Cerebral summer camp: Science, technology activities await keiki at ‘Imiloa

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, Mokupapapa Discovery Center and the Hawaii Science and Technology Museum are teaming up this summer to deliver “Technologies of Tomorrow,” a five-day science camp open to students that have completed grades 1-6.

The camp will feature a variety of science, technology, engineering and math-related lessons and activities each day from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. July 10-14. This will be the second collaborative effort among the three organizations, said Christian Wong, Hawaii Science and Technology Museum director.

“It’s a natural fit for us to work with ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and Mokupapapa Discovery Center,” Wong said. “Many of our goals overlap and we each bring different strengths to the camp. We had a lot of positive comments from parents and campers after our spring break camp and we’re hoping to build on that success.”

The summer science camp will take place on the grounds of the astronomy center where participants will explore new technologies such as robotics and aviation.

“Young children are natural scientists,” said Ka‘iu Kimura, ‘Imiloa director. “And what better place for them to explore their environment than in the immersive setting of an active science center like ‘Imiloa.”

In addition to the technology courses, students also will actively participate in traditional science exploration such as a fish anatomy and a gyotaku project led by Kaliko High, education specialist at Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

“It’s no surprise that Hilo, nestled between Mauna Kea and the massive Pacific Ocean, serves as a hub of overlap for science and culture,” High said. “We at Mokupapapa are so pleased to collaborate with ‘Imiloa and the science and technology museum to support the next generation of innovators of this pae ‘aina.”

Tuition for “Technologies of Tomorrow” is $225 for ‘Imiloa members and $250 for nonmembers. Registration materials can be found online at imiloahawaii.org or hawaiisciencemuseum.org. Registration packets also can be picked up at ‘Imiloa’s front desk at 600 Imiloa Place in Hilo.