Imagine learning about the ideals of science, engineering, and technology in a fun, interactive club environment.

The Venture Kids Club, a new and exciting addition to the Venture Engineering and program at McMaster University, does just that.

In the first session, which began Oct. 4, 2003, the children have already explored the McMaster planetarium and received a tour of the solar car. Every week, the students are actively involved in hands-on activities such as motorized boat building, solar paneled Lego, dissections and water tower designs, to let them discover engineering and science on their own.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, the children will receive an exciting tour and demonstration by St. John Ambulance from 10 to 11 a.m. This session will help them learn in an interactive way about medicine and biology. The ambulance will be parked outside the main entrance of the John Hodgins Engineering Building at McMaster University, where the kids will have an opportunity to learn, explore and ask questions.

The Venture Kids Club is held for two eight-week sessions during the school year. Session two will begin Jan. 17, 2004. The Club is held on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each session holds 20 students from Grades 4-6. Registration can be done through the Venture Web site at a cost of $95 per session.

Venture Engineering and Science Program is a not for profit student run program under the direction of the Faculties of Engineering and Science. This year marks Venture's fourteenth year of operation.

“The Venture Kids' Club provides role models to elementary students and shows them that engineering and science can be fun,” says Carm Vespi, manager, engineering alumni office. “These students are encouraged to appreciate the importance of education.”