Montshire Loon logo2010 Montshire Summer Camp
Where learning is part of the fun!

Preschool Nature Camp

Ages 4-5

Outdoor Discovery Camp

Grades 1-2

Montshire Explorers

Grades 3-4

Inventor's Workshop

Grades 3-6

Upper Valley Adventures

Grades 4-5

Valley Trekkers

Grades 6-7

Aquatic Investigations

Grades 6-8

Exploring Nature Through Art

Grades 6-8

Kinetic Art

Grades 6-8

Camp Schedule [pdf]

Register Online


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Montshire Summer Camp
An Upper Valley tradition for more than 25 years

Montshire's Science and Nature Summer Camp, located in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire, provides the perfect setting for your child to explore, experience, investigate, and discover science and nature. This year's program includes nine exciting camps (described below) designed for children in preschool to those entering 8th grade.
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Download the 2010 Summer Camp Brochure
"I think Montshire Summer Camp is a terrific blend of learning, adventure, and fun." —Montshire Summer Camp parent

The majority of Montshire Summer Camps are based outdoors at Montshire's 110-acre campus in Norwich, VT. Outdoor Discovery Camp also includes five sessions at our Hanover, NH site.

Montshire Summer Camps maintain a low camper-to-instructor ratio (ranging from 4:1 for our Preschool program to 6:1 in our camps for older children) ensuring individual attention is given to each camper.

"I was especially pleased with the easy, yet alert manner of [the counselors]. They seemed to enjoy the campers as much as the campers enjoyed their counselors." —Montshire Summer Camp parent


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Montshire Summer Camp Staff

The college-aged or older staff members are well trained and knowledgeable. They have a variety of interests and experiences, and a love of working with children. The camp staff undergoes extensive training by Montshire's full-time science educators, and is proficient in safety and first-aid procedures.

"The thing I value the most about the Montshire Camps is the uniformly excellent staff." —Montshire Summer Camp parent.

What makes Montshire Summer Camp the best science and nature camp in the Upper Valley? The highly trained staff, terrific programs, great facilities, and the low staff-to-camper ratio.

"[My child was] enthusiastic and excited to attend camp. [He] talked about his daily adventures and looked forward to each day." —Montshire Summer Camp parent

Registration:

We are currently accepting applications for all Montshire Summer Camp programs. Applications are processed in the order they are received. Register early—programs fill quickly!

Become a Montshire member and take advantage of member pricing.

Montshire Members

  • Enjoy pre-registration privileges for Montshire Summer Camp.
  • Save $25 to $40 on summer camp registration fees.

New for 2010: Save when you register your child for more than one session of summer camp.

  • Save $15 when you register for two weeks.
  • Save $30 when you register for three weeks.

Summer Camp T-Shirts: We are offering a Montshire Camp t-shirt as a special memento of your child's week at camp. Shirts are preshrunk heavyweight 100% cotton. Pre-ordered t-shirts $17.  We will sell any extras in the Museum Shop (for $22.99) but can't guarantee availability of all sizes.  Please pre-order when you register for camp to guarantee getting your preferred size. Shirt design by local artist Debra Kraemer — Jungles of Vermont. 2010-t-shirt

Scholarships: Scholarship aid is available for Montshire Summer Camp. We encourage families who need assistance to submit a scholarship application [pdf format].

Register online for 2010 camps. If you have any questions, please contact us at 802-649-2200 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.


Preschool Nature Camp

For children ages 4-5 or entering kindergarten

Discover the amazing outdoors in Montshire's Preschool Nature Camp! Campers follow in the footsteps of woodland animals, meet live creatures up close, examine bird feathers and abandoned nests, take a close look at plants, and investigate rocks and fossils. The day includes singing songs, playing games, and having fun with new friends. Each day is a new adventure!

Sessions (A) and (B) feature different activities —you are invited to enroll in both sessions.

Fee: Members $160; non-members $185

"[My son] had a great time! He told us all about what he'd learned and was excited to go every day. As always, it exceeded my expectations. Each day was well planned and fun." —Preschool Nature Camp parent

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Preschool Nature Camp
Morning session, 9-11:45 a.m.
Afternoon session, 1-3:45 p.m.
June 28-July 2   Session 1(A): morning FULL
Session 2(A): afternoon
July 26-30   Session 9(A): morning FULL
Session 10(A): afternoon
July 5-9   Session 3(B): morning FULL
Session 4(B): afternoon
Aug. 2-6   Session 11(B): morning
Session 12(B): afternoon
July 12-16   Session 5(A): morning FULL
Session 6(A): afternoon
Aug. 9-13   Session 13(A): morning
Session 14(A): afternoon
July 19-23   Session 7(B): morning FULL
Session 8(B): afternoon
Aug. 16-20   Session 15(B): morning
Session 16(B): afternoon


Register online now  ::  Back to top

Outdoor Discovery Camp

Norwich, VT and Hanover, NH sites
For children entering grades 1-2

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Campers enjoy outdoor fun that weaves together stories, games, activities, water play, and reflective time in their "Magic Spot." Emerge with new friendships, amazing discoveries, and a deeper respect for nature and the outdoors. This program is offered at two convenient sites --Norwich, Vermont, and Hanover, New Hampshire.

Sessions (A), (B), and (C) feature different topics. Choose one, two or three weeks of this popular program.

Session A: Nature's Toolbox: Discover how plants and animals interact with, and are adapted to their physical environment. We will develop tools to observe the world more closely.

Session B: Who Lives Here? Explore different habitats and learn what makes them each unique. Discover who makes their home in the woods and meadows around our campsite.

Session C: Water Worlds: Wade into ponds, streams and vernal pools to explore aquatic worlds and the life found there. (Only offered at the Hanover site!)

Fee: Members $260; non-members $295

Outdoor Discovery Camp - Montshire site, 9 a.m-3 p.m.


Montshire Site:

• Convenient Norwich location
• Part of the 110-acre Montshire campus

Session 1(A): Nature's Toolbox June 28-July 2 FULL
Session 2(B): Who Lives Here? July 5-9
Session 3(A): Nature's Toolbox July 12-16
Session 4(B): Who Lives Here? July 19-23 FULL
Session 5(A): Nature's Toolbox July 26-30
Session 6(B): Who Lives Here? Aug. 2-6
Session 7(A): Nature's Toolbox Aug. 9-13
Session 8(B): Who Lives Here? Aug. 16-20

Outdoor Discovery Camp - Hanover site, 8:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Hanover Site:

• Easy drop-off and pickup behind Ray School
• Swimming and water play at Storrs Pond
• The rustic Colonial Cabin as a base camp

Session 9(B): Who Lives Here? June 28-July 2
Session 10(C): Water Worlds July 12-16
Session 11(A): Nature's Toolbox July 19-23
Session 12(C): Water Worlds July 26-30
Session 13(C): Water Worlds Aug. 2-6
   

"Inspired, Enthusiastic! It was our second year with the camp and our daughter was eager to return." —Outdoor Discovery Camp parent


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Montshire Explorers

For children entering grades 3-4
campers-examining-items Investigating and exploring is what this week of camp is all about! The wonderful daily adventures and creative projects use science to unravel nature's mysteries. Montshire explorers use scientific tools such as microscopes and compasses to further their investigations. Friday is a special off-site field trip. The fun also includes games, swimming, and making new friends!

Fee: Members $270; non-members $310

"This was our first year trying Montshire camp and we were very pleased with the program. Our son happily shared stories about games, other kids, and information he learned after each day of camp." —Montshire Explorer parent

Montshire Explorers, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Session 1: June 28 - July 2
Session 2: July 5-9
Session 3: July 12-16


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Inventors' Workshop

Session 1(A) is for children entering grades 5-6
Session 2(A) is for girls entering grades 4-6
Sessions 3(B) & 4(A) are for children entering grades 3-4
Session 5(B) is for children entering grades 3-5

Inventor's Workshop is perfect for those who like to create, design, experiment, and take on exciting engineering challenges while engaging in fun, hands-on projects. You'll sketch ideas, troubleshoot designs and bring your imagination to life through your invention. And there's time during camp to swim, play games, hike, and enjoy other outdoor adventures.

Sessions (A) and (B) feature different activities—you are invited to enroll in both sessions.

Fee: Members $270; non-members $310

"She loved it. The week went too fast!" —Inventors' Workshop parent
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Inventors' Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Session 1(A):
(grades 5-6)
July 12-16 Session 4(A):
(grades 3-4)
Aug. 9-13
Session 2(A):
(girls grades 4-6)
July 19-23 Session 5(B):
(grades 3-5)
Aug. 16-20
Session 3(B):
(grades 3-4)
Aug. 2-6    


Register online now  ::  Back to top

Upper Valley Adventures

For children entering grades 4-5

campers-with-nets'Adventurers' will explore unique places in the Upper Valley! They'll climb a local mountain, explore wetlands, and paddle on the Connecticut River. They'll learn about unique habitats and the creatures that make these places home, while honing their outdoor skills. Campers explore a different location each day and spend time playing games, swimming, and making new friends.

