Everything under the sun

Kids look into a telescope at a previously held Cosmic Jaunt camp

Speaking of the power of early development, we are reminded of the Chichewa proverb that when translated into English means, "Catch them young". The adage instills the need to engage kids to enrich their minds so they grow sharper and carry constructive bearings in their physical, cognitive and socio-emotional personalities. Cosmic Jaunt, an upcoming space exploration camp, aligns with this belief. The camp was started in 2018 to promote interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) among children. But can two-year-olds articulate their interest in STEM? To that, Suvriti Dhawan, manager of the event says, "They can at least be introduced to new concepts".

Suvriti Dhawan

Cosmic Jaunt 2022 will span May and June, and children across age groups can sign up for this virtual camp. The camp has been designed for three school grades - junior, middle and senior school, respectively. Once participants sign up, an activity box - relevant to their age group - will reach them in seven days. "Although we went digital during the pandemic, the activity boxes were launched only this year. Before the camp starts, every kid is familiarised with the subject through a conceptualisation session. We have also built a continuous learning platform that will be launched in July. Campers will be given free access to this platform for a year," Dhawan explains. Not just kids, even parents start growing an interest in STEM through these sessions. Dhawan recalls one time a mother shared that while her son sat fascinated in front of the laptop, she was also learning enthralling facts from behind the camera. As a virtual camp, it can serve as a fun bonding experience.

Is the activity box a direct passage to the Milky Way? Dhawan shares the boxes parcel variety and a child's imagination, guided by astrophysicists and astronomers, can pave that passage. "For middle graders, there's a topic titled The Hubble Telescope. In the kit, children will find parts to make a DIY Hubble while learning about its details. We will teach them about integrated concepts of astronomy, and how humans are connected to celestial bodies," she signs off.

On: May 24 to 28; multiple dates throughout June
Log on to: insider.in
Call: 8506955554
Cost: Rs 3,539 onwards