Summer Camp Goes High-tech at UVic

School may be out for the summer, but some elementary and middle school students are going straight to university and having a blast doing it, thanks to Science Venture summer camps at UVic.

Campers can learn to build a solar-powered car, mix their own electronic tunes, or try their hand at computer animation. Children can also get their hands on snakes, robots, microscopes, and some colorful chemistry lab experiments.

Science Venture camps are run by UVic science undergrads committed to hands-on learning that stimulates children’s interest in science, engineering, math and technology.

This year, new programs include morning and afternoon ‘undergraduate’ camps for children going into grade two, a girls-only tech camp and a weekend sleepover called “Girls Night Out” for girls in grades five through eight.

“It’s part of a continuing effort to provide more opportunities for girls. We’re still below our goal of 50 per cent female enrolment,” says Science Venture director Lauren Telford, citing a national concern that girls from seven to 14 aren’t getting the positive reinforcement they need to participate in the sciences.  “We want to make sure that parents and girls alike realize this is something they can do. It’s about opening doors.”

The week-long day camps cost $150 for students going into grades three through eight, and $80 for grade two students who attend for half-days only. Camps for varying ages will be offered from now through August 22. For more information or to register, visit www.scienceventure.uvic.ca or call (250) 721-8661.

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