2024 Summer of Science
Dates: May 20-August 16, 2024
Ages 3-14
Discovery Camps (Ages 4-14)
- $275 nonmember/ $220 member per camp
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Up to 10 kids per camp with a 1:10 adult-to-child ratio
Crew Camps (Ages 5-14)
These camps are more fun with more friends—same best-in-class experience but in bigger spaces with bigger activities!
- $200 nonmember/ $160 member per camp
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Up to 20 kids per camp with a 1:20 adult-to-child ratio
Preschool Half Day Camps (Ages 3-4)
- $125 nonmembers/$100 members per camp
- 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Up to 10 kids per camp with a 1:10 adult-to-child ratio
- Campers must be potty trained
- Campers will need to bring or purchase a lunch for each half day of camp
- Campers age 4 are eligible for full day Crew or Discovery Camps
Looking for a more formal, full day preschool experience for children age(s) 1-6? Enroll in the award-winning Discovery School Science Sprouts for full day learning and small group fun!
Member Discount
Save up to $55 on each camp when you register as a Discovery Center member! Enter the discount code from your membership welcome email at check-out to get your exclusive discount. Questions about memberships or not seeing your membership info email within an hour of purchase? Send us a message at info@discoverycenter.org
Before and After Care
Before Care (7:30 am – 9:00 am): $40 week/$8 per day
After Care (4:00 – 5:30 pm): $40 week/$8 per day
The Discovery Center is offering before and after care for every camp! Campers can be dropped off starting at 7:30 am and must be picked up by 5:30 pm. Please note that before and after care are separate purchases from each other (ex. a week of before and aftercare combined would cost $80 week/$16 per day).
Hot Lunch
Campers can enroll weekly for our hot lunch program for $25 week/$5 per day. We follow the Missouri Child Care Licensing laws for food preparation which requires one serving of milk, one serving of meat or meat alternative, two servings of fruit/vegetable, and one serving of bread or bread alternative. There are no limitations on enrollment due to allergies or dietary restrictions, and we are a peanut/tree nut free location.
2024 Policies
Secure your spot in the excitement by completing pre-registration: Look out for an email confirmation after processing. If you don’t spot it in your inbox within 24-48 hours, reach out to info@discoverycenter.org for assistance.
Refund Policy: Our camps are nonrefundable. If an emergency prevents your child from attending camp you will have options! These include rescheduling, exchanging your camp fee for any education program, future summer camps, membership extension, birthday party, special event rental, school’s day out program, or donating your camp fee to a child on free/reduced lunch.
Safety first: We’re a peanut/tree nut-free zone, so please skip the peanuts and tree nuts in lunch and snack items. If needed, we’ve got lunch covered with a hot option available for just $5 a day.
Tech alert: Personal devices are not allowed at camp but fear not – our Discovery Center tech is armed with filtering software to keep the kids safe and sound.
We want every child to thrive: If there are special learning or behavior needs that will make your child’s week successful, please give us a heads up. We’re here to provide extra support when necessary and can provide one-on-one assistance for an additional fee. Campers with physical needs are welcome to bring a nurse or aid, please let us know in advance so we can help with background checks. Students with behavior issues that disrupt the learning environment will be removed from camp without refund.
Timeliness is key: Camps will start on time with or without you. Late campers are a drain on the team’s resources, but life happens. If your family is fashionably late beyond 5 minutes past drop off or pick-up time, we will call emergency contacts. Extended tardiness will result in extended care charges.
Age is just a number: However, we do have age requirements. Exceptions? Talk to the team at info@discoverycenter.org for the lowdown.
2024 Camp Descriptions
2024 Full Day Crew Camps
Adventure in Action (Ages 6-8 and 9-13) | Full Day Crew Camp | $200/$160
(May 28-31) (June 17-June 21) (July 1-3, 5) (August 12-16)
Get your camper to put down their screen and let off some steam in this hyperactive, educational adventure with a week of large group action-packed learning. Tackle the NERF obstacle course, brave a HighWire Bike excursion and compete in physically immersive gaming on the only Lü system in an American science center.
Be Kind Do Good Camp (Ages 5-8 and 9-13) | Full Day Crew Camp | $0/$0
(May 28-31) (August 12-16)
Discover the power of community! Join us and the Junior Donation Foundation for a week where campers will participate in hands-on volunteering projects, learn about the importance of teamwork and community impact, and develop a lifelong passion for helping others. Sponsored by Ollis/Akers/Arney and Foundation Credit Union.
