Science camps offer students a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and explore their interests in a hands-on environment. Taking place during the summer, these programs allow young people to engage with scientific topics beyond the scope of the traditional classroom. By working on practical projects, participating in experiments, and learning from experienced mentors, students gain deeper insights into fields such as biology, physics, astronomy, engineering, and environmental science. This approach not only strengthens their academic foundation but also fosters independent thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.
Beyond academic development, science camps encourage collaboration, communication, and the building of lasting connections with peers who share similar interests. Exposure to real-world research environments and expert guidance often inspires students to consider future careers in science, technology, and related fields. For students seeking to make the most of their summer while exploring their interests and learning something, participation in a science camp is a valuable experience. One summar camp for students is the Višnjan Science and Education Center in Croatia.
General
The Višnjan Science and Education Center is an institution whose mission is to promote and encourage excellence and innovation in scientific, technological and artistic work with children and young people by providing support to highly motivated students and their educators in the fields of natural and social sciences, technology, environmental conservation, art and culture.
Until this day, Višnjan educational programs have been expanded to almost all scientific branches, with activities intended for different age and interest groups (from preschool onwards), ranging from popular to highly specialized topics and projects. The primary goal of scientific education and popularization of science is also achieved through cooperation with teachers in raising their competences for working with academically gifted students.
They focus on an individual approach to each participant through mentoring and project work; direct involvement in serious research work as a member of the team of leaders-mentors; a relaxed atmosphere while working towards a common goal; and challenge, which leads to extraordinary educational experiences and valuable scientific results. Students get to think creatively and critically, as well work on multidisciplinary projects, improve their scientific communication and, ultimately, present their work to their peers.
Camps
The Višnjan Science and Education Center offers a total of two programs targeted for high schoolers. Summer School of Science (S3) covers all natural and technical sciences except astronomy. Projects are often interdisciplinary, connecting, for example, chemistry and electronics, biology or computer science. The greater knowledge and experience of these participants gives them the freedom to take the project in the direction that interests them most. Through lectures and other accompanying activities, they also cover social aspects related to the development of natural sciences and technology. The other programme, Višnjan School of Astronomy (VSA), a camp for high school students whose projects are either astronomical or technological – developing methods and devices for astronomical research. The special features of VSA are night work and the opportunity to work at the Tičan Observatory. The VSA program is conducted entirely in English, as they invite mentors and lecturers from all over the world as guests.
Dormitory
Most of the activities in the residential programs take place in the dormitory of the Jože Šuran Elementary School in Višnjan. The dormitories for participants have 6 and 8 beds, while each dormitory has its own bathroom. The dormitory has three laboratories: physics and technology, chemistry and biology, and two classrooms. The physics and technology laboratory is equipped as a good makerspace with a wide range of tools and machines, and the chemistry and biology laboratories are equipped just as the teaching laboratories at universities. All laboratories are air-conditioned. If the weather permits, some activities are also carried outdoors, in the amphitheater in front of the dormitory. The nature around the dormitory provides opportunities for rest, but also for research.
They provide two cooked meals for participants every day (lunch and dinner), which are served in the Elementary School’s dining room. Breakfast and snacks are eaten in the dormitory. Participants have access to a kitchenette that they can use “like at home” – with both freedom and responsibility. They adapt the menu to participants who have dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarianism, etc.).
Location
The dormitory, located in the beautiful town of Višnjan, offers many ways for students to spend their free time. Višnjan is a typical town of the Istrian interior which represents an ideal balance in terms of its size: It is small enough for participants to be able to walk freely, go to the store or get ice cream, etc., and large enough for participants to fill their free time.
Besides spending time in the dormitory, its surrounding area, and the town Višnjan itself, nearby, the Tičan Observatory is located which is visited with the students at least once (depending on the student’s choice of summer camp) in their week long stay at the Višnjan camp. The Tičan Observatory is primarily focused on and concerned with the discovery and research of small bodies in the Solar System. The observatory opens its doors to students of residential programs: younger students visit the observatory and learn about its work firsthand, and students of the VSA – Višnjan School of Astronomy – have the opportunity to get involved in the observatory’s research work.
Applications
The applications for both S3 and VSA camps are found and completed on their website. The applications are completed through google forms and your report card of the previous school year will be necessary as well as a recommendation letter from one of your science professors. The applications last until April 20, 2025, and the evaluation of applications and sending of invitations will be completed by May 8, 2025. All further details can be found on their website, along with all the contact information of the camp where any unanswered questions can be sent to their email.
