Camps

PD Day 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!

Pricing

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.

Awesome Autumn! – SOLD OUT!

Date: September 21, 2018
In celebration of the changing season, we’ll work in teams to create fun films about Fall (and all those beautiful leaves)! Campers will create puppets and narrate a short story about Fall while camp leaders film the puppet show. 

The Science of Senses

Date: October 26, 2018 

How do human senses compare to other animals? Find out how in this exciting PD Day Camp where we explore the human brain and the brains of invertebrates. Just in time for Halloween!

Space Race

Date: November 16, 2018
All aboard the StarLab Star Show! This space-themed PD Day Camp features out-of-this-world crafts and activities and explores what happens to humans—and the brain—in space. 

Adventure Awaits

Date: January 25, 2019
We’ll start the new year with a full roster of educational gameplay featuring the history and different cultures from around the world! Campers will play a number of games, including role playing, while also creating their own character.

Delightful Doodling

Date: April 12, 2019
Inspired by our spring exhibitions, future artists will learn about colour mixing, colour theory, pointillism and doodling. By understanding line types and weight, value and shape in art, you’ll become a dandy drawer in no time!

Easter Egg Mystery

Date: April 22, 2019
Oh no – we need to find out who stole the Easter Bunny’s eggs… or there will be no more candy! This Easter Monday mystery allows young detectives to use critical thinking to follow the clues – and uncover some sweet treats in the process.

Sensational Storytelling

Date: May 31, 2019
Sensational Storytelling: In this PD Day Camp learn about language and story-telling. Listen to an Indigenous Story Teller who shares tips on how to weave a successful story, while also writing and illustrating your very own book. 

Into the Deep Blue Sea

Date: June 28, 2019
Into the Deep Blue Sea: In honour of World Oceans Day, explore oceans around Canada and the conservation efforts that are made to keep them clean. Delve into the habits of interesting sea creatures and understand the food sources in Canadian waters. 

Saturday Camp

TOY STORY

Date: 17 November, 2018
Create a new favourite toy by using textiles and batting. From paper toys to puppets to origami boxes – it’s playing and making at the same time!

Winter Break Camp

Lights, Camera, Action!

Dates: December 27-28, 2018 & January 2-4, 2019
Our winter break camp features lessons on film, animation, vision and perception! In honour of two popular exhibitions – TIFF digiPlaySpace and BRAIN: The World Inside Your Head – we’ll be creating a paper flip-book, 3D stop motion puppets and animation using clay.

March Break Camp

Art & Tech at Play

Date: March 11 – March 15, 2019
Experiment with new media and contemporary art using story telling and play! We’ll spend time learning about the artists featured in THEMUSEUM’s exhibition and will create artwork inspired by the installations. 

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.

2018 Summer camps are now over. Check back later for 2019 dates!

PD Day Camps

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!

Screen Printing Posters! – SOLD OUT!

Date: September 21, 2018
Inspired by “Nifty Fish”, campers will create their own wacky custom creature that will live on forever… on a poster! By learning how to work with screen printing, ink, vinyl and colour mixing, this multi-layered design will definitely be one for the wall.   

Talk Like… A Robot? – SOLD OUT!

Date: October 26, 2018
Talk Like… A Robot?! This DIY voice changing PD Day will be the gift that keeps on giving! Using circuits and soldering, campers will create and program different voices to fool their friends and family. 

Checkmate

Date: November 16, 2018
Not only will chess lovers create their own board and pieces using woodworking and engineering skills – they’ll also design a secret compartment. With magnets, craftsmanship and guidance, this surprise will only be revealed when the chess pieces move in a specific pattern!  

Super Spy

Date: January 25, 2019
Ever wanted to know what someone was saying in another room? Create your very own spy bug and never wonder again!

FerroFluids

Date: April 12, 2019
Think It! Explore the brain by learning about the fascinating magnetic fluid known as ferrofluid and how it’s being used to advance healthcare. In partnership with Lucas Zeer and Julia Zangoulos from The Brainery, campers will build and code a cool interactive that allows them to move the ferrofluid using Arduinos and computer programming. 

Making Bank

Date: May 31, 2019
No place to keep that hard-earned birthday money? Using 3D modelling software and printing, make your very own piggy bank for all that coin. 

Costume Creation 

Date: June 28, 2019
Put those design skills to the test by creating a one-of-a-kind original costume! Campers will learn how to measure (twice and cut once) and use a sewing machine to make their design, using supplied materials and fabrics. Bonus: Costume can incorporate light up components!

Winter Camps

Not-So-Ugly Holiday Wear

Date: Christmas Break December 27, 28, 2018 + January 2, 3, 4, 2019
‘Tis the season to sew and design a special holiday hat and/or sweater! These screen printed design can be made extra festive by adding a few twinkling lights. 

March Break Camps

Synapses Simulations

Date: March 11 – March 15 2019
Marble Madness: Inspired by the BRAIN: The World Inside Your Head, campers will create a circuit marble maze equipped with tunnels that light up when the marble goes through! 

Summer Camps

2018 Summer camps are now over. Check back later for 2019 dates!

Ages

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.

Drop-off and Pick-up Times

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 Process

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.

Camp Staff

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.

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

What to Bring

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.

Accessibility

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

Activities and Schedule

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).

Feedback and Evaluation

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

Refund/Cancellation Policy

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.