Vacation & Summer Science Camps

Vacation Science
What do you do when school’s out? Join us for a day of fun and learning with science! Each day has an exciting theme and is packed with science activities, experiments, projects, crafts and games. In addition, you get time to explore the Children's Museum, visit the planetarium for a show, and meet an animal. It’s a day full of science you’ll want to share with your friends when you get back to school!

Have questions? Check out our Vacation and Summer Science FAQ section, or contact us by email: events@thechildrensmuseumct.org or phone: 860.231.2830 x 44.

Our Vacation Science season begins on Columbus Day, followed by Veterans Day and the December holiday break. This year, the fun also includes Election Day and January 2, 2009. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the February and April vacation weeks round out the schedule.

December Vacation Week
Monday, December 29
3..2..1..SPLAT! - Houston, we have a problem.  An Egg-stra Terrestrial is crashing towards Earth!  Construct a space ship and help our new egg-citing friend land safely.

Tuesday, December 30
GROSS-ology - It can’t all be flowers and perfume.  Sometimes life is well…gross!  Explore the science of really gross things.  Check out the slimy, the oozy, and the smelly.    

Wednesday, December 31
Junior Myth Busters - Will soda and candy create giant explosions?  Is yawning contagious?  You’ve heard them all. Join the Junior Myth Busters team and put these popular myths to the test.

Friday, January 2
Toying with Science - Imagine toys that fly and float, spin and climb, even ones that startle the mind. Discover their secrets and craft your own. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19
Puppet Palooza - From shadow puppets to finger puppets to sock puppets and more, this is a class where you pull the strings. Roll up your sleeves and bring your imagination to life.

Download Vacation Science Form for December and January dates.

February Vacation Week
Monday, February 16, 2009
Edible Science – Mix and mash household materials as you become a kitchen chemist. Enjoy the tasty side of science.  Experiment, observe, discover, and sample your concoctions.
 
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Junior Space Explorers – Curious about space? Learn to navigate the night sky. Prepare to launch into some out of this world fun.
 
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Animal Safari – Animal lovers won’t want to miss an expedition with our Wildlife Sanctuary residents. Visit critters from Africa, Australia, Madagascar, and Connecticut as we explore the Animal Kingdom.
 
Thursday, February 19, 1009
Mighty Machines – Can the simplest be the mightiest? Explore the strength of screws, pulleys, levers, wedges, wheel and axles, and ramps while constructing amazing super structures.
 
Friday, February 20, 2009
Crazy Chemistry – Acids and bases may seem simple, but the chemical reactions they create aren’t. They lead to changing colors, gas-powered explosions, electricity, and more. You won’t believe your eyes!
 
Download Vacation Science Registration Form for February Vacation Week.

Is the Children’s Museum a licensed camp?
Our Vacation Science Camp, which includes our Summer Science program, is licensed by the State of Connecticut as a Youth Day Camp.

Who comprises the staff?
All instructors are staff Educators from The Children’s Museum’s Education and Planetarium Departments. Camp counselors are either local high school or college students.

How are children grouped?
Children are grouped according to grade level. Typically first and second graders make up the younger group with third graders and up comprise the older group. The number of children signed up for a grade on any particular day dictate grouping. There may be times when it is necessary to deviate from our normal grouping pattern.

Can children be grouped with friends?
Parents must request that their child be grouped with a friend at the time of registration. If registering by mail or fax, please indicate this on the registration form. Activities and groups are carefully planned therefore it is not possible to switch groups the day of the program. Please remember that children are grouped according to age level. We will do everything to honor your request but please understand that it may be necessary for a child to be placed in a group that is not grade appropriate if they request to be with an older or younger friend.

Who can attend the program?
Vacation Science is for children currently in grades 1-5. Summer Science is for children who will be entering grades 1-6 the coming year.

Is there a nurse on duty?
As a licensed day camp, we are not required to have a nurse on duty. A staff member who has completed the First Aid and CPR courses required by the state, serves as our on-site Health Director.

Can a child on medication attend the program?
Children must be able to self-administer medication with supervision. Documented parental and authorized prescriber’s permission is required. Additional forms may be necessary. Please email: events@thechildrensmuseumct.org or phone: 860.231.2830 x 44 for details.

What is the time for the programs?
Vacation Science runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Summer Science has two options. Our half-day session runs 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Our full day session runs 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

When can we arrive at the museum?
Doors open at 8:45 a.m. Check in at the Museum's Main Entrance.

When is pick-up time for children?
Parents should pick up children promptly at 4:00 p.m.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Program fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please call the Children’s Museum if your child will be absent from camp.

Will confirmation letters be sent after registering?
Confirmations are not sent. Assume your child is registered unless you are contacted. Feel free to call at any time to verify your child’s registration.

What should each child bring?
Simple snack, bagged lunch with beverage (full-day only). Spending money for Explore Store visit (optional). Dress for the outdoors.

Is there an extended day option?
An extended day option is not available for either Vacation or Summer Science.

Vacation Science Requirements

• Children must be in grades 1 – 5
• Completed registration form
• Completed health form including immunization record, signed by a physician

Cost

• $55/day for The Children’s Museum members
• $65/day for The Children’s Museum non-members

All program fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Registration form:
Please print out the registration form and return it with payment to The Children’s Museum by fax at 860.232.0705, or call us at 860.231.2830 x 44.  We accept MasterCard, Visa, check or cash.  Please make checks payable to "The Children’s Museum."  Please note: your child is not registered for camp unless full payment has been received.

Health form:
As a licensed Youth Camp approved by the state of Connecticut, we are required to comply with state regulations. For the safety and well-being of your child, he/she may not participate in our program unless we have the following health information on file:

• A completed, up-to-date health form signed by a physician
• The date of your child’s last exam must be indicated and must fall within three years of the last day of camp for which you are registering.
• A current immunization record

Click here for a blank health form. You have the option to provide us with a copy of the medical form on file at your child’s school or a health form from another licensed camp, as long as the above information is included.

Be sure to check out our frequently asked questions section before you come to Vacation Science!