Guardians of the Universe (Ages 6-8) | Full Day Crew Camp| $200/$160
(May 28-31) (June 10-14) (July 1-3, 5) (July 8-12) (August 12-16)
It’s time to save the universe! Space cadets will design a spaceship to explore the galaxy, complete large group space challenges and get hands-on access to our virtual international space station. Your space hero will also learn how NASA finds exoplanets with hands-on activities from NASA scientists.
Mission Impossible Kids (Ages 6-8 and 9-13) | Full Day Crew Camp | $200/$160
(May 28-31) (June 3-7) (June 24-28) (July 1-3, 5) (July 22-26) (August 5-9)
This week is full of large group missions including an escape room, Morse code clues, spy missions, NERF battles and laser mazes! Your super spy will crack the case and develop observation and critical thinking skills to process “evidence” through fingerprinting, blood typing and spatter analysis.
NERF (Ages 9-13) | Full Day Crew Camp | $200/$160
(May 28-31) (June 3-7) (June 24-28) (July 15-19) (August 5-9)
Launch your camper’s imagination as they race through our NERF obstacle course and take on daily NERF challenges and battles. Your NERF-enthusiast is encouraged to bring their own foam-based weaponry or borrow from the Discovery Center’s vast collection.
Zombie Survivor School (Ages 9-14) | Full Day Crew Camp | $200/$160
(June 10-14) (July 1-3, 5) (July 29–August 2)
Join our zombie apocalypse for a thrilling adventure with a secret STEM twist! Your camper will discover what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse by building shelters, learning flag signals, battling zombie hoards in a NERF battle, and strategizing team solutions to outsmart the enemy.
2024 Half Day Preschool Camps
Art of the Mess (Ages 3-4) | Half Day Preschool Camp | $125/$100
(June 17-21) (July 29–August 2)
Feed your little artist’s mind through art that fizzles, crackles, and pops! Explore various art forms and states of matter to make artistic creations through messy educational activities. Campers should dress in clothes that can get stained while creating fluffy Dr. Seuss-inspired slime, finger painting with flower petals, making crayons from soil and exploring NASA’s Artemis program through art. Also available as a full day camp for kids ages 4-8 (see listing under full day camps for more information).
Fun on the Farm (Ages 3-4) | Half Day Preschool Camp | $125/$100
(June 3-7) (July 15-19)
We’re learning all about the farm with a week of plants, animals, and hands-on learning! Your little farmer will plant seeds in the garden, roll tractor tires in a sensory mud bin, meet furry farm animals, and transform cream into butter. Also available as a full day camp for kids ages 4-5 (see listing under full day camps for more information).
Little STEM-ologist (Ages 3-4) | Half Day Preschool Camp | $125/$100
(June 24-28)
Blast off into a week of hands-on fun for curious little minds! Your little STEM-ologist will investigate kitchen science, explore life underwater, conquer LEGO build challenges, and adventure into space through VR. Also available as a full day camp for kids ages 4-5 (see listing under full day camps for more information).
Preschool Playhouse (Ages 3-4) | Half Day Preschool Camp | $125/$100
(May 28-31) (July 8-12)
Come inside and explore a world of imagination as we build a playhouse of creativity! Your little adventurer will discover the depths of the ocean like Octonauts, chase the adventures of Bluey, scrub in with Doc McStuffins and solve puzzles like Paw Patrol. Also available as a full day camp for kids ages 4-5 (see listing under full day camps for more information).
Sensational Science (Ages 3-4) | Half Day Preschool Camp | $125/$100
(July 1-3, 5) (August 5-9)
We’re using our senses to explore the outdoors by digging in the dirt, meeting some creepy crawlies and finding all things ooey and gooey. The fun doesn’t stop in this messy camp! Campers will also play with their food, make a sound tube, get their hands dirty in the Discovery Garden and become a chef in the mud kitchen. Also available as a full day camp for kids ages 4-5 (see listing under full day camps for more information).
Storybook Science (Ages 3-4) | Half Day Preschool Camp | $125/$100
(June 10-14) (July 22-26)
We’re jumping into the pages of their favorite fairy tales for a week of fun, crafts and STEM learning! You camper will build Rapunzel’s tower with LEGOs, test the strength of the Three Little Pigs’ building materials and learn what it takes to be a knight. Also available as a full day camp for kids ages 4-5 (see listing under full day camps for more information).
