Workshops, Special Events and Family Programming are offered year round at CKM for curious kids of all ages. Check out our Workshops and Summer Camps activity calendar below for ages, dates, times and fees.
Sizzling and Super Fun for you and your family all summer long!
Camp is a great way to gather precious memories and build special friendships that will last a lifetime!
REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010.
Please call the Museum at 269-983-2543 to register!
Passport to Summer 2010
Day Camp Adventures
Summer Day Camp Fun at Curious Kids' Museum!
New Exciting Programming, more adventures for everyone!
BIRTH CERTIFICATES ARE NEEDED TO ENROLL CHILDREN FOR
2010 SUMMER CAMPS.
Executive Director: Pat Adams
Summer Camp Director: Gina Mason
Proof of age will be required. We work hard at making all our camps age appropriate. It's important the camp meets the needs of both you and your child, which will ensure everyone has an exciting learning experience. Children must be of appropriate age for camps by June 1, 2010.
For Ages 7 - 12
Fishing Camp Ages 8 & up
9:00 AM– 4:00 PM
Monday – Friday
Ages 4 – 6
Camps 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monday – Thursday
Summer is a blast when you spend it at the Curious Kids' Museum! Don't miss our fantastic fun-filled day camps! All camps are educationally based programs incorporating Hands-on Science Activities. Campers will check out St. Joe's local horse drawn transportation, play on the beach each day, brown bag lunches on the bluff, listening to local music at the bandstand, swimming, along with private time to explore BOTH Museum's! This is all in addition to the weekly camp theme!
Our qualified staff is hand picked, trained in First Aid, CPR and each of them have worked with children for a number of years.
Camp is a great way to gather precious memories and build special friendships that will last a lifetime!
Please note Fees vary with camps & trips. Full payment is due at registration. Cancellations must be made within 7 days prior to camp for camp refund, minus a $25 registration fee . Cancellations made within 7 days of camp will not be refunded, but will receive a credit.
Save $10 when registering two siblings for the same week. Three siblings, Save $20 when registering all 3 for the same week.
Campers should bring a sack lunch with drink, sunscreen and a
lightweight jacket each day, and swimsuit and towel on swim day. Your leader will give you a schedule each Monday which includes Swim Day for that week. A Camp Handbook will be provided to all parents. Parents are invited to join us on the last day of camp for the afternoon if they'd like.
Child Care
Are you working and need Child Care? Have a busy schedule? Extended hours Care is available at Curious Kids' Museum!
Morning Session 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Afternoon Session 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Costs: $6.00 each session, $12/day or $60 all week/child
Cost includes adult staff, snack, and playtime in museum. Reservations and payments must be made in advance.
Hooked On Fishing
June 21 – 25
Ages: 8 and up
Cost: 140.00 members $160.00 non-members
No previous experience required – just an interest to learn and have fun! So grab your poles – and get ready to go fishing! Campers will learn the basics of fishing, casting, baiting their own hooks, tying flies, cleaning their catch and what to do when you have the “big one” on your line! Campers will enjoy the great outdoors while learning about fish habitats, marine biology and anatomy {also known as blood and guts!} and much more. Fishing trips will be to, Lake Michigan , the St Joe River, along with pier fishing.
This exciting week will conclude with “fishing telling stories” and a fish fry on Friday for the campers. The campers will catch a life time memory.
Campers are to bring a brownbag lunch with drink each day except Friday.
Bring your own fishing pole and gear. {For those who do not own their own poles, Extra poles and gear will be available for campers to share.}
I Spy Adventure
June 28 – July 02
Ages 7 – 12
Cost: $140 members $160 non-members
If you love mysteries….then this camp is for you!
Campers will develop their detective skills by solving mini mysteries throughout BOTH museums' all week. Trips to the Fire Station and Police Station will surely shed light on how firefighters determine how a fire was started and how a police officer solves even the hardest crimes. Campers will develop and decipher codes. Learning how to lift fingerprints and how everyone's are different will intrigue all our want-to-be spies. All spies have to be in good shape….campers will train the first day to pass a “security clearance test” to obtain their spy kits and t-shirts. At the end of this camp, all campers will have an increase of awareness of all that is around them.
Theater and Acting
July 5 – 9
Ages 7 12
Cost: $140 members $160 non-members
The entire world is a stage…..An exciting camp for creative boys and girls who enjoy singing, dancing, and acting. Whatever the role you want to take, Stage Manager, Director, Actor, Scene Builder, Stage Hand, this camp is for you! Come join the fun as we create our own production, stage and props during this week long camp. Learn valuable acting skills, role playing skills, and practice improvisation, while learning how to create believable characters. This will be a great confidence-building camp. Last day of camp, campers will enjoy putting on a show for family, friends and guests visiting the museum.
Be an American Girl
July 12 - 15
Ages: 6 – 12
Cost: $140.00 members $160.00 non-members
**Note that this camp ends on Friday Morning
Each day enjoy a favorite America Girl character in a whole new way with this interactive camp. Watch the history unfold before your eyes as we explore the different periods of American History with American Girl Dolls and their elaborate backgrounds.
