer a wide range of activities for a wide range of ages.

Jim Swingle, science centre general manager, said camps range from a half day to a full five days and cover ages from pre-schoolers to Grade 6.

Silly Science camps are half-day camps for pre-schoolers, while the longer camps are for older children.

The camps, which are sponsored by Scotiabank and Kal Tire, start Monday, July 4 and run until the end of August.

“The camps offer kids a chance to experience science in a very direct, hands-on way. We do lots of fun activities, we have them do experiments, we ask them questions and let them explore the answers themselves,” said Swingle.

The camps include robotics, chemistry, Spies and Private Eyes - where participants discover sneaky escape techniques, break codes and use spy gadgets to solve mysteries – the environment and other fun, yet educational topics.

There will also be two specialty camps this year.

“We have a girls-only camp we are very excited to do,” said Swingle. “We really want to encourage the identification that young girls feel science is for them and they can be scientists too.”

Also new this year is a two-day camp for children on the autism spectrum.

“It's a need we see in the community. We want all kids to have a chance to come and enjoy a science camp,” he said.

A full list of camp activities, times and costs can be found at the science centre website.

People are also encouraged to stop by the centre in Polson Park for more information.



More Vernon News