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!
Summer Camps 2008
Summer Day Camp Fun at Curious Kids' Museum!
New Exciting Programming, more adventures for everyone!
BIRTH CERTIFICATES ARE NEEDED TO ENROLL CHILDREN FOR 2008 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, 2008.
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.
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. The Museum must have a minimum of 2 children / session to operate Child care each day. Child drop off and pick-up are through the Museum's south parking lot door. Please be prompt.
Adventure Camps
For Ages 6 - 12 yrs.
9:00 AM– 4:00 PM
Monday – Friday
Mini Camps 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monday – Friday
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. Each week our campers will go on a “Boat Hunt,” 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 the Museum Exhibits! 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!
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.
Hooked On Fishing
June 23 – 27
Ages 8 and up
Cost: $135.00 members/ $165.00 non-members
Time 9:00am – 4:00pm
No previous experience required – just an interest in learning and having 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 a local pond, Lake Michigan, and 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 of memories . Campers are to bring a brownbag lunch with drinks 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. Museum will supply life jackets for all campers to use on all fishing trips.)
Who-Done-It
Ages 7 – 9
June 30 – July 03 (Mon. – Thurs.)
Cost: $120.00 members/ $145.00 non-members
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
During this four day camp you'll find a mystery that will intrigue even the best detectives. Become a Crime Scene Investigator for the week! Campers will use science and technology to analyze the evidence of the crime scene of, “Who Broke Into the Museum?” Campers will use standard forensic techniques to match the suspect{s} to the crime. Campers will have fun working with local police officers to solve this case. Camp program will provide hands-on science experience along with take home projects.
I'm An American Girl
Ages 6 – 12
July 07 – 11
Cost: $140.00 members/ $170.00 non-members
Each day enjoy a favorite American 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.
Addy is a proud, courageous nine year old girl who escapes from slavery with her mother in 1864 in the midst of the Civil War. Together they embark on a dangerous journey to the North to be reunited with their family. Campers will act out a play on Addy's life story called, “Friendship and Freedom.” They will understand Addy's story, one that is shared by many African Americans who lived during this time period. Campers will learn about the Underground Railroad and the courage it took to survive and escape from slavery and lessons that helped them face the choices and challenges of the freedom they found. Make the crafts she might have made will help bring history alive for you.
Josephina is a girl of heart and hope growing up in New Mexico in 1824. Life on a busy rancho offered children little time to play, but Josefina and her sisters knew how to have fun while they worked. Learn what it was like to live on a ranch and meet the challenges of years gone by. Josephina would visit Mariana, her best friend at the nearby Indian pueblo, where she learned how to make coil pots and cornhusk dolls. You'll enjoy trying your hand at these crafts just like Josephina did.
Kaya is an adventurous Nez Perce girl growing up in 1764. “Kaya” is short for the Nez Perce name, “Kaya'aton'my,' which means “she who arranges rocks.”
It's hard for Kaya not to boast about her beautiful, spirited horse, Steps High. Kaya wants to be one of the very best horsewomen in the village. She loves the legends her elders tell her about the bold warrior women who are her heroes. Learn more about her dreams of becoming a courageous leader. Campers will have the opportunity to take care of a real horse and go for a ride.
Molly McIntire was a lively schemer and dreamer living on America 's home front during World War Two, {1944}. Children on the home front were clever. They learned how to make their own toys and games from scraps they found. You'll make some of the things Molly made, a photo holder, bookmarks, and a patriotic pinwheel. Mmmm….Chocolate cake…sugar was in short supply, so a birthday cake was quite a special treat in 1944! Campers will have fun baking {and eating}a birthday cake for Molly.
Jess McConnell is a young girl spending five months on an adventure with her parents on an archeological dig in the deep jungle of Maya! Most of the Maya sites are still buried under hundreds of years of soil and trees. So many undiscovered sites….so many untold mysteries. Go on an eco-adventure and make real discoveries like Jess did. Oh, the mysteries of buried history! Go deep inside the “cave”. What kinds of artifacts will you find? Visit local museums to see the treasures they've discovered. Learn about the people who lived there long ago as you learn more about yourself.
Jr. Chef Cooking Camp
Ages: 6-9 yrs.
July 14 - 18
Cost: $130.00 members/ $150.00 non-members
*Bring a sack lunch Monday Only.
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, 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. Joe area, to see how their specialties are created.
Rock-N-Water
July 21 - 25
Ages: 8 – 10 yrs.
Cost: $140.00 members/ $160.00 non-members
If you love getting wet and field trips, 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. 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 the lake, {CKM takes their own certified lifeguards}and trips to Sarett Nature Center, Holland Aquatic Center, and the Coast Guard Station are planned.
