Your museum adventure awaits this summer at the Peterborough Museum & Archives! Summer Discovery Camps will be returning for our 36th season of providing rich, diverse, fun and educational summer camps for children. With new themes weekly and a focus on education, you can expect our camps to deliver quality programming. See below for all of the details including new weekly themes, an extended pick up window to 4:45 p.m. and a new youth camp for those aged 10 -14!
We are excited to introduce a new camp program for those aged 10-14. "Youseum" is our first youth discovery camp and is a creative blend of art, exhibit making and story telling! This one week camp runs the week of August 21 to 26, cost $250 and has spaces available. Scroll down to learn more.
Register online for Summer Discovery Camps
Day camps take place in our large air conditioned barrier free spaces (multi purpose room and Fleming Annex), the Heritage Pavilion, galleries and surrounding green space including our accessible play structure.
Summer and Junior Discovery
Youth Leadership Program
Youth Discovery Camp
Camp runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Week 1: July 5 to 7 |
If you enjoy arts and crafts, the outdoors and working with kids, you'll want to join our dynamic Youth Leadership Team! This program is for youth ages 14+ and is a pre-requisite to volunteer in our Summer and Junior Discovery camps. The program includes orientation and training seminars the first week of July, followed by a two-week placement in our summer day camp programs. |
Week 2: July 10 to 14 |
Calling all builders! Get ready to put your creativity to the test, as we build bridges, skyscrapers, and more in the week of engineering fun. We will experiment with different materials including LEGO, blocks and recyclables and test the strength of our creations in fun challenges.
Grab your goggles and enter our STEAM Lab! Through experiments and challenges that incorporate the 5 strands of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math), we will challenge you to think outside the box as you build, create, design and explore! Are you up for the challenge? |
Week 3: July 17 to 21 |
Welcome to Camp Jellybean! Hike on over for a week of nature fun, inspired by the adventure of outdoor camping. Help us build a "campfire". sing songs, play traditional camping games, and don't forget the s'mores!
Explore the bounty of the great outdoors at Camp Jellybean! We will build a "campfire", sing songs, cook s'mores in our solar ovens, learn survival skills, go on hikes and so much more in this camping-inspired week! |
Week 4: July 24 to 28 |
Sharks, sea turtles, and mermaids, oh my! Let's dive into the amazing world of ocean life, marine mythology, and underwater habitats through art, experiments, and imaginative play.
What is the biggest habitat on Earth, has the most diverse species that live in it, and is home to the biggest animal to have ever existed? Well, the ocean of course! Spend the week diving into the fascinating world of the ocean, learning about marine life, adaptations and the mysterious deep sea. |
Week 5: July 31 to August 4 |
Let's walk with the dinosaurs and explore the fascinating reptiles that once ruled the Earth! Campers will explore the study of paleontology, perform a dig and make their own fossils while learning about these amazing Jurassic beasts.
Can you dig it? Learn the ins and outs of archeology and paleontology as we perform excavations, examine artifacts, create fossils and explore the mysteries of long ago! Let's walk with the dinosaurs, stroll with the giant mammals of the Ice Age and discover mythological creatures from folklore. |
Week 6: August 8 to 11 (4-day week) |
By using a combination of science, art, exploration, and discovery, we will look at the diverse and amazing beauty that can be found all around us! Themes such as weather, nature, plants, bugs and animals will all be explored as we learn more about our wonderful planet and how we can protect it. Lots of time will be spent outdoors, discovering what beauty is right under our noses everyday!
We only have one planet Earth - let's learn how to protect it! Campers will spend the week exploring in nature to appreciate the beauty that is all around us and learn about the delicate ecosystems that connect us all. We will also conduct scientific experiments to discover the harms of climate change and learn how even small actions can create a big impact when it comes to sustainability.
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Week 7: August 14 to 18 |
To infinity and beyond! Meet us among the stars as we learn about space travel, the solar system and the wonders of the universe. Put on your spacesuits and get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure!
Calling all young astronauts! Join us for an epic space adventure, as we travel from earth to the far reaches of our galaxy. From space travel to the solar system and beyond, this week is all about exploring the limitless potential and mysterious wonders of outer space. |
Week 8: August 21 to 26 |
Get ready to let your imagination run wild in this creative camp for youth ages 10 to 14! Campers will learn the ins and outs of exhibit-making, as they design their own exhibit by creating unique and imaginative artifacts. What will you design? The sky is the limit! Follow us down the rabbit hole in this collaborative camp full of art, synergy, and whimsy. |
Sign-in and sign-out |
Drop off and pick up will be located at the Heritage Pavilion, beside the Peterborough Museum & Archives.
Please note that each program is one week in length; there will be no half- or single-day options.
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Locations |
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Registration |
Registration will open online on Monday, January 23 at 9:30 a.m. and is first-come, first-served.
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Refund Policy |
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Waitlist |
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What to bring |
Participants are required to bring the following each day to the program:
All items brought to the program require the child's first initial and last name. Each participant will have their own dedicated cubby space to store their belongings. No additional personal or electronic items will be permitted at the program. No sharing of participant items will be allowed at any time. This program is nut- and scent-sensitive. |
Walking Excursions |
Walking excursions may be planned over the timeline of the program, however will be pending local pandemic climate and will follow provincial and local public health guidelines. Families will be provided with communication specific to this activity in advance, if they are to occur. |
Health or Behavioural concerns |
Please notify the instructor about any health or behavioural concerns you may have regarding your child's participation in Summer Discovery. The Museum has a protocol for anaphylactic shock and a parental clearance form is required if your child has suffered a suspected concussion. Please see the "Participant Information Form" below for inclusion of these concerns. |
Photos |
In the course of all program activities, we may take photos and audio and/or visual recordings. We reserve the right to use all photographs and videos of our programs, participants, special events and facilities for promotional purposes. If you would prefer your child's image is not used in promotional material, please note this in the "Participant Information Form" |
Health and Safety |
To ensure the safety and health of our participants and staff:
In order for this program to be successful, participants and families are asked to adhere to the following procedures and guidelines:
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All participants are required to have a completed participant information form, prior to the program start date. Access to the program will be denied otherwise, as registration is not complete without one for each child attending. Please click on the link below to complete the form: