Virginia Living Museum
Summer Programs 2012
The Museum offers half-day and full-day week-long summer programs exploring nature and space for preschoolers, elementary and middle school students. Each child is involved for one week in either a morning or afternoon session. 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.
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 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.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR VLM MEMBERS! NON-MEMBERS MAY REGISTER BEGINNING FEB. 15.
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.
Times: Morning Session: 9:30 a.m. - Noon or
Afternoon Session:1:30 – 4 p.m.
Cost: $94 VLM members, $118 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 Explore: Places Where Animals Live and Play
Come and learn about butterflies in the garden and why crabs live at the beach. We'll see what it's like to crawl underground like an ant and howl like a wolf in the woods.
Dates: May 28-June 1, June 4-8 (AM SESSION FILLED), June 11-15 (AM only), June 18-22 (AM only), June 25-29 (AM only)
The Littlest Naturalists Explore: Stories About Nature
Let's begin with a book...as we explore our natural world. From classic authors to new favorites, children's literature will be the springboard for hands-on investigation and creative fun. Each day's discoveries will focus on the featured creatures, habitats and themes of a different book.
Dates: July 9-13, July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30-Aug. 3, Aug. 6-10, Aug. 13-17 (All AM only).
Having Just Completed Kindergarten or Grade 1
Register online or call 757-595-9135
Light Questions
Why do we see colors? Why is the sky blue? How do you make colors? These and other light questions will be answered in this colorful camp for our youngest astronomers.
Dates: June 18-22, June 25-29 session full (All AM only)
Science Adventures
Do you know who Galileo was? How about Archimedes? Learn about these and other famous scientists as we recreate some of their great experiments with this exciting camp for budding young scientists!
Dates: July 9-13, July 16-20 (All AM only)
Nature Explorers Discover Earth's Wonders
What on earth is beneath our feet? Come learn about the secrets of
soil, the stories of rocks, the ancient ways of the dinosaurs, and the
hidden world of caves as we explore the science of the earth this week.
Dates: July 23-27 session full, July 30-Aug. 3, Aug. 6-10, Aug. 13-17 (All AM only).
Having Just Completed Grades 2 or 3
Register online or call 757-595-9135
More than Dinosaurs
What did the world look like when Allosaurus was alive? Explore ancient environments by investigating geologic puzzles and the fossil evidence of dinosaurs and other prehistoric critters. Discover how paleontologists collect, preserve and study evidence of the prehistoric past and visit the dinosaur exhibit in our Changing Exhibits Gallery.
Dates: June 18-22, June 25-29, July 9-13, July 23-27 (All AM only)
Stars, Constellations & Legends
Learn the ancient lore of the sky as we explore astronomical myths from around the world.
Dates: July 16-20 (AM only)
Solar System Sojourn
Come along as we ponder the planets, discover the secrets of the
sun, and examine the Earth and so much more! Don't miss out on this
amazing camp!
Dates: July 30-Aug. 3 (AM only)
Having Just Completed Grade 4 or 5
Register online or call 757-595-9135
Yes, This Really is Rocket Science
Join us for a week of dropping, throwing, flying and launching things to learn how we might explore other worlds in the future. How far do you want to go?
Dates: July 23-27 (AM only)
Full Day Programs
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, collect fossils from the homes of ancient animals, investigate the world of fresh water creatures, explore wild habitats and the critters that live there.
Dates: June 18-22 or Aug. 20-24
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $225 VLM member, $270 nonmember
FIELD ADVENTURE
Register online or call 757-595-9135
Mountain Explorers
Having completed Grades 6 or 7
Hike Virginia's mountains, explore streams and waterfalls and 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 9-13
Cost: $390 VLM members, $450 non-members
Special Program - Turtle Census
Middle school students
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 2011 and 2010 projects.
Dates: May 19, June 2 and June 9
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $150 VLM members, $170 non-members (all 3 sessions)
Register: Call 757-595-9135.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR VLM MEMBERS. NON-MEMBERS MAY REGISTER BEGINNING FEB. 15
Members receive a discount on all classes. Join now.