LAND AND SEA, THE FIRST SESSION of a new Science Camp, has begun in Ka`u. The session gives teens entering grades 9 through 12 a chance to examine volcanoes, geology, beaches, reefs and the ocean. So far, the campers have been to Punalu`u, The Nature Conservancy preserve and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Today they go to `Imiloa. Home base is Pahala Plantation Cottages. Science Camps of America takes the learning outdoors, offering first-hand experience in environments ranging from beaches and rainforests to volcanoes and snow-covered mountaintops. “The idea is to get teens outside and into the field to truly experience science,” Michael Richards, camp founder and executive director, said. “We need to find new ways to engage students and nurture their interests, and in this particular case, we want to focus on science because we have one of nature’s greatest laboratories in our backyard.” The second session, Air and Space, will be held July 1 to 10 and exposes campers to topics including the atmosphere, weather systems, climate change and innovative technologies that address the ever-changing world. Science Camps of America chose the Big Island “for its unique and incredible environment, climate, geology and people,” said Richards. He described this island as “a science lab unto itself, with active volcanoes, one of the tallest mountains in the world, home to incredibly sophisticated astronomy facilities and natural energy laboratories, eleven of thirteen global climate zones and a native cultural heritage of discovery and innovation. This thriving scientific community is a great resource. One of the goals stated in the Hawai`i County General Plan is to ‘promote and develop the island of Hawai`i into a unique scientific and cultural model.’ I look forward to making Science Camps of America a contributor to that goal,” he said. Registration fees include meals and transportation to and from Kona or Hilo airports. The organization also offers scholarships to Ka`u youth. Find out more at ScienceCampsAmerica or 678-619-0974.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 00:45:55 +0000
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