Organizing a Neighborhood Summer Science Camp
Learning About Science is a Good Way to Keep Brains and Bodies Busy
May 30, 2009
Summer is almost here and some parents frantically plan the weeks their children have off. A neighborhood science camp is fun way to learn about science and it is not a lot of work when parents pitch in. It can also keep your children’s brains active and also get them away from the computer.
Resources for Science Camp
Camps also can be inexpensive as there are many free resources to make it successful. Choose a topic and then research the topic at a library. There are books with easy experiments and activities. Each day could have a different topic, or the week could have a theme, which would be preferable for older children. Subjects could be explored on a bit deeper level.
Some parents may have previous experience that they can share with the children. A stay-at-home father that has a love for homemade rockets could demonstrate his hobby to the other families of the neighborhood.
Household items and disposables can be used to create crafts and be used in the activities. For instance, egg cartons are useful for small crash tests and sample holders.
Having it with neighbors can deepen friendships and the enjoyment of learning is enhanced as children learn together in a relaxed environment. It can go for one or two weeks, although one week is better. It could last for up to 2 hours a day. The cost to participants is free, with the participation of the parent. Each parent would volunteer for one day and take a topic such as bugs, butterflies, kitchen chemistry or rocks. For younger children, water studies can be fun and cool things down on a hot day.
Food Ideas for Science Camp
The parent would explain the subject, or bring someone to a do an experiment and /or craft, then serve a snack that pertains to the subject of the day. Some examples of this idea are planting seeds in a cup for a plant study, and then making a Dirt Cake with chocolate and gummy worms for the snack. Bird watching and study could be enhanced with Bird’s Nest cookies. A simple lunch or covered dish supper could bring the families together for the end of the week.
Although it is best when it is held in local backyards, a local park is also an option. Transporting the camp to a park might add some work, but it could also add some benefits, such as providing a lake, stream or woodland for nature study. A park ranger could be asked to give a program.
The camp could be also held at night to include working moms or dads. A star-gazing party could be the grand finale to a week of learning.
A neighborhood science camp can be easily organized. With a bit of imagination, the camp can not only be educational and fun, but it can also encourage good friendships and great summer memories.
