These children are enjoying a summer camp at Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – The first day of school is quickly approaching, but Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center has scheduled numerous activities to give youth a taste of summer camp before returning to the classroom.

Children in pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade will have several camps from which to choose next week.

On July 28 through Aug. 1, “Safari Adventures” from 9 to 11:30 a.m. will simulate a trip to Africa. Youngsters who are pre-school age will make their own binoculars, which they will use to learn about wildlife on the African plains.

The “Firefighter Academy” will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. Children in pre-K through grade 5 will explore the science of ?re-and-rescue and learn about ?re safety, basic first aid and emergency preparedness.

“We’ll even have a visit from a ?re?ghter and learn how ?re can be both helpful, as well as dangerous,” Sci-Quest Development and Marketing Director Jennifer Deermer said.

“Star Kids” will enjoy a whirlwind tour of the solar system and beyond from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will discuss airless Mercury, acidic Venus, gigantic Jupiter, ringed Saturn and more.

“Campers will make a solar system mobile, eat astronaut food and even construct a comet in our out-of-this-world week-long adventure,” Deermer said.

For newcomers to robotics, “Robot Rampage” will introduce this fascinating world of technology. Campers will discover how robots work and construct their own models that can walk on the ground, cross hand-over-hand on a high string and respond to voice command.

Meeting from 1 to 4 p.m., this camp uses LEGO Mindstorms robots and software to explain programming of the robots and their responses. Children will take home a robot kit.

Sci-Quest members receive a 10-percent discount on all summer camps.

Sci-Quest’s address is 1435 Paramount Drive in Huntsville. For more information or to register online, call 256-837-0606 or visit sci-quest.org.