Camps

Campers get free time in our interactive exhibits as well as guided time within our temporary exhibitions. Those taking part in our themed PD Day Camps have the opportunity to complete exciting hands-on activities, watch demonstrations and educational discussions. Each day, campers will create crafts and fridge-worthy artwork that can be proudly displayed for years to come. In addition, all are welcome to attend all of THEMUSEUM’s public shows and even participate in private workshops featuring special guests!

 

Scientists of Spring

Date: April 2, 2018
Spring is (finally) in the air! With warmer weather and golden sunshine, comes new life in the form of sprouting plants. Examine different types of plants and algae with microscopes and learn about the science of nature by exploring the observational skills and computer techniques used by real scientists. Take home your very own one-of-a-kind leaf print, created by you.

Virtual Worlds

Date: April 13, 2018
Who doesn’t love video games?! This PD Day Camp is the perfect excuse to play your favourite old school games while learning about the history of these nostalgic pieces. Our INTERPLAY exhibition is every child’s (and adult gamer’s) dream come true. From King’s Quest to Pac-Man, explore electronic entertainment through the ages.

Level Up!

Date: May 4, 2018
How cool would it be to create your very own game… where YOU make the rules and YOU decide the prize? Now is your chance to create and prototype your own game! Creators will also get the chance to learn about storytelling, as that’s a key component of any successful game. The bigger the imagination, the better.

Reaction Science!

Date: June 1, 2018
Lights…Camera…Reaction! Grab your goggles and prepare to be amazed with the wonder that is Reaction Science. We make the periodic table come alive by showing chemicals in action. Learn about colour changing pH, which elements pair perfectly and stick around for some intense explosions. You won’t want to miss it!

Life in Space?

Date: June 29, 2018
Do you ever wonder if there’s life somewhere out there in the universe? We may not know what else exists, but scientists are hard at work, trying to find out. How do they do it? What evidence do they consider? How do they even know where to start looking? These are questions we can answer… join our PD Day Space Camp to find out!

Summer Camps

Our themed summer camps have something for everyone! We start the day outside with fresh air and sunshine (weather permitting) before going back inside to THEMUSEUM’s five interactive floors. Campers will have the chance to play and create games, learn new skills and take part in educational and art-based activities inspired by the day’s events. They are also welcome to take part in THEMUSEUM’s public shows, workshops and interact with a variety of special guests.

STEAM at Play

Date: July 2-6, August 13-17
How is art inspired by science, technology, engineering and mathematics? Find out here, as each day will focus on the content and concepts that will allow campers to use that information to explore visual art,
performance art, literary art and music. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore arts and culture and let your creativity shine.

Build It!

Date: July 9-13, August 6-10
Calling all future engineers looking to explore mass vs. weight, balance and shock absorption! Learn how bridges stay strong, explore structural challenges and solutions and build your own creation with K’nex.
Finish the day with the ultimate challenge: Can you protect a delicate egg during an egg drop? It’s a crack’n good time!

Animal Adventures

Date: July 16-20, August 20-24
Looking to beat the heat this summer? Put on your imaginary parka and travel to parts unknown with THEMUSEUM. From the extreme cold of Antarctica, to the deepest part of the ocean, this exploration will uncover information about various animals and their habitats; you’ll be sure to impress friends and family with your newfound knowledge!

Journey Through Space

Date: July 23-27, August 27-31
Learn about various aspects of space travel from launch to science experiments to interstellar travel. Campers will work in teams to accomplish their “missions,” framed as a game or adventure story. Astronauts-in-training will also explore space from the earliest attempts to get off the ground, to
future missions – to the great beyond.

Mystery Hunters

Date: July 30-August 3
Oh no – something has happened at THEMUSEUM and we need your help! Follow the clues, solve riddles, check for fingerprints and learn about DNA. Every day, we’ll get closer to solving the mystery with you as our trusty detective. Great for problem-solvers who don’t want to see a sneaky villain get away!

