Museum of Nature & Science: Discovery Camp

It may be hot outside, but it’s always cool at the Museum of Nature & Science Discovery Camp! Escape into the deep blue sea for an underwater adventure. Return to the lands when the dinosaurs roamed. And build and operate your very own robot! Plus, there’s so much more! From June through August, our weeklong Discovery Camp sessions offer children ages 5-12 endless ways to explore and engage in dynamic hands-on activities. Who knew learning could be so much fun?

Sessions

To ensure your child has the most age-appropriate learning experience, each Discovery Camp session is divided by age group. Use the “Register Now” link below to enroll your child in one of two sessions for each age group: ages 5-9 or ages 10-12. Seats are limited so be sure to register today!

5-9 Age Group

Week 1, June 15-19: Global Safari
Journey around the world to discover the sights, sounds, and smells of our wonderful world—past and present. Clock the foot speed of mammals. Study the amazing adaptations of insects. Learn about the history of cool cultures and so much more!

Week 2, June 22-26: Dinosaurs 1
It’s a prehistoric pandemonium! Learn all about dinosaurs—from their history to how they digested food using gastroliths. Plus, make a fossil cast to take home!

Week 3, July 6-10: Under the Sea
Water, water everywhere! Discover the amazing world of treasures at the ocean floor, including creatures that glow and marvelous shipwrecked mysteries.

Week 4, July 13-17: How it Works
Learn the science behind your favorite gadgets, gizmos, and goop—and even create your own new invention. Explore how microscopes, telescopes, and hand boilers work and learn the recipe to make slime to take home!

Week 5, July 20-24: Kitchen Concoctions
In this kitchen, it’s okay to play with your food! Enjoy a day of “egg”speriments using everyday, household items. Plus, make your own homemade ice cream!

Week 6, July 27-31: Spy Week SOLD OUT
Secret agent or double agent…you decide! At this spy school you can make and sample spy gear and earn your semi-official spy certificate after an exclusive visit to the “Science of Spying” exhibit.

Week 7, August 3-7: Best of Discovery Camp 2009
Enjoy the best of everything! Recap all the best experiments, activities, and adventures from all that Discovery Camp had to offer in 2009.

Week 8, August 10-14: Dinosaurs 2
It’s a prehistoric pandemonium…all over again! Learn all about dinosaurs—from their history to how they digested food using gastroliths. Plus, make a fossil cast to take home!

10-12 Age Group

Week 1, June 15-19: Global Safari
Journey around the world to discover the sights, sounds, and smells of our wonderful world—past and present. Explore how our actions today could affect the future of our planet and what steps your can take at home to reduce your carbon footprint.

Week 2, June 22-26: Dallas, B.C.
Step back in time to dig up DFW’s prehistoric past—from the ancient seas to the native peoples. Study real dinosaur tracks and make your own ancient pottery replica to take home!

Week 3, July 6-10: Survivor Science
Do you have what it takes to survive? Leave your cell phone behind and learn field-tested survival skills that may just come in handy in case you get lost in the “Dallas Jungle!” You will also compare the amazing adaptation skills animals and humans need to survive.

Week 4, July 13-17: World of Robots 1
Learn how to program, drive, and play interactive games with a robot that you design, assemble, and program! Games will include making your robot “sing,” play soccer, follow a racecourse, and pick up objects all on its own. Lessons and programming presented by University of Texas at Dallas engineering students with robot built from LEGO © Mindstorms NXT kits. Additional costs do apply. This program is available for 3 classes of 20 students and only available to campers 10-12 years old.

Week 5, July 20-24: Busted!…by Science
You’ve heard all the old wives’ tales, myths, and urban legends. Like is yawning really contagious? If you swallow your gum, does it really takes seven years to digest? You won’t believe all the answers you’ll uncover!

Week 6, July 27-31: Spy Week SOLD OUT
Secret agent or double agent…you decide! At this spy school, you can make and sample spy gear and earn your semi-official spy certificate after an exclusive visit to the “Science of Spying” exhibit.

Week 7, August 3-7: Best of Discovery Camp 2009
Enjoy the best of everything! Recap all the best experiments, activities, and adventures from all that Discovery Camp had to offer in 2009.

Week 8, August 10-14: World of Robots 2
Learn how to program, drive, and play interactive games with a robot that you design, assemble, and program! Games will include making your robot “sing,” play soccer, follow a racecourse, and pick up objects all on its own. Lessons and programming presented by University of Texas at Dallas engineering students with robot built from LEGO © Mindstorms NXT kits. Additional costs do apply. This program is available for 3 classes of 20 students and only available to campers 10-12 years old.

Discovery Camp Before and After Care Available

Before and after camps provide a fun and safe experience for campers who need to arrive before 9:30am or stay after 3pm.

Discovery Camp Summer 2009 Pricing

Price: $185 for members / $210 for non-members
Before Care: $25/week (sold for entire week only)
After Care: $35/week (sold for entire week only)

***Discovery Camp Summer 2009 Special Event***
World of Robots - Ages 10-12

Four Easy Ways to Register for Discovery Camp

REMEMBER: To avoid duplicate enrollment, use only ONE of the following methods. There is no need to call and send us a registration form in the mail. All camp sessions must be paid in full at the time of enrollment.

Online Registration!
- Online registration instructions: PDF | HTML
- Register Now
- If you experience any problems with web registration, please contact the MNS reservations office at
  214-428-5555, extension 8.
Telephone Registration
Call the Reservations Office at 214-428-5555, press 8
Fax Registration
Fax your completed registration form (including payment method) to 214-428-4310

Mail Registration
Mail your completed registration form (including payment) to:
MNS Discovery Camp Summer 2009
P.O. Box 151469-1469
Dallas, TX 75315

Registration Form | Policies, Procedures and FAQs
Medical Release Form

Upon successful enrollment, you will be mailed a confirmation packet including important information and forms that must be completed prior to your child’s attendance.

The Museum of Nature & Science does have a limited amount of scholarship funding for summer camp. To apply for this scholarship, please write a paragraph explaining your need for scholarship funds and the benefits your child will receive from his or her experience at Discovery Camp. Please fax the registration form and the letter to 214-428-4310 or email kforonda@natureandscience.org

Embark on a Summertime Adventure!