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. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the February and April vacation weeks round out the schedule.

Summer Science Fun 2008

Activities during the summer focus on a specific theme for the week. Children participate in science workshops, including astronomy programs, meet live animals and enjoy outdoor activities. The fun continues with Museum exploration, crafts, games and so much more!

Our Summer Science program is for children entering grades 1 – 6 in the fall. Children may participate in our full day session from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm or our half day session from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm.

• Week of July 7
  Backyard Wildlife - Investigate insects, build bird feeders and find out who’s awake at night.  Get to know your animal neighbors and what they need to live, thrive, and survive.
  
  
• Week of July 14
  Super Science Sleuths - Do you have what it takes to solve the case?  Mystery Mania has taken over the museum.  Use your powers of detection and deduction to discover the truth.
  
  
• Week of July 21
  Weather Watchers - Partly sunny this morning. Expect an accumulation of excitement by the weekend.  Can you handle the pressure?
  
  
• Week of July 28
  Junior Magicians -   Have you ever wondered how magicians do their tricks? It’s not all smoke and mirrors!  Perform feats of magic and use science to see through the illusions.
  
  
• Week of August 4
  Body Basics - Do you have the guts?  Bring along your eyes, ears, and nose to help make sense of the ins and outs of the human body.
  
  
• Week of August 11
  GREEN-ology - Get excited about the environment.  Prepare to prevent pollution, increase awareness, and build a greener community.  Find out what you can do to keep our planet clean and green.
  
  
• Week of August 18
  Rubber Band Bonanza - Stretch your imagination!  Band together to create anything from music to motion during a week of elastic experiments.  $15 additional kit fee

Click here for printable registration form for summer.

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

• For summer, child must be entering grade 1 – 6 in fall 2008
• Completed registration form
• Completed health form including immunization record, signed by a physician

Cost for summer:

• Full Day: $275/week for The Children’s Museum members; $325/week for non-members
• 10%discount for siblings attending full-day program
  
  
• Half Day: $165/week for The Children’s Museum members; $180/week for non-members

All program fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
*Kit Fee: Additional $15 for week of August 18th – Rubber Band Bonanza

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!