Inspiring Minds at uOttawa’s Bilingual Math Camp

Each year, in late June or early July, uOttawa’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics organizes the camp for top teen competitors in national math competitions. Professor Joseph Khoury, who wears many hats as organizer, teacher and fundraiser, begins preparations months in advance. Although camp organizers invite over 150 Grade 10 students, the camp only has room for 50 participants each year. This focus on Grade 10 students is strategic: research shows that this is the age when students tend to drop math courses or lose interest in the subject.

Size, bilingualism and diversity are what make uOttawa’s math camp extra special. “We are now the largest of the math camps in Canada given the scope of activities we offer, and we are also the only bilingual camp,” says Khoury. The camp has evolved significantly since its early years, expanding from a few presentations and competitions to include several speakers, team projects, individual challenges and various scientific and social activities.

One team project requires participants to build a structure using the mathematical principles they have learned. “Last year, a team built a working key and locking system using duct tape and cardboard. This year, one team built a conduit to elevate water for field irrigation,” says Khoury. “Mathematics is the language of science – it’s involved in almost everything around us from traffic lights to GPS systems. It’s the foundation for science and engineering and that’s what students are learning. No economy can grow and prosper without a solid foundation and advancements in mathematical sciences.”

Since most camp participants are from outside the Ottawa area, Khoury arranges sightseeing activities and always incudes time for an Escape Room game. “Escape Room is very popular with the students, and they do fantastically well at it!” says Khoury.

Even though attending this math camp is not free, organizers refrain from passing all the costs on to the students and their families. This means that fundraising has become part of the job for Professor Khoury. Students pay only about a third of the actual cost and the remainder is covered by sponsor donations or in-kind gifts. “I spend a good amount of time writing letters to solicit funds to reduce the cost for families and students,” adds Khoury. He’s been successful, bringing in private sponsors such as the Bank of Canada, 3M and other private and government institutions. Many of these organizations also provide guest speakers. Professor Khoury says this makes the math camp a win-win-win: this connection between industry and academia benefits sponsors, students and the University.

Professor Khoury feels his efforts are worthwhile, as he estimates a large percentage of the camp attendees go on to study mathematics, science or engineering. He smiles when he recounts how some of the students he has stayed in touch with over the years have continued their math education to pursue successful careers as professors, CEOs, engineers and other professionals.

Emilee Zhang, a recent math camp attendee, has already firmly decided that math and science studies are in her future. “Being at camp inspired me to work hard. Math can be fun!”