Fall 2020 & Spring 2021 Camps

Friday STEAM Camp

These camps are available for all K-2nd graders, and align with the schedule of select local elementary schools that have off on Fridays. Each week, campers will explore a new STEAM topic. Please provide your student with a lunch, two snacks, and a water bottle, all labeled with their name. All camps listed below will be held at the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum unless stated otherwise.

• Schedule:
  • 8:30AM-9:00AM – Drop Off
  • 9:00AM-12:00PM – Science Lessons and Activities (with a snack break)
  • 12:00PM-1:00PM – Lunch/Recess
  • 1:00PM-4:30PM – Science Lessons and Activities (with a snack break)
  • 4:30PM-5:00PM – Clean Up
  • 5:00PM-5:30PM – Pick Up

Have an early morning? We have an early drop-off option from 7:30 am - 8:30 am for all campers. For $5 per day for members and $7 per dayfor non-members, our EUREKA! staff will provide an extra hour of child care.

No School Day Camps

These camps are available for all K-2nd graders, and align with the D51 calendar. Please provide your student with a lunch, two snacks, and a water bottle, all labeled with their name. All camps listed below will be held at the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum unless stated otherwise.

• Schedule:
  • 8:30AM-9:00AM – Drop Off
  • 9:00AM-12:00PM – Science Lessons and Activities (with a snack break)
  • 12:00PM-1:00PM – Lunch/Recess
  • 1:00PM-4:30PM – Science Lessons and Activities (with a snack break)
  • 4:30PM-5:00PM – Clean Up
  • 5:00PM-5:30PM – Pick Up

Have an early morning? We have an early drop-off option from 7:30 am - 8:30 am for all campers. For $5 per day for members and $7 per dayfor non-members, our EUREKA! staff will provide an extra hour of child care.

September 7-8: Storybook Adventures

Join us as we journey through some classic storybooks, and investigate the science and engineering involved!

September 21-22: Dinosaurs

Did you know that a T-Rex had terrible vision? That Diloposauruses spit!? Or that Vilocoraptors hunted in twos or in packs? Campers will learn about the adaptations dinosaurs used to survive, hatch a dinosaur egg, learn about fossils, rock formations, volcanoes, and become paleontologists as they dig for dinosaur bones in this prehistoric science camp!

October 12-13: Pumpkin Science

Fall is here and so is pumpkin season! This camp is packed with science experiments, engineering challenges, and art projects centered around our favorite symbol of fall!

November 23: Learn to Code

Computer engineers solve puzzles to build instructions for computers to run. Come to this puzzle masters camp to learn how to create logical instructions like you were a computer engineer! We will solve puzzles, learn to speak a new computer language, and explore with binary.

November 24: Sensational Senses

Did you know newborn babies see everything upside-down? That eating a large meal can impact your hearing for a little while? That your taste buds die and are grown anew every few days? This camp will explore your senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch through hands on experiments and activities.

November 25: Eat Your Science!

Join us as in this camp as we bake, boil, simmer, sauté, and eat our way through the science of food!

November 30: Weather Explorers

Why does wind blow? What causes tornadoes? Why do some clouds cause rain and others don't? Campers will perform experiments and learn about weather through hands on activities. It will blow you away!

December 21: Space

How do planets orbit the sun? Why does the moon have craters? Campers will explore the solar system, create galaxy slime, blast off rockets, and learn about astronauts in this out-of-this-world camp experience!

December 22: Detective Adventures

Have you ever wondered what happens in forensic labs during an investigation? Campers will become crime scene investigators who search for clues, make observations, crack codes, collect scientific evidence, and solve a crime! Through hands-on lab tests, students will learn how investigators match crime scene DNA to suspects, take fingerprints, and much more. Put the pieces of the puzzle together and it all adds up to a fun learning experience!

December 23: Snow Animals

Did you know that a snow leopard uses its tails as a built-in blanket? That a snowshoe hare changes color based on the time of year? That an arctic fox will follow polar bears all winter and eat their left over scraps? Come to this camp to learn all about the amazing animals that survive and thrive in frigid climates.

December 24: Seasons STEAM

From summer to fall, winter and spring, what is your favorite season? Join our Seasons STEAM camp to learn the science behind the seasons! Get ready for a day of hands-on, seasons-themed learning!

December 28: Architecture 101

Architects design and build everything from homes to schools and museums. What does it take to be an architect? Join us for a day of architectural designing as we focus on the structure of famous sky scrappers.

