Museum Discovery

PMA playground

Summer Discovery Day Camps

Your museum adventure awaits this summer at the Peterborough Museum & Archives! Summer Discovery Camps will be returning for our 38th 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, fees and times. 

Registration for Summer Discovery Camps will open on Monday, March 3rd, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. 

Register for Summer Discovery Camps Online 

LocationCamper looking through a telescope

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. 

Ages

  • Junior Discovery is for children ages 4 to 6 years old (based on the start date of the program)
  • Summer Discovery is for children ages 7 to 11 years old (based on the start date of the program)
  • Youth Discovery is for youth aged 10 to 14 years old (based on the start date of the program)
  • Youth Leadership Program is for youth aged 14 + ( or entering Grade 9 in 2025) 

CostKid looking through a telescope

Summer and Junior Discovery

  • $250 per child, per program (each program is one week in length)
  • $200 per child for Week 6: August 5 to 8 (4-day week)

Youth Leadership Program

  • $150 per youth

Youth Discovery CampKids playing on a blanket outside

  • $250 per youth

Time 

Camp runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

  • Drop off is between 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. 
  • Pick up is between 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

Discovery Camp Themes 2025

Week 1: June 30 to July 3 ( no program on July 1) 

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 aged 14 + and is a pre-requisite to volunteer in our Summer Discovery camps. Program includes orientation and training seminars the first week of July, followed by a two-week placement in our summer day camp programs. Please note the program does not run on Tuesday, July 1. 

 Week 2: July 7 to 11

  • Face Outer Space (Junior Discovery)
  • Course Code & Category: 68747 - Science & Technology 

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 spacesuit and get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure.  

 

  • Space Explorers (Summer Discovery) 

  • Course Code & Category: 68759 - Science & Technology 

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 3: July 14 to 18

  • Ocean Quest (Junior Discovery)
  • Course Code & Category:  68871 - Inspiring Play

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. 

                                                                           

  • Exploring the Deep Blue Sea (Summer Discovery) 

  • Course Code & Category: 68874 - Science & Technology 

What is the biggest habitat on Earth, has the largest variety of species that live in it, and is home to the biggest mammals that 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 4: July 21 to 25

  • Diggin' the Dinos!  (Junior Discovery)

  • Course Code & Category: 68875- Inspiring Play

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 Jurassic beasts. 

               

  • Young Historians Club (Summer Discovery)

  • Course Code & Category: 68876 - Inspiring Play

You’re invited to join the Young Historians Club! This day camp invites kids to embark on an exciting journey through time as they discover new historical eras and explore the incredible world of archaeology and paleontology. Let’s uncover the secrets of the past through crafts, STEAM challenges and artifact exploration.

Week 5: July 28 to August 1

  • Camp Jellybean (Junior Discovery)
  • Course Code & Category: 68877 - Inspiring Play

Welcome to Camp Jellybean! Hike on over for a week of imagination and discovery in the great outdoors. We will go on mini hikes, create nature themed crafts, build pretend campfires, sing silly songs and much more in this playful camp inspired by the spirit of outdoor adventure.  

 

  • The Great Camping Adventure (Summer Discovery)
  • Course Code & Category: 68878 - Inspiring Play

Explore the bounty of the great outdoors at Camp Jellybean! We will build a “camp fire”, cook s’mores in our solar ovens, learn survival skills, go on hikes, host a camp talent show and so much more in this camping inspired week.

   

Week 6: August 5 to 8 (4-day week)

  • A Bug's Life (Junior Discovery)
  • Course Code & Category: 68885 - Inspiring Play

We’re bugging out this week, as we explore the fascinating worlds of insects! Learn about pollination, special insect adaptations, how to catch bugs safely and the wide variety of beautiful insects that live in our own backyard. Through art, science and outdoor exploration, campers are sure to have a bug-tastic week learning about our littlest friends.

 

  • Earth Odyssey (Summer Discovery)
  • Course Code & Category: 68886 - Science & Technology

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath your feet? Join us for an exciting journey to Earth’s core as we explore the wonders of our planet! From fossils to geology, volcanoes and more, this camp will have you uncovering the mysteries of our world and the powerful forces that shape it.

 

 

Week 7: August 11 to 15

  • Can You Build It? (Junior Discovery)
  • Course Code & Category: 68887 - Inspiring Play 

Calling all builders! Get ready to put your creativity to the test, as we build bridges, skyscrapers, and more in this 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!

 

  • STEAM Lab (Summer Discovery)
  • Course Code & Category: 68893 - Science & Technology

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 8: August 18 to 22

  • Youth Discovery: Youseum
  • Course Code and Category: 6888 - Art

Get ready to let your imagination run wild in this creative camp for youth ages 10-14! Campers will learn the ins and outs of exhibition making as they design their own by creating unique and imaginative artifacts. What will you design? The sky is the limit!  Follow us down the rabbit hole in this imaginative camp full of art, collaboration, and whimsy.

 kids drawing in the solar system

Camp details - please read through carefully before registering

Sign-in and sign-out

Drop off and pick up will be located at the Heritage Pavilion, beside the Peterborough Museum & Archives. 

  • Drop off: 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Pick up: 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Please note that each program is one week in length.

  • Sign-in will begin at 8:15 a.m. daily. Supervision will not be provided before this time;
  • Sign-out is available until 4:45 p.m. daily. Supervision will not be provided after 4:45 p.m. Participants who are not picked up by 4:45 p.m. will be penalized, as after care is not provided;
  • Campers must be accompanied by an adult during morning sign-in, and afternoon sign-out - unless written permission has been provided and an arrangement has been discussed with a program supervisor. 
  • Late sign-in or early sign-out: please notify program staff if you will be late to arrive to camp or requiring an early pick up.

Locations

  • The Peterborough Museum & Archives is located at 300 Hunter St. E., Peterborough, ON
  • Junior Discovery will be based out of the Fleming Annex, just outside the front doors of the museum
  • Summer Discovery and Youth Discovery will be based out of the Multi-Purpose Classroom on the lower level of the museum

Registration 

Registration will open online on Monday, March 3 at 9:30 a.m. and is first-come, first-served. 

  • Online: using the Xplor Recreation program registration system, you can create your own account and register for camps from the comfort of home. To navigate the system quickly, be sure to search using the course codes provided in the camp descriptions. 
  • By telephone (Visa, MasterCard, American Express): 705-743-5180

Refund Policy

  • Refund requests are accepted 5 business days ( Monday to Friday) prior to camp start dates and are charged an administration levy of 10% of program fee or $5 minimum.
  • Refunds are not provided within 5 business days of the program unless accompanied by a medical note approved by the program supervisor or Manager designate. 
  • Front line teams will refer the request to the program supervisor for approval and will take no action within the event roster or client account. 
  • Pending availability, transfer requests will be accepted and approved. 

Waitlist

  • We do maintain an active waitlist for our Summer Discovery Day Camps.
  • If you are unsuccessful in registering for a program because it is full, please consider adding your child to our waitlist.
  • Should a spot become available Xplor Recreation will email those on the waitlist first, in the appropriate order using the email on your Xplor Recreation account. You will have a limited time to claim the spot, before the system moves to the next person on the waitlist. 
  • In urgent situations we will call families directly using the phone number in Xplor Recreation and offer the spot to the first family that answers the phone call. 

What to bring

Participants are required to bring the following each day to the program:

  • Backpack that holds all items comfortably;
  • Refillable water bottle;
  • Nut-free snacks for morning and afternoon;
  • Nut-free lunch;
  • Personal sunscreen;
  • Athletic footwear, comfortable clothing, and a hat

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.

Guiding Children's Behaviours 

PMA Discovery Day Camps require participants and caregivers to be comfortable with the following activities and routines:

 

  • Supervised integration of Junior Discovery campers (ages 4 to 6) with Summer Discovery campers (ages 7 to 11) during drop off and pick up times, during outdoor play, and during the occasional camp wide activity.
  • Supervised outdoor play on the public playground and in the Park green spaces, on a daily basis.
  • Supervised activities in the PMA public exhibition galleries, on a daily basis.
  • Multiple transitions throughout each day, moving from indoor spaces to outdoor spaces, as well as changes in activity level.
  • Short periods of sitting and listening in a group, for examples, during circle time or during learning lessons on a daily basis.
  • Outdoor nature time through supervised trail hikes and forest games, on a regular basis.
  • Short periods of screen time in support of learning or during mealtime breaks, on an occasional basis.

 

It is the priority of the PMA to create an environment where all children have fun, feel safe and enjoy being in the day camps. In order to ensure this happens, PMA personnel embrace the following guidelines:

 

  • All bodies must be safe.
  • All feelings must be safe.
  • All environments and equipment must be safe.

 

Behaviors which are not acceptable and may result in immediate action, such as removal from camp for the remainder of the day, include:  

 

  • Endangering the health and safety of any person.
  • Using vulgarity, profanity, or obscenity.
  • Leaving the program without permission.
  • Failing to follow any direction from PMA personnel.
  • Stealing and/or damaging property.

 

It is our mission to provide an inclusive, happy, and safe environment for your camper to grow and learn. We appreciate your support in ensuring a positive camp experience for all participants.

Walking Excursions

Walking excursions may be planned over the timeline of the program. Families will be provided with communication specific to this activity in advance, if they are to occur. 

Health or Behavioural concerns

We want campers to have the best experience possible while attending our programs. If you have any health or behavioural concerns regarding your child's participation, please contact us in advance to create a plan to ensure a positive camp experience.

If families and campers require additional 1:1 support while attending camp, please contact our Education and Program Officer directly to obtain information on 1:1 support roles and the required submission of a successful vulnerable sector and police screen to attend the program with the child or youth. If a camper has 1:1 support at school, this is often an indicator they will require 1:1 support at camp. 

Behaviour expectations are clearly shared with campers at the start of their camp program. Museum staff reserve the right to remove campers from programs as required. Families may be contacted for support with behaviour needs where applicable.

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:

  • Program staff have completed First Aid and CPR 'C' training prior to program start.
  • Scheduled hand washing, washroom access, and hand sanitizer will be available throughout the day. 

If your camper is unwell or will be absent, families are asked to contact the Museum to advise. If a call has not been received and children have not arrived by 9:15 a.m., camp personnel will contact families to check in.

If a camper misses camp program time due to illness, a refund is not automatically provided. The family is required to submit a medical document to the attention of the Education & Program Officer to request a partial or full refund of the camp fee. A refund will be granted once the request has been received, pending approval.

Participant information form 

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.

Personal Health & Information Form 2025