The Hope College Summer Science program for children will offer more than 30 week-long camps featuring a variety of themes during June and July.
The camps, which are in their 15th year, feature “hands-on” interactive investigations designed to teach scientific concepts in a fun yet challenging way. They are organized by grade level, from pre-kindergarten through 10th grade, with themes such as the science behind the adventures of Phineas and Ferb, the inquisitive life of a crime scene investigator, the world of animals, various levels of Lego Robotics, and the creation of 2D and 3D art.
The camps are offered as week-long morning or afternoon programs, with sessions scheduled from Monday, June 10, through Friday, July 26. The 34 different sessions are taught by college science majors and education students.
The Science Camp team will present a sample of the program activities at the Holland Farmers Market at the Civic Center on Wednesday, June 5.
The Hope College Summer Science program was developed in 1998 by Tod Gugino, who was director of chemistry laboratories at Hope. Before his death on Saturday, April 20, at age 49, Gugino had put together the plans for the 2013 camp program, which is continuing to honor his memory and his love of giving young students a chance to learn and explore.
This year’s program is being offered under the cooperative guidance of Brenda Gugino, who had worked with her husband to administer the program since its early years; and Dr. Michael Seymour, professor of chemistry.
The cost per camp ranges from $100 to $124, depending on the specific program. Through donations from companies and individuals, the program has been able to provide partial scholarships for campers who need additional support, and continues to welcome contributions to the scholarship fund.
Full details on this year’s camps and online registration is available at hope.edu/camps/science.html.