Preschool Camps :: Kindergarten–5^th Grade Camps:: 6^th Grade - 8^th Grade Camps :: Contact Us

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Click on the age group above to see descriptions for each camp. Everything else you need to know about summer camp can be found by clicking here!

Innovative hands-on science camps at the Science Museum of Western Virginia offer a fun-filled exploration into a variety of science topics. Camps are filled with daily programs from our team of experienced educators and weekly visits from local science professionals. All Kindergarten through 8th grade camps feature exciting field trips!

To ensure an individualized learning experience, class sizes are limited. Preschool camps are limited to 10 students per section; Kindergarten–5^th grade camps are limited to 14 students per section; and 6^th grade–8^th grade camps are limited to 42 students per week. Be sure to register early!

Preschool Camps

Preschool camps are designed for children who are four- and five-years-old at the start of camp. Each camp is offered from 9:30am–11:30am Monday through Thursday. Camp enrollment is limited to ten children per camp. All campers must be potty trained.

July 12–15 :: Digging Up Dinosaurs

This camp is for your budding paleontologist or geologist. Campers will learn about fossils, rocks and minerals as they dig and discover. Visit our own T. Rex and find out more about his friends. $70 :: $85

Kindergarten–5^th Grade Camps

Full Day/Full Week Camps designed for school-aged children who have completed grades Kindergarten–5^th grade as of June 2010. Each fun-filled day runs from 9:00am–4:00pm, with Before and After Care available.

July 5–9 :: To Infinity and Beyond

Does your camper long to be an astronaut or meteorologist? Find out what it takes. Join us for a space adventure and learn from our guest educator, NASA technologist Jane Hogge. Campers will get to learn more about Earth’s atmosphere and meet a NOAA meteorologist during the week. Field trip: The Leander McCormick Observatory at UVA. $180 :: $195

July 12–16 :: We All Live Here

How can you live “green” on this planet without knowing about it’s inhabitants? Learn about the houses, homes and habitats for all inhabitants along with some amazing connections!! Meet a biologist during the week who will teach you even more. Field trip: North Carolina Zoo. $180 :: $195

July 19–23 :: Junior Veterinarian *full*

If your camper loves animals and then some--send them to the Science Museum for classes with local veterinary professionals. Meet our Science Museum animals with visits from our very own Animal Curator. Field trip: Spend a day on-site at a veterinary hospital and a local farm. $180 :: $195

July 26–30 :: Rocking Through the Ages *full*

From rocks to minerals campers will experience the rock cycle’s results! Interact with a geologist during the week and find out more. Dig for fossils and learn about the fabulous way they have formed. Field trip: Travel to the Museum of the Middle Appalachians in Saltville, VA to dig for Ice Age fossils with visiting paleontologist from Gray Fossil Museum. $180 :: $195

August 2–6 :: Tooth to Toe *cancelled*

Learn about your body from tooth to toe and the science behind it all. How do your body systems work? What happens when things go wrong? Campers will interact with medical professionals throughout the week. Field trip: Carilion Cyberknife. $180 :: $195

August 9–13 :: Top Chef to Mad Scientist

Mix it and make it ooey, gooey, or chewy. Discover how solutions can have the same volume but different masses! Local Roots Cafe Executive Chef, Joshua Smith, will manipulate the tastes, textures and appearances of local and sustainable produce with liquid nitrogen and all natural hydrocolloids such as agar agar, corn starch and various food gums. Field Trip: Visit a professional laboratory and put your chemical knowledge to the test. $180 :: $195

Everything you need to know about summer camp!

Before and After Care.

Before Care is offered 7:30am until 9:00am and After Care is offered 4:00pm until 5:30pm. The cost of either Before Care or After Care is $25 per week or $40 per week for both.

Camps fill up fast!

Members register first and get a discount on summer camp! Members save $15 per summer camp session; this price is listed first after each camp description. Members-only registration is through February 28, 2010. Beginning March 1, 2010, both members and non-members may register. Memberships must be active at the time of registration to receive the member rate. Non-members who join during the members-only registration are also eligible to register early. To purchase or renew a membership, call 540.342.5777 or email rhollins@smwv.org.

How to register?

Applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations are taken ONLY by mail, fax, or in person at the 4th floor admissions desk at the Museum. Payment may be made with a credit card (required if by fax), check, or money order. No cash will be accepted. Prices include instruction, materials, and the specified field trip.

Confirmations.

Once your registration has been processed, we will send you a confirmation by mail. If you do not receive a confirmation within 30 days, please call 540.857.4381 to verify that we received your registration. Do not assume that your child is registered.

Full camps and waiting lists.

If your selected camp is full, we will notify you and we will ask if you wish to place your child on the waiting list, or if you prefer a different camp.

Cancellations and refunds.

If you cancel and request a refund 30 days before camp, you will receive a full refund less a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received less than 30 days before the start of camp.

Age and grade levels.

Camp works best when children are enrolled in camp with their peers, so grade and age level requirements are strictly enforced. It is the parents’ responsibility to enroll the camper in the correct grade upon registration. The Museum reserves the right to place the camper in the correct section if space is available. If no space is available at the appropriate level, the child will be sent home and no refund will be given.

What about medications?

Science Museum staff does not take responsibility for or administer any medications during camp. If a camper requires medication during the day, a parent is welcome to make arrangements to meet the child at the needed time.

Behavior Expectations.

We have offered summer camp for years and know that young children have a lot of energy! However, for safety and for the enjoyment of the camp experience, all campers must be able to listen and follow instructions, and to remain in their seats on the bus. The Museum reserves the right to send home any child who is disrupting the experience for other campers. If a camper is dismissed due to behavioral/social issues, tuition will not be refunded.

Campers with special needs.

Needs of children with behavioral, physical, or psychological concerns should be discussed with the Museum staff before registering for camp. Some of our field trip destinations are not handicapped accessible. If we find a child’s behavior to be beyond the scope of our skills, we will first confer with a parent about a suitable course of action. If this fails, we will ask that the child be withdrawn from camp.

What not to bring!

No toys, electronics, weapons, lighters, or valuable items. If a child is found with a toy, electronic device (including game-boys, ipods, mp3 players, etc.) or weapon, the object will be taken away from the child and returned to the parent at the end of the day. If your child must bring a cell phone to camp, the phone must remain turned off during the camp (including text messaging), or it will be taken from the child and returned to the parent at the end of the day. We are not responsible for any items your child brings to camp.

What to wear?

Summer Science Camp is a hands-on adventure, so please have your child dress appropriately. This includes clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Closed toe shoes. No flip flops please.

Summer Camp T-Shirts.

Each camper receives a complimentary summer camp T-shirt during the first camp for which he or she is registered. Additional t-shirts may be purchased for $10 each. Campers are expected to wear their T-shirts on field trips.

Where is camp held?

The Science Museum of Western Virginia, on the 4th and 5th floors of Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke. Our street address is 1 Market Square SE, Suite 4, Roanoke, VA 24011.