Concordia seeks aspiring scientists, aged 6 to 13
Designed for curious kids with a knack for learning and a passion for fun, the Concordia Institute of Aerospace Design and Innovation (CIADI) Summer Science and Engineering Camp is a unique opportunity for children to roll up their sleeves and explore the worlds of science, technology, mathematics and engineering.
The brand new month-long program offers campers aged six to 13 a full docket of daily activities throughout August. From interactive science and engineering workshops, to play time at the Loyola Campus Recreation and Athletics Complex, to discovering some of the neatest places around — such as the Canadian Space Agency and the Planetarium — the CIADI Summer Camp aims to delight and inspire.
Nadia Bhuiyan identified a need
A brainchild of Nadia Bhuiyan, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and director of education at CIADI, the idea for the specialized camp came while searching for a summer program her own child would enjoy.
“I wanted to find a camp that would be enriching for my son, who loves science,” says Bhuiyan. “I was also thinking about CIADI students, and ways of offering them alternate means of employment when they don’t land internships in aerospace, and this seemed like the perfect idea.”
The camp will be staffed by university students and those with prior experience as counsellors or teachers.
Bhuiyan says she approached one of her PhD students, Albert Shamieh, a leading coordinator of the volunteer children’s outreach group, Let's Talk Science, and that he was more than excited to contribute to the project.
“This camp is quite enriched, we’ve involved an engineering component and have a great wealth of labs at our disposal, as well as professors who are happy to talk to campers about what they do,” Bhuiyan says. “I think that’s what makes our camp different. Who knows what spark any of these fields might ignite within the kids?”
Beyond offering a discount to Concordia students and staff members, CIADI and the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science (ENCS) will also sponsor four Aboriginal children to participate in the program.
“I love the camp we came up with so much, and thought it was important to offer children who would not normally have the means to attend camp an opportunity to share in the experience,” explains Bhuiyan. “When I brought the proposition to Amir Asif, the dean, about CIADI offering two free spots, he immediately said ENCS would offer an additional two.”
A typical day at CIADI Summer Science and Engineering Camp
Camp begins at 9 a.m. and goes to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday from August 1 to 26, with extended care service being offered from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m.
Campers start off their day with a fun science or engineering workshop followed by a morning snack and an hour of outdoor play before lunch. After eating, children will enjoy another interactive experiment and an additional hour of physical outdoor play before pick-up.
The camp costs $250 per week, or $200 for parents who are Concordia students or staff.
Check out the full program of activities for the inaugural CIADI Summer Science and Engineering Camp and register today!
For additional information, contact Nadia Bhuiyan at nadia.bhuiyan@concordia.ca or 514-848-2424, ext. 3101.
