Ignite Atlantic, the rural innovation hub, has announced plans to hold a series of free, two-day youth camps with a goal of working with young people from underrepresented communities.

Dubbed Up + Atom, the camps will be held in: New Glasgow, N.S., Aug. 14 and 15; Yarmouth, Aug. 17 and 18; and East Preston Aug. 28 and 29. The programming will be aimed at kids aged nine to 14 years, with a focus on generating interest in the STEM fields.

This year’s events will build on a successful trial run held in New Glasgow last year. Athletes from female basketball teams at St. Francis Xavier University and Saint Mary’s University will attend the camps to act as guides during physical activities. And educators from the Halifax’s Discovery Centre — an interpretive centre that aims to educate kids about science — will also be on hand.

The Discovery Centre has a history of collaborating with the innovation community, with Halifax-based Tidal Venture Partners having pledged to donate a portion of its profits in February.

The New Glasgow camp will be held at Ward 1 Recreation Centre. In Yarmouth, the young scientists will gather at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School. And in East Preston, they will meet at East Preston Community Centre.

“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, as well as access to safe sports spaces, should be available to ALL children, especially those in marginalized communities,” said Ignite CEO Doug Jones in a statement. “Our Up + Atom youth camp aims to break barriers and empower children from diverse backgrounds to explore the wonders of science and embrace an active lifestyle.”

Interested parents can learn more and register their kids here.