December 29: Architecture 102

Have you ever wondered how bridges are made? Join us for a fun day of bridge designing and engineering, as we also study the structure of some of the world's most famous bridges!

December 30: Architecture 103

Did you know that architecture is more than just designing and building structures? It is the study of people, society, and how we live in and use space. It requires knowledge of building code, types of building materials, sun studies, construction management, sustainability practices, and more! Architecture 103 will explore the works of giants in the field such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Zaha Hadid, as well as new and innovative architectural designs such as earthships and tiny houses.

December 31: Recycled Art

One man's trash is another man's treasure... or another kid's art! In this camp, campers will create artistic masterpieces using common items that might otherwise be discarded!

January 4-5: Around the World with STEAM

Jane Goodall, Galileo, Wangari Maathai, and Marie Curie: what do all of these scientists have in common, apart from their groundbreaking scientific achievements? They are from all around the world! Join us in Around the World with STEAM to explore each of their contributions to science. Discover Jane Goodall's research on chimpanzees and make your own chimpanzee art, learn how to stargaze like Galileo, become an environmentalist like Wangari Maathai, conduct chemistry experiments like Marie Curie, and more!

January 18-19: Incredible Insects

Did you know that a ladybug could eat over 5,000 insects in its life? That butterflies taste with their feet? That dung beetles use the stars to help them navigate? Insects are fascinating creatures! This camp will explore the wonders of the insect world through experiments and exploration.

February 15: Rainbow Science

Have you ever wondered what causes a rainbow? Do you have a tough time choosing a favorite color because you love them all? Students will learn about how rainbows form and explore rainbows through experiments and activities.

March 11-12: Plant Science

Why do flowers smell good? How do seeds become plants? Do plants breathe like people do? Students will learn about everything from fruits and veggies to flowers and trees during this nature-filled camp.

March 22-26: Lego Engineering

Learn about structural engineering, constructing, and testing complex structures using Legos! Students will be able to explore and experiment with concepts of physics as they think like engineers and architects.

May 14: Camping STEAM

Are you getting excited about camping season? In this camp you will tackle engineering challenges, learn about wildlife in our area, and learn the science that will make your next camping adventure even better!

Friday STEAM Camp

These camps are available for all 3-5th graders, and align with the schedule of select local elementary schools that have off on Fridays. Each week, campers will explore a new STEAM topic. Please provide your student with a lunch, two snacks, and a water bottle, all labeled with their name. All camps listed below will be held at the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum unless stated otherwise.

• Schedule:
  • 8:30AM-9:00AM – Drop Off
  • 9:00AM-12:00PM – Science Lessons and Activities (with a snack break)
  • 12:00PM-1:00PM – Lunch/Recess
  • 1:00PM-4:30PM – Science Lessons and Activities (with a snack break)
  • 4:30PM-5:00PM – Clean Up
  • 5:00PM-5:30PM – Pick Up

Have an early morning? We have an early drop-off option from 7:30 am - 8:30 am for all campers. For $5 per day for members and $7 per dayfor non-members, our EUREKA! staff will provide an extra hour of child care.

No School Day Camps

These camps are available for all 3-5th graders, and align with the D51 calendar. Please provide your student with a lunch, two snacks, and a water bottle, all labeled with their name. All camps listed below will be held at the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum unless stated otherwise.

• Schedule:
  • 8:30AM-9:00AM – Drop Off
  • 9:00AM-12:00PM – Science Lessons and Activities (with a snack break)
  • 12:00PM-1:00PM – Lunch/Recess
  • 1:00PM-4:30PM – Science Lessons and Activities (with a snack break)
  • 4:30PM-5:00PM – Clean Up
  • 5:00PM-5:30PM – Pick Up

Have an early morning? We have an early drop-off option from 7:30 am - 8:30 am for all campers. For $5 per day for members and $7 per dayfor non-members, our EUREKA! staff will provide an extra hour of child care.

September 7-8: Scratch Coding

Computer lovers, creators, and future programmers, welcome! Using their creativity, computer skills, and Scratch coding, campers will be able to create their own video games, animated stories and interactive art online. After all, the future is computer!

September 21-22: Board Game Design

Do you like to play by our own rules? In Board Game Design, you'll not only be in charge of writing the rules to the game, but designing and creating the entire game!

October 12-13: Let's Go To The Movies!

Have you ever watched a movie and been inspired to engineer props from it? In this camp, you'll watch a movie, and then conduct your own science experiments and engineering projects from themes inspired from the film!

