The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana will host 12 summer camp sessions for children ranging from the ages 4-14. These will be taught by professional educators and provide kids with a fun, scientific experience.
The summer camps will have a variety of science topics such as engineering, robotics, rocketry, and much more.
“The camps are STEM-focused. We want kids to be able to pick and choose topics that they find interesting. The sessions are also infused with problem solving, teambuilding and communication activities,” said Executive Director, Rebecca Manis.
STEM is a curriculum that’s based on the idea of educating children in four discipline areas - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is one of the fastest-growing areas of the economy, however with a rising demand in these careers paths comes a significant shortage of qualified candidates. The Challenger Learning Center strives to ignite interest in STEM fields at an early age and foster career paths towards these disciplines by creating a positive and exciting learning environment.
The Challenger Learning Center has been offering summer camp programs since 2000. They are content-rich and allow students to truly experience specific topics they are interested in.
Lara Bates, Community Relations Specialist, said, “There's something for everyone. Students can explore the world of science in numerous ways that they wouldn't normally be exposed to during the summer. Where else in NWI can you train to become “spacewalk” ready like real NASA astronauts?”
One of the camps is an underwater astronaut training camp that teaches students how astronauts become "spacewalk ready" through scuba diving. Kids are able to dive and learn different skills similar to the training that real astronauts receive. The kids undergo basic scuba training and then test their skills during underwater exercises. This is a unique summer camp that calls for any kids interested in what being an astronaut is really like.
“Summer camps bring a different mix of students from all over the region and even outside of the region. It’s a great time for kids to be kids and explore without the overall structure of a classroom,” said Manis.
Campers are able to build new friendships and learn without the stress of homework. Many campers come back year after year to move on to the next level. Registration will be open until all of the camps have been filled. For more details about registration visit www.clcnwi.com.
“We love coming up with activities that get the kids moving, thinking and having fun all while learning something new and exciting,” said Manis.