SUMMER NATURE CAMP

Summer Nature Camp

Studying science and history helps children to know and understand the world around them. The Museum offers your child this opportunity in a safe, fun, and educational setting. Through non-traditional teaching techniques, campers are encouraged to explore science, animal behavior, history, and their local environment using interactive lessons and educational games and crafts. 

Our facilities include classroom areas, the Discovery Room, and a 40-acre park, all used to enhance your child’s learning experience. Staff members are experienced teachers and, to ensure personalized instruction, classes are kept small, with a teacher to student ratio of 1:5. Classes fill up quickly, so register soon! For more information, please call (979) 776-2195.  

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A Note to Parents

In order to ensure the safety of your children and our staff, the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, after careful consideration, has changed Summer Nature Camp 2021 to a half-day program. Weekly themes are unchanged, but camp fees have been reduced.

Summer Nature Camp 2021 updates:

  • Camp sessions are now half-day camps (9:00 am-12:00 pm).

  • All camp sessions will be reduced to half capacity, approximately 5 students per age group.

  • Prices are reduced to $100/week for Members, and to $120/week for Non-Members.

  • We are following CDC recommendations regarding Youth Programs and Camps.

  • New Safety procedures include:

    • Required masks for campers while indoors

    • Required masks for all staff

    • Social distancing

    • Intensifying cleaning and disinfection efforts throughout the day

    • Modifying drop-off and pick-up procedures

    • Screening procedures upon arrival for both staff and campers

    • Maintaining an 5 to 1 ratio of staff to children to ensure safety

    • Further details will be sent to parents after your child’s registration is confirmed.

    • We will require masks for our campers while indoors. We will do our best to spend plenty of time outdoors where the campers would be allowed to remove masks.

Further details will be sent to parents after their child’s registration is confirmed.  

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Our camp instructors sincerely regret that the COVID-19 pandemic does not allow us to conduct this year's Summer Nature Camp as we have in the past. However, with these new procedures in places, we feel confident that we can host our Camp in a fun & educational way that will keep your children and our staff.

 

If you have questions about your registration, and/or the changes to our Camp, please reach out to the Museum during business hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm) at 979.776.2195  or email us at education@brazosvalleymuseum.org. Someone from our Education Team will be happy to assist you.

 

We appreciate your patience and understanding during these uncertain times. Thank you so much for your support of the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History.

 

Sincerely,

Museum Education Team

Summer Nature Camp FAQ's

Dates and Themes

JULY 5 - JULY 9: A Bird's Life

Week 1 Fly along with us as we explore the world from a bird’s eye view! We’ll learn about bird life cycles, investigate unique beaks and feet, explore birdwatching basics, and identify bizarre birds from around the world.



JULY 12 - JULY 16: Space Explorers

Week 2 Join us as we explore our solar system and beyond. Be a part of this out-of-this-world week as we learn about our planets, and the entire universe! We will investigate the different fields of science used in space exploration, and be introduced to exciting new space discoveries.



JULY 19 - JULY 23: Dinosaur Detectives

Week 3 Put on your detective hats as we discover the stories dinosaur fossils tell! We will explore the
ancient world of the dinosaurs to examine the diets, anatomy, and unique features that enabled them to thrive. From the smallest dinosaur to the largest, we will learn about some of the latest finds in the field of paleontology.



JULY 26 - JULY 30: Deep Sea Mysteries

Week 4 Come on an exciting adventure to learn more about oceans, one of the last frontiers on Earth. We’ll uncover marine mysteries and explore the truth about amazing creatures. Each day reveals new secrets about ocean exploration technology, remarkable ocean habitats, and the unique animal treasures in Davy Jones’ Locker!



AUG 2 - AUG 6: Slither, Slime and Climb

Week 5 Discover a fantastic animal world as we study the many critters who have unique ways of moving around. From slugs to bugs and so much more, join us as we learn fun facts about these fascinating animals and the important roles they play in our world’s ecosystems.



AUG 9 - AUG 13: Let the Games Begin!

Week 6 Since the beginning of time, games have been an important part of cultures all around the world. Roll up your sleeves and be ready to learn game history and hone your skills in a variety of games. Each day will feature a specific era as you master the world of games. Let the games begin!



Summer Nature Camp Brochure

Camp Prices

Members:

$100 per week (plus a 5% Registration Fee)

Non-Members:

$120 per week (plus a 5% Registration Fee)

All registrants must pay in advance. Registrations accepted on a first come, first served basis.

