"Department", "Expert" and "Project" — are the key concepts at the JUNIOR-R camp

Each session features 5-10 departments (depending on the number of children and, proportionally, the number of experts).

The specific departments depend largely on which instructors are available during a given session. However, there are typically 3-4 "computer-related" departments and 3-4 "non-computer-related" ones.

An important point is that after the "introductory" presentation by the experts about their work areas, the children choose the activities that appeal to them. A single exciting project can span across multiple departments — the leaders will make sure of that!

We prioritize "productive types of activities," including:

- Programming (including mobile app development)
- Internet technologies
- Web design and web programming
- Computer graphics
- Big data analytics
- Artificial intelligence and neural networks; Machine learning
- Prepress publishing systems
- Animation (various types)
- Digital photography and video (image processing, nonlinear editing, post-production)
- Computer modeling
- Theater arts (directing, choreography, speech, and acting)
- Illustration and sketching
- Foreign languages (not learning, but application)
- Economics
- Ecology
- Design and architecture
- Robotics
and more.

Project-based activities

Project-based activities are not organized as lessons but as creative work dedicated to a particular theme. One of the key educational and methodological ideas of the camp is "INTEGRATION": projects are predominantly interdisciplinary, meaning that children realize the need for various knowledge to complete their tasks and attend different departments to achieve their goals. This approach fosters a friendly atmosphere of collaborative creativity, allowing the children to express themselves and appreciate the value of their own and their peers' contributions.

Project

A project is an idea brought to life, going from concept (thought) to tangible realization.

Under the guidance and in partnership with a teacher, the children discuss the concept, the goal of what they've come up with, and how to use various expressive tools to achieve this goal. They talk about what participants, materials, and technical means are required, what is lacking, and where and how to find everything necessary for the project. They independently solve the tasks, doing everything needed to bring the project to completion.

Product

 

The "product" can be a script, a song, a puppet, a robot, a webpage, a film, a newspaper, an article for the newspaper, a photograph, a photo gallery, a photo film, a presentation, or a research report. Sometimes even a seemingly minor event or phenomenon, or even a single word, can serve as the spark for a highly interesting project.
Projects are usually created by a "team" of two or more children (for films, up to 30-40 participants). A project can be done in a classroom, but it can also be done on a mountain, at a café table, or at sea…
Traditionally, all projects are presented by the children on the final Saturday of the session at the "Department Presentations," which is essentially a "Report Scientific-Practical Conference."
Additionally, activity in the departments is highly valued and allows the children to earn more valuable prizes at the Auction.
Many projects are stored in the MUSEUM on our website in the "History and Geography" section.

Experts

Each session is conducted by a "team" of experts (teachers) who, under the guidance of the session coordinator, lead activities and organize all aspects of the children's lives at the camp. The teachers are experienced and qualified educators and specialists from various fields of science and culture.