Play is the highest form of research.
Albert Einstein
Who we are
How did it start?
Note from the founder:
My name is Natasha Skoberla. I am the owner of SparkYou who loves science and kids. I am a geek at heart, but I also like invest in my internal growth and play beach volleyball.
Since 2018 I teach STEM for grades K-12. I have worked in Hawaii public and private school systems including Aikahi, Ka’ohao, Waimanalo Elementary Schools, La Jardin Academy and tutor kids from all over the island.
I hold a BS degree in Civil Engineering, MS degrees in Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering. I have extensive background in drug and vaccine development subjects due to my past, long time employment at Merck, KGAA.
My goal is to keep your kids safe, curious and entertained during their time away from school or home. I am fascinated with little brains and how they work. I love watching kids get curious about not only science but just ordinary life. I believe social interactions with other kids and lots of time outside in the fresh air is the best we can offer our kids and their development
My adventure with science camps for children started during Covid lockdown when I opened SparkYou services to public service employees who faced limited options for childcare while working very hard to ensure everyone’s safety. During that time, I learned how important it is to keep students actively engaged not only through a virtual interface of a computer, but in person, providing a safe collaborative environment. This experience highlighted the importance of facilitating open communication, encouraging questions, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process in an attempt to normalize the negative effect of pandemic lockdowns. Turns out science was the answer. I was able to “infect student’s minds with the bug for science” and have been doing it ever since. I am privileged to be one of the few that can say “I really love what I do”.
What we do
SparkYou offers dynamic educational experiences through after-school enrichment programs and day camps designed to spark curiosity and a love for science. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning in chemistry and physics while integrating technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in alignment with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
In addition to our core programs, we provide support for homeschooling parents seeking science enrichment, host themed birthday and wedding parties, and organize Parents’ Night Out events. More than just teaching scientific concepts, our goal is to inspire the next generation of confident, compassionate problem-solvers.
Currently, we offer our services in Kailua, Hawaii, on the Island of Oahu, as well as in Southern Maine, including Cumberland, Freeport, and Windham.
What makes us unique
As a parent you probably wonder: “Why should I choose SparkYou service for my child?” We’ve outlined five reasons why our service stands out, all backed by feedback from our customers.
Small student to teach ratio
Our uniqueness lies in maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring that each child receives individualized attention and guidance. Unlike other camps, we prioritize quality over quantity by having a higher number of teachers serving as counselors. This approach allows us to foster a supportive, safe for all and interactive learning environment.
Majority of our staff are experienced educators.
80% of our staff are teachers. We are committed to providing a high-quality experience at our summer camps, which is why we hire only experienced teachers to lead our programs. With their expertise in teaching and managing groups, they ensure that every camper receives attention, guidance, and encouragement throughout their camp journey.
Hands on experiments
Our emphasis on hands-on experiments further distinguishes us, providing ample opportunities for students to propose their own project, experiment, science enigma they are curious about and then engage them directly with a set of activities explaining the proposed scientific concept. At SparkYou curiosity is nurtured, questions are encouraged, mistakes are welcomed, and young minds are free to explore the wonders of science.
Yes, dear parents! That means that with us your kids can make indefinite slimes, stain the table with food coloring and run elephant toothpaste as many times as they desire.
Getting out to explore surroundings few times a week
Science and travel go hand in hand, creating a dynamic synergy that transforms the outdoors into a science classroom. Field trips become immersive experiences where scientific principles come alive which is the most enriching part of our summer camps program per opinion of almost all participants. Hikes and long nature walks especially.
SPARKYOU, LLC
info@sparkyou.org Office #: 808-453-0065 Locations: Kailua, HI and Cumberland, ME