I'm An American Girl (with Overnight)
July 28 – 31
Ages 6 – 12
Cost: $140.00 members/ $170.00 non-members
Our most popular camp each summer…..so we're offering two this year! Each day campers will enjoy a favorite Girl character in a whole new way with this interactive camp. Campers will watch the history unfold before them as they explore the different periods of American History with American Girl Dolls and their elaborate backgrounds. The last night of camp, {Thursday} spend the night at the museum with your favorite American Girl Doll. The over night includes, crafts, museum time, snacks, movie and fun for all! Camp will dismiss at 8:30 A.M. on Friday morning.
Felicity Merriman of Williamsburg Virginia, {1774}. Living through the Revolutionary War, Felicity is a spunky nine-year old girl from a patriot family. In 1774 things were beginning to change in the British colonies. Familes like Felicity's who had always been loyal to the King of England began to want independence. These people called themselves Patriots. Imagine you are a Patriot and write a letter to King George III to let him know what you think!
Elizabeth Cole is a girl growing up in colonial Virginia . She and her best friend, Felicity are “the merriest girls in Virginia ”….at least that's what Felicity's father calls them. The two girls met at Miss Manderly's where they had lessons on dancing, stitchery, and serving tea. Although the politics of the American Revolution threaten to divide them, Felicity and Elizabeth manage to stay loyal to one another. Enjoy cross stitching and having a tea party with your friends just like Felicity and Elizabeth. In 1774 there was no family photo albums, cameras weren't invented yet. You'd have to hire an artist to paint your portaits. You'll learn how to mix colors and paint your own portaits. Do you love horses as much as Felicity? Take a trip to visit the horse stables: do you think you'll see a horse the same copper color of Felicity's horse?
Kirsten Larson was a pioneer. She lived in a one-room log cabin on the Minnesota frontier. Kirsten and her family came from Sweden . When immigrants made new homes for themselves in America, they didn't forget the recipes and customs of their homeland. Cooking was more than a pasttime for American girls long ago. Learning about kitchens and cooking in the past will help you understand what it was like to grow up the way Kirsten did. Llike Kirsten, campers will make butter and homemade bread to enjoy.
Samantha Parkington is a nine-year-old wealthy orphan being raised by her grandmother in 1904 in Mount Bedford, New York . Samantha learns the realities of her Victorian world - from her life of luxury to the prejudices and difficulties faced by the lower classes. As loved as she may feel by her grandmother, living in a big house is also lonely. As a new century dawns, Samantha sees exciting changes. She also sees that not everyone's life is changing for the better, including a servant girl named Nellie. While some think wealth matters most, Samantha befriends Nellie knowing that true friendship is worth even more. In 1904 some people thought a proper young lady's place was learning to be the perfect hostess for formal parties. Campers will make invitations and plan the perfect party.
Hooked On Fishing Is Back!
Aug. 4 - 8
Ages 8 and up
Cost: $135.00 members/ $165.00 non-members
Time 9:00am – 4:00pm
No previous experience required – just an interest in learning and having 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 a local pond, Lake Michigan, and 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 of memories. Campers are to bring a brownbag lunch with drinks 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. Museum will supply life jackets for all campers to use on all fishing trips.)
Curiosity Camps
For Ages 4 – 5
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 for members/ $90 for non-members
Call to Pre-register 983-2543
Calling All Train Fans!
June 23 – 26
Ages 4 – 5
Choo…..Choo… Boys and Girls….All Aboard for the CKM Rail Adventure! Follow the tracks to a fun-filled week. Campers will help build a “Thomas the Train Tanker” to play in throughout 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 train book everyday as the campers make train crafts to take home. End the week by parading around the block showing off the train the campers have made. Choo….Choo….All Aboard!
Dino-Fun Camp
June 30 – July 3
Ages 4 - 5
Dinosaurs are back by popular demand! Dinosaur crazed kids will learn about plant-eating and meat-eating dinosaurs, and how dinosaurs move. Find out new discoveries about dinosaurs including which ones were warm-blooded and had fur! Dig for fossils, make your own dino-books and fabricate your own special dinosaur. Campers will use grids, brushes, and trowels to carefully work away and remove sand from around fossils. Discover exciting facts about dinosaurs while viewing fossil displays. Campers will have a digging good time!
Back Yard Bugs
July 7 – 10
Ages 4 - 5
Ants, ladybugs, and bees, among other beautiful backyard bugs, will entertain little entomologists this week. Youngsters will make a “gi- ant” to as they learn more about the body parts of the ant, plus create ladybug thumbprints, puffy little bees, and “junky” giant bugs. Campers will have fun learning about the life cycle of the ladybug and observe live ladybugs before setting them free. Campers will have fun making their own bug boxes along with going on bug hunts each day. Making yummy buggy treats will round out this week of going buggy!
