Summer Science Camps

The Unique Experience of Madarom Science Camp
For ten consecutive years, Madarom Science Summer Camps have been providing a unique educational summer experience for thousands of Israeli children aged 9-18. For some participants, summer camp is the continuation and culmination of year-round involvement in Madarom science education; for others it is a rare opportunity to experience the world of science in an exciting, informal framework. In all cases, the camps are designed to motivate children to deepen their interest in science, and give them the space, time and conditions for exploring what inspires and excites them.

Reaching Out to Children from All Backgrounds
As in all Madarom programs, the target group is residents of the periphery, whose parents cannot afford to send their children to expensive summer camps. About 85% of campers come from disadvantaged communities in the Negev and Galilee. They pay a minimal participation fee to enroll in camp; the rest of the cost is subsidized by the Education Ministry and Rashi Foundation. A special scholarship fund fully covers the cost for families with greater financial needs. All the camps emphasize hands-on exposure to science alongside traditional summer recreation such as swimming, sports and social activities. 

Location Location Location
The camps take place at dozens of sites around Israel, with an emphasis on places in outlying areas of the Negev and Galilee, which are engaged in marvelous educational work and employing experts and talented informal educators. Sites such as Ilan Ramon Youth Physics Center and Beit Yatziv in Be'er Sheva, Hai-Negev at Revivim, Migal Science Center in Kiryat Shmona, and Nitzana Educational Community near the Egyptian border are joined by university campuses in Be'er Sheva, Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Last Year's Success
In 2008, nearly 4,000 children participated in Madarom science camps at 14 different sites from North to South: in universities, science centers, institutes and field schools. Some were 5-night sleepover programs, some were 10-day camps. Youngsters chose from an exciting menu of subjects, such as Astronomy, Zoology, Computer Science, Solar Science, Genetic Engineering, Ecology, Desert Studies. Summer camps were also run for children with special needs, young patients of Soroka Medical Center, and children at high risk who are temporarily residing at the Be'er Sheva Battered Women’s Shelter.

Read a summary of the evaluation on last year's summer camps

This Year's Target
There is an overwhelming demand for places at the camps. We have reached the number defined in the tender of 3,400 participants, but we want to enable 1,500 additional children to attend. Rashi has allocated the funds for another 500 subsidies - now we seeking a partner to enable another 1,000 children to benefit from Madarom Summer Science Camps. 

For more details, please contact: Ronit Segelman, Director of Partnerships ronits@rashi.org.il.