Photo supplied by the Renfrew County District School Board
The Renfrew County District School Board is partnering with Science North to offer a series of hands-on STEM summer camps at Champlain Discovery Public School in July and August.
The camps are designed to give children opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through interactive activities led by Science North educators and Bluecoats.
This year’s lineup includes programs focused on engineering, forensic science, game design, insects and introductory science for younger children.
Older campers can take part in Up Up and Engineer, where they will build structures and launch rockets, or Jr. Detectives and Perception Deception, which explores forensic science and optical illusions. Other offerings include Gamification of Science, where participants create board games while learning math and logic, Once Upon a Science, which uses fairy tales to introduce scientific concepts, Science Starter for younger children, and Bug Safari, which examines the world of insects.
Science North CEO Ashley Larose said the organization has built strong relationships with communities across Renfrew County and the Ottawa Valley and remains committed to giving young people opportunities to experience science firsthand.
“We know those moments can spark a lifelong love of learning,” Larose said in a statement.
Science North has been offering summer science camps in communities across Ontario for more than 40 years, with programs available in English and French in some locations.
Renfrew County District School Board CEO Kristen Niemi said the partnership gives Ottawa Valley youth a chance to spend part of their summer learning through hands-on activities.
“Whether they are launching rockets, solving science mysteries or designing their own board games, campers are learning by doing, and building confidence along the way,” Niemi said.
Science North is also providing a number of fully subsidized camp spaces for RCDSB students.
RCDSB Superintendent of Education Scott Nichol said the board welcomes the partnership and the additional financial support, calling it an opportunity to help inspire curiosity and confidence while encouraging the next generation of innovators.
(Steve Berard)
