2022 Summer STEM Camp Dates & Descriptions
Registration for ALL CAMPS is OPEN!
Registration will close once maximum camper allotment has been reached.
ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Please plan to provide your camper(s) (ages 7-12, full day only) with a peanut/tree nut-free bagged lunch. Microwaves and refrigerators are not available, so please do not pack lunches that require heating, and pack perishable items with an ice pack.
Half-day campers (ages 5 and 6) are encouraged to bring a small peanut/tree nut-free snack.
The maximum attendance per camp varies; minimum attendance per camp is 8.
All registrations for summer camps at the Boonshoft Museum are considered final and no refunds will be issued.
You may transfer your camper to a different camp for an additional $25 administrative fee. No transfers are permitted once your camp begins.
We reserve the right to cancel a program for any reason, but will issue a full refund in the event this occurs. You will be notified no later than the Friday before your camp begins.
STEM Camps at The Boonshoft Museum and SunWatch Indian Village are peanut and tree nut free.
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).
The Boonshoft Museum would like to thank Dayton Children’s for their expert advice in regard to summer camp health policies and procedures, as well as making their expertise available as needed throughout the summer camp season, in accordance with ACA accreditation.
Camper Expectations
Our goal is for all of our campers to have a fun, positive camp experience. All campers must be able to:
- participate in a large group setting.
- stay with the group at all times.
- self-regulate emotions in a large group environment.
- cooperate and be a good group member.
- show respect for other people, their feelings, their ideas, and their property.
We are unable to provide one-on-one care for your child. If your child has an IEP or behavior plan, we would love to walk through it with you so that we can provide the best experience possible for your child.
Do you still have a few questions about camp? Want to know about ages, lunches, and drop-off time? Check our Summer Camp FAQs Here!
Questions not answered by FAQ? Call 937.275.7431, ext. 125 or email SummerCamps@BoonshoftMuseum.org.
Important Registration Information:
- There is NO CODE needed for member discounts; rates are reduced when the member number is added to the form.
- Registration for each camp closes once the maximum camper allotment has been reached.
- To provide a great experience for all campers, the age requirements for each camp are FIRM, and based on the camper’s age as of June 1, 2022.
- Therefore, you will be required to enter the Date of Birth for each camper during registration. Note that you will only see the camps for which that camper is eligible, based on DOB.
*Need a replacement card? Contact our membership staff at 937.275.7431, ext. 152.
*Need to renew your membership to receive your camp discount? CLICK HERE to renew today!
NOTE: If you purchase a membership online in order to register for Summer Camps, you may use the confirmation code from the email in lieu of the membership number. This will apply any eligible discounts to your total before checking out.
Jr. Scientist STEM Camps
Do you have an early elementary, kindergarten or preschool aged child who has a natural affinity for science and nature? Indulge their curiosity in our Jr. Scientist STEM Camps! For children ages 5 and 6, camps are half-day in the morning.
Ages 5 and 6: half day, 8:30am-11:30am: non-member $165/member $150
*exception: July 5-8 (4 days) non-member $132/member $120
STEM Camps
Who knows STEM better than the Boonshoft? It’s our mission! From Astronomy to Zoology, your 7 to 12 year old will see the STEM in every discipline!
Ages 7 – 8 or 9 – 12 (See camp description for ages): full day, 8:30am-3:30pm: non-member $250/member $225
*exception: July 5-8 (4 days) non-member $200/member $180
June 6-10, 2022
Jr. Scientists: Unofficial Wild Kratts
8:30am – 11:30am
Ages 5-6
Time to put your creature suits on, Kratts Kids! Earn your creature disks as we will travel through different animal habitats from around the globe and explore the animals that live there. But watch out! We may have to save a few animals on our adventures! During this camp we will learn about animals from the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s Discovery Zoo and so much more! Dress as your favorite animal on Friday for a creature adventure! New animals and adventure for 2022!
STEM Camp: Bibbidi Bobbidi Science
8:30am-3:30pm
Ages 7-8
You are invited to the Wonderful World of Boonshoft! Let your imagination soar while we imagine, create, and explore the world of science through the eyes of many of your favorite animated characters.
STEM Camp: Take Apart
8:30am-3:30pm
Ages 9-12
Curious minds gather here! Are you interested in how machines and electronics work? Take Apart camp explores engineering forwards and backwards with a full week of tech exploration and hands-on building challenges. Campers will learn about circuits, use specialized tools, and build their own machines. Bring an old toy or small electronic item to dissect throughout the week and recycle into something new!
June 13-17, 2022
Jr. Scientists: Sticky Science
8:30am-11:30pm
Ages 5-6
It will be STICKY! It will be MESSY! It will be a BLAST! Campers will be making slime, exploring things that fizz and things that glow, painting (without a paintbrush!) and so much more! Campers should come dressed to mess!
STEM Camp: The Unofficial Minecraft Camp
8:30am-3:30pm
Ages 7-8
Leave the video game at home and explore the world of Minecraft through hands-on STEAM activities, challenges, and quests. Each day we will explore different Minecraft themes such as biomes, potions, engineering, and more. Throughout the week we will build armor to take home on Friday.
STEM Camp: Zoo keeping 101
8:30am – 3:30pm
Ages 9-12
Are you dreaming of a future career as a Zoo Keeper? This newly expanded full day experience includes special opportunities like dissection and behavioral observations. Campers will also learn about general biology, nutrition, medicine, behavioral training, and exhibit design. The best part: each camper receives hands-on opportunities with the animals!
June 20-24, 2022
Jr. Scientists: Kids in Space
8:30am – 11:30am
Ages 5-6
Join us on a week-long adventure as we travel straight to the Moon! More than fifty years after the original landing on the Moon, you will learn the science of how the first astronauts were able to make the trip. You will explore the stars, learn what it takes to be an astronaut, and ultimately step foot on the Moon.
STEM Camp: Animal Grossology
8:30am-3:30pm
Ages 7-8
Do you ever wonder why hippos fling their poop? Or why vultures pee on their legs? Found out the answers to these questions plus more. Join our educators to explore the awesome world of ‘grawesome’ (gross but awesome) world of animals!
STEM Camp: Outdoor Explore
8:30am – 3:30pm
Ages 9 - 12
Join the Boonshoft for Field School! Campers will learn what it takes to be a field researcher by being immersed in data collection and observation using real scientific tools and techniques. Topics covered include: aquatic biology, ornithology, entomology, botany, archaeology, and herpetology. Daily outdoor exploration opportunities will occur to allow campers to compare and contrast a variety of habitats and organisms.
ATTENTION: This camp runs rain or shine except in the event of extreme heat or lightning. Campers will be outside the majority of the day and should be dressed accordingly; guidelines will be provided. Field trips will be within walking distance of the museum.
June 27 - July 1, 2022
Jr. Scientists: Boonshoft Animal Ambassador
8:30am-11:30am
Ages 5-6
HISS! RIBBIT! SCHREECH! Campers will learn all about the animals in our Discovery Zoo and what makes them so special to Ohio. Each day we’ll see an animal up close! Come dressed as your favorite animal on Friday.
STEM Camp: Get Your Geek On
8:30am – 3:30pm
Ages 7-8
Gamers, cosplayers, steampunkers, geeks, trekkies, and nerds unite! Join us for an entire week of gaming, superheroes, sci-fi, special effects, and fantasy. In this camp students will explore the science and math behind all their favorite areas of geekdom.
STEM Camp: Boonshoft Time Machine
8:30am-3:30pm
Ages 9-12
Does your child like ancient history – REALLY ancient history (think millions of years ago)? With hands-on activities and exploration of our on-site collections, campers will walk through the Earth’s history and get an examination of the important time periods: the Age of the Dinosaurs, Ice Age, Classic Civilizations, Ancient America, and Prehistoric Ohio.
July 5-8, 2022 (Tuesday-Friday)
Jr. Scientists: Super Science Sampler
8:30am-11:30am
Ages 5-6
Full STEM ahead!! On this 4-day week, campers will explore each part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). This will be a fun time making things fizz, building marble ramps, learning about technologies of the past and so much more!