Dora the Explorer Week
July 14 – 17
Ages 4 - 5
Throughout the week campers will enjoy many adventures of Dora and her friends. Each journey will take the campers through a fun-filled day full of play and crafts for each theme.
Monday…..Beaches It's a very hot day in the Rainforest. Dora and Boots decide that they need to get to the beach in order to cool off. To get to the Beach they will have to draw a map. They have to go around the mighty oak tree, over the big hill, down the long line of steps, across the railroad tracks, across the sand and that's how they'll get to the beach! When they finally arrive at the beach, campers will enjoy exploring the area, playing in the sand with their friends along with eating their morning snack. { Campers WILL NOT be going in the water.}
Tuesday…..We all Scream for Ice - Cream Dora and Boots hear the tune of an ice cream truck in the distance and set off to catch up to it. They have to go over Strawberry Mountain, across Chocolate Lake, and that's how they'll get to Coney Island, the ice cream truck's next stop. Campers will not only get to enjoy the ice cream cones when they catch up with the truck….but will also learn how to make homemade ice cream…..a yummy day!
Wednesday…..Lost and Found Dora and Boots encounter a lost Baby blue bird who only speaks Spanish. They are certain that it lives in the little Blue tree and set out to take the Baby Bird home. They explore past the Bananas, through the Cornfield, and that's how they got to the little Blue Tree. Campers will make binoculars to go bird watching.
Thursday…… Treasure Island Dora and Boots come across the Pirate Parrot, who tells them about the Pirate Pig and his treasure chest chock full of gold. So off they go to find the Pirate Pig's treasure chest; they go past the lookout tree, across Crocodile Lake and that's how they explore their way to Treasure Island .
Romping Rascals
July 21 - 24
Ages 4 – 5
It sloshes. It splashes. It flows and spreads. It can even change its shape. What is this amazing substance? Why, it's water! Campers will go on a liquid shape hunt, have a Car Wash Sponge Relay, a duck Race, a Boat Race, along with making snorkels and taking a dive under the sea. What kinds of animals do you think you'll see? Camper's feet will hit the sand running as they spend a morning playing on the beach with games and crafts. Each day campers will have a “Splashing Good Time!”
Astronaut Adventure
July 28 – 31
Ages 4 - 5
Three….Two…One….Blast Off! Campers will take off on a trip to outer space in this exciting camp filled with facts on the solar system, stars, and what it means to really be an astronaut. We'll learn about planets, orbits, stars, and galaxies as we learn our part in our solar system. Why don't the stars fall, or planets bump into each other? Why does the moon “change shapes”? These and many more questions will be answered for the campers as they explore the galaxy together. We'll practice being astronauts as we create our rockets and our own oxygen tanks.
Who's Your Super Hero?
Aug. 4 - 7
Ages 4-5
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, a doctor, ambulance driver and a Coast Guard rescue person. Find out what makes them….Heroes.
Play Date for the Little Ones
Ages 3 ½ to 5
Tuesday's Only
Time: 9:30 – 11:00 AM
$10.00 members/ $15.00 non-members
This Day camp is designed for young children who are still attached to their parents and aren't ready for a 4-day camp. 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. Campers will also have Museum time and a snack each day.
July 01- Under One Rock Come meet tiny neighbors in “your habitat.” Take a look under a rock and find some special friends: the worm, the ants, the spider and more! It's a fact-filled funfest on investigation into the smaller natural world that is right under our feet!
July 08- Land of Fairy Tales On this magical day we'll become princes and princesses. Through make-believe play we can even create our own fairytales. Decorate your own royal crowns!
July 15- Treasure Island You're all alone on a deserted Island with a treasure map….can you find the missing treasure? You may have to cross quicksand, careful….don't get stuck. As long as you've followed your map, you're sure to find the hidden treasure chest.
July 22 - On the Ocean Floor Slip on your imaginary wetsuit as you dive into the wonders of the ocean. Sing sea songs, investigate critters and make a fishy art project while learning all about the ocean.
July 29- Construction Day Can we build it….YES we can! Join the building crew, put on your hardhat, and let's get this house up to code! Add the shingles, shutters, window boxes and so much more!
Aug. 05- Blue By You Roses are Red My name is Blue today will be the day I play with you! Campers will use their Handy- Dandy notebooks as they follow the blue paw print clues around the museum gathering the clues to find their yummy snack.
**Pre-registration is required for all workshops.
