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VMNH Summer Adventure Camps
This summer, the museum is offering 4 separate week-long, day camps (2 camps for ages 6-8 and 2 camps for ages 9-11). Each camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with optional before and after camp care available. A full lineup, with links to online registration, can be found below.
Registration
Each camp requires pre-registration 2 weeks prior to the camp's start date. The fee per camp is $160/camper. VMNH Members receive a $10 discount. A limited number of needs-based scholarships are also available (more info below). The registration fee includes a morning and afternoon snack, as well as activities, such as take-home crafts and projects. Optional before and after care is also available for an additional fee (more info below).
Campers adventured into the museum's wet biology collections to learn about some of the museum's creepy crawly specimens from VMNH Assistant Curator of Recent Invertebrates Dr. Jackson Means during one of last year's camps!
2026 Summer Adventure Camp Lineup
Camps for Ages 6 - 8
Camp Science Exploration
June 1-5
Ages 6-8
Get ready for a 5-day adventure where each day covers a new topic to spark curiosity! Campers will dive into topics from chemistry, botany, all the way to archaeology. Through experiments, engaging hands-on activities, and crafts, campers will explore the different fields of science. Bring your curious minds and get ready to EXPLORE!
Register for Camp Science Exploration Now!
Fantastic Fossil Camp
July 13 - 17
Ages 6 - 8
Join fellow junior paleontologists in exploring the wonders of the prehistoric world during this 5-day camp. Through behind the scenes experiences in the VMNH paleontology lab, collections, and hands on activities campers will unearth the science behind fossils belonging to dinosaurs and many other fascinating creatures.
Register for Fantastic Fossil Camp Now!
Camps for Ages 9 - 11
Camp-ology
June 22 - 26
Ages 9 - 11
Come along for a camp that covers it all! A week-long experience of exploring interests in the natural world. From creative crafts to outdoor experiences, this action-packed camp will let your young scientist catch a glimpse into a different type of “ology” science each day, from paleontology to entomology, and much more. Are you ready for some AWESOME-ology fun?
Junior Detective Camp
July 27-31
Ages 9-11
Gain the skills necessary to become a “Certified Junior Detective,” during this 5-day hands on camp! Campers will spend the week working to solve mysteries and explore the science, tools, and methods used by real world detectives. This camp includes a field trip to experience some of these skills locally.
Register for Junior Detective Camp Now!
A camper indulges in outdoor nature art during last year's Summer Adventure Camps!
Camp Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available for Summer Adventure Camps. Scholarships will be awarded on a need basis and applicants must meet certain requirements. The scholarship application form (including requirement thresholds) can be found here.
In an attempt to help as many children as possible, the museum will provide registration for one (1) week of camp per accepted applicant. If you believe you qualify or are interested in learning more, please contact us at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov.*Please note that those who qualify for a scholarship will be required to pay a $25 deposit (cash or credit), which will be returned after your child has completed the camp. If your child does not attend, the deposit is non-refundable. Scholarship applications are due by the camp registration deadline (2 weeks prior to the camp).
Before and After Care
To help accommodate your busy schedule, the museum is pleased to offer optional before and after care for your child during our camps. Before Care is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and After Care is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Each type of care is offered at the rates of $40/week or $8/day. While care is optional, please note that the following fees will be assessed, if you do not select care:4 to 4:15 p.m.
Grace period
4:15 – 5:00 p.m.
$8 fee assessed for each 15 minute block
5:00 p.m. and later
$1 for every minute after 5:00 p.m.
Summer Adventure Camps made possible in part by:
