Summer Science Day Camps

Hands-on activities and amazing exhibits pave the way to these week long explorations for kids ages 3 to 7. A snack is provided each day. Class sizes are limited.Call 434-791-5160 for more information.

Fee: $65 members; $75 nonmembers

Sensational Science!

Monday-Friday, July 14–18 2008
Ages 3-5 meet 9:30 am–noon.
Ages 5-7 meet 1:30–4:00 pm.

See it! Hear it! Touch it! Smell it! Taste it! Use your senses to experience the world around you. Make a kaleidoscope to create a new view. Listen to and identify sounds down by the river; feel the slippery "slime" you make; enjoy the fragrance of the many blooms in the Butterfly Station and Garden; and decide whether you like a sweet, sour or salty taste as you become more aware of your senses.

Backyard Explorers

Monday-Friday, July 21–25 2008
Ages 3-5 meet 9:30 am–noon.
Ages 5-7 meet 1:30–4:00 pm.

Explore the Science Center’s backyard during this week of outdoor adventures. Design a visor to protect you from the sun as we explore the sky and things that might fly by us. You will need your hiking shoes and a collecting bag for the treasures you find as we explore the ground. There is even a river in our backyard. Count the turtles, watch the water flow, and feed the ducks and geese as you gather ideas to create a collage about life on the river.

Camp Cover Up

Monday-Friday, July 28-August 1 2008
Ages 3-5 meet 9:30 am–noon.
Ages 5-7 meet 1:30–4:00 pm.

Whether they use shells, scales, feathers, fur or skin, animals cover themselves in different ways. Make a feather mask, race like a turtle, investigate hermit crabs, and go on a scavenger hunt as you learn about animal coverings. Camouflage a katydid, a walking stick and a moth. Animal Cover-Ups are very useful, and you'll find out why!

Summer Science Adventure Camps

Now is the time to consider an in-depth summer science adventure for older students. These explorations run Monday through Friday. A snack is provided each day. Class sizes are limited. Call 434-791-5160 for more information. Fee: $75 members; $85 nonmembers

Dan River Life (ages 8-12)

Monday–Friday, July 7–11 2008; 9:00 am–noon

You’ve seen it, crossed it and enjoyed it. Now, it’s time to explore the plants and animals that depend on the river for survival. Play games, take hikes and investigate the river through hands-on activities. Campers will learn about the river life right in the Science Center’s backyard.

Survivor Science (ages 9-13)

Monday–Friday, July 21–25 2008; 1:00–4:00 pm.

Inspired by the reality television series, “Survivor,” campers team up to work their way through daily challenges, including bridge building, riddle solving and treasure finding all in hopes that they can endure the week with flying colors. Which team will survive to become the winners?

Science of Sports (ages 8-12)

Monday–Friday, July 28–August 1 2008; 9:00 am–noon.

Have you ever wondered how science fits into sports? Whether you are smacking a baseball out of the park or kicking a soccer ball across the field, there is science involved. Campers will discover the science behind some popular warm-weather sports and apply their knowledge first hand as they challenge each other to a game or two.

Can’t get enough of sports? Make each day this week a full day experience by signing up for afternoons of Extreme Sports at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research—our summer science partner. Call Faith Stamps at (434) 766-7606 for details.