May 19, 2009
The Museum of Northern Arizona’s summer Discovery Program aims to inspire a sense of love and responsibility for the Colorado Plateau, while providing a pathway into the future. Discovery 2009 offers 50 classes and summer camp sessions that connect youths ages 4–18 to this region and draw out their natural curiosity, creating a thirst for knowledge through direct experience.
Science investigations with experts, art projects with accomplished artists, and field trips led by experienced, energetic outdoor educators provide optimal learning experiences for Discovery’s students. Low student-to-teacher ratios bring students of all ages in direct contact with the cultural and biological heritage of this region. Through hands-on explorations and adventures, children not only learn more about their homeland, but they learn how to work together and individually discover their own creative and investigative abilities.
Youth Program Coordinator Rosemary Logan states, “More than ever, Discovery serves a vital role in northern Arizona. With proposed state budget cuts in the arts and new research that suggests that children who attend educational summer programs make significant academic and social gains, MNA aims to provide affordable, quality educational programs to children of all ages and backgrounds. Discovery’s average program cost is $5.50 per hour and generous scholarships are available to families in need.”
This year’s classes offer a diverse and exciting range of opportunities to learn about the region’s incomparable traditions―fine arts, natural sciences, Native cultures, and ecology. An all-time favorite class, Urban Artist, inspires children to transform everyday objects into extraordinary works of art, while two of the new classes reach out into new subject areas. Archaeoastronomy Kids Camp-Out includes camping at MNA and exploration of how ancient people used the sun, moon, and stars to keep track of the passing seasons. In another class, Sheep to Shawl, students learn to clean, spin, dye, and weave wool. Additionally, Discovery’s Summer Among the Peaks, for ages 9–13, will celebrate 12 years of overnight camping adventures led by Dr. Andy Yazzie. These multiday camps visit many of the nation’s national treasures, including Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Mesa Verde National Park. They also engage in immersive cultural experiences at the Navajo and Hopi Nations, and participate in activities such as sheep herding, hiking, and camping in Canyon de Chelly, and the annual Santo Domingo Pueblo Corn Dance.
This summer Discovery continues its commitment to reach children of all ages. In addition to program expansions for preschool age children, MNA has renewed its commitment to ages 13–18 with the Junior Counselor program, Field Archaeologist, and Field Entomology classes. Additionally, Sustainable Living on the Colorado Plateau, a new program offered in partnership with the Grand Canyon Trust, will offer a weekend exploration in sustainable farming and green building at Leupp Family Farm.
Discovery’s Junior Counselor program is entering its fifth year. Junior Counselors ages 13–18 assist Discovery teachers with programs. This volunteer opportunity provides valuable job experience and allows Discovery participants to stay connected in new ways. When asked about her experience as a former Discovery participant and now three- year Junior Counselor, Kelly Reid exclaims, “”I always looked forward to summer camps at MNA as a participant. Now that I’m older, I still love camp, but return each year because of the joy it brings me to pass on my experiences to new kids.”
For reservations or information, contact the Discovery Office at 928/774-5213, ext. 241 or discovery@mna.mus.az.us. Scholarships are available and are awarded based on financial need and student interest. Class descriptions, scholarship information, and applications are available at musnaz.org.
The following sponsors support MNA’s Discovery 2009:
Albertsons Community Partners
Anonymous Contributors
Arizona Commission on the Arts/National Endowment for the Arts
Arizona Community Foundation
Bashas’ Thanks a Million
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Flagstaff Community Foundation
Flagstaff Cultural Partners/City of Flagstaff, BBB Revenues
Forest Highlands Foundation
Grand Canyon Trust
McCoy Motors
New Frontiers
Sam’s Club
Vertical Relief Climbing Center
Walgreens
The Museum of Northern Arizona is surrounded by tremendous geological, biological, and cultural resources in one of Earth’s most spectacular landscapes. With a long and illustrious history, MNA evokes the very spirit of the Colorado Plateau, including the Grand Canyon and Four Corners regions, inspiring a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the area. The Museum is located three miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff, at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, on scenic Highway 180.