VMNH Summer Adventure Camp Listing

Don't let your child miss-out on a summer adventure not soon forgotten!  This year, the museum is hosting 14, week-long, Summer Adventure Camps from June through August for ages 6 to 14.

The camps run the gamut of themes, from "Dragon Breath Academy", where campers will attend school at the VMNH castle to learn about the history, mythology, and science behind a magical world, to "Junior Naturalists", where campers will explore local outdoor treasures and earn Junior Naturalist certification along the way.

Camps take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with optional before and after care available.  Each camp is $115 per participant for museum members and $125 for non-members.  Needs-based scholarships are available.  Pre-registration is required for each camp 2 weeks in advance (registration deadline for June 5-9 camps has been extended until Monday, May 29).

Camps for Ages 6 - 8

June 12 - 16
Outdoor Adventures

Calling all puddle jumpers and mud pie makers!  Come discover the plants and animals around the museum and why it is important to care for the environment.  Dress for the outdoors!  Registration deadline is May 29.
 

June 19 - 23
Marvels of Technology

Ever wonder where electricity came from? What about everyday inventions? Historical and current technologies will all be built and explored, making campers historians of the past and engineers of the future!  Registration deadline is June 5.

June 26 - 30
Imagination Expedition

Put on your imagination helmets and prepare to go on an epic adventure that spans across continents and time. Embark on a journey to different regions of the world where you will discover what it is like to be a mummy, a ninja, and a Pirate, among other things. So pack your bags and prepare for an epic adventure.  Registration deadline is June 12.

July 10 - 14
Let’s Experiment!

Become a scientist and explore the world around you through experiments.  Campers will be able to make messes, create gases, and watch stuff explode in this very hands-on summer camp!  Registration deadline is June 26.

July 17 - 21
Dino Days

Let’s travel back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the earth.  Campers will learn about the dominating dinosaurs with games, crafts, and dino packed activities all day long!  Registration deadline is July 3.

July 31 - August 4
Build This

Do you like to use your imagination to build things?  Participants will use their curiosity and creativity as we build and test a variety of contraptions!  Registration deadline is July 17.

Camps for Ages 9 - 11

June 5 - 9
Mad Scientists!

Explore the crazy world of science through experimentation. Explore the force behind bottle rockets, investigate the states of matter through oobleck, be shocked by the concept of electricity, and many more experiments!  Registration deadline is May 22.

June 19 - 23
Mythical Mayhem

Train against zombies, battle dragons, learn the truth about mermaids, design your own mythical creature, and so much more! This camp will be teaming with fun and exciting myths from around the world.  Registration deadline is June 5.

June 26 - 30
Junior Naturalists

Do you like spending time outside learning about nature?  This camp is just for you!  Campers will explore our local outdoor treasures and earn Junior Naturalist certification along the way.  Dress for the outdoors!  Registration deadline is June 12.

July 10 - 14
Space in Pop Culture

Delve into the world of science fiction! Campers will compare and contrast science fact and science fiction by examining modern pop culture. They will have a BLAST while investigating space exploration and have a ROARING good time researching dinosaur cloning and much, much more!  Registration deadline is June 26.

July 24 - 28
Adventure Around the World

Pack your bags, adventure awaits!  Sail the high seas as pirates, discover hidden mummy tombs in Egypt, and travel back in time to feudal Japan to train as ninjas.  Discover and learn about animals from around the world.  Registration deadline is July 10.

July 31 - August 4
Country Creation

Ever wondered what goes into creating your own country?  Well, now you can!  Campers will delve into the important aspects of environment, culture, government, and more by creating land and countries in a new world!  Registration deadline is July 17.

Camps for Ages 12 - 14

June 5 - 9
Dragon Breath Academy

Inspired by the Harry Potter series, campers will attend school at the VMNH castle to learn about the history, mythology, and science behind a magical world. They will explore the chemistry of potions, discover legendary plants and learn about creatures from mythology, all within the walls of Dragonbreath Academy. On “graduation” day, campers will attend a feast and the house cup will be awarded.  Registration deadline is May 22.

July 24 - 28
Outdoor Survival Skills

Map reading, fire starting, hunting, and fishing are just a few of the topics covered in the Outdoor Survival Camp! Each day will be devoted to a different aspect of outdoor survival with the campers testing their skills at the end of the week.  Did we mention there will be s’mores?  Registration deadline is July 10.

For more information, visit www.vmnh.net/summer-adventure-camps or contact the museum at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov or 276-634-4185.