Are you parenting children who are budding scientists – or just curious about their world? Discovery Camp at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia challenges campers to see that science is a part of everything. 

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

by Christina DiMartino

No matter where science fits into their future plans, campers make scientific discoveries at the Franklin Institute Discovery Camp that will enrich their lives forever.

Steve Snyder, vice president of exhibits and programs for Discovery Camp, says that numerous camp program options are available throughout the year at Philadelphia’s great museum of science and technology to help keep kids interested, excited and inspired.

Day off becomes exciting opportunity

“Our School’s Out camp programs are held on national holidays that kids have the day off from school, such as Martin Luther King Day, Election Day, and Veterans Day,” says Snyder. “The programs are offered for children in grades Pre-K through sixth. These special sessions include a day-long science experience at The Franklin Institute including all supplies, snacks, theater shows, and exhibit exploration.”

Winter and spring break

More fun than a snowball fight in July, Discovery Camp’s Winter Break Camp for K–8 is a tantalizing sample of science fun. Even the names of the day programs, like Bubble-ology, Forces of Flight, and Boom! are enough to get kids jumping up and down.

Just as exciting is the Spring Break Camp, for ages Pre-K–6, with program names like Measure Up, Robots, and Plasma? What’s That?

“We limit our enrollment in the Pre-K class to 15 children to ensure that each camper receives the personal attention they need,” says Snyder. “Programs are a mix of hands-on activities that utilize the museum’s exhibitions and field trips. Speakers ensure that their questions are answered and their curiosities are fed. We package and design every program at Discovery Camp.”

Summer camp excitement

Snyder says there is no summer camp like Discovery Camp. Every year, themes are newly designed to engage campers as hands-on learners. Summer camp sessions are designed for students K–8 and Pre-K.

“Our goal throughout is to get our campers excited about science and to nurture their spirit of inquiry and discovery,” he says. “Part is getting them together with other kids to explore and learn new things. With each of our themes we’re giving them the opportunity to explore the world in new ways; to look at life and see how science plays a part.”

The names of the camp sessions are just as intriguing and exciting as Discovery Camp’s other programs. The 2011 schedule includes Wizard’s Workshop, Catastrophe! and Whoops! Inventions & Accidental Science.

“Depending on the sessions, campers may also have the opportunity to take field trips, hear from invited guest speakers, see theater shows and educational films, and take part in large-scale, camp-wide projects,” adds Snyder. “The sessions are all very hands-on and inquiry based.”

Summer camp programs are a mix of one- and two-week sessions, as well as single day camps.

Discovery Camp counselors are teachers and college students with a proven interest in science and childcare experience. In addition to the core staff, counselors-in-training (CITs) and interns provide extra support.

Camp with a scientific attitude

Snyder says that some kids are completely into science, and the Discovery Camp programs are designed to “feed” their brains as much as possible.

“But others don’t know much about science, and our goal is to introduce it to them,” he says. “Young lives become bigger when kids realize they can become doctors, scientists or astronauts. There are a variety of ways to explore life and to learn how science can lead you in a new direction.”

So whether you are parenting children who are budding scientists or just curious to learn , Discovery Camp will rock their world.

Snyder points out that when kids go to a museum with their parents or classmates, they tend to be rushed to see as many exhibits as possible. But Discovery Camp provides them with the opportunity to spend a lot of time exploring the exhibits that are most interesting to them.

“We also provide campers with a ‘back of the house’ experience,” he said. “We engage them in the development of new exhibits, and we ask for their suggestions and ideas. The programs give kids an opportunity to work with our curators, use the telescopes, learn about mummification and so much more. Our goal throughout is to get our campers excited about science and to nurture their spirit of inquiry and discovery.”

 

Christina DiMartino has been a freelance and assignment writer since 1985. She is a researcher, interviewer, writer, editor, and manuscript collaborator with a repertoire of clients from around the world.

Photos courtesy of The Franklin Institute