SCORE camp ready to kick off next week

    As Edwin Hubble said, “Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure SCIENCE.”
    SCORE camp kicks off on Monday, and 322 youths are ready for a week full of science education. SCORE stands for Science Camps Offer Rewarding Experiences.
    Coolers, T-shirts and schedules were picked up at the school Monday by registered campers and parents.
    Camps for grades 3-4 and 5-6 are full, but Trish Oxford, registration chairman, said grade 1-2 openings still existed Monday morning. Wait lists are set up for youths who just completed grades 3-6 for possible openings, she said.
    The 2022 SCORE team is busy making final preparations for the Adventure Science-themed camp June 20-24.
    Gathering supplies, reaching out for snacks and arranging accommodations for presenters are still being finalized.
    Creating this experience for the children of Chase County and the area takes dedication and commitment, according to the co-coordinators.
    Scientists from Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and California will be conducting sessions at this year’s camp.  
    “I applaud these true educators who have committed themselves to children. In a day of so much uncertainty, it’s refreshing to know we can count on each other and continue the vision set before us,”
said Kim Spady, SCORE co-coordinator.
    Some of the instructors who will be returning to Imperial for SCORE are:
    Dr. Robert Diffendal, Jr—A geologist and paleontologist who’s been coming to SCORE since 1989 and will present at camp for four days. Spady said they feel very fortunate to have Bob and his wife Anne from Lincoln back with their rocks and lessons ready to go.
    Regina Bird—The NTV Meteorologist  comes to camp for her second year and will engage campers in understanding how extreme weather can affect lives and what they can do to prepare and survive. She grew up on a farm near Belleville, Kansas and shares her love of all things weather-related that started when she was young. Spady said Bird is an engaging speaker, asking thought-provoking questions and helping young minds grasp a big idea like weather.     Wildlife Encounters—Wildlife Encounters of Gretna is returning to SCORE camp to capture the campers’ attention and educate all with their unique animals. The students will have opportunities to see animals up close in small group sessions along with large animals during assemblies on June 22.
    The success of SCORE comes from the continuous support from the community. Numerous businesses and individuals donate some of the needed supplies for the camp, Spady said.
    “We are grateful to everyone who has donated and/or provided their time for the camp. Coolers, water bottles, session supplies, decorative items, vehicles, housing along with meals and snacks that have been contributed by so many for the camp,” said Charlesa Kline SCORE co-coordinator.
    Anyone interested in contributing to SCORE can go to www.SCOREcamp.com to sign up to volunteer, donate snacks or help provide a meal.
    “We truly couldn’t have the caliber of camp that SCORE is known for without our hardworking staff, the support from the Chase County Schools Education Foundation and CCS, the talents of the instructors, the numerous volunteers, this supportive community and, of course, the parents who are entrusting their students to us,” said Kline.
    Spady said one of her favorite days this spring was delivering the camp brochures to students and having the opportunity to “spill the beans” about science camps.
    “The looks on their faces said it all. Don’t let your child miss out on this opportunity,” she said.