ESO Astronomy Camp for Schoolchildren

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) and its Science Outreach Network, in collaboration with science events organizer Sterrenlab, are organizing the first ESO Astronomy Camp. It will operate from 26 to 31 December 2013 at the Astronomical Observatory of the Aosta Valley in St. Barthelemy (Nusa region, Italy). Several project partners, including ESO, are providing five free camp passes, which will be awarded to those who wish to take part in the camp.

At the camp, various types of classes will be organized for schoolchildren, where they can become familiar with the science of the visible and invisible Universe: lectures, practical exercises, night observations on telescopes and observatory instruments. A cultural program, winter sports, and excursions will help make the camp an unforgettable event for its participants. ESO is responsible for the scientific program of the Astronomy Camp, inviting lecturers and providing teaching materials.

Sterrenlab company specializes in organizing international science camps for children and teenagers and offers a whole range of services in the field of information and consultations, design, implementation of projects and organization of scientific, educational and communication events.

The camp is designed for a maximum of 55 schoolchildren aged 16 to 18 years from ESO Member States and countries included in the ESO scientific and educational network (which includes Russia). Students wishing to participate in the camp must fill out a special form on the camp website by October 15, 2013. The selection of candidates will end on October 31, 2013. Campers must send final confirmation of their arrival by November 8, 2013. The selection criteria for participants and other instructions for those wishing to go to the camp are given on the camp website http://sterrenlab.com/camps/eso-astronomy-camp-2013 .

The registration fee is 480 euros and includes the cost of food and accommodation in a hostel in St. Barthelemy, professional services for organizing leisure time and children's everyday life, expenses for educational activities and entertainment, educational materials, excursions, local transport and insurance. A bus service will be provided between the observatory and Malpensa Airport (Milan).

More information about the camp - www.eso.org/public/russia/announcements/ann13044 .