2024 Full Day Discovery Camps
Adventure U (Ages 9-13) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(July 15-19)
Your camper will grab their map and turn off their screens to go on kid-friendly excursions! This camp is perfect for young explorers ready to experience a wilderness adventure with action-packed games. Campers will learn how to read and make maps, catch bugs, brave the NERF obstacle course, take part in robotic bird building races and experience a daring ride on the HighWire Bike.
Art of the Mess (Ages 4-5 and 6-8) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 3-7) (June 17-21) (August 5-9)
Feed your little artist’s mind through art that fizzles, crackles, and pops! Explore various art forms and states of matter to make artistic creations through messy educational activities. Campers should dress in clothes that can get stained while creating fluffy Dr. Seuss-inspired slime, finger painting with flower petals, making crayons from soil, and exploring NASA’s Artemis program through art. Also available as a half day camp for kids ages 3-4 (see listing under half day camps for more information).
Big Rig Summer (Ages 4-5 and 6-8) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(July 29–August 2)
We’re hitting the road and exploring big rigs! Your automotive enthusiast will get up close with visits from different big rigs used by first responders, utility companies, and construction workers. Campers will also participate in LEGO build challenges, use Hot Wheels to make art, and build a classroom sized racetrack and a life-size crane to knock down a Minecraft city!
CAD Academy (Ages 12-14) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(July 15-19) (July 29-August 2)
Do you have a future architect, builder, or engineer who wants to practice creating, modifying, analyzing, and optimizing their designs? Campers will learn strategies to increase the quality of their designs, explore 3D modeling and design iterations and apply their knowledge during build challenges to create light shows, balloon dragsters and more. Students will use Discovery Center issued technology for this camp for security and congruency of lessons.
Cosplay Creations (Ages 12-14) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(July 8-12) (August 5-9)
This is the ultimate camp for your DIY cosplayer! Your costume designer will learn the basics of sewing and reading patterns, crafting foam props, creating accessories with a 3D printer, and designing costumes for an original character or a fantasy favorite.
DCS Celebrity Chef (Ages 9-13) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 3-7) (July 15-19)
Welcome to the kids’ table! This week we’re doing it all—mixing, chopping, smelling and tasting. Your mini chef will don a chef coat to compete in daily cooking challenges and claim the title of DCS Mini Master Chef. Mini chefs will also make toys from food waste and learn the science of cooking. Join us at the end of the week for a spectacular Mini Chef meal. All ingredients will be nut free; however, some ingredients may contain eggs, dairy, gluten and certain dye.
Fun on the Farm (Ages 4-5) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 3-7) (July 15-19)
We’re learning all about the farm with a week of plants, animals, and hands-on learning! Your little farmer will plant seeds in the garden, roll tractor tires in a sensory mud bin, meet furry farm animals and transform cream into butter. Also available as a half day camp for kids ages 3-4 (see listing under half day camps for more information).
Gamer University (Ages 9-13) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(July 8-12) (August 5-9)
Let the games begin! Campers will use GDevelop to create their own game, learn the language of coding through Scratch and Code Monster, and experience other worlds in VR. Junior game developers will investigate what it takes to create their own game by exploring everything from board games to “choose your own adventure” games.
Inventor’s Workshop (Ages 6-8) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(July 29–August 2)
Boost your camper’s science confidence in this engineering camp! Junior engineers will build their own cellphone case, maglev train, and optimized catapult to become master inventors!
Jurassic Discovery (Ages 6-8) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(August 5-9)
Get ready for a roaring good time! Young paleontologists will extract dinosaur DNA, create their own fossils, and escape the dino obstacle course during a week of hands-on activities inspired by “Jurassic Park.”
The Last STEM Bender (Ages 6-8 and 9-12) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$224
(June 24-28: ages 9-12 only) (July 22–26: ages 6-8 and 9-12)
Water. Earth. Fire. Air. These elements live together in harmony, but only with careful balance. Your elemental bender will use chemistry to set their hand on fire, harness the power of the sun to make a solar oven and control air with an air cannon.
