Science-backed activities at this new summer camp in Dubai

Khaleej Times

16-06-2025

The Brain Accelerator is organising its annual summer camp — a neuroscience-backed cognitive development program designed to unlock a child's learning potential.
'Unlike traditional camps that focus on recreation or tutoring that revisits academic content, our camp targets the brain's core processing systems—like attention, memory, reasoning, and speed. We use evidence-based brain training tools, games, and real-time coaching to enhance how children think, learn, and perform—both in and out of school. It's not about cramming more content, but about building the mental muscles that make learning easier and more enjoyable,' said Aalia Thobani, Founder and CEO of The Brain Accelerator.
The camp is best suited for children from 4.5 years all the way up to the teenage years—a critical window when the brain is highly plastic and cognitive gains can be made efficiently. 'Whether your child is entering primary school, navigating middle school, or preparing for high school, the program is designed to meet them where they are developmentally and help them leap forward cognitively and emotionally,' she added.
The camp focuses on strengthening seven key cognitive skills:
• Sustained, selective, and divided attention – critical for focus in class and during homework
• Working memory – essential for following instructions and understanding new concepts
• Processing speed – improves how quickly children can absorb and respond to information
• Visual and auditory processing – supports reading, comprehension, and classroom listening
• Logic and reasoning – sharpens problem-solving and critical thinking
• Long-term memory – supports learning retention
• Self-regulation and executive function – helps with planning, organization, and emotional control
'When these skills are strengthened, we see improvements not just in academics but in confidence, independence, and motivation—areas that define long-term success,' Thobani said.
The 8-week camp is designed to build momentum week by week, with each session targeting specific brain skills. The child will be paired with a 1-1 brain trainer, who becomes their personal coach. It is his/her job to ensure that the child is at the edge of the seat, being challenged just the right amount to keep up motivation, build resilience, and to create brain pathways for success. 1 hour will be dedicated to 1-1 protocols targeting various cognitive skills and the 2nd hour is an active digital session based on AI and targeting the processing areas specific to the child's needs. 'We keep it high-energy, hands-on, and deeply engaging. No worksheets. Just real mental work disguised as fun,' Thobani said.
One of the most unique features of the Brain Accelerator Summer Camp is its dual benefit.
• For children who are struggling academically—perhaps due to attention difficulties, slow processing, or weak memory—we identify and strengthen the root cause of those struggles.
• For high achievers who want a mental edge, the camp helps sharpen executive function and advanced reasoning, preparing them for more complex academic demands ahead.
According to the research, average improvements include: IQ gains by 21 percentile points, reading gains by 3.5 years, math concept gains by 3.2 years, and sustained attention gains by 3.2 years - in a matter of months.
By the end of the camp, parents can expect to see:
• Better focus and listening
• Quicker mental processing
• Stronger memory recall
• Greater confidence and motivation to learn
• Improved problem-solving and emotional regulation
• Improvements in academic skills – reading, math etc.,
'We measure progress through pre- and post-camp cognitive assessments, direct coach observations, and regular parent feedback. Many parents tell us they notice a transformation not only in how their child performs in school but also in how they approach challenges and self-manage at home,' Thobani said.
'The Brain Accelerator program has had a noticeably positive impact on John's cognitive and academic development. Over the course of the program, I've observed remarkable progress in his ability to process information more efficiently, maintain focus, and pay closer attention to details. These improvements have translated into better performance in the classroom, he approaches tasks with greater confidence, completes work more independently, and demonstrates a stronger understanding of new concepts.
What stands out most is how the program seems to be unlocking John's potential. His enthusiasm for learning has grown, and he appears more engaged and motivated during lessons. It's clear that the targeted activities and strategies used in the program are effectively supporting the development of essential learning skills.
I highly recommend the Brain Accelerator program to any student who may be experiencing difficulties with focus, processing, or general learning challenges. It has made a meaningful difference for John, and I believe it can do the same for others,' said an Inclusion Teacher, Swiss International Scientific School, Dubai.