Kirsten is a pioneer girl of strength and spirit growing up in Minnesota in 1854. After a long, dangerous voyage with her family from Sweden to America , Kirsten finds it difficult to get accustom to a new country and a new way of life. Sit back and discover what her new land had to offer. Bring your imagination as you embark on this fun filled week.
Each day campers will prepare their own snacks to go with the time period of each character. Campers will learn how to cross-stitch just like the pioneers.
Josephina is a girl of heart and hope growing up in New Mexico in 1824. Learn what it was like to live on a ranch and meet the challenges of years gone by. Girls like Josefina helped their mothers and grandmothers with the sewing, weaving and cooking.
Addy is a proud, courageous girl who escapes from slavery with her mother in 1864. Together they embark on a dangerous journey to the North, hoping one day to be reunited with their family. Camper will embark on an unforgettable journey along the CKM Underground Railroad as they run into heroes and helpers along the way. It will be fun to make crafts and homemade toys from the 1800's.
Kaya is an adventurous Nez Perce girl growing up in 1764. She loves the legends of her elders tell her about the bold warrior women who is her hero. Learn more about her dreams of becoming a courageous leader. Pass the talking stick as we sit around the fire sharing stories from generations of years gone by.
The last night of camp, {Thursday} spend the night at the museum with your American Girl Doll. Camp will dismiss at 8:30 a.m.on Friday morning.
Rock-N-Water
July 19 - 23
Ages: 7 – 12 yrs.
Cost: $140.00 members $160.00 non-members
If you love getting wet, this is the camp for you! Campers will explore the science of water and learn about pond animals and plants. Focus will be on the safety of being on and around water. Learn about the dangers of Lake Michigan and the art of rescue from our Coast Guard. Fun water games, slip-and-slide races, water balloon toss and more each day. There will be lots of water fun and water experiments for everyone. Campers will explore and experience the beauty of Lake Michigan's Silver Beach each morning. Swim in Lake Michigan and take a fun filled trip to Sarett Nature Center for a pond study. Campers will take a trip out to Circle C Stables to learn all about how to take care of horses. Saddling, stall cleaning, riding and giving their horse a bath! Campers need to bring bathing suits and towels each day.
Abracadabra
July 26 - 30
Ages: 7 – 12
Cost: $140 members $160 non-members
Back by Popular Demand!!! Amaze your family and friends with fun magic tricks ! Campers will spend hours learning how to create magic under the watchful eye of Master Magician, John Dudley. John has been performing Magic and Comedy for over 39 years with thousands of credits to his name. He's been an opening act for Country Music stars, performed at Splash Water Park and St. Joseph 's Ice Festival for the past few years. Campers will learn some of their favorite tricks from Master Magician, John Dudley. John is patient and encouraging to all children while developing their performance skills. Campers will love his sense of humor and rapport. Campers will be performing for family, friends and museum guest on Thursday at 11:00 AM.
Each camper will be taking home the book by John Dudley: “Magic Tricks to Fool Your Friends, a magic wand and so much more!
Jr. Chef Cooking Camp
Aug. 2 - 6
Ages:7– 12
Cost: $140.00 members $160.00 non-members
Back by popular demand, a fun hands – on exciting cooking camp for those who can't stay out of the kitchen! Everyone will participate in making various aspects of their meals. In addition to general cooking techniques, the campers will be instructed on safe food handling and equipment safety, along with table etiquette. Campers will learn how to read a recipe, prepare and cook delicious and healthy dishes with emphasis on nutrition, and food science. All campers will take home a cook book with copies of the recipes which they create. Campers will have a great time going behind the scenes with local eateries in the St. Joseph area to see how their specialties are created! Campers will invite (2) guest to join them for lunch on Friday. Bring a sack lunch Monday Only.
Curiosity Camps
For Ages 4 – 6
Hands-on Science Discoveries, Creative Art Activities, Music, Games, Private Play Time in the Museum, snacks and drinks each day.
Our Camps are designed to teach children how to observe situations and solve problems as they explore the world around them.
Monday – Thursday 9:00 – 12:00
Fee $70.00 for members $90.00 for non-members
Call to Pre-register 983-2543
All Aboard
June 21 - 24
Ages 4 – 6
Choo….Choo… All Aboard for the CKM Rail Adventure! Follow the tracks to a fun filled week. Campers will help build “Thomas the Tank Engine” to play in through out the week. It'll be exciting to learn about the different kinds of trains and their functions each day. We'll be reading a different book each day as the campers make train crafts to take home. Campers will make their own trains and parade around the block. (Weather permitting, if not parade around the museum) Choo….Choo….All Aboard!
No Bones About It; Dino Fun
June 28- July 1
Ages 4 – 6
Our beloved Dinosaur camp is back by popular demand. Are you ready to start a research project? Campers will dig for fossils and become “pre-junior paleontologist”. Campers will use grids, brushes, and trowels to carefully work away and remove sand from around fossils. Campers will choose a dinosaur species to build and recreate. Discover exciting facts about dinosaurs while viewing fossil displays. Campers will “step” into foot print fossils left behind by our reptile friends as they compare their own foot prints to the dinosaurs. Hold a real dinosaur bone that is millions of years old!
