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closeA mad mission to bring science, fun to children
Local franchise aims to excite a curiosity in science through programs, camps
Chris Albert
Mad Science of Pierce County is sparking the scientific imagination of youths throughout the area at locally hosted camps and programs.
“I think parents are always looking for fun things for kids to do that are educational too,” said Mad Science owner Jill Starks. “There’s nothing wrong with fun, but if there’s an educational component too, that’s cool.”
Throughout the school year, Mad Science provides after school programs for youths ages 5 to 12 to explore the intrigue of science. But those opportunities don’t stop when school ends.
“Our main goal is to give kids meaningful things to do with their after school hours in our after school programs,” Starks said.
The programs meet all the Washington State science standards and it’s a nice complement to what students are learning in the classroom, she said.
“It’s not our intent to replace anything that should be going on in the classroom,” Starks said.
Mad Science is all about getting children excited about science, she said.
“I think kids are looking for different types of stimulus,” said Cara Cross, with Pierce County Parks and Recreation. “Sometimes they don’t get quite enough of their interest quenched when they are in school.”
During the summer months, Mad Science presents science programs throughout Pierce County, including camps at Meridian Habitat Park and Community Center on South, at local libraries, churches, schools and where ever they are wanted.
“Anywhere there’s a group of kids we’re there or can be there,” Starks said.
This year, Mad Science started its Secret Agent Lab program where students get to explore how forensics work, like the television series “CSI.” Its NASA camp is always a big draw, Starks said.
How can it not be when children get a chance to build and launch Rockets, she said.
In 2006, Starks started a Pierce County branch of Mad Science. The franchised company has been around since the mid 1990s and started in Montreal, Canada. She had always been an active volunteer, but wanted to do more.
“There came a point for me where I wanted to be a doer not just an observer,” Starks said. “It’s another thing to actively do for kids in our community.”
This is the second year the Pierce County branch has run summer day-camps. Starks said, they often work with recreational departments in the area.
It’s been very helpful, Starks said, because recreation departments have the facilities and staff to host the activities.
“It’s just nice to work with an established association,” Starks said.
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Mad Science
For more information about Mad Science of Pierce County call 253-841-1041, e-mail madsciencepierce@msn.com or go to www.madscience.com/pierce. Mad Science is located in Puyallup at 11203 Benston Drive E. Suite 120.
Upcoming: > July 29: Buggy about Books with Mad Science starts at 2 p.m. at the South Hill Library, 15420 Meridian East.
> July 30: NASA program half-day camp from 9 a.m. to noon at Cascade Christian Schools in Puyallup.
> Aug. 11: Hands-on booth at 1 p.m. at Daffodil Valley Elementary in Sumner or Emerald Hills Elementary in Bonney Lake.
> Aug. 11-15: In the Garden camp from 9 a.m. to noon daily at Meridian Habitat Park and Community Center on South Hill. The camp is $125 and is for ages 3 to 5 years old. To register, call 253-798-4177.
> Aug. 11-15: Secret Agent Lab from 9 a.m. to noon daily at Meridian Habitat Park and Community Center on South Hill. The camp cost is $125 and is for ages five to 12. To register, call 253-798-4177.