LEGO Minecraft Builders (Ages 6-8 and 9-12) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 10- 14: ages 6-8 only) (July 8 – 12: ages 6-8 and 9-12)
Send your camper into the world of LEGO! Campers will explore LEGO robots as they design and build their own creations, play inside the life-size Minecraft Room and create builds with giant bricks. This camp takes it to the next level and tackles architecture design challenges that will start preparing your camper for a big-kid career in architecture and design.
Little STEM-ologist (Ages 4-5) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 24-28)
Blast off into a week of hands-on fun for curious little minds! Your little STEM-ologist will investigate kitchen science, explore life underwater, conquer LEGO build challenges, and adventure into space through VR. Also available as a half day camp for kids ages 3-4 (see listing under half day camps for more information).
Magic Lab (Ages 9-13) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(August 5-9)
It’s not magic, it’s science! Your budding chemist will investigate awe inspiring chemical reactions that look like magic while also learning sleight of hand and other tricks of the trade. At the end of the week, guardians are invited to a truly spectacular show where campers will demonstrate their new science tricks!
Mario Kart Mushroom Mayhem (Ages 6-8) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 17-21) (July 8-12)
Your Mario Kart superstar will compete with Mario, Princess Peach, Yoshi and Luigi in a week full of racing including drone obstacles, mushroom dissection and cloning, and fire tornados. Campers will also hit the road, racing robots and saving Princess Peach using a hover chair.
myRobot (Ages 12-14) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(July 22-26)
Get ready to build! Your future engineer will build a new robot each day while learning about AI, coding, and machine learning. Campers will learn how to program their robots to achieve desired outcomes to solve real world problems.
Myth Busters (Ages 9-13) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 17-21) (July 29– August 2)
Can lightning strike twice? Can pop rocks and soda explode a stomach? Start your camper on a path of critically cool thinking where they’ll bust common myths, folklore, and scientific misconceptions. They’ll investigate quirky science like the possible benefits of a sailor’s eye patch and whether toilets or commonly used items are germier.
Pixar (Ages 6-8) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(July 22-26)
Dive into the magical world of Pixar! Your little inventor will build balloon-powered contraptions inspired by “Up,” create their own hero gadgets like the Incredibles, and bring the magic of animation to life.
Preschool Playhouse (Ages 4-5) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(May 28-31) (July 8-12)
Come inside and explore a world of imagination as we build a playhouse of creativity! Your little adventurer will discover the depths of the ocean like Octonauts, chase the adventures of Bluey, scrub in with Doc McStuffins and solve puzzles like Paw Patrol. Also available as a half day camp for kids ages 3-4 (see listing under half day camps for more information).
Pokémon Training Center (Ages 6-8) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 24-28) (July 15-19)
Who’s that Pokémon?! Your young trainer will embark on an exciting journey into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – all while immersing themselves in the captivating universe of Pokémon!
Sense-sational Science (Ages 4-5) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(July 1-3, 5)
We’re using our senses to explore the outdoors by digging in the dirt, meeting some creepy crawlies and finding all things ooey and gooey. The fun doesn’t stop in this messy camp! Campers will also play with their food, make a sound tube, get their hands dirty in the Discovery Garden and become a chef in the mud kitchen. Also available as a half day camp for kids ages 3-4 (see listing under half day camps for more information).
School of Wizarding (Ages 9-13) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 10-14) (July 22-26)
Catch the train to wizarding school for a week of potions classes, magic spells, and STEM learning! Young witches and wizards will compete in Quidditch tournaments and uncover the science behind mysterious magic.
Storybook Science (Ages 4-5) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 10-14) (July 22-26)
We’re jumping into the pages of their favorite fairy tales for a week of fun, crafts and STEM learning! Your camper will build Rapunzel’s tower with LEGOs, test the strength of the Three Little Pigs’ building materials and learn what it takes to be a knight. Also available as a half day camp for kids ages 3-4 (see listing under half day camps for more information).
Transformers: Beastwars (Ages 9-12) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(July 29–August 2)
Autobots, transform and roll out! Campers will battle to capture the Golden Disk, create a 3D beast mask, build an armored Autobot and participate in a center-wide NERF battle against the Decepticons and Predicons!
WILD (Ages 6-8) | Full Day Discovery Camp | $275/$220
(June 3-7) (July 15-19)
This outdoor camp will give your young adventurer the spark to get out and explore! Campers will take a Jurassic journey; explore the Wild, Wild West; and meet an animal friend with the help of the Greene County Mounted Posse. Pack extra clothes because they’ll get messy during our outdoor adventures!
