Aurora's Wesley UMC to host free kids' science camp

Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora is offering a free science camp for children, ages 4 to 12.

The camp will meet from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Aug. 9-12, at the church, 14 N. May St.

Camp sessions will open at 5:30 p.m. with a free dinner.

After dinner, volunteers and guest speakers will explore biology, physics and chemistry activities.

Michelle Curiel, Wesley director of children and family, is camp coordinator.

She said, "For chemistry, kids will perform experiments to watch how reactions work. They will include making oobleck, a water and cornstarch slime; ice cream in a bag and elephant's toothpaste.

For biology, Dr. Abby Curiel, a veterinarian, will teach about animals including a mouse, rat, bunny, kitten, snake, gecko and dog.

Children will learn about the animals in a petting and meet-and-greet circle.

"What animals need to survive and how to take care of them in their environment will be explored," Curiel said. "Additionally, Dr. Curiel will explain what veterinarians do to help injured animals."

On physics night, children will create bottle rockets if the weather is good. If weather is inclement, kids will make egg drops.

To close the camp, students and volunteers will celebrate the week with displays of pictures and projects.

The evening will close with dinner, snacks and an outdoor science-related movie.

According to Curiel, the camp originated from requests by kids attending Wesley's summer arts camp.

Arts camp parents expressed gratitude for free lunches during a fun, safe and educational week that was free.

She said science camp volunteers include science teachers or past teachers from the Wesley congregation.

Registration for the camp is under way. Call (630) 896-1033.