In an effort to help kids catch up on learning they missed during the pandemic, Indian edtech company BYJU’S is launching its first virtual summer camp program.

Running from June 10 to August 30, the camp aims to connect students ages six to 18 around the world with experts in areas such as space, gaming and food.

Among the classes offered, Neil deGrasse Tyson will host an educational party to discuss space travel, Mars colonization and the future of humans. Kids can also participate in a Q&A with the renowned astrophysicist, as well as entering his 18 under 18 science competition.

One of the world’s top Minecraft players, JeromeASF, has also signed on to conduct a tournament-style class that teaches kids creative world-building within the popular game.

Students will be placed into groups based on shared interests and will have opportunities to connect with their peers in group breakout sessions.

Virtual camps have proven to be very popular with kids and families over the last two years as the pandemic disrupted regular classroom learning. And BYJU’S seems poised to capitalize on a greater ongoing demand for long-term catch-up learning.

This initiative comes during a period of significant growth for the company. Founder and CEO Byju Raveendran recently invested US$400 million of his own money into BYJU’S as part of an US$800-million funding round. And its recent acquisitions of math platform GeoGebra, digital reading platform Epic and educational coding platform Tynker have also contributed to the company’s expansion.