Everhart Museum in Scranton offers Virtual Summer Camp with Adventure Kits for kids
From a press release:
The Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science, and Art in Scranton has announced that its Museum Adventure Week Summer Camp series will pivot to a virtual platform due to COVID-19.
Inspired by weekly camp themes, the Virtual Summer Camp will also include an Adventure Kit. Kits are curated boxes of hands-on activities exclusive to the Everhart, with digital codes for access to live classroom experiences with museum educators. Each week has a unique story to tell as campers follow characters through adventures in nature, art, and mysteries of the ancient world.
“We typically plan our Museum Adventures all year long. We wanted to put the same level of energy and enthusiasm into these kits that we would have if the kids were with us in the museum. We have a great team of creative people, and we are so proud of what we’ve come up with to engage kids in museum education from home,” said Stefanie Colarusso, the museum’s director of programs and events.
The curriculum is tailored to two age groups: kindergarten through 2nd graders and 3rd-6th graders. Each Museum Adventure Kit has supplies for one child, but the adventure can be shared with the whole family. The cost of each Virtual Summer Camp with a Museum Adventure Kit is $15 per kit, and a limited number of kits will be available each week.
As in previous years, each week will have a dedicated theme.
Adventure Kit themes:
Week 1 (July 13-17): Nature Adventure for Grades K-2 – Butterfly Discovery on the Pamana Expedition, and for Grades 3-6 – Dr. Twining’s Strange and Unusual Herbarium
Week 2 (July 27-31): Art Adventure Grades K-2 – The Story of the Fisherman from Kanagawa, and for Grades 3-6 – Stitching a Story: A Weaver from New Hope
Week 3 (Aug. 10-14): Mystery Adventure Grades K-2 – Magical Egypt – Animals and Insects of the Ancient World, and for Grades 3-6 – Breaking Codes in the Tomb of Queen Hatshepsut
“My family has been participating in the Virtual Workshops, and we really enjoy them. The projects are engaging and educational. As always, the entire Everhart staff is professional, yet relaxed and welcoming. We are looking forward to their upcoming programs!” Karen A. said.
A Museum Adventure Kit includes the following: a short story written by museum staff, exclusive to the Everhart Museum Collection; full printed lesson plans; all tools and supplies needed for projects; printed artworks or 3-D printed collection pieces; codes to unlock digital step-by-steps; links to recommended virtual field trips; a schedule of live daily classes or discussions; morning warm-ups with museum staff; and a free Family Membership that can be used within a year of activation, a total retail value of $90.
The cost of each Adventure Kit has been reduced thanks to the additional support provided by the Everhart’s board of trustees. Adventure Week is underwritten by the Lackawanna County Office of Education and Culture, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the city of Scranton, ArtsEngage, and the Maslow Family Foundation.
Registration opens on Monday, June 1. To register, visit everhart-museum.org. For more information, email assistant.programs@everhart-museum.org.
The Everhart Museum (1901 Mulberry St., Scranton) is currently closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. When restrictions are lifted, the hours of operation will be adjusted under the recommendation of Governor Tom Wolf and the CDC. For more information, contact the museum at 570-346-7186 or email general.information@everhartmuseum.org.
The Everhart Museum was founded in 1908 by Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart, a Scranton physician and businessman with a keen interest in natural history. Located in Scranton’s historic Nay Aug Park, the Everhart is the largest general museum in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is dedicated to the collection, care, and display of a diverse array of objects and specimens, including natural history, science, and fine arts. Through its exhibitions and programs, the museum has been an invaluable regional resource for educational and cultural opportunities for over 100 years.
