Summer Camp

The U-M Museum of Natural History, in partnership with the Division of Kinesiology's U-Move program KidSport, offers children ages 6-12 a variety of day camp options in both science and physical education. Mix and match programs to create a unique summer experience for your child!

Camp Explorations

This interactive program at the Museum of Natural History expands campers' knowledge of natural history through experiments, crafts, and activities, with plenty of fun. Topics include astronomy, aerospace, wildlife, ecology, geology, and paleontology, and much more. Favorite activities include launching rockets, visiting local natural areas, digging for real fossils, and visiting with live animals.

Camp Sessions (Each Session is $175, except session 3 which is $140)

Morning Quests (20 camper limit)
Ages 8-12 8:00 am -12:00pm

1. Physical Science Quest 1, June 18-22
2. Physical Science Quest 2, June 25-29
Do amazing things with physics and chemistry! Explore the science of motion, sound and light and make things whiz and bag with kid-friendly chemical reactions.
3. Forensic Science Quest 1, July 2-6
4. Forensic Science Quest 2, July 9-13
Solve it with science! Run your own crime lab and use different kinds of science to figure out whodunit in several natural history mysteries!
5. Archaeology Quest 1, July 16-20
6. Archaeology Quest 2, July 23-27
Explore lost civilizations! Dig up the pasts of ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Mayans and more.
7. Ecology Quest 1, July 30-Aug 3
8. Ecology Quest 2, Aug 6-10
Discover the great outdoors and all the nature in our own backyards! We’ll explore local nature areas and learn about the science of ecology by studying plants, animals and our own environment.

Afternoon Adventures (45 camper limit)
Ages 6-11, 1:00-4:00pm

1. Astronomy Adventure 1, June 18-22
2. Astronomy Adventure 2, June 25-29
Blast off to fun! Explore the stars, planets, galaxies and the rest of our incredible universe.
3. Zoology Adventure 1, July 2-6
4. Zoology Adventure 2, July 9-13
Animals are amazing! Learn all about out furry, feathery, and scaly friends and the world we share with them-and meet some live animal visitors, too!
5. Paleontology Adventure 1, July 16-20
6. Paleontology Adventure 2, July 23-27
Can you dig it? Travel back in time to discover the ancient world of the dinosaurs, fossils- and so much more!
7. Science Sampler 1, July 30-Aug 3
8. Science Sampler 2, Aug 6-10
Can’t decide what you like best? Try a little bit of everything! Activities are not repeated from other sessions, so campers enrolled in earlier weeks will have a great time, too!

Aftercare $50 per week
All Ages 4:00-6:00pm
Aftercare is available following all KidSport, Camp Explorations and Outdoor Adventures afternoon programs.* Quiet games and activities are provided, and free play is encouraged. Relax after a long day of sports and science.

*Not available for golf, as the program is held off campus.

Kid Sport

Children spend time at the Central Campus Recreation Building participating in sports, games, and other physical activities, both inside the CCRB and outside on the athletic field. KidSport activities may include swimming (instructional and play), cooperative games, safety behavior, and team sports. The activities are age and developmentally appropriate, and are delivered by experts in children's physical education.

All camp programs are taught by highly-trained, enthusiastic University students and directed by qualified, experienced educators.

For More Information

Information about registration, session dates, times, ages, and costs are contained in the brochure, available here.

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to contact either of the camp directors:

  • Brittany Chunn, Director, Camp Explorations at 734.647.6421 or via email
  • Kerry Winkelseth, Director, KidSport Summer Programs at 734.647.2708 or via email