Virginia Living Museum
Summer Programs 2013
The Museum offers morning and full-day week-long summer programs exploring nature and space for preschoolers, elementary and middle school students. Class size is limited to 10 - 12 children, so sign up early! A minimum enrollment is established for each class and must be met at least five days prior to the first class meeting.
Students who have completed grades 6-7 can combine a week of scientific exploration with outdoor fun in the mountains. New this summer is an exploration of eco careers for students who have completed grades 10-11.
You may cancel up to one week before class, unless otherwise stated, and receive a refund less a $10 handling fee. After that time, no refunds can be made. If the Virginia Living Museum cancels the program, a full refund will be issued.
Reservations open for VLM members on Feb. 20, for non-members on Feb. 27.
If you would like to be put on a waiting list for a camp session that is full, please call 757-595-9135 or email Reservations.
Reservations may be made in person, or by phone, using MasterCard, Visa or Discover credit card or through our secure on-line form. For more information, or to make a reservation, call the Reservations Coordinator at 757-595-9135 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Members receive a discount on all classes. Join now.
Wild Adventures in Nature and Space
Join us for a fun-filled week of hands-on science activities. These five-day programs are filled with crafts, touchable live animals, visits through the Museum (including our Swamp and Mountain habitats and the Children's Learning Garden), and many hands-on learning adventures.
Time: 9:30 a.m. - noon
Cost: $98 VLM members, $125 non-members.
Preschool (4 & 5 Year Olds)
Register online or call 757-595-9135
Children must be four years old by the first class meeting.
The Littlest Naturalists Meet Creatures of Confusion REGISTRATION FULL
Discover why a moth is not a butterfly, the difference between fish and whales, and other interesting animal facts as we explore those and many creatures that confuse us.
Dates: May 27-31, June 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28 (ALL SESSIONS FULL)
Time: 9:30 a.m. - noon
The Littlest Naturalists Explore Nature's Changes REGISTRATION FULL
From rainy to sunny, winter to spring, baby to adult, explore some of nature's amazing transformations that happen daily, yearly, over the centuries and beyond.
Dates: July 8-12 (FULL), July 29-Aug. 2 (FULL), Aug. 12-16 (FULL), 19-23. (ALL SESSIONS FULL)
Time: 9:30 a.m. - noon
Having Just Completed Kindergarten or Grade 1
Wnen Camps are full for K-1 call 757-595-9135 to be added to WAIT LIST
Take a Look at Happy Habitats REGISTRATION FULL
Explore the habitats of the world right here at the Museum. Deserts, oceans, rainforests and more, we'll learn about the plants and animals that call them home.
Dates: June 17-21 (FULL), July 8-12 (FULL), 22-26, Aug. 5-9 (FULL).
Time: 9:30 a.m. - noon
Space Detectives NEW SESSION ADDED.
Are horoscopes for real? What about UFOs? Come explore the clues and find out the facts about some common space mysteries. Sponsored in part by NASA.
Dates: July 8-12 AM (FULL). July 8-12 1:30-4pm
Register online or call 757-595-9135
Can You Planet? SESSIONS FULL
Do you love planets? Then this is the camp for you. Join us as we explore all the amazing worlds of our solar system. Sponsored in part by NASA.
Dates: July 15-19 AM. FULL July 15-19 PM (FULL)
Time: AM 9:30 a.m. - noon, PM 1:30-4 p.m.
Having Just Completed Grades 2 or 3
Register online or call 757-595-9135
So You Want to Be a Scientist REGISTRATION CLOSED - class full
Are you curious? Do you like to learn about the natural world? Then become a scientist for a week and explore exciting careers that you might enjoy when you grow up.
Dates: June 17-21 , July 15-19 , Aug. 5-9, 19-23 (All sessions full).
Time: 9:30 a.m. - noon
CSI: Galaxy M51 NEW SESSION ADDED.
Something strange is happening in Galaxy M51. What is it? Is it dangerous? Could it happen here? Join the Cosmic Science Investigation team to solve the mystery and keep the universe safe. Sponsored in part by NASA.
Dates: Aug. 5-9.AM (FULL) July 22-26 9:30am-noon
Time: 9:30 a.m. - noon
Having Just Completed Grade 4 or 5
Register online or call 757-595-9135
Science Myth-teries REGISTRATION CLOSED - class full
They're all over the Internet - amazing "science-based" urban legends. Here's your chance to find out what's real...and what's busted. It's an incredible week of dropping, flinging, flying and maybe even exploding. Sponsored in part by NASA.
Dates: June 17-21
Time: 9:30 a.m. - noon
Full Day Program
Having Just Completed Grades 4 or 5
Register online or call 757-595-9135
Junior Naturalists
Travel with us to search a pristine beach and shore for living critters, investigate the world of fresh water creatures, explore wild habitats and the critters that live there.
Dates: July 22-26, Aug. 19-23 Full
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $225 VLM member, $270 nonmember
FIELD ADVENTURE
Register online or call 757-595-9135
Appalachian Mountains and Caving
Having completed Grades 6 or 7
Hike Virginia's mountains, explore streams and waterfalls, head underground to find out what makes cave critters so special. Camp in tents and enjoy our meals by the campfire. Food, transportation, camping and scientific equipment are provided.
Activity Level 4: Participants
must be in excellent health, extremely mobile, and used to an active
lifestyle. Program activities may require up to six hours of moderate to
fast-paced activity per day, equivalent to hiking six miles over varied
terrain.
Dates: July 8-12
Cost: $410 VLM members, $460 non-members
Special Program - Turtle Census REGISTRATION CLOSED
Students who have completed grades 6-8.
Join VLM staff researchers in conducting a census of the basking turtles in the lake behind the Museum. Students who participate can expect a very thorough introductory field course on turtles and turtle conservation. Expect to feel like a budding herpetologist when you complete this session!
In addition to learning about turtle identification, biology, and behavior, you will aid us in collecting data on our local turtles. Participants will get very hands-on with many aspects of turtle conservation and herpetology practices, while they learn about and discuss issues facing our native turtle species.
We will set out live traps to collect the turtles and then release each one back into the lake. Museum staff will assist with trapping procedures, and lead lectures and discussions, but we need you to assist us in identifying, measuring, marking, photographing and releasing each turtle we catch.
Students will be expected to blog about their experience and share their thoughts on a culminating podcast.
See information and
photos from the 2012, 2011 and 2010 projects.
Dates: May 18, June 1 and June 8
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $150 VLM members, $170 non-members (all 3 sessions)
Having completed grades 10 or 11
NEW - Adventures in Eco Careers
There are a great number of valuable and fulfilling jobs that occur at the Museum and in the conservation field. Spend three days with us while we meet with our staff, assist with and learn about their jobs and venture off site to other natural science sites to speak with their staff. Jobs and topics will include: Herpetology, Vet Tech, Aquariums, Education, Planetarium, Animal Keeper, Research, Mammalogy and caring for museum collections.
Dates: Aug. 13-15
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $165 VLM members, $200 non-members (all 3 sessions)
Register: Call 757-595-9135 or register online.
Members receive a discount on all classes. Join now.