November 23: Architecture 101

Did you know that architecture is more than just designing and building structures? It is the study of people, society, and how we live in and use space. It requires knowledge of building code, types of building materials, sun studies, construction management, sustainability practices, and more! Architecture 101 will explore the works of giants in the field such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Zaha Hadid, as well as new and innovative architectural designs such as earthships and tiny houses.

November 24: Architecture 102

Architects design and build everything from homes to schools and museums. What does it take to be an architect? Join us for a day of architectural designing as we focus on the structure of famous sky scrappers.

November 25: Architecture 103

Have you ever wondered how bridges are made? Join us for a fun day of bridge designing and engineering, as we also study the structure of some of the world's most famous bridges!

November 30: DNA and Genetics

Your genes are the reason you have your mom's eyes, your dad's nose, and why you are really good at math like your Grandma Mary. Genes have a huge impact on what you look like and how you act. In this camp, students will learn the basics about genes, chromosomes, and DNA.

December 21: Magical and Mythical Creatures

Dragons, unicorns, centaurs and more! What is your favorite magical and mythical creature? Rest assured, you will get to learn all about it in this camp! If you could create your own magical and mythical creature, what would you name it? What abilities or super powers would it have? Where would it live? Join this camp for a magic and fun filled day!

December 22: Lunar Explorers

During this camp students will become astronauts in training! Campers will get a chance to learn all about moons and the research astronauts have done there. Prepare your spaceship and get ready to blast off!

December 23: Exploring Antarctica

From penguins and orca whales to the Ross Ice Shelf and Transantarctic Mountains, students in this camp will learn all about this mysterious continent!

December 24: Winter STEAM

'Tis the season to be STEAM-y! From to homemade snow, to gingerbread house engineering, to DIY snow globes, this camp is full of fun-filled holiday activities with a STEAM twist. Campers will also be able to take their holiday creations home at the end of the camp! Come join us for our STEAM winter Wonderland!

December 28: Detective Academy

Have you ever wondered what happens in forensic labs during an investigation? Campers will become crime scene investigators who search for clues, make observations, crack codes, and collect scientific evidence! Through hands-on lab tests, students will learn what is involved to be a Detective.

December 29: Animals of the Grand Valley

From yellow headed collared Lizards, to bald eagles, to big horned sheep, this camp will learn about all of the creatures that call our valley home.

December 30: Plants of the Grand Valley

Join us in this camp to learn about the local plants from the columbine, to sagebrush, to the blue spruce. Campers will learn about plants through experiments and hands on activities.

December 31: Rocks of the Grand Valley

Our area is surrounded by incredible rock structures, from the Colorado National Monument, to the Bookcliffs, to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This camp will explore the types of rocks and fossils that can be found here and learn about how they were formed.

January 4-5: Space Explorers

Did you know that one day on Venus is longer than one year? That Mercury is shrinking? That there are over 500,000 pieces of space junk that humans have left in space? In this camp, campers will learn all about the universe!

January 18-19: Creative Inventors

Do you love to tinker with anything you can get your hands on? Do you have countless ideas for building and creating new things? Creative Inventors is the camp for you! Engage in the engineering process to come up with your own unique inventions as well as learn about some of the most famous inventions in history.

February 15: Extreme Earth

Why does the United States have more tornadoes than the rest of the world combined, yet most only occur in the spring and early fall? Why does hurricane season in the Northern Hemisphere peak between August and September when the Atlantic Ocean is warmest? Investigate the earth's extreme events by studying recent natural disasters such as Hurricane Ivan in the Caribbean, monsoon flooding in South Asia, and wildfires in the United States. Discover how science experts try to understand our dynamic earth and try to predict the future.

March 11-12: Cinematography

Grab your cameras and scripts, and get ready to learn all about the process of making a film. Bring your creativity as you learn to work with a team to develop a screenplay and shoot a video.

March 22-26: Minecraft Engineering

What would it take to build a magical community? Use both practical classroom materials and digital materials in Minecraft to problem solve and to creatively build and engineer structures that would allow people to inhabit the North Pole. What students do in this camp is only limited by their imaginations!

May 14: Map Masters

Do you enjoy helping your parents navigate when they are driving? Do you like to use maps to help you find places? You will love this camp! Campers will learn how to navigate using maps, use maps to learn about places, and create their own maps of familiar places!

September 20 - 22: Fall Equinox Camp Out

Did you know the Autumnal Equinox marks the first day of Fall? Cooler days, changing leaves, and apple picking aren’t the only great things about Autumn. Join us for a 3 day camp out where we will celebrate the arrival of fall. We’ll spend our days learning about how plants and animals prepare for winter and our nights using telescopes to check out the Autumn stars.

