Keep your children entertained and educated, even when they are on vacation from school! The Children’s Museum has fun and learning planned for several vacation days this school year. Each camp day has a theme and is packed with scientific investigation, experiments, crafts, and educational games all in the safe and educational environment of our museum. Of course, there’s plenty of time to explore our hands-on, interactive exhibits, see one of our amazing planetarium shows, and have an up-close encounter with a live animal.
Quick Links
Dates and Themes
Requirements, Times & Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Vacation Science Camp is for children entering grades 1– 6.
Join us for a fun and interactive experience to remember! Experienced staff * State licensed * Safe and positive environment
| September 21 Rosh Hashanah |
Animals in the Woods – Campers will have hands-on experiences with several animals that live in our backyards, including a turtle, snake, opossum, groundhog and rabbit. |
| October 9 Columbus Day |
Science Experiment Challenges – Join us for a day filled with interactive experiments. Campers will learn about chemistry, physics, and much more! |
| November 7 Election Day |
Animal Keepers– Help us care for our sanctuary animals, including exercising, feeding, and checking the health of our animals. |
| December 27 Winter Break |
Reptiles – Campers will spend the day learning about reptiles including turtles, snakes, lizards, and alligators. |
| December 28 Winter Break |
Mammals – Have a blast meeting many of our furry friends including our chinchilla, hedgehog, opossum and guinea pigs. |
| December 29 Winter Break |
Invertebrates and Amphibians – Campers will have hands on experiences with many of our invertebrates and amphibians including frogs, toads, salamanders, and insects. |
| January 15 MLK Day |
Winter Science – Have a blast doing Winter-themed experiments, including making liquid nitrogen ice cream- a camper favorite! |
| February 19 February Break |
Nocturnal Animals – Meet our nocturnal animals including Clark the opossum and Mia the chinchilla, and learn about what adaptations they have for being active at night. |
| February 20 February Break |
Busy Builders – Put your engineering skills to test by building towers, bridges and more! |
Camp Requirements:
• Children entering grades 1 – 6 in the Fall (must be at least 6 years old)
• Completed health form including immunization record, signed by a physician
• Completed parent and authorized prescriber permission form for any child requiring medications or inhaler, including Epi-Pen, needed during camp hours.
When:
9:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: per camp week
TCM/RBNC Members: $60/day Non-Members: $70/day
All program fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Registration:
1. Print out the Vacation Science Camp Flyer. Send the completed form to The Children’s Museum by mail:
The Children’s Museum
Attn: Registration
950 Trout Brook Drive
West Hartford, CT 06119
We accept MasterCard, Visa, checks or cash. Please make checks payable to “The Children’s Museum”. Please note: your child is not registered for camp unless full payment has been received.
2. Call our Registration Department at (860) 726-4008.
Health Form:
As a licensed Youth Camp approved by the State of Connecticut, we are required to comply with state regulations. For the safety and well-being of your child, he/she may not participate in our program unless we have the following health information on file:
- A completed, up-to-date health form signed by a physician
- The date of your child’s last exam must be indicated and must fall within three years of the last day of camp for which you are registering.
- A current immunization record
- Completed parent and authorized prescriber permission form for any child requiring medications, including Epi-Pen, during camp hours.
Click here for a blank health form. You have the option to provide us with a copy of the medical form on file at your child’s school or a health form from another licensed camp, as long as the above information is included.
Be sure to check out our frequently asked questions section below before you come to Vacation Science.
Volunteers Wanted
For more information about volunteering at Vacation Science Camp, click here.
Vacation Science FAQs
Is the Children’s Museum a licensed camp?
Our Vacation Science Camp, which includes our Summer Science program, is licensed by the State of Connecticut as a Youth Day Camp.
Who comprises the staff?
All instructors are staff Educators from The Children’s Museum’s. Camp counselors are either local high school or college students. All of our camp have previous experience either working with children or at our museum and have proper First Aid training.
How are children grouped?
Children are grouped according to grade level. Typically first and second graders make up the younger group; with third graders and up comprising the older group. The number of children signed up for a grade on any particular day dictates grouping. There may be times when it is necessary to deviate from our normal grouping pattern.
Can children be grouped with friends?
Parents must request that their child be grouped with a friend at the time of registration. If registering by mail or fax, please indicate this on the registration form. Activities and groups are carefully planned therefore it is not possible to switch groups the day of the program. Please remember that children are grouped according to grade level. We will do everything to honor your request but please understand that it may be necessary for a child to be placed in a group that is not grade appropriate if they request to be with an older or younger friend.
Who can attend the program?
Vacation Science is for children currently in grades 1–6 (must be at least age 6).
Is there a nurse on duty?
As a licensed day camp, we are not required to have a nurse on duty. A staff member, who has completed the First Aid and CPR courses required by the state, serves as our on-site Health Director. Our Camp Health Directors are also trained in Basic Medication Administration, including Epi-Pens.
Can a child on medication attend the program?
A child on medication may attend our camp. Our Camp Health Directors are trained in Basic Medication Administration, including Epi-Pens.
Parents/guardians requesting medication administration for their child while at camp must provide appropriate written authorization(s). This includes authorization for all topical, oral, and inhalant medication applications. An Authorized Prescriber is required to complete and sign a portion of the Medication Authorization Form for all medications other than a non-prescription topical. This form must be submitted to us one week prior to attending camp. All medication must be in the original container with the Pharmacy name and Prescription Number easily identifiable. The medication should be appropriately labeled and have a current date. Please email us at events@thechildrensmuseumct.org or phone: 860.726.4008 for details.
What is the time for the programs?
Vacation Science runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please pick up promptly at 4pm as the museum closes at this time.
When can we arrive at the museum?
Doors open at 8:45 a.m. Check in at the Museum’s Main Entrance.
What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Program fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please call the Children’s Museum if your child will be absent from camp.
Will confirmation letters be sent after registering?
Confirmations are not sent. Assume your child is registered unless you are contacted. Feel free to call at any time to verify your child’s registration.
What should each child bring?
- Simple snack and bagged lunch. Food and drink will be refrigerated. The Department of Public Health now requires that all lunches be stored in a paper bag. Please do not send food in a thermal lunch box or container as those containers, when refrigerated, prohibit the food from reaching the required temperature deemed safe by the Department of Public Health.
- Dress for possible outdoor activities.
- Shopping money for our Gift Store (optional).
