Discovery Camps
2013 Summer Discovery Camps at the Museum
Don't want to register online? Looking for camps at Tifft Nature Preserve?
KEEP YOUR CHILD’S MIND SHARP OVER SUMMER BREAK!

Please fill out the following forms and mail in:
Registration Form & Extended Care Agreement
Emergency Medical Authorization & Photo Release form
CLICK HERE!
Our Discovery Camp head counselors all hold teaching certificates or have an advanced education in science and many of our assistant counselors are pursuing education degrees. With competetive prices, extended care options and unique, easily accessible locations, we make summer education easy, affordable and most of all - fun!
| Dates/Time: | M-F 9:00am - 4:30 pm (specific dates and camp themes listed below) |
| Cost: |
$200 non-members, unless otherwise specified |
| Extended Care: | Available 4:30 - 5:30pm $5 per 30 mins/per child/per day Arrangements must be made ahead of time by calling 716.896.5200 x345 10% Member Discount is not applicable to extended care fees |
| Add'l Info: | Campers are asked to bring a bagged lunch |
| Registration: |
Pre-register at least 2 weeks in advance online or by calling Betsy at 716.896.5200 x345. An Emergency Medical Authorization & Photo Release form must be submitted prior to your child(ren)'s participation in Camp. SCHOLARSHIPS: Click here for our Summer Discovery Camp scholarship application. |
July 8-12
Ages 5-7: From Here to There: Science in Motion
Have fun exploring the world of movement that is all around us by experimenting with various science toys that you create. Campers will make boats, rockets, parachutes and more. You’ll even learn how the magician’s tablecloth trick works so that you can amaze your friends.
Limited availability. Call to register.
July 10-12
Ages 12-15: Robotics ($150)
This program is designed for beginners who are interested in building robots but don’t know where to start. Class size is limited to 12 kids who will be paired up to work on a Lego Mind Storm robot kit. This three-day program will take place in the new Motion Studio and teams will complete different challenges and obstacles as they explore the world of robotics.
THIS CAMP IS FULL
July 15-19
Ages 5-6: Icky, Sticky Science
Put on your lab coats and get ready to experiment with all sorts of slimy, gooey stuff during Icky Sticky Science Week! You will make slime, create explosions with soda, create your own play-dough and more!
Limited availability. Call to register.
Ages 7-8: Fizz, Bang, Fun!
Ever wonder why some things crack, pop, or explode when you mix them together? In this enlightening camp, we will learn all about the science of matter by conducting some astonishing experiments, demonstrations and hands-on activities that will boggle your mind! Campers will have a fizz, bang, fabulous time learning about states of matter, elements and some very cool chemical reactions.
THIS CAMP IS FULL
Ages 9-12: Chemistry in your Cabinet
Lotions, soaps and baking supplies... all of these items in your home are actually science experiments in disguise! Come discover the chemistry of common household items and learn experiments that will amaze your friends.
THIS CAMP IS FULL
July 22-26
Ages 5-6: Storybook Science
Children’s literature opens the door to the land of science and imagination, so let's bring children's books to life via fun experiments! Learn how to make color run, spaghetti dance, rust disappear and much more in this week of captivating stories and hands-on science.
![]()
Ages 7-8: Superhero Science
If you could have any super power, what would it be? In this camp. you'll transform yourself into a superhero (or villain!) and harness the power of the natural world. Explore the physics of flight, the strength behind spider webs and design your own superhero gadget to take on the world!
![]()
Ages 9-12: Movie Magic, Science Fact
Do you love watching movies and wonder "How did they do that?" or "Is that even possible?” Enjoy a week of learning about the physics behind the chase scenes, explosions and the mad science behind your favorite movies!
THIS CAMP IS FULL.
July 29-August 2
Ages 5-6: A Pirate’s Life for Me!
Arrrrrr matey! Don't ye be missin' this chance at a piratin’ adventure! Pirates surprisingly knew a lot about science - how to stay healthy on long voyages, what the stars could tell them about navigation and even why the eye patch was more than just a fashion statement. We'll "sail away" and explore the oceans searching for sea life, gold and precious gems. We'll learn about map making and orienteering, knot tying and more, and then use our new skills to find Captain Chauncey’s lost treasure!