Conceptualize, brainstorm and learn through doing! Our trained educators will guide campers to design, create and execute projects from scratch using their own imagination. The sky truly is the limit – we want to see your ideas come to life. Mistakes will be made along the way and plans will change, which is all part of the process. Persistence and perseverance will prevail, with amazing results to show!

Game Design

Date: April 13, 2018
Create, design and develop your very own game. Yes, you read that correctly: Game Design allows YOU to be in charge of the layout, concept and ultimate goal of your game. Open your mind and embrace the endless opportunities. Campers will learn basic woodworking and design skills to produce the ultimate creation.

DIY LED Sabre

Date: May 4, 2018
Move over Luke Skywalker, there’s a new Jedi in town! Learning basic soldering
skills is cool enough, but when the end result is taking home your very own DIY LED Sabre, well – you will be the master of your own destiny. As always, May the fourth be with you!

Marble Madness

Date: June 1, 2018
Hmmm, just how difficult can you make your marble maze? Find out by taking part in Marble Madness –a PD Day Camp that combines both intellect and fine motor skills. Construct your loaded labyrinth using woodworking tools and a newly acquired skill. Put your maze to the test and challenge your friends with your unique course.

Robotics

Date: June 29, 2018
Need proof that we are living in the future? You’ll learn the basics of coding through hands-on activities and challenges. This full day of coding and robotics culminates with the opportunity to program your very own robot! If you master this, you may never have to do chores or homework again…

HYDRAULIC ARM

Date: August 13 – August 17
Put your design skills to the test and learn how to create a hydraulic arm using our wood shop. In this week-long camp, campers will learn about the design process, templating, how to safely use power tools, and the basics of robotics. We can’t wait to see what you create!

THE INTERNET OF THINGS

Date: August 20 – August 24
The Internet of Things is for everyone! At The Underground Studio MakerSpace, our trained experts will equip you with the tools and techniques required to create your own smart objects using the Adafruit.io API. Don’t know what that means? Don’t worry, you will! Coding, circuitry and creativity are all connected, which you’ll soon find out.

STEM POWERED GIRLS

Date: August 27 – August 31
In a week-long camp of exploration and innovation, STEM Powered Girls is designed to show girls how exciting it is to be involved in STEM. Campers will be given hands-on learning opportunities while showcasing how women are changing the world and creating an empowering environment where all girls have the confidence to experiment, create and take chances!

Themed Summer Camps are available to children between the ages of 4-12. Depending on the number of children, we split campers into groups based on age: 4-5, 6-7 and 8-12. Campers take part in activities and programs designed to be age and skill-appropriate. If campers wish to be paired with siblings or friends of different ages, please indicate in the notes section of your registration form and we will do our best to accommodate that request.

Due to the technical nature of our MakerSpace Camps, they are only available for children between the ages of 9 – 14.

Camp programming run from 9:00 am – 4:15 pm. THEMUSEUM offers free extended care between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and between 4:15 – 5:30 pm. We cannot accept campers in our space prior to 8:00 am. Pick-up after 5:30 will incur late fees of $10 for the first 15 minutes (i.e. 5:30 – 5:45 pm) and $5 for every 15 minutes or part thereafter.

Registration fees can be paid in person (cash, Interac) or by filling out the credit card section on the registration form (Visa or Mastercard). We do not accept registrations over the phone.

Please note that Themed Day Camp registrations received within two weeks of the start of camp automatically incur an administration fee of $5.

Current Pricing (PD Days until July 1, 2018)

	MEMBERS	NON-MEMBERS
Individual Days	$40.00	$45.00

Summer Camp 2018 Pricing 

	MEMBERS	NON-MEMBERS
Individual Days	$45.00	$50.00
Full Week	$185.00	$210.00

Underground Studio MakerSpace 2018 Pricing

	ACCESS PASS HOLDERS	NON-ACCESS PASS
PD Days	$50.00	$55.00
Full Week	$235.00	$265.00

 

Please note that at this time, Underground Studio MakerSpace Summer Camps and March Break camp are full week registration only.

