Space Camp Turkey
Space Camp Turkey uses space and space technology with the aim to motivate and educate children aged 9–15 in the fields of astronomy and science. Through simulations, it improves youth self-confidence, teamwork and communication skills. Most importantly, Space Camp Turkey aims to foster global friendship through space education.
It is located in the Aegean Free Zone, a high-tech industrial park in Gaziemir metropolitan district of Izmir, Turkey, operated by ESBAS the Aegean Free Zone Development and Operating Company. Izmir is a vibrant Mediterranean city on the western coast of Turkey with a population of over 3 million people. The camp is five minutes away from the International Adnan Menderes Airport, 15 minutes from the city center and one hour from world famous attractions such as Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary and the Church of St-John The Apostle.
Space Camp Turkey is one of three space camps in the world and one of two in Asia. It is affiliated with the United States Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Mr.Kaya Tuncer, president of ESBAS, decided to establish a Space Camp in Turkey after visiting Huntsville with his Turkish friend Ismail Akbay, an Apollo Project Engineer who worked for Dr. Wernher von Braun. Space Camp Turkey opened on 12 June 2000. American astronaut Scott Carpenter and Ismail Akbay were honored guests at the ceremony.
Space Camp Turkey has hosted over 160,000 children and adults from 50 countries and developed space science-related programs that consist of 2-Day Outer Space Adventure during the school year, 5-Day Space Camp and 5-Day Space Camp with Robotics during semester breaks, and 6-Day International Summer Camp with robotic class option.
International credentials
Space Camp Turkey is recognized as a science institution by the Turkish Ministry of Education. It is also licensed with the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, the governing body of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Space Camp Turkey is a member of the following school organizations:
- Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA)
- Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA)
- European Council of International Schools (ECIS)
- East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS)