본 연구의 목적은 초등과학캠프의 선호도 조사와 운영 실태를 통한 활성화 방안을 제시하는 것으로 2004년 이후 실시한 50개 초등과학캠프를 조사하였고, 서울과 경기에 거주하는 590명의 학생, 학부모, 교사를 대상으로 설문 조사 하였다. 또한 5명의 초등과학캠프 운영자 면담을 통해 문제점과 해결 방안을 탐색했다. 이 연구는 현재 운영하고 있는 초등과학캠프, 캠프 참가 현황, 학생의 선호도, 캠프 운영자와의 인터뷰로 자료를 추출했다. 그에 따라 연구의 결과에 기초하여 초등과학캠프의 활성화 방안을 제시한다. 첫째 초등과학캠프는 과학관련 단체나 교육청이 확대하여야 하고, 사설기관이나 단체는 전문화된 프로그램 개발과 지도 교사 육성에 대비하여야 한다. 둘째로 부족한 캠프장소의 해결 및 참가비 차이가 완화되어야 한다. 셋째로 캠프의 운영기간은 학생들이 더 많은 기회를 가질 수 있도록 다양화 하여야 한다. 결론적으로 초등과학캠프의 운영은 주제, 기간, 장소, 참가비, 지도 교사, 학생의 수, 프로그램 조직, 학생의 선호도, 홍보방법과 같은 다양한 주요 문제와관련되기 때문에 전문화와 지속적인 노력이 필요하다. 따라서 이 연구는 전국적인 규모로 초등 과학 캠프에 대한 꾸준한 협력, 지속적인 노력, 그리고 적절한 지원 시스템을 주장한다.

The purpose of this study is to pursue suggestions for the activation of the elementary science camp through the present status of operation and preference survey; examined 50 elementary science camps conducted since year 2004, and surveyed 590 people of students, parents and teachers around Seoul and Gyeonggi province. This study also explores ways of issues and solutions through interviews with five officials of the elementary science camp. This study drew data from the present status of the elementary science camp, the state of camp participation, student's preference, interviews with camp managers. The following are suggestions for the activation of the elementary science camp based on the results of this study; First, the lementary science camp especially in charge of science-related association or office of education should be enlarged, and other private institute or organization should prepare for specialized programs and expert teachers. Second, insufficient camp spot should be solved and participation fee differentials should be alleviated. Third, the period of the camp and its announcement should be various, so that students have more opportunities. In conclusion, managing elementary science camp needs specialism, and continuing effort, because it is related to many important matters such as theme, period, place, participation expenses, guiding teacher, number of student, program organization, student's preference, and method of notice. Therefore, this study insists steady cooperation, continuing endeavor, and appropriate support system for elementary science camps on a nationwide scale.

The purpose of this study is to pursue suggestions for the activation of the elementary science camp through the present status of operation and preference survey; examined 50 elementary science camps conducted since year 2004, and surveyed 590 people of students, parents and teachers around Seoul and Gyeonggi province. This study also explores ways of issues and solutions through interviews with five officials of the elementary science camp. This study drew data from the present status of the elementary science camp, the state of camp participation, student's preference, interviews with camp managers. The following are suggestions for the activation of the elementary science camp based on the results of this study; First, the lementary science camp especially in charge of science-related association or office of education should be enlarged, and other private institute or organization should prepare for specialized programs and expert teachers. Second, insufficient camp spot should be solved and participation fee differentials should be alleviated. Third, the period of the camp and its announcement should be various, so that students have more opportunities. In conclusion, managing elementary science camp needs specialism, and continuing effort, because it is related to many important matters such as theme, period, place, participation expenses, guiding teacher, number of student, program organization, student's preference, and method of notice. Therefore, this study insists steady cooperation, continuing endeavor, and appropriate support system for elementary science camps on a nationwide scale.

science camp, elementary science, out-of-school science education