Who's Your Super Hero?
July 5 – 8
Ages 4 – 6
Batman….Superman….Spiderman….Heroes to the rescue. Campers will use their wonderful creativity to originate scenarios and super heroes to help save the world! We'll have fun with these fictional heroes. But who is the real hero who protects us from the uncertainties and dangers of life? Campers will get the chance to ask “REAL” heroes what compelled them to live a life of service to the world as needed to save the day. Join us for a full week of “Fictional” and “Real” Heroes. Meet a policeman, firefighter, doctor, ambulance driver and a Coast Guard rescue person. Find out what makes them….HEROES!
Walk With the Wild Side
July 12 - 15
Ages 4 – 6
Keep your eyes open, you never know what animals we'll meet as we venture deep into the jungle on our own Safari! Grab your safari hats, keep low, and quietly watch the strange animals we'll pass. Campers will go on an insect hunt outside the museum. We will search for small ants, but in the jungle they can be over 2 inches long and used for strange things….can you guess what that is? Have fun learning why monkeys swing from trees and how the lion earned his rank as king of the jungle. On Thursday, campers will have a private LIVE animal show! This camp promises to be a ROARING GOOD TIME!
Pirates, Pirates, PIRATES!
July 19 – 22
Ages 4 to 6
Ahoy Mateys, we set sail once again in search of the magic treasure chest! Along the way we'll need to make telescopes to help us find our way…carefully skirting around other pirates that are after the gold themselves. It's all fun and games due to the challenges along the way; walking the plank, hiding from other pirates, searching for secret maps and so much more! We'll read stories, enjoy tasty snacks, and sing our favorite pirate songs ending with an AARRGG! Each camper will design their own treasure chest to take home. Join us for this extravagant voyage!
A Curiously Creative Camp!
July 26 - 29
Ages 4 to 6
Fun….Fun…Fun…everyday! If you love to draw, get messy, create and play ALL day…then this camp is for you! We consider everyone to be an artist in their own way, so no previous skills are needed! Exercising the creative side of the brain is a helpful skill that will be used throughout your entire life. Splatter Painting, Sandscaping, Campers will create their own snacks, bake it and eat it! Shaving cream fun, Handprint Bouquets are just to name a few. Come on in and enjoy ALL the different crafts, games, and fun for the week! Campers in this camp will visit Discovery Zone for cool water fun!
The Magic Tree House Adventures
Aug. 2-5
Ages 4 – 6
This fun filled camp allows campers to step into a world of adventure and History each day! Using wizard's hats, magic wands and three special rules will guide the campers through each day and a fun adventure. The mission each day: Discover the true secrets of happiness.
Monday … Jack and Annie continue their quest for the secrets of happiness …secrets they need to save Merlin. This time, the Magic Tree House takes them to the one continent they haven't visited before: Antarctica ! What can they hope to learn about happiness in such a barren place? Only the penguins know for sure . Jack and Annie are about to find out along with the campers!
Tuesday … Jack and Annie are off on another Merlin Mission. This time, Merlin has sent them to rescue a beautiful magical creature—the unicorn. But when they land in New York City during the Depression of the 1930s, Jack and Annie are confused. Where will they find a unicorn in a big city?
Wednesday . … Jack and Annie continue their quest for the secrets of happiness-secrets they need if they're going to save Merlin. But when the magic tree house leads them to a tiny deserted island in the middle of the ocean, they're not sure who needs help more-Merlin or themselves! The brother-and-sister team are soon rescued by a ship of explorers and scientists. But the crew isn't looking for the secrets of happiness. The crew is looking for . . . a sea monster!
NEW….NEW…..NEW….
Tuesday Afternoon Camp
The Back Yard Gang
Ages 3 ½ to 6 years old
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
$15.00 Members $20.00 non-members
This once-a-week camp will provide young children with coordinated, yet loosely structured activities where they can move around and get their wiggles out while learning age-appropriate skills. Backyard games, crafts, stories and activities are all a part of these hands-on-learning experiences.
Snack and drink included.
July 13 Dance Around the Clock
Do you love to dance? Discover basic dance moves to fun up-beat
music. Campers will learn a choreographed dance to top off the
afternoon. Campers will make shakers to add to their dance moves.
July 20 Fun By Nature
Did you know there's another world right under our feet? Join us as we
use magnifying glasses to meet these unique and useful creepy, crawly,
creatures. Eat a wormy snack and make a buggy craft.
July 27 Romping Rascals
It sloshes, it splashes, it flows and spreads, it can even change its
shape. What is this amazing substance? Why, it's water! Fun water
activities out on the back lawn….be sure to bring a towel and wear
clothing that can get wet! A yummy watery snack for all campers!
Aug. 03 Treasure Island
You're all alone on a deserter Island with a treasure map…can you
find the missing treasure? You may have to cross all kinds of
obstacles before you find the missing treasure. Make a pirate hat
and map.
