Chris Wood (L), Kurtis Nawrot (C), and Brian Boutette (R) welcome campers to the 2017 Science Summer Camps. Photo credit: Chan Rin
Brian Boutette
Program: After degree, secondary education
Interests: Board games and volleyball
What do you love most about science?
Science has always been my favourite subject in school and now I get to teach others about the amazing world we live in. I love discovering new information about organisms and their abilities to adapt to various harsh conditions on Earth.
Why do you think you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
I've been promoting science based programs and participating in ecological scientific meetings for a number of years. The next generation needs to know how to positively impact the ecological balance of our planet so that the following generations have environments that are full of biodiversity.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I was part of the Science Summer Camps in 2016 and I had to come back. I had so much fun last year teaching the campers about science and how it can be applied to Minecraft. There were so many amazing creations that the campers made and I can't wait to see what this year's campers will produce.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I worked in a chocolate factory in a quality control lab and now I've got quite the sweet tooth for chocolate.
Kurtis Nawrot
Program: BEd, secondary education
Interests: Theatre, cooking, nerf blasters, video games, sunshine, reading, inline skating, yoga, and music.
What do you love most about science?
I love science because it is the engine that powers progress in society. Science solves real world problems and is creating a better world for us all.
Why do you think you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
It is important to promote science because of the anti-science movements that are building across the world. Teaching our young people to be scientifically literate and understand the truths of our reality revealed by science is an important element in preventing our society from regressing instead of progressing.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I want to teach Science Summer Camps because I love Minecraft! I love how Minecraft provides an environment with no restrictions, infinite resources, and minimal consequences for failure. It is the ultimate creation and exploration tool: a sandbox with infinite sand! In Minecraft, the imagination can run wild, sparking real world connections and ideas that wouldn't have occurred elsewhere. I want to lead my campers to incredible discoveries and awe inspiring creations.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I'm a vegetarian, Monday through Friday.
Chris Wood
Program: BSc, computing science
Interests: Computers, video games, biking, camping, and music.
What do you love most about science?
Science is so broad and there is always something new to learn.
Why do you think you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
Science is important to young people because they are still so inquisitive. Science can answer questions and raise new ones, and their questioning nature is perfect for science.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I wanted to work with Science Summer Camps because I love to work with young people, and I love science. The opportunity to do both things and have a great time was too good to pass up.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
Music is a huge passion for me and I love to make new songs all the time and practice playing when I get the chance.