November 23: Climbing and Canyon Adventures: Moab Exploration

Can’t get enough of the desert landscape? Join our instructor team for a Thanksgiving adventure to Moab where we’ll spend the day hiking over red rock in search of an answer to the question “Why do arches form?” We’ll learn all about different types of sandstone and the processes that combine to form the most dramatic natural arches on Earth, and cap the day off by standing under Corona Arch, a sweeping, 105-foot tall wonder. Let your curiosity roam and join us for a day adventure to Moab.

November 24th: Climbing and Canyon Adventures: Sandstone Climbing

Join us for a day of desert climbing. We’ll get introduced to the fundamentals of climbing outdoors while enjoying the fall weather in Unaweep canyon. Learn how to safely belay, basic movement skills, and get hands-on experience with all of the gear you need to have a fun and fulfilling adventure. Come spend your day rock climbing with our expert instructor team and discover that science IS adventure!

November 25th: Climbing and Canyon Adventures: Monument Exploration

Celebrate the holiday with a desert adventure right in your own backyard. It’s easy to forget to be grateful for the Colorado National Monument, but did you know that the monument has canyons as deep as 500 feet and spires as tall as 450 feet? Come spend the day connecting to this incredible resource while we get behind the scenes and conduct experiments to learn what makes the Colorado National Monument such an amazing place.

November 30: Outdoor Living Skills

Ever wonder what it takes to survive outdoors? Want to practice your survival skills and make Bear Grylls jealous? We’ll spend the Monday after Thanksgiving learning the science behind some of our most important survival skills like starting a fire, purifying water, and building an insulating shelter.

December 28: Winter Ecology 101

Do you know what happens to the plants and animals when the world gets cold in winter? Where do all the insects go? How do trees survive freezing temperatures and frigid winds? What does it feel like to lay in a snow cave and hibernate? We’ll answer these questions and more during an epic day of snowshoeing and winter ecology on the Grand Mesa.

December 29: Snow Science

Snow is vital to the survival of many plants and animals in the grand valley (including humans). Spend a day with us on the Mesa learning the science of snow, how it forms, where it falls, and what it means to the ecosystem. We’ll learn to snowshoe, have fun and learn how important snow is to our life here in Grand Junction.

December 30: The Science of Ice

Ice abounds in winter. Take a day trip with us into the Colorado National Monument to learn about ice falls and how they form. We’ll explore an icefall, investigate ice crystals under a microscope and get hands-on with some of the tools scientists use to study (and climb!) water ice.

October 12 - 13: Black Canyon of the Gunnison Expedition (5th - 8th) Two days and one night

The west slope of Colorado holds endless wonders and one of the most amazing and mysterious is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. We’ll spend 2 days exploring the phenomena that caused such a massive rift in the earth while hiking through golden Aspen forests. Prepare to be blown away by this breathtaking canyon and the incredible secret worlds that lay hidden in its depths.

November 22 - 25: Thanksgiving Climb and Canyon Adventure (5th - 8th) 4 days and 3 nights

Are you ready for a holiday adventure like never before? Join us for 4 days as we tour Eastern Utah and climb, camp, and canyon our way to an unforgettable Thanksgiving. We’ll visit some of Utah’s most amazing places, practice our climbing skills, and learn everything you need to know to plan your own big adventure.

November 24th: Climbing and Canyon Adventures: Sandstone Climbing

Join us for a day of desert climbing. We’ll get introduced to the fundamentals of climbing outdoors while enjoying the fall weather in Unaweep canyon. Learn how to safely belay, basic movement skills, and get hands-on experience with all of the gear you need to have a fun and fulfilling adventure. Come spend your day rock climbing with our expert instructor team and discover that science IS adventure!

December 27 - Dec 30: Winter Ecology Expedition (5th - 8th) 4 days and 3 nights

Winter provides an amazing opportunity to watch the world grow quiet and find serenity in peaceful places. It is also a chance to cut loose and get a little wild on a snowy landscape. On our 2020 Winter Ecology Expedition, we’ll do both. Spend 3 days and 2 nights, hut trip style, while we explore the wonder of the winter world like you’ve never seen it before. Our days will be packed with snowshoeing, avalanche study, snow science and sledding and in the evening we’ll take time to relax and watch the sunset over white mountains while the stars come out. Come learn the wonder of a dedicated snow adventure and never think about winter the same way again.