Please fill out the fillable registration forms and either return the forms in person or attached the scanned PDFs to an email to camps@THEMUSEUM.ca. We cannot accept photographs of registration forms.

Registration is accepted on a first come-first served basis, registration on the day of the camp is not guaranteed; payment must be received at the time of registration. Smartphone images/faxed copies of a form will not be accepted. Cancellations must be received at least seven days prior to the camp in order to receive a refund. THEMUSEUM does not provide refunds for days missed due to illness.

Themed Day Camps maintain a 10:1 ratio of campers to trained Camp Leaders. Camp Leaders are supported by volunteers and co-op students who have provided vulnerable sector police background checks.

MakerSpace Camps maintain a 7:1 ratio of campers to staff with a maximum group size of 20 campers.

All campers must bring nut-free lunches, two snacks and a bottle of water. Bear in mind that a camp day is longer than a regular school day. For safety, campers must wear closed-toe shoes when attending camp. If your child is prone to accidents, please pack a change of clothing.

Please bring sunblock and appropriate outdoor clothing during the summer when campers have daily offsite trips.

Campers attending the MakerSpace camps must bring a bag to store supplies in addition to the above-mentioned

Please do not send your child to camp with personal toys, games, trading cards or electronics as THEMUSEUM cannot be held responsible for lost or broken items.

THEMUSEUM Day Camps are inclusive to children with special needs. Please inform camp staff, in writing, of any exceptionalities your child may have. This will allow us to best accommodate your child so that they have a successful time at camp.

It is recommended that a community support worker accompanies children with special needs. In some instances, a community worker will be required. THEMUSEUM cannot provide 1:1 care for campers with special needs.

If your child receives one-on-one support at school (e.g. with a dedicated Educational Assistant), requires withdrawal assistance, or is on a behavior plan, you must provide your child with a community worker. Such options include:

• Private care agencies (e.g. Bartimeus, Premier Home Care, Care.com)
• Additional resources are available on the CHAP Resources section of respiteservices.com.
• For additional information and resources, please contact Extend-A-Family, a local support service.

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region
91 Moore Ave
Kitchener, Ontario
Canada
N2H 3S4
Tel: 519-741-0190

The programming time is broken into 30-minute sections to provide variety and ensure that the campers have a chance to move. Camp activities include games, hands-on activities, demonstrations, discussion, exploring THEMUSEUM’s exhibitions, art projects inspired by the day’s themes, and private workshops. Campers also have access to THEMUSEUM’s special guest performances.  

Below is a generic schedule for THEMUSEUM’s Themed Day Camp.

During the Summer Camp (July 2^nd – August 31^st) campers will spend the morning at a local park for free play (weather permitting).

8:00 – 9:00	Drop Off (free extended care)
9:00 – 9:30	Welcome – Rules, songs, briefing on the day’s activities
9:30 – 10:00	SNACK
10:00 – 12:00	Programming: hands-on activities, arts and crafts, demonstrations, public performances, explore exhibitions, park time (during Summer Camp)
12:00-1:00	LUNCH
1:00 – 2:30	Programming: hands-on activities, arts and crafts, demonstrations, explore exhibitions
2:30-3:00	SNACK
3:00 – 3:45	Programming: hands-on activities, arts and crafts, demonstrations, explore exhibitions
3:45 – 4:00	Debriefing and Clean Up
4:00 – 5:30	PICK UP!! (Free extended care)

 

We are grateful to have your children take part in our programming. To continue to offer the best service and programming possible, we ask that you give us your feedback using the link below. This brief survey with your child about both your experience and their experiences with THEMUSEUM’s Day Camps.

Take the Survey

Registration is accepted on a first come-first served basis, registration on the day of the camp is not guaranteed; payment must be received at time of registration, and a $5 administration fee applies to all registrations within 14 days of the camp date. Smart phone images/faxed copies of a form will not be accepted. Cancellations must be received at least seven days prior to the camp date in order to receive a gift card to THEMUSEUM for the full amount or receive a 50% refund of total cost. Free transfers are available to another date/week dependent on availability.