Summer Camps
The Museum of Man summer camps are inspired by fascinating anthropology exhibits and children’s imaginations. Set your child up for success with scientific summer learning! Campers will: Experience the mysteries of the ancient Egyptians and Maya with art, and archaeology. Climb into an imaginary time machine and explore the origins of mankind and the evolution of our cultures. Learn about howlers, chimps, and endangered primates. Create art inspired by ancient and modern cultures from around the world—jewelry, amulets, weavings and pottery. Become a "Forensic Anthropologist" and examine clues to solve ancient mysteries. There is a fantastic adventure for everyone at the Museum of Man this summer!
SUMMER CAMP FAQ
When are camps in session? All camps are Monday – Friday, 9:00AM-12:00PM for morning sessions and 1:00PM- 4:00PM for afternoon sessions. Our half-day camps can be combined with those offered by participating Balboa Park Camp Collaborative Programs to create a fun filled day of summer! Visit the Balboa Park Camp Collaborative website: http://balboapark.org/just-for-kids/summer-camp.php
How much do camps cost? The cost of a week long, half day program is $120 for the general public. If you are a Museum of Man Family Member you are eligible to receive a discounted rate of $90 per program. Annual Family memberships to the Museum are $60 and will guarantee $30 off your child’s camp registration!
How can I sign my child up? Camps fill quickly; reserve your child’s spot today! Click here to register.
What is the Camp Collaborative Program? With the Balboa Park Camp Collaborative Program your child can enjoy a full day of fun in the park. Register Morning and Afternoon camps with participating institutions and your child will be supervised all day! Campers are escorted to their afternoon camp after having their sack lunch with counselors. To participate, register your child’s Morning and Afternoon camps with each institution and just mention the Camp Collaborative Program! For information on participating institutions and a Camp Collaborative schedule please visit the Balboa Park website at: http://balboapark.org/just-for-kids/summer-camp.php
SUMMER CAMP SESSIONS
Mysterious Mummies- July 5 –July 9, AM 9:00-12:00, Grades 3-6
Solve the mystery of the headless mummy! Learn how and why mummies were made. Campers will get behind the scenes information about the mummy collection at the Museum of Man. This camp will ‘unwrap’ the cultural beliefs and practices of Ancient Egyptians, while campers learn how art was an important part of the afterlife. They will make the amulets, scarabs, and jewelry to take home to their ‘tombs’!
“Walk Like an Egyptian” - July 12–16, PM 1:00-4:00, Grades 2-4
This camp focuses on the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. Campers will learn about the importance of the Nile, the social structure of ancient Egypt, the culture of Egyptian people including their clothing, food, drink, work, art, mummies and pyramids. Campers will adventure through the Museum of Man to an ancient Egyptian marketplace, household, and royal tomb!
Amazing Race: Human Evolution - July 19– 23, AM 9:00-12:00, Grades 3-6
Grade Follow the footsteps through time to discover the origins of our human species! Learn how anthropologists study evolution and how scientists can use DNA to trace the origins of man in our National Geographic: Genographic Project exhibit! Find out the difference between “Lucy” and “Ardi”, and race to the finish with survival of the fittest at the world-famous San Diego Zoo!
Archaeology: Can You Dig It? - July 26- 30, PM 1:00-4:00, Grades 3-6
Did you know that archaeologists work in teams to get the job done? While exploring the exhibits campers will learn the tricks of the archaeological trade. Then, in a classroom “laboratory” setting, we work in teams to make scientific predictions about familiar objects. This is a hands-on opportunity for young explorers to analyze and interpret artifacts like a real archaeologist. Campers will practice the scientific method while learning the importance of ethical excavation and conservation techniques.
Cookin’ Up Culture - August 2-6, PM 1:00-4:00, Grades 3-6
Did you know the Maya used chocolate for money and the Kumeyaay cooked using baskets? Eating, drinking, cooking, and cuisine are an important part of culture. Food not only sustains us, but nourishes ideas, traditions, and social interactions. Join us on this delicious adventure where we will be exploring what food means to different cultures, and tasting some of our own creations! We will visit different exhibits to learn more about cultural food traditions. Let’s cook up some fun at the Museum of Man!
Illustrating Culture: Museum of Man Art Camp - August 9-13, PM 1:00-4:00, Grades 3-6
From the mural in our Maya: Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth exhibition, to the original 1914 paintings of Tikal and Chichen Itza, to Egyptian sarcophagi and stonework, and authentic Kumeyaay baskets and pottery, art is everywhere at the San Diego Museum of Man! Campers will compare art from different cultures and time periods from around the world and learn what makes art the first form of human expression. This camp features expert instructors who will introduce students to techniques in various media, including pencil, ink, watercolor, and clay. All materials will be provided.
Monkeyin’ Around - August 16–20, AM 9:00-12:00, Grades 2-4
Become a Jr. Primatologist! Join our anthropologists and spend some time “hangin’ around” the interactive exhibits in our Primate Hall, then visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo and see living primates in action! Through science, art, stories, and media, we will explore the world of primates – howler monkeys, gibbons, gorillas, chimpanzees, and the largest primate to ever live – Gigantopithecus! We will also learn about endangered species and what we can do to make a difference.
The Official Secret Lives of Games: Designers Challenge Camp (Special Exhibit!) -August 23–27, AM 9:00-12:00, Grades 3-6
You've played other people's board games for years—now see if you have what it takes to make your own! Let the curator of The Secret Lives of Games take you on a tour of the exhibition, then spend the week with our experts designing, building, playing, and testing your own board game masterpiece. Find out why bad games fail and good games work, and how challenging it is for professionals to design a game good enough for the stores.