THIS CAMP IS FULL
Ages 7-8: Up, Up, and Away
Have you ever wondered what is up in space? During this camp you will learn about the wonders of space and all that you can find in it. You will explore the different planets, stars, black holes and other mysteries that the universe holds. You’ll also learn about spaceships that are being sent to other planets and how space travel is possible. By the end of this camp you might be ready to work for NASA!
Limited availability. Call to register.
Ages 9-12: Flight Science
How can a plane fly if it has no feathers? Can a box be a kite? What did DaVinci know about helicopters? Come soar with us as we learn about the physics behind airplanes, balloons and flying machines.
Limited availability. Call to register.
August 5-9
Ages 5-7: Earth's Wild Ride
Tsunami, tornadoes, tectonics and more! Explore the exciting science of our marvelous Earth and discover how rocks, wind and water work together to make some really awesome stuff . It's sure to be a rockin' good time!
![]()
August 12-16
Ages 5-6: Making Science Fun
Perform 25+ experiments in 5 days that you get to take home! Make things explode, watch a gummy bear GROW, inflate a balloon without blowing air into it, and more. The best part? Some experiments you will even get to EAT! Don’t miss out on the fun.
Limited Availability. Call to register.
Ages 7-8: Homemade Science
Put your hands and ingenuity to work to create everything from scratch. Many everyday things are easy to make yourself using your creativity and science. The sky is the limit for this sure to be a fun - and messy! - week.
Limited availability. Call to register.
Ages 9-12: How It’s Made
Did you know that your average chewing gum is made of rubber? Take a journey with more twists and turns than a bendy straw- which, by the way, was likely invented by the ancient Sumerians out of hollow pieces of wheat- hence the name "straw"! Discover the history of everyday things and how they were made. We’ll use a cup of history, a tablespoon of science and a pinch of curiosity and creativity to create some common products, think about the life of everyday "stuff" and tap into our own inner inventor along the way!
THIS CAMP IS FULL.
August 19-23
Ages 5-12: Ancient Egypt
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be a child in Ancient Egypt? What kind of clothes would you have worn? Would you have gone to school? Would you have toys? Campers will explore these questions and more as they experience life as a child of Egypt. They'll create their very own Egyptian toys and instruments and even an Egyptian pyramid. Discovery Campers will love this taste of life in another place and time!
![]()
August 21-23
Ages 12-15: Robotics ($150)
This program is designed for beginners who are interested in building robots but don’t know where to start. Class size is limited to 12 kids who will be paired up to work on a Lego Mind Storm robot kit. This three-day program will take place in the new Motion Studio and teams will complete different challenges and obstacles as they explore the world of robotics.
THIS CAMP IS FULL
August 26-30
Ages 5-6: Junior M.D.
Make NO bones about it; this camp is for aspiring physicians. Campers will learn that their bodies are miles of blood vessels, hundreds of muscles, many thousands of hairs, a furnace, a filter, AND a fancy computer! Your child will really have a pulse on the human body with this camp! We’ll build models of our lungs, examine real organs and learn how to make diagnoses to keep our “patients” healthy!
THIS CAMP IS FULL
Ages 7-8: All About Me
Have you ever wondered why your body works the ways it does? Why do you burp? What causes a hiccup? Through experiments and activities you will learn the ins and outs of how your body works like a well oiled machine. You will be amazed by what your own body does every day!
![]()
Ages 9-12: It’s All About You!
What’s your blood type? How’s your deoxyribonucleic acid? Why do some of us have allergies? The list of explorations about the human body and our health goes on and on. When it comes to health, there are almost as many topics as there are cells in the human body (well, maybe not 10 trillion, but a LOT!) Join us for a week of experiments to find out about you and your health!
THIS CAMP IS FULL
August 28-30
Ages 12-15: Science In Motion ($150)
This program is designed for the tween and teen that is still interested in advancing their scientific understanding. Class size is limited to 12 kids with content based on newest science studio “In Motion.” This three-day program will focus on physics and electricity on day one, movement in the natural world (including an animal dissection), and ending with transportation from boats, cars, planes and rockets.
THIS CAMP IS FULL

