School Break Camps

full bike rack

Toddler Tuesdays will return on Tuesday, September 24th to the PMA!  Little ones and their caregivers are welcome to join us each Tuesday morning for a drop-in, tot friendly Museum visit! This unstructured program allows children to play their way through the galleries, with opportunities to explore their senses, create art and make new friends along the way. 

 

Register online for a PA Day Discovery Camp 

Upcoming PA Day Discovery Camps

  • For ages 4 to 11
  • Cost is $50 per participant for PA Day Discovery Camp
  • A PMA Personal Health & Information Form must be filled out for each participant prior to the start of their registered program. A completed form is required for admittance into the program. 
  • Camp programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Registration opens Tuesday, August 27 at 9:30 a.m.
  • If registering online, program can be found under "P.A. Day Camps" heading. 
September 27: Woodland Pals Adventure 

Come explore the enchanting world of forest animals and their natural habitats in this one day camp! During the adventure, campers will have the opportunity to make a bird feeder, create a woodland pal and play forest games.

 Code: 66503

October 25:  PMA Pumpkin Patch 

Follow us to the pumpkin patch to celebrate this wonder-FALL time of year! Leaf crafts, pumpkin experiments and ghoulish games are all part of this fun and mischievous day on the hill. 

 Code: 66504

Kids Only - Discovery After Dark

The lights are dimmed, the doors are locked and the galleries are empty... welcome to Kids Only- Discovery After Dark! One Saturday evening a month we give kids the opportunity to take over the Museum. Programming includes flashlight scavenger hunts, games in the galleries, crafts and themed activity. 

  • For ages 6 to 11
  • Cost is $32.50 per participant per evening.
  • PMA Personal Health and Information Form must be filled out for each participant prior to the start of their registered program. A completed form is required for admittance into the program. 
  • Programs run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Upcoming dates are: October 5, November 2 and December 7
  • Registration opens Tuesday, August 27 at 9:30 a.m.
  • If registering online, program can be found under "Discovery Kids - Play and Learn"
October 5: Gnomeville Quest  

Step into the whimsical world of gnomes and embark on a magical adventure! We will explore the enchanting life of these mystical forest dwellers as we build gnome homes, go on a quest for hidden treasures and play gnome inspired games. 

Code: 66505

November 2: Retro Rewind  

Step into a world of fun and nostalgia with Retro Rewind! Let's travel back to the coolest decades of the past  to make our own records, learn classic dance moves like the Twist and go on a scavenger hunt to collect memorabilia from the past. It's a time travelling adventure you won't want to miss! 

Code: 66507

December 7: Sensational Senses 

Dive into a world of wonder and discovery as kids engage in fun exploration of their five senses! Through hands on activities kids will investigate sight, sound, smell, taste and touch while fostering curiosity. Please advise of any allergies when registering. 

Code: 66508

Registration information and program administration

 How to register
  • In person at the Peterborough Museum and Archives (300 Hunter St. E., Peterborough, ON)
  • By telephone (Visa, Mastercard, American Express): 705-743-5180
  • Online: with our XplorRecreation program registration system. Note that by registering online, a valid credit card is required to complete your transaction and registration.
Health and Safety

To ensure the safety and health of our participants and staff:

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

In order for this program to be successful, participants and families are asked to adhere to the following procedures and guidelines:

  • If you child is feeling unwell, please do not attend and call the Museum at 705-743-5180 to notify us of your absence.
  • The participant and family members will be required to follow the health and safety and hygiene protocols of the program on a daily basis and compliance will be mandatory.

  • If you have any specific health or behavioural concerns regarding your child's participation in camp, please contact the Education and Program Officer at 705-742-7777 ext. 2475 to discuss ways to support your camper and if a 1:1 support role is needed to ensure a positive experience. Please note 1:1 support roles are required to submit a successful vulnerable sector and police screen to attend the program with a child or youth.
  • The Museum has a protocol for anaphylactic shock, and a parental clearance form is required if your child has suffered a suspected concussion and wishes to return to the program. 
Sign-in and sign-out for Discovery Camps

Drop off and pick up will be located in the Museum Classroom, located on the lower level of the Museum.

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

Upon arrival, enter through the Museum's front doors and make your way to the Museum Classroom on the lower level by using the elevator or stairs located behind the cubbies.  

  • Adults are required to sign their children into the program upon arrival in the morning.
  • Sign-in begins at 8:45 a.m. Supervision will not be provided before 8:45 a.m.
  • Sign-out is available until 4:15 p.m. daily. Supervision will not be provided after 4:15 p.m. Participants who are not picked up by 4:15 will be penalized, as after care is not provided.
  • Adults are required to sign their children out of the program daily.
  • Late sign-in or early sign-out: please notify staff by calling the Peterborough Museum & Archives at 705-743-5180 if you require a late sign in or early sign out. 
Sign-in and sign-out for Kids Only- Discovery After Dark 

Program sign-in and sign-out will be at the front desk inside the front doors of the Peterborough Museum& Archives. 

  • Drop off: 5:30 p.m.
  • Pick up: 8:30 p.m. 

Adults are required to sign their children into the program upon arrival and sign out at pick up. 

Please note that the Museum doors will be locked during the duration of the program. If you will be dropping off late or picking up early, please call the Peterborough Museum & Archives at 705-743-5180 to inform us and we will meet you upon arrival. 
What to bring
Please ensure your children come to programs prepared with water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing as well as snacks and lunch depending on the length of the program. We promote a nut-free environment. 
 Personal Health and Information Form

The City of Peterborough undertakes to safeguard your child(ren) while participating in the Museum's programs. Each child attending camp must complete and submit a PMA Personal Health and Information Form prior to the program start.  We keep this form on file, and you only need to complete it once each calendar year. 

  • If you have any specific health or behavioural concerns regarding your child's participation in camp, please contact the Education and Program Officer at 705-742-7777 ext. 2475 to discuss ways to support your camper and if a 1:1 support role is needed to ensure a positive experience. Please note 1:1 support roles are required to submit a successful vulnerable sector and police screen to attend the program with a child or youth. 
Guiding Children's Behaviours 

PMA Discovery Day Camps require participants and caregivers to be comfortable with the following activities and routines that may occur during a camp day:

  • Multiage groupings for Holiday, PA Day and March Break Camps with children ranging in age from 4 years old to 11 years old.
  • Supervised outdoor play on the public playground and in the Park green spaces, on a daily basis dependent on weather. 
  • Supervised activities in the PMA public exhibition galleries.
  • 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
  • Short periods of screen time in support of learning or during mealtime breaks.

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.

Behaviours 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.

 Program withdrawal

Refund requests are accepted prior to camp start dates and are charged an administration levy of 10% of program fees or $5 minimum. Refunds are not provided once the program starts, 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.

  • Should a program be cancelled due to public health recommendations all participants will receive a full refund. 
 Photo waiver
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 like to waive the use of your child's image, please notify the Instructor at drop-off.