#iCanDoScience is a national camp designed to promote STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and related careers among members of the Malta Girl Guides (MGG).  Around 100 girls coming from various village based Girl Guide groups, participated in a three day camp coordinated by the MGG’s Science Team. Throughout the camp the girls familiarised themselves with scientific subjects in a practical and holistic way through fun hands-on experiences, while discovering the scientists within.

The Girl guiding method and a non-formal education approach were used to enable the participants to discover and develop their potential, while sleeping under tents in the lush green area surrounding Dar tal-Providenza in Siggiewi between 6^th and 8^th April.

Among the various activities organised were a speed mentoring session, Meet the Scientist, whereby female scientists, who are already working in the industry, offered career guidance to the camp participants. Other activities included light painting, archery, astronomy, tinkering and rocket making.

The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) backed this initiative as part of its efforts to popularise science among young people. MCST officers contributed in the run-up before the camp and by running various camp activities.

Members of the student organisation S-cubed, contributed in the running of the camp. One of S-Cubed’s main aims is to promote science beyond university level. S-cubed showed MGG members that science is all around and that it can be fun too! Unfortunately, science subjects are often perceived as difficult or unapproachable, however, through this camp girls were shown that they too, can do science!

This initiative is also in line with the EU wide initiative Science: It’s a girl thing! This campaign targets girls from 13 to 18 years of age and aims to challenge stereotypes around science and show that science can be a great opportunity for their future.

Agenzija Zghazagh, the International Federation of Business and Professional Women – BPW Valletta and the European Commission’s campaign Science: It’s a girl thing! supported this project. Nestlé, Nectar Ltd., Farsons, Benna Dairy Products and Coollee Berrys partly sponsored this initiative.

For more information please contact Malta Girl Guides on pr@maltagirlguides.com or +35679062323.