Think like a scientist. Create like an artist. Play like a kid!
Summer day camps held on the 200-acre museum campus immerse children in the arts, sciences, cultures, and environment of the region. Taught by knowledgeable and enthusiastic educators, the inquiry-based camps appeal to varied learning styles and engage children with authentic experiences.
From their base in a cluster of historic buildings beside the Colton Community Garden, campers are led on explorations of museum exhibitions and collections, as well as forests, fields, rocky canyons, springs and ponds. Campers become at home within the museum, providing a basis for return visits as a family and a foundation for continued learning.
2021 Discovery Camps
The 2021 camp registration is now open. Use the links below each camp description to register. We limit the number of participants to assure a safe and quality learning environment. All registration is online and places are reserved on a first paid, first admitted policy. Send questions to discovery@musnaz.org.
2021 Camp Descriptions
Dino-mite Friends, ages 4-6
Are you ready to dig into the long-ago world of dinosaurs? Have a blast while learning about dinosaur friends with games, songs, storytelling, and dino-mite activities. Families are invited to a Friday dino fiesta.
Two sessions offered:
June 14-18, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Educator: Mari Soliday
Riparian Romp, ages 6-8
Prepare to get wet while exploring local ponds, streams, and riparian habitats to learn about the native flora and fauna. Campers will visit places such as the Rio de Flag, Cheshire wetlands and Coyote Spring.
Two sessions offered:
June 14-18, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Educator: Lorie Cavalli & Alex Bedatsky
PaleoCreativity, ages 9-12
Nature is our studio and crafts from the past our inspiration! Explore the ancient arts, including pottery, rock art, and weaving. Create dyes from plants, baskets from pine needles, and figures from split twigs.
Two sessions offered:
June 14-18, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Educator: Barbara Ann Heerkens
A Bug's Life, ages 4-6
Discover a day in the life of a bug! Squirm and wiggle into the amazing worlds of butterflies, spiders, beetles, scorpions, and worms. Look at life from a bug’s perspective, as you join in outdoor activities, crafts, games, and songs. Families are invited to a Friday bug fiesta.
Two sessions offered:
June 21-25, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Educator: Mari Soliday
Forest Investigators, ages 6-8
Through the study of wildfire ecology, forest restoration, dendrochronology (tree ring science), and climate we will learn how to maintain a healthy forest and what can be done to save our forests from catastrophic wildfires.
Two sessions offered:
June 21-25, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Educator: Lorie Cavalli & Alex Bedatsky
PaleoSurvival, ages 9-12
Learn how ancient people of Arizona lived during this hands-on exploration of how they built homes, made tools, hunted, grew food, and cooked. We will play hunting games, use ancient technologies, and learn how to identify the resources around us.
Two sessions offered:
June 21-25, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Educator: Barbara Ann Heerkens
Extended Care
Extended care is offered before and after the MNA Discovery Camps for families who need to drop off early (8-9 am) or pickup late (up to 5 pm). Games and activities are provided. Sign up for extended care when you register for the camps.
MNA does not offer extended care for camps run by other organizations on our campus.
Jr. Entomology Academy, ages 6-10 (Full)
Learn about insects, entomological collecting techniques, proper curation, insect anatomy, life cycles, insect husbandry, and interesting facts about arthropods. The week concludes with a bug feast.
Dates: June 28 – July 2
Note: This camp is held at MNA, but run by the Biodiversity Outreach Network. Registrater at their website and direct questions to Paige Chesshire (prc43@nau.edu) or Neil Cobb at 928-607-4075 (or Neil.Cobb@nau.edu)
Learn More
Forms
Health and Liability form
This form must be filled out before your child participates in Discovery Camps. It provides necessary medical information such as allergies and medications, as well as parental consents. Submit prior to camp via email to discovery@musnaz.org.
View PublicationHome Symptom Screening
We all need to continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus among children, who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. This document is based on guidelines from the Center for Disease Control, which strongly encourages parents and caregivers to monitor their children for symptoms of infectious illness every day through home-based symptom screening.
View PublicationNon-parent Pickup Form
Bring this form in the morning if someone other than the parent/guardian on file will be picking up your child.
View PublicationEpi-Pen Consent Form
Fill out this form if your child has an epi-pen, then make sure to also provide the teacher for your child’s camp with the epi-pen, labeled with your child’s name.
View PublicationScholarship application
We want all children to have access to the Discovery Camps. Scholarship funds are available for youth who demonstrate financial need or have extenuating circumstance. Fill out the form and email to discovery@musnaz.org.
View PublicationPrintable Discovery Village Map
The Discovery Village is at the end of N. Winding Brook Rd. Morning drop off and afternoon pickup are at the Discovery Village, unless otherwise specified by your camp teacher.
View Publication