See more photos from last summer's Academy Explorer Camp.

Real Science is Real Fun…all Summer Long!

Summer Camp at the Academy of Natural Sciences

Ages 5–12 (counselors-in-training program for teens 13–14)
July 12–August 27, 2010, 9 am–4 pm, optional before and after care.
Campers-only Safari Overnight on Saturday, August 28.

Academy Explorers Camp invites campers to learn about natural science in a safe, fun, and engaging way. Each week of camp explores an exciting new theme and features an off-site field trip! From fossils to saving the environment to animal adaptations, check out our camp themes to find the best fit for your child’s interests.

Want a taste of Academy Explorers Camp? Check out the photo gallery from last summer. You may also be interested in this year's Spring-Break Academy Explorers Camp, which runs from March 29 to April 9, 2010.

Parents with younger children may want to consider Tiny Tot Explorers, a program for children ages 3–4 during July and August.

Weekly Camp Themes

Airborne Animals (July 12–16): Flying, gliding, and jumping—there is no denying these amazing animals can move! Investigate animals that take to the air through live animal encounters and activities.
Prehistoric Beasts (July 19–23): Dinosaurs are just the beginning as you explore the world of some of the prehistoric beasts that walked the earth long before we did—including some that are still alive today!
Creatures of the Deep (July 26–30): Dive deeper into the world of the earth’s oceans with a close look at the animals that swim, scuttle, and slink in the sea. Explore the ways these animals survive in a sometimes hostile environment, and spend some quality time with the animals that live a little closer to the water’s surface.
Going Green (August 2–6): Be an eco-explorer and learn how to take care of our planet—and have fun doing it. Go green with games and experiments and discover how the Academy is working for a greener tomorrow.
Fossils Rock (August 9–13): Dig into rocks, minerals, and everything fossilized. Examine fossils and learn about ancient plants and animals by studying what they left behind.
Natural Wonders (August 16–20): Explore the mysteries of the natural world through amazing experiments, and see first-hand how Academy scientists are working to shed light on some of the most interesting topics in natural science.
All About Animals (August 23–27): Investigate all things animal as you meet critters from all over the world. Meet some of our live animals and learn more about some of the fastest, smartest, and most amazing creatures on earth.

Campers participanting in any of these weekly sessions can be part of our camp Safari Overnight

Counselors-in-Training Program

Is your teen looking for experience working with children in a museum setting? The Academy is inviting teens aged 13 to 14 to submit an application to become one of our counselors-in-training! Participants work side by side with experienced Academy staff, all while experiencing the fun of camp. CITs are also invited to attend the campers-only Safari Overnight at the end of the summer.

Space is limited; candidates will be contacted upon receipt of application (see Registration below). Interviews will be conducted with each applicant.

CITs are ages 13–14. (Teens 15 or older can volunteer.)
Hours are from 9 am–4 pm.
Members pay $175 per CIT, per weekly session.
Nonmembers pay $210 per CIT, per weekly session.
All counselors-in-training are considered campers and are factored into staff-camper ratios.
All CITs must attend a training day on July 8, 2010.

Registration

Download the Registration Form, Camp Forms (medical, permission and release, box lunch, and Safari Overnight forms), and CIT Application Form (if appropriate). A Parents Guide and Camp Brochure are also available for download.
Submit your Registration Forms and Camp Forms. All Academy Explorers registrations must be accompanied by a non-refundable $100 deposit for each week a camper is registered. (Deposits are not required for CIT applicants.)
You may submit your registration over the phone or by mail:
1. By Phone: Call our Reservations Office at 215-299-1060. Over the phone, you will be permitted to pay with a credit card. You will then be asked to fax your completed forms to 215-299-1165.
2. By Mail: Send the completed forms with a check made out to the Academy of Natural Sciences to:
  Academy Explorers Camp
  1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
  Philadelphia, PA 19103
Upon completion of your registration, you will receive a confirmation packet with additional information about camp, as well as instructions for paying any balances.

If you have any questions about the registration process, please call 215-299-1060.

Camp Details

The following information—and more—is also available in the downloadable Parents' Guide.

Ages: Academy Explorers Camp is for children ages 5–12. Parents with children ages 3–4 may want to consider Tiny Tot Explorers.
Days and Times: Camps are offered on a weekly basis and are held from July 12 to August 27, 2010.; Camps run from 9 am – 4 pm. Optional before care (8–9 am) and after care (4–5:30 pm) is available.
Fees: Members pay $285 per camper, per weekly session.
Nonmembers pay $320 per camper, per weekly session.; Before care (8–9 am) is $50 per camper, per weekly session.
After care (4–5:30 pm) is $50 per camper, per weekly session.; Sign up and Save! Sign up your child for one week of Academy Explorers Camp at full price and get $25 off each additional week of camp you purchase for that child. (Discount does not apply to CIT applicants.); Academy Members Save Even More! If you are interested in becoming a member of the Academy, call 215-299-1022 or see Membership.; Campers age 9-12 who have participated in the George Washington Carver Science Fair are eligible for the Carver Summer Scholars Program. This two-week program includes a full scholarship and runs August 2-6 and August 16-20. Download the Carver Summer Scholars Application Form.
Lunch and Snacks: Campers have the option of bringing their own lunch or having pre-ordered box lunches at $25 per weekly session. (See the Camp Forms or Parents' Guide for more info.); Campers will be provided with one snack during the day. The snack is typically crackers, fruit, or pretzels. If your child has special dietary needs, please feel free to pack a special snack.
Contact Info: Call 215-299-1060 or email for questions about registration.; For general questions, please contact Hollie Barattolo at or 215-405-5061.
Downloads: Registration Form for Summer 2010 Academy Explorers Camp; Camp Forms for Summer 2010 Academy Explorers Camp; CIT (Counselor-in-Training) Application Form; Parents' Guide for Summer 2010 Academy Explorers Camp; Brochure for Summer 2010 Academy Explorers Camp; George Washington Carver Scholarship Application

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