UAE students who dream of travelling to space, engineering rockets, or delving into the depths of designing a mission to Mars are in for a treat next month as the Nasa Space and Rocketry Summer Camp 2018 comes to the UAE for the first time.

Open to all students aged from 9 to 18 years, the camp will be led by Nasa experienced space experts from North America and Europe and will run from July 15 to August 23, said a statement from the organisation.

The weekly camps will take place in Dubai at the Lapita Hotel Ballroom, Dubai Parks and Resorts, weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm.

It will employ Nasa’s and the UAE’s space curriculum, space projects, astronaut training and other activities. Students will learn what it’s like to live and work in space, learn about missions to Mars and design their own Mars base, it said.

The camp will also introduce students to rocketry - the science of rockets and rocket propulsion - they will learn how rockets work and have the chance to build a real model rocket. Every aspect of life in space will be covered with students even getting the chance to taste real space food.

It will see Nasa instructors mentor the students along their journey into the fascinating world of astronomy and rocketry, as well as special guests to speak about their personal experiences. They will also help them with any questions they may have about future careers in science and engineering and how best to realise their dreams.

This is an amazing unique first time opportunity for students in the UAE to experience the delights of science, engineering, space on a whole new level.  

The Nasa Space and Rocketry Summer Camp is organised by Compass International, the travel brand operating since 2003 and specialising in ground-breaking travel and the regional partner for the Nasa visitor centre US Space and Rocket Center in the US.

Lissy Donald, chief executive officer and managing director of Compass International, said: “We are delighted to be bringing these amazing minds from the world’s leading space agency to UAE to share their knowledge with young people who will be inspired by them for these are unique first of its kind opportunity in the UAE.”

Compass International is also offering an Innovation Academy where students get the chance to polish their skills for the 21st century. The Innovation Academy – A Destination Imagination curriculum inspired summer camp that will give students the experience of learning through creative challenges in either engineering and science or creative, performing arts and improvisation-based activities.

Another first for the UAE, students aged between 7 to 14 years can look forward to learning skills in creativity and innovation, critical thinking, collaboration and teamwork, and communication. The academy will run over the same six-week period at the same location as the Space & Rocketry Academy.  

Both programs include instruction from international staff, programme materials, all supplies, as well as a daily lunch meal and snack break.   

The all-inclusive registration fee for the Nasa Space & Rocketry Camp is Dh2650 ($721.4); the all-inclusive registration fee for Innovation Academy camp is Dh2250 ($612.5), it stated. – TradeArabia News Service