A children’s mathematics camp will host part of an international competition on the island next year.

Planet Math will hold the trials in February, with successful youngsters getting the chance to compete in the Spirit of Math Global Round in Canada in the summer.

Sergio Pitcher, one of the founders of Planet Math, said it meant a lot to host the round in Bermuda because it could showcase the island’s talent.

He added: “It’s going to be an opportunity for young mathematicians to shine not just locally in Bermuda but to shine on an international, global stage.

“You’ll represent Bermuda and show the world what Bermuda has for mathematicians.”

Spirit of Math involves children going head-to-head in their home countries and proving their logical mathematical skills before travelling to Ontario, Canada to compete.

The competition is open to pupils from Grade 1 to Grade 8.

Kimberly Langen, the chief executive and founder of Spirit of Math, said the contest was designed to let children treat maths with the same competitiveness as sports.

She said it was a good way to help youngsters embrace their intellects and take pride in their passions.

Ms Langen added: “One of the most critical parts of this is that it’s almost like a talent search where we’re finding kids.

“It doesn’t cost a lot just to do a contest and yet you can find kids out of the blue.

“Sometimes we’ll get some brilliant kids who show up and they’re not recognised anywhere else.”

Ms Langen, a former educator, said that mathematics was more than numbers and instead involved problem solving, logic and reasoning skills.

She emphasised the importance of children developing their problem-solving skills and added that mathematics had an impact on everyday life.

Ms Langen said: “If these kids want to have a good future, this opens up so many doors for them.”

She added: “Having these contests also makes them realise that they’re not the odd one out and that there are many kids like them.

“It’s an opportunity for them to meet other kids like them, to socialise and to get excited about the same things.”

Mr Pitcher seconded her sentiments, adding that common industries in Bermuda such as business and reinsurance valued mathematical skills.

He said that, outside of careers, mathematical and logical thinking were employed in everyday life.

Mr Pitcher said: “Most people don’t realise that maths is in every single thing and that we do maths every single day.

“You have to grocery shop, manage all your finances, pay your bills — that’s all maths.

“Unfortunately we don’t teach enough of that, but if you have maths skills, you have a much better chance of doing all of those things properly.”

Mr Pitcher said that teachers can select and nominate pupils to represent their school grades, while students can enrol themselves.

He said that he wanted to take about 100 children from P1 to M3 to the finals in Ontario.

The Bermuda Spirit of Math round will be held at Bermuda College on February 7 next year.

It will kick off the charity’s Mathathon, where representatives visit schools to promote mathematical awareness.

Schools have until December 5 to sign up for the Spirit of Math.

Mr Pitcher encouraged everyone to join in, saying: “If you’re good at maths and you like maths but you feel a little hesitant, don’t.

“Get in on this. This is your opportunity to shine.”

Anyone who would like to enrol can contact Planet Math on 707-1412 or e-mail planetmathbda@gmail.com.