FORT JACKSON, S.C. - Approximately 40 Army Reserve children from all over the southeast region ranging from the ages of six to 14 attended a “Up, Up, and Away” day camp hosted by the 81st Regional Support Command’s Child Youth & School Services and the Mad Science organization, May 19.
Mad Science is one of the leading science enrichment providers who deliver unique, hands-on science with experiences that are entertaining and also educational. The junior mad scientists started their day off by playing a game of “guess who” to break the ice until it was time for them to start their adventures for the day.
“What an awesome opportunity for our Army Reserve youth. An event like this one serves a threefold purpose,” said Jennifer Stevens, 81st RSC Community Outreach Specialist.
“AR children have the chance to interact with children who experience the same lifestyle as themselves; they have the opportunity to participate in an event that promotes building strong science and math skills and the parents can feel secure about leaving their children in a safe and positive environment.”
The junior scientists were broken down in to two groups based on their ages. When they arrived at their classrooms they were greeted by three enthusiastic mad scientists who went by the names of Positive Paige, Shocking Sharon and Active Amanda. Each group had the opportunity design, build and fly their own kite using ancient flying machines as their guide. They discovered why kites have tails and they also participated in a radical resistance race with their fellow campers.
“I like the Mad Science Camp,” said 9-year-old Tamia Jackson, daughter of Tannie Jackson, 81st RSC. “I think this will help me when I have science in school; we had kites, parachutes, frisbees, boomerangs and we made paper airplanes.”
Reserve soldiers traveled from Atlanta, Ga., Charleston, S.C., Greenwood and Charlotte, N.C., to give their children the opportunity to play a part in the “Up, Up & Away” camp.
“These types of partnerships ensure maximum support of our soldiers, families and children who are most often geographically dispersed” said Stevens.
“This was a great idea”, said Tannie Jackson. “It gave parents a little break while giving kids the opportunity to get out and socialize with other kids in a learning environment that was fun.