Teen Science Camps Take Classroom Outdoors

Science Camps of America will again be holding science camps for teens on Hawaiʻi Island this summer starting July 1.

Science Camps of America will again be holding science camps for teens on Hawaiʻi Island this summer starting July 1. The overnight camps consist of two 10-day sessions, giving students entering grades 8 through 12 the chance to explore the environmental diversity of Hawaiʻi Island in both a scientific and cultural context.

“The future depends on our young people being science-smart, whether they want to pursue a career in a science field or not,” said Michael Richards, Executive Director of Science Camps. “Science Camps of America is an opportunity for teens that have an interest in science to explore that interest with hands-on experiences directly in nature.”

Science Camps of America will again be holding science camps for teens on Hawaiʻi Island this summer starting July 1.

Camp home base is at the Pahala Plantation Cottages in Kaʻū, and campers will get to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, Mauna Kea Visitor Center, Mauna Loa Climate Observatory, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and many other destinations.

Land and Sea Camp, running July 1 to 10, focuses on oceans, forests, mountains and volcanoes. Campers will explore Hawaiʻi Island’s unique flora and fauna and learn how events in the natural world are all connected.

Air and Space Camp, running July 11 to 20, covers astronomy, space exploration and climate. Campers will gain a better understanding of climate change and the creation and use of alternative energy to help address global warming.

“We need scientists and citizens who are knowledgeable enough about science to make informed decisions on future policies and leadership,” Richards said. “Today’s young people will decide how we deal with issues like climate change, rising sea levels, food, water and energy.”

To extend this opportunity to more teens, Science Camps offers full and partial scholarships to those that qualify.

“Hawai’i Island is the ideal location for a science camp, not only because of its natural resources, but because of the science community on the island who are willing to contribute their time and resources to help these campers,” Richards said. “There are also the individuals and organizations that provide funding for scholarships, including the Pauahi Foundation, First Hawaiian Bank and Edmund C. Olson Trust.”

Visit SciCamp.org to learn more about the camps, apply for scholarships and register.