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What are Science Summer Camps

Swapnil Srivastava
As the school year nears its end, most students look forward to utilizing their vacations by joining a science summer camp. Here is some information about choosing such a camp for your child.
Science summer camps are one of the best ways to enhance the creativity of students and teach them a pragmatic approach towards science and its applications. They create an ambiance for the perfect blending of students from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Besides the regular science didactics, they also help students to develop an integrated personality through attitudinal change and behavioral modification. Students learn to appreciate science and technology at an early age, to be better positioned for further learning, and ultimately better prepared to face challenges in their respective domains.
These camps are generally held between June and August and it's advisable for parents to start planning it at least 6 to 7 months in advance. This time provides an opportunity for them to do proper research and save money accordingly.
Research might seem to be a tedious and cumbersome task, but it's necessary to look out for what particularly suits a child's needs and helps him develop his acumen in the chosen domain.
If the child is a prodigy at mathematical equations and detests biology, there is no point sending him to an anatomy science camp. Likewise, if one thinks that his child limits himself to books throughout the school year, he should try to opt for camps which provide non-sports minded students with an opportunity to move out in the open.
To make the task easier, there are many websites which provide online resource material to help parents select the activities that fit the needs and desires of their child.
There are special science camps organized for budding scientists. Here, they meet other like-minded teenagers, and their common interest in the science-related subjects allows bonding and possibly creates long-lasting friendships. They learn by sharing knowledge and working as a team for their respective jobs and assignments.
Apart from theories, scientific experiments and discussions are encouraged to a great deal, allowing the students to broaden their horizon of thinking and come up with new ideas. There are camps for students interested in space travel, DNA science, premedical, marine ecology, aviation, etc.
Besides being informative, these programs are highly structured in order to suit the students' requirements and give them an insight into the subject that commensurate with their academic level.
There are certain summer camps that are specially designed for children with special needs. They are organized for students who have weight problems, diabetes, ADHD, or other such physical disabilities.
Generally, they cost between $100 to $500 per week depending on the location, duration, and of course the subject it covers. Some of them also provide scholarships to bright students, in order to motivate them and also assist them financially.
Besides the tuition fees, some amount should also be kept aside for expenses a child may need while at the camp. In some camps, students above the age of 15 years are allowed to work, if they have had some prior experience that might prove to be useful. When not involved in the activities, they can work to get some extra cash for themselves.
Lesser time for accessing the campus library and facilities, and reduced social activities as compared to those in school years, are some of the drawbacks of summer camps. There, children should take precautions while performing practicals and handling scientific equipment and wear comfortable clothes so that they can move around with ease.
It's better if toys, i-pods, radios, and other personal items are left at home to avoid getting misplaced or damaged.
With more than 2000 accredited summer camps in the US offering programs in science, arts, travel or sports, there is a wide variety to choose from.
However, it's important to engage children in summer activities which are compatible with their interests as well as intellect. A science summer camp would definitely be a wonderful experience for children, while also creating memories that they can cherish for a lifetime.