STEM Camp: Super Science Sampler
8:30am-3:30pm
Ages 7-8
Full STEM ahead!! On this 4-day week, campers will explore each part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). This will be a fun time making things fizz, building marble ramps, learning about technologies of the past and so much more!
STEM Camp: Super Science Sampler
8:30am-3:30pm
Ages 9-12
Full STEM ahead!! On this 4-day week, campers will explore each part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). This will be a fun time making things fizz, building marble ramps, learning about technologies of the past and so much more!
July 11-15, 2022
Jr. Scientists: Emerging Engineers
8:30am-11:30am
Ages 5-6
Calling all engineers! Do you like to build and try new things to solve a problem? Then this camp is for you! Make buildings out of odd items, move a liquid from one place to another without touching it, and learn about nature’s best engineers. Put your thinking cap on and get ready to build!
STEM Camp: Tiny House Contractors
8:30am – 3:30pm
Ages 7-8
**Requires an additional $35 materials fee
Is your child an engineer? Architect? Designer? Would they enjoy creating a miniature custom firehouse, dollhouse, or hospital? Get your STEAM skills ready to design and engineer materials for your very own tiny house. This camp will involve blueprints, furniture building, and lighting installation. Each child will take home an IKEA wooden house and all of their STEAM crafted accessories on Friday.
STEM Camp: First Kid on the Moon
8:30am – 3:30pm
Ages 9-12
Learn about the challenges and triumphs involved with reaching and exploring the Moon with our Astronomy Team! Campers will learn how to navigate the stars from space in our planetarium, how to use telescopes to identify lunar features, and race to collect samples with robots. The week culminates in a simulated mission, a race to land the first kid on the Moon!
July 18-22, 2022
Jr. Scientists: Unofficial Wild Kratts (Repeat of June’s camp)
8:30am – 11:30am
Ages 5-6
Time to put your creature suits on, Kratts Kids! Earn your creature disks as we will travel through different animal habitats from around the globe and explore the animals that live there. But watch out! We may have to save a few animals on our adventures! During this camp we will learn about animals from the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s Discovery Zoo and so much more! Dress as your favorite animal on Friday for a creature adventure! New animals and adventure for 2022!
STEM Camp: Wizard STEM
8:30am – 3:30pm
Ages 7-8
Grab your cloak and get ready for a scientific journey through the world of wizards, witches, and magic! Explore potions (chemistry), care for animals (zoo keeping), make wands (engineering), duel (logic), and learn astronomy. This will be a magical week with a STEM twist!
STEM Camp: Zoo keeping 101 (Repeat of June’s camp)
8:30am – 3:30pm
Ages 9-12
Are you dreaming of a future career as a Zoo Keeper? This newly expanded full day experience includes special opportunities like dissection and behavioral observations. Campers will also learn about general biology, nutrition, medicine, behavioral training, and exhibit design. The best part: each camper receives hands-on opportunities with the animals!
July 25-29, 2022
Jr. Scientists: Storybook Science
8:30am-11:30pm
Ages 5-6
Immerse your child into the storybook world! Picture books are a great way to introduce science to children. Each day we will look at a different book and explore the science in it by doing fun, hands-on activities.
STEM Camp: Art in Science
8:30am-3:30pm
Ages 7-8
Sculpt, paint, and experiment the day away as we explore Art in Science! Campers will make their own paint, grow crystal sculptures, and create original works of art using scientific tools. Each day will highlight a new style of art, and new ways to explore STEAM.
STEM Camp: SunWatch Camp
8:30am – 3:30pm
Ages 9-12
Calling all future archeologists and those interested in Ohio’s own ancient peoples! Join us for an in-depth look at SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park in its modern, historic, and pre-contact settings. Along with exploring SunWatch, campers will learn about archaeology techniques.
Camp in a Box
Exciting Experiences you can do at home!
Introducing the all new digital camp experience through the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery:
Camp in a Box!
Each box includes a daily challenge or experiment to test, an item to make, and an opportunity to explore and learn more! Boxes can be purchased year round for exciting and fun at-home experiences!
Click Here to watch our intro video!
$150 – Camp in a Box: includes activity materials kit, written guides, and digital interactive experiences** with our educators.
