A new summer Space Camp for schoolchildren blasted off this week.

Twenty middle-school pupils started the free two-week course on Monday and they will learn about subjects such as living in space and atmospheric science.

Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, was delighted to offer the camps at no cost to the students or their parents or guardians.

He said: “The ministry worked closely with the Ministry of Education and I wish to thank them for their support through all of this to determine outstanding student candidates who would most benefit from these camps.”

He added: “I want to take this moment to recognise and thank parents for their commitment to enhance the education of our children.

“Certainly, I’m happy that parents were willing to allow the children to be in our care for these weeks because they clearly understand the importance and potentially the opportunity that being involved in such a camp will give them”

Mr Roban said that the camp was available to public school pupils aged 11 to 14.

He said: “With space technology increasing globally and locally, and science, technology, engineering, arts and maths education and instruction gaining traction in our schools, it is important now more than ever to provide the tools to equip our children with the knowledge to complete advanced education in technology in this new world.”

The camp, held at Bermuda College, will include classes on gravity and buoyancy, coding, alternative power, weather and hurricanes, and climate change.

Mr Roban added that the schoolchildren will take part in “activities such as a drone obstacle course, designing a space craft, and beyond.”

“I know they’re going to be doing stuff with robotics as well so this is really a great opportunity for them.”

He stressed that the Government was committed to Steam education. “We are hoping that not only our children will benefit but that everyone in the country will see that this is the proper direction,” he said.

The Space Camp will be offered twice to two different groups of public-school pupils over the summer.