Winter Wonders Camp: Ages 5-7 Jan. 3 – 6, 2023

Winter Wonders Camp: Ages 5-7 Jan. 3 – 6, 2023

Times: Drop-off 8:30-9 a.m. | Pick-up 3-3:30 p.m.
Grades: K through 2nd grade (ages 5-7)
Price: $225 | $20 Sibling Discount | $20 Off for Members (family and above)

Winter can be a wild time! Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History this winter break to learn about the seasons, the weather, and how plants and animals adapt to survive the winter time. Explore nature, make art, and play with new friends while learning about local natural history.

Our experienced staff will promote meaningful experiences in nature and positive social interactions as we set out on outdoor adventures. Each day will involve outdoor nature exploration, hands-on learning, and related games and crafts. We will investigate insects and animals, study plants and the weather, and observe our ocean specimens. The week will end with an Open House to showcase all the interesting discoveries made at camp. Join us to build connections to nature and stewardship for our future!

Kids who participate in the Winter Wonders camp will leave with a sense of wonder and excitement for nature. They will be proud protectors of Santa Cruz’s natural treasures, ready to share their discoveries with their friends and family. Each of the three days will focus on a different theme that will guide a variety of art projects, science investigations, explorations, and games. “Leave no trace” ethics and safety in nature will be emphasized throughout the week so that campers will leave equipped with a better understanding of how to responsibly interact with the natural world.

Camp Scholarships

The Scholarship Fund is made possible by generous donations by members of the community. We hope to reduce barriers to enriching experiences such as our science camps for families in our community who would otherwise not be able to afford such opportunities. CLICK HERE to apply for a camp scholarship.

Discounts

To receive your Member Discount (Family-level and above) when registering, please sign in to the ticketing site. Use the discount code Sib2023 when registering a sibling to receive $20 off.

Special Precautions

The health and safety of our campers and staff is of utmost importance. Please follow THIS LINK to see our camp health and safety practices. All camps will run in accordance with California Department of Public Health guidelines.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations will incur a $15 processing fee. Cancellations within 2 weeks of camp are non-refundable. If your child is unable to attend because they or someone that they have come into contact with has tested positive for COVID-19, you will be refunded a pro-rated amount. We do not want financial considerations to interfere with making healthy decisions for your family.

If the Museum cancels camp before it begins, you will receive a full refund. If camp must be cancelled after beginning, you will receive a pro-rated refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should my camper bring every day? Please send your camper with: LUNCH AND SNACKS, layers, clothes that can get dirty during exploration, sturdy closed-toe shoes (no flip flops!), water bottle, hat/sun protection, medicine (see below). Please label your camper’s belongings so we can help them keep track of their things.
Does the Museum provide lunch? The Museum DOES NOT provide lunch. Please provide your own snacks–there will be a mid-morning and mid-afternoon break every day. Ensure that you pack enough food to fuel a fun and very active day.

Should my camper bring medicine? If your camper needs to take medication during the day, please make sure that they have it with them including instructions that they can follow. Alert staff that your child has these. The Museum does not provide or administer medication of any kind.
What if my camper has allergies? Please indicate your camper’s allergies and their severity (touch, inhalation, ingestion) upon registration. Include in your child’s daily pack any emergency medication as needed (anti-histamine, epi-pen, etc.) with clear instructions detailing symptoms and your preferred plan of action and doctor’s contact information. We may ask that all campers and staff restrict what they bring to camp if we find that we are unable to otherwise provide a safe environment according to the severity of a camper’s allergy.

How will campers get to the field trip sites? All field trips are within walking distance.

Who are the camp staff? This camp has been developed by the Museum’s education team. The lead instructor is an experienced educator, camp leader, and environmental scientist. He is accompanied by other education staff and volunteers. All staff and volunteers have passed background checks. Staff are all CPR and First Aid certified.
Is there a Scholarship Fund? Yes! We welcome donations to support the scholarship fund. We offer full and partial scholarships to support families with demonstrated financial need. CLICK HERE to apply for a scholarship.

How can I learn more details about the camp schedule? You will receive your “Camp Handbook” two weeks in advance of camp with more detailed information about field trips, daily themes, and what to bring.

Your feedback about the website, registration system, and camp are greatly appreciated. The Museum’s education staff has years of experience in environmental education, outdoor learning, and running camps at various outfits across the state and are eager to share their passion for the environment with your family. Feel free to share your thoughts, concerns, or questions with education@santacruzmuseum.org.