**Recordings of digital portion available upon purchase starting June 7, 2021.
$50 – Buddy Box
For families who may have more than one child at home, there’s no need to purchase two of the same box! With a Buddy Box add-on, multiple children can utilize the main kit contents and activity sheets, but each have their own specialty item(s).
Boxes can be purchased in our Discoveries Gift Shop
Discounts
$10 – Members only discount
$10 – Discount when buying 2 or more kits (cannot be combined with member discount)
i.e. Kit 1 = $150, Kit 2+ = $140
Is there a discount if I can pick up my kit from the museum?
Yes! You will save the $25 shipping fee if you pick up your kit.
Looking for a way to make a meaningful impact?
Donors are welcome to purchase a camp for a child who might not be able to experience Camp in a Box otherwise!
Click here for our donation form!
Mad Scientist
Get ready to put on safety glasses and conduct incredible, wacky and fun experiments! From concocting slime to building your own sidekick, and explosions to escape gadgets, there is something to interest every budding scientist. Your camper will learn to predict outcomes, ask questions, and investigate answers through the hands-on science of chemical reactions, engineering, and exploring nature!
Wizard STEM
Grab your cloak and get ready for a scientific journey through the world of wizards, witches, and magic! Explore potions, learn about magical animals, make wands, and learn astronomy. This will be a magical week with a STEM twist!
Boonshoft Time Machine
Is your school year in ruins? Why not try some ancient ruins instead? Join us as we explore the most well-known ancient civilizations from around the world. Adventures include investigating engineering principles while building pyramids like the Ancient Egyptians, to learning about the night skies through the eyes of the Mayans. You’ll end the week seeing the impact these ancient people made on our lives!
Outdoor Explorer
For the kid who loves to explore the outdoors: this camp is for you! Join us for a week of hands-on exploration and dive into the bustling world of insects, try your hand at botany, and learn all about the fuzzy, feathery, and scaly creatures right in your backyard. By the end of the week, you’ll have the tools and knowledge required to be the resident naturalist in your neighborhood!
Emerging Engineers
Put that thinking cap on and get ready to solve problems through imagination, creativity, and perseverance! Follow the engineering process and discover the wonder of the world around you. Overcome hurdles throughout the week and emerge an engineer!
Backyard Astronomer
Have you ever looked at the night sky in awe? Wondered why the Moon appears to change shape? Wanted to know how to identify constellations? This camp in a box was made for you! Learn about the universe with one of our astronomy experts and discover the sky from your backyard. Join us on this exciting journey through your local skies and become a backyard astronomer.
Chemistry Camp
Can’t get to the lab? No problem! We’ll bring the lab to you! Create bubbling solutions, slimy concoctions, and color-changing reactions in this hands-on chemistry camp. As you experiment, test, and repeat, you’ll have the opportunity to confer with your fellow scientists to determine the best solution to the challenges that face you each day. We may have a few fiery, explosive, and smoky demonstrations from our Science Theater planed along the way!
When can I register?
Registration will be open two weeks before the camp start date.
Can we just order the box, without the digital live instruction?
Absolutely. The basic Camp in a Box kits includes just materials with printed instructions.
Can we expect COVID-19 related delays, due to high volume shipments?
While we will do our absolute best to get these boxed camps to you in a timely manner, we ask for patience with any potential shipping delays that could take place. If a facilitated Camp in a Box is delayed beyond the scheduled camp dates, arrangements can be made to place your child into another camp.
Are there any discounts?
Yes! Our Members-Only discount is $10. You can also save $10 if you buy 2 or more Camp in a Box kits. These discounts cannot be combined. First kit full price, second+ kit receives discount.
Are there scholarship options?
Scholarships are available for local residents only. You can find more information here, or email summercamps@boonshoftmuseum.org
Will there be potential refunds (maybe dropping down to the Basic Camp in a Box price) if their box is delayed beyond the facilitation date?
No. In the event the camp materials do not arrive in time for the start of the digital experience, you will have the opportunity to move to a new week.
Is there a discount if I can pick up my kit from the museum?
Yes! You will save the $25 shipping fee if you pick up your kit.