Fee: Members $310; non-members $350.

"It really opened up his eyes to [the] natural environment around him." --Upper Valley Adventure parent

"Great way to see local beauty in nature and be active. She was engaged and had fun." —Upper Valley Adventures parent

Upper Valley Adventures, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Session 1: July 26-30
Session 2: Aug. 2-6
Session 3: Aug. 9-13


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Valley Trekkers

For children entering grades 6-7
valley-trekkers

Valley Trekkers will experience new challenges and explore amazing locations every day. 'Trekkers' will reach the peak, enjoy the mysteries of the marsh, quietly contemplate the deep forest, and paddle the Connecticut River. Special activities, swimming, learning new skills, and spending time with friends will be part of the mix!

Fee: Members $310; non-members $350.

Valley Trekkers, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Session 1: Aug. 16-20

"My child was engaged and challenged at the right level." —Valley Trekkers parent


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Aquatic Investigations

For children entering grades 6-8
Campers immerse themselves in watery worlds during Aquatic Investigations! Learn about the lives of creatures in local rivers and ponds as we travel to a variety of aquatic habitats. We'll observe different organisms, use sampling equipment, and conduct scientific experiments. One day will be spent in canoes studying the flora and fauna of the Connecticut River. Days also include swimming and other activities.

Fee: Members $310; non-members $350.

"Amazing, twinkle in [my son's] eye. Vibrant. Phenomenal. I wish school were like this. Awesome!" —Aquatic Investigations parent

Aquatic Investigations, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Session 1: June 28-July 2
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Register online now  ::  Back to top

Bridging Science and Art

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The Montshire Museum of Science is teaming up with the AVA Gallery and Art Center of Lebanon, NH, to broaden the approach to two great summer camps for middle school students: Exploring Nature through Art and Kinetic Art. This new collaboration between two of the Upper Valley's most dynamic institutions will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to these programs. Expert teaching staff from both organizations will integrate science and art, allowing students to gain new perspectives and a greater understanding of their world. A supervised lunch hour is available for students enrolling in both programs. Classes will be located at the Montshire Museum.


Exploring Nature through Art

nature-through-art For youth entering grades 6-8

Scientists frequently use photography, video, drawing, and even sculpture to help explore and explain the natural world. In this program, we'll use a variety of techniques to observe and record natural phenomena and processes. From digital photography to pen and ink drawing, we'll explore how art can improve our scientific understanding, and how science can be used to create art. This course will be co-led by AVA Gallery and Art Center faculty and Montshire education staff.

Fee: Members $190; non-members $215.

"We are pleased with programs that encourage children to observe nature closely. This program did just that." —Exploring Nature through Art parent

Exploring Nature Through Art, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Session 1: July 26-30


Kinetic Art

For youth entering grades 6-8

Kinetic Art explores the science and design of motion. Principles of mechanics will be investigated side by side with art and design as we create moving sculptures, whimsical machines, and curious contraptions. Using a wide variety of materials, we will design, build, and invent our way through the week as we follow in the footsteps of Alexander Calder, Arthur Ganson, George Rhoads, and Ned Kahn. If you are interested in engineering, design, or science, and you are looking for a place to let your imagination run wild, this is the perfect program. This course is co-led by AVA Gallery and Art Center faculty and Montshire education staff.

Fee: Members $190; non-members $215.

"Kinetic Art was very challenging and rewarding. It inspired my son's sense of creativity. He talked about what he worked on during the day and what ideas he hoped to implement the next day." —Kinetic Art parent

Kinetic Art, 1-4 p.m.
Session 1: July 26-30


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Extended Care Option

With our Extended Care Option, your child can be dropped off at the Museum as early as 8:15 a.m. and picked up as late as 5:15 p.m. This is supervised but unstructured play. Available only for children entering grades 1-8 and enrolled in programs held at the Montshire site.

Fee: $45/week for programs that end at 3 p.m.; $35/week for programs that end at 4 p.m.


For more information:

Summer Camp Schedule [pdf]
(one sheet showing all camps and dates)

2010 Release and Consent Form [pdf]

Summer Camp Registration Form [pdf]
(if you would prefer to mail in your registration)

Summer Camp 2010 Brochure [pdf]

What to Bring to Montshire Camp [pdf]

For more information call 802-649-2200
(Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)

Register online for 2010 camps

Montshire Museum of Science Summer Camps 2010
Montshire Museum of Science   One Montshire Road, Norwich, VT 05055   www.montshire.org