Discovery Place Science
Ever wonder how science makes the coolest parties?
Camps
Ever wonder how kids can go wild in a fun, safe learning environment?
Discover amazing critters and natural treasures at Discovery Place Nature Summer Camps. Campers will connect to the natural world through hands-on activities, art, close encounters with live animals, stories, games, nature treks and outdoor play.
2018 CAMP OPTIONS
- Extended Care is available from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. for $75 per week.
- Half-day Camps (Pre K - Rising K) run 9:00 a.m. - noon and full-day Camps (Rising Grades 1 - 5) run 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with specific activities geared toward the grade level of each group.
- Lunch Bunch Care is available for half-day Camps from noon - 1:00 p.m. for $25 per week.
Browse Camps
Get out and stay out! From forts to fairies and fur to feathers, get ready for hands-on fun in the great outdoors.
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Fins, Fur & Feathers
Explore flipping fish, furry mammals & feathery birds
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, June 03
Rising K
Summer Camps
Underwater Wonders
Troll for tadpoles, search for fish & build aquatic habitats
Rising K
Monday, June 10
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Wildlife Rainbow
Explore field to forest, looking for critters that come in all colors
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, June 10
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Curious About Critters
Have close encounters with backyard buddies
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, June 17
Rising K
Summer Camps
Mess It Up
Dress to get messy as we explore the great outdoors
Rising K
Monday, June 17
Rising 4 - 5
Summer Camps
Nature’s Studio
Create art inspired by nature
Rising 4 - 5
Monday, June 17
Rising 2 - 3
Summer Camps
Be a Museum Keeper
Learn what it’s like to be a Museum keeper
Rising 2 - 3
Monday, June 24
Rising 1
Summer Camps
Investigating Animals
Use your detective skills to become a nature sleuth
Rising 1
Monday, June 24
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Junior Explorers
Explore nature from the ground up
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, June 24
Rising K
Summer Camps
Wild by Nature
Observe creepy crawlies & explore nature from flowers to flies
Rising K
Monday, June 24
Rising K
Summer Camps
Backyard Explorers
Discover amazing animals & natural treasures in our backyard
Rising K
Monday, July 08
Rising 2 - 3
Summer Camps
Science of Survival
Learn basic survival skills & build habitats to support local wildlife
Rising 2 - 3
Monday, July 08
Rising 1
Summer Camps
Wild Woods Adventures
Discover native NC wildlife through close encounters, nature treks & observation
Rising 1
Monday, July 08
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Wonder Bugs
Discover the small world of bugs and other creepy crawlers
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, July 08
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Curious About Critters
Have close encounters with backyard buddies
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, July 15
Rising 2 - 3
Summer Camps
Junior Naturalist
Discover nature through a naturalist’s eyes
Rising 2 - 3
Monday, July 15
Rising 1
Summer Camps
Seeking the Stars
From constellations to comets, investigate our solar system and beyond
Rising 1
Monday, July 15
Rising K
Summer Camps
Wings and Things
Explore the world of furry, scaly and feathery creatures
Rising K
Monday, July 15
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Hands-On Habitat
Search for animal habitats & learn how to build one of your own
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, July 22
Rising K
Summer Camps
Mess It Up
Dress to get messy as we explore the great outdoors
Rising K
Monday, July 22
Rising 1
Summer Camps
Outdoor Adventurers
Learn tricks of the trade that keep animals & humans alive in the wild
Rising 1
Monday, July 22
Rising 2 - 3
Summer Camps
Queen City Creatures
Explore urban wildlife and the unique survival habits of animals & plants
Rising 2 - 3
Monday, July 22
Rising 2 - 3
Summer Camps
Amateur Astronomers
Explore the wonders of space, including stars, planets, galaxies and more
Rising 2 - 3
Monday, July 29
Rising 1
Summer Camps
Junior Curators
Do you have what it takes to run a nature museum?
Rising 1
Monday, July 29
Rising K
Summer Camps
Underwater Wonders
Troll for tadpoles, search for fish & build aquatic habitats
Rising K
Monday, July 29
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Wildlife Rainbow
Explore field to forest, looking for critters that come in all colors
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, July 29
Rising K
Summer Camps
Animal Explorations
How are mammals different from amphibians?
Rising K
Monday, August 05
Rising 2 - 3
Summer Camps
Animal Families
Learn about different animal families in & around the Museum
Rising 2 - 3
Monday, August 05
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Junior Explorers
Explore nature from the ground up
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, August 05
Rising 1
Summer Camps
Seeking the Stars
From constellations to comets, investigate our solar system and beyond
Rising 1
Monday, August 05
Rising K
Summer Camps
Backyard Explorers
Discover amazing animals & natural treasures in our backyard
Rising K
Monday, August 12
Rising 4 - 5
Summer Camps
Wilderness Rangers
Learn to read a map, build a shelter and other essential survival skills
Rising 4 - 5
Monday, August 12
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Wonder Bugs
Discover the small world of bugs and other creepy crawlers
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, August 12
Rising 2 - 3
Summer Camps
Be a Museum Keeper
Learn what it’s like to be a Museum keeper
Rising 2 - 3
Monday, August 19
Rising 4 - 5
Summer Camps
Be a Museum Keeper
Learn what it’s like to be a Museum keeper
Rising 4 - 5
Monday, August 19
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Summer Camps
Fins, Fur & Feathers
Explore flipping fish, furry mammals & feathery birds
Pre K (Ages 3 -4)
Monday, August 19
FAQs
-
I've registered. What's next?
Send in the Emergency Medical & Release Form at least two weeks prior to the start of camp. This form is REQUIRED. Your camper will not be allowed to attend until we have a completed form.
-
Where do I go? What do I do?
Discovery Place Nature is located at 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC 28209. Park in the Museum's parking lot — it's free!
Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the start of camp. On the first day of camp, parents/guardians should escort campers to the Museum's entrance for a brief meet and greet with Summer Camp staff. For the remaining days, a carpool drop-off/pick-up system will be used.
The pick-up location is the same as the drop off location. -
What do I pack?
• Half Day Campers need to bring a nut-free snack.
• Full Day Campers need to bring a nut-free lunch plus morning/afternoon snacks.
• Reusable water bottles are recommended.
• Please wear comfortable "can-get-dirty" clothes and closed-toed shoes along with a complete change of clothes.
• Please apply sunscreen and/or bug spray before dropping off your camper for the day.
• All campers must be fully potty trained and age 3 by April 1, 2017.
-
What is the cancellation policy?
- Cancellation notice of 3 weeks is required for a full refund. A $35 processing fee per child, per Camp, will be charged for all refunds.
- Programs with low enrollment 3 weeks prior to the start date are subject to cancellation.
- If cancellation occurs, the family will be notified and given the opportunity to select another Camp or receive a refund.
-
What does Lunch Bunch Care or Extended Care include?
- Lunch time supervision is offered free of charge from noon – 1:00 p.m. when booking a full-day Camp or one morning and one afternoon Camp during the same week.
- Lunch Bunch Care is available for half-day Camps from noon - 1:00 p.m. for $25 per week.
- Extended Care is now available from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. for $75 per week.
- Children will bring their own lunch and/or snack and participate in board games, simple crafts, watch movies or other activities as planned by the extended care team.
Become a Member and save
Museum Members receive unlimited Museum admission, discounts on Birthday Parties and Summer Camps and exclusive invitations to exhibitions openings. Join today and discover the benefits of Membership.
