While school was out for the summer King’s Academy bustled with the energy and excitement of some 180 youngsters who flew in from all over the world this June to attend Summer at King’s Academy, King’s annual summer camp that blends fun with education.

Now in its fourth year at the school, the program offers students (ages six to 16) several options ranging from academics to sports to the innovative i2 Camp – the only STEM-based camp currently available in the Middle East.

This year, campers came from countries including Jordan, Hong Kong, China, Spain, Kuwait, Nigeria, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

“Everyone here is so open and accepting; it’s very diverse and cultured,” said Jamie El Koury, who travelled to King’s from New York City to improve his Arabic. “The camp has really shown itself to provide everything that I needed.”

Students enrolled in the academic tracks have the option to experience residential life by living in the dorms throughout the duration of the summer program or they can head home after a long day’s challenging and fun-filled activities.

“King’s is really independent – you do your own laundry and you’ve got your own room – but there’s also a family element,” said fellow Arabic student Nour Shalabi from Hong Kong. “The counselors are so helpful and other students are too with homework.”

In addition to strengthening their academic skills and honing their sports techniques, campers are given the opportunity to go on weekend adventures in which they can explore Jordan’s history and culture on trips to places like Petra and Wadi Rum.

“I’d recommend this just for the experience of coming to Jordan,” added El Koury. “There hasn’t been a moment where I’ve been bored. It’s been a very complete experience and definitely one I’d like to repeat next year.”