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Additional Discounts

Members

Become a Member and receive camper discounts, priority registration, free Museum admission, and a $5 coupon to our Museum store.  

Siblings

$10 off 2nd, 3rd, 4th child per week if you pre-register 2 or more siblings.

An additional $5 off per week when a child pre-registers for 3 or more camp sessions.

* Pre-registration must be complete before the first week of camp in order to receive discounts.

** Offer not valid if registration takes place after June 3rd.

Refund Policy

Refunds are not available unless a replacement camper is located to fill the vacancy.

Important Forms

Camp Instructions
Policy Form
Liability Waiver
Información
Forma Política
Responsabilidad Exención

Become a Member and Register Early!

 

April 20th: Contributor, Benefactor, & President’s Circle Members ($250+)

April 27th: Sponsor Level Members ($150+)

May 4th: Family Level Members ($100+)

May 11th : Student, Senior Citizen, Individual, & Dual Level Members ($30+)

May 18th : Open Registration

  • Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. A 50% deposit will save and confirm your place in the camp session. We MUST have your total camp fee no later than noon on the Friday before the first day of your registered camp session. Parents can register their children (ages 4-12) for one week or for the whole summer. If we do not receive your total payment, your child may be removed from the list to accommodate another camper from the waiting list. Deposits are non-refundable.

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Become a Member and receive camper discounts, priority registration, free Museum admission, and a $5 coupon to our Museum store.

Summer Nature Camp: Frequently asked questions

Are snacks provided?

The Museum does not provide food for campers. Parents must provide a snack and a water bottle.



How do I register?

Online registration begins for everyone May 18th and a registration button on the website will become live at that time. Priority registration for members begins April 20th and members will be emailed a special link for early registration. April 20th: Contributor, Benefactor, & President’s Circle Members ($250+) April 27th: Sponsor Level Members ($150+) May 4th: Family Level Members ($100+) May 11th: Student, Senior Citizen, Individual, & Dual Level Members ($30+) Please call the Museum at 979-776-2195 if you have any questions. Register in Person or by Mail You may come by the Museum and register in person or mail completed registration form(s) and payment to: Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History Attn: Summer Nature Camp 3232 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, Texas 77802



Are there any discounts available?

Members Become a Member and receive camper discounts, priority registration, free Museum admission, and a $5 coupon to our Museum store. Siblings $10 off 2nd, 3rd, 4th child per week if you pre-register 2 or more siblings. An additional $5 off per week when a child pre-registers for 3 or more camp sessions. * Pre-registration must be complete before the first week of camp in order to receive discounts. ** Offer not valid if registration takes place after June 3rd.



What age are the programs designed for?

The programs are designed for children ages 4-12.



Will you be offering before and after camp?

We will be offering before camp from 7:50 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., but we will not be able to offer after camp.



Is the Museum still having Summer Nature Camp?

Yes! We will have half-day sessions with approximately 5 campers per age group. We are following CDC and local and State recommendations. We are also monitoring local developments and will provide updates regarding any changes to Museum programs as soon as possible.



Why did we decide to do a half-day camp in the morning?

We reduced our camp hours to allow for additional cleaning and protective measures. After camp, every classroom and activity space will be thoroughly cleaned. As long as it is safe, we will provide our campers with a chance to explore outside and have fun. There is also less risk of contracting COVID-19 in an outdoor setting. Morning camps are also more appropriate for outdoor study and play during Texas summer months.



What is the refund policy?

Due to COVID-19, we are happy to offer refunds to those who want them should a camp be
cancelled, or a registration modified. We will also work with families experiencing a COVID-19 related issue to provide a refund or to transfer their registration to a different week.



How many campers will be in each class?

To ensure social distancing, to follow capacity regulations, and to ensure increased supervision, we are reducing our camp to half capacity, approximately 5 students per age group. Smaller class sizes allow us to ensure the safety and health of the campers. 4-7 year old age groups and 8-12 year old age groups will also not interact during the day in order to reduce exposures.



Will campers be required to wear masks?

Yes, we will require masks for our campers while indoors. We will do our best to spend plenty of time outdoors where the campers would be allowed to remove masks.



Will staff be required to wear masks?

Yes, all of our staff will be wearing masks. During camp hours, visitors to the Museum will also be required to wear masks. Classroom areas during camp hours, such as the Discovery Room, will be closed to Museum visitors.



How will you manage hand washing?

Each classroom will have hand sanitizer available for frequent use. We will also have three sinks available for camp use only; these sinks are separate from the public bathrooms. In addition, frequently touched areas will be disinfected on a regular schedule throughout the day.