Summer Camps 2023
We are very excited to be partnering with our friends from the YMCA, Missoula Community School, Montana Natural History Center, and spectrUM to offer a unique lineup of bug camps this summer. Check out our offerings, and please consider joining our email list to stay in the know about future camp developments.
Creative Creatures with the Montana Natural History Center
Date: June 12-16 (Grades 1-2) AND June 26-30 (Grades 3 - 5)
Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Location: Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory St
Before/After Care Available: Yes, included in you registration fee
Cost: $335, $315 for members of the Montana Natural History Center
Description: This camp sits right at the exciting intersection of art and science. Each day we’re going to create art projects inspired by nature! We’ll be holding live Bug Ambassadors from around the world and going on bug hunts to look for local bug friends to inspire our creative projects. Whether we’re holding bugs, observing the natural world, or creating art, we’re going to have a STEAM-tastic time together. This camp is perfect for all young bug, nature, AND art lovers alike.
Registration: Registration will open at 3:00pm on Sunday, February 5th, 2023. For more information about MNHC camps, check out their Summer Camps page. Register directly on their camp registration page. See tips below for recommendations for a smooth registration process.
Registration Tips:
- Full payment will be due upon registration.
- MNHC is selling summer camp t-shirts – $15 each, and you can purchase them when you register.
- Give MNHC a call if you have any questions or need help setting up your account: 406.327.0405.
- MNHC’s registration system requires you to create an account for your family and you’ll need to add each child individually. Create your account and add each of the campers you plan to register to your account in advance so you will be ready to sign them up when registration opens.
- You may also want to set up your payment method to speed up the registration process.
- Camps can fill quickly on registration day. If you don’t get a spot in the camp you want, you should add yourself to our online waitlist. We highly recommend adding yourself to the waitlist if the camp you want is full. Camp spots often open up.
Bug Week with the Missoula Community School
Dates: June 19-23
Time: 9:00am - 3:00 pm, before and after care available.
Location: Missoula Community School, 239 S 5th St W
Description: We’re partnering with our friends at the Missoula Community School to bring campers a week full of all things bugs! We’ll explore everything from metamorphosis to camouflage, adaptations to food chains. Each day will feature new Bug Ambassadors to meet and hold, bug themed activities, adventures and more.
Age and Schedule Information: Please note that with this camp there are a few different options. There will be two sessions running simultaneously this week: one for younger kids (ages 3 – 5) and one for older kids (ages 5 – 8). There is also a choice on how many days of camp you would like to sign up for. A five day (Mon – Fri) option is available, as is a three day (Tues – Thurs) option. Extended care (8am - 5pm) is also available for an additional charge.
Registration: Learn more about MCS and register HERE starting mid-March.
Note: All MCS summer camps are first come, first served. Filling out a registration form does NOT secure your spot. Once they receive your form, they will get back to you about availability. At this point you will put down a deposit (equal to 50% of your total summer camp payment) and have secured your spot.
As a licensed child care provider, MCS is required to keep a variety of records. Once MCS has received your registration form, they will have you update or turn in the necessary paperwork for attendance, including immunization records. If your child is on an alternate immunization schedule or is exempt, please call the school before registering so they can review the licensing regulations regarding immunization with you.
Animal Superheros with spectrUM
Date: July 17-21
Ages: 6-9
Location: spectrUM Discovery Area at the Missoula Public Library, 455 E Main St
Time: 9:00am - 3:30 pm
Description: Can you jump as far as a snow flea? Or run as fast as a cheetah? What about lifting as much as a Hercules beetle? Have fun this week with spectrUM and the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium as we explore animal superpowers! Each day features fun adventures, games, and interactions with live Bug Ambassadors. We'll play to learn all about the impressive adaptations, abilities and strengths of animals!
Registration:
- Registration for spectrUM members begins March 1, open registration begins March 8.
- Scholarships are available for families in need.
Arthropod Athletics at the YMCA
Dates: July 24-28
Ages: Kids entering 2nd-3rd grade.
Location: YMCA, 3000 S Russell St.
Time: 9:00am-4:30pm (before care from 7:30-9:00am, after care from 4:30-6:00pm)
Cost: $296 ($276 with Y Membership)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack included.
Description: We are so excited to be partnering with the Y to host another week of athletic arthropod adventures! Discover all of the amazing feats bugs can do and try your own hand at a variety of bug inspired games and challenges. Join us to take an active and deep dive into the world of bugs.
Link to Register: www.ymcamissoula.org/programs/camps/summer-day-camps
I won’t hesitate to look for this camp and include it in our summer scheduling next year! I have video of my son presenting his science fair project to me and it is something I will cherish forever. He already knew so much about bugs, but he shocked me with the big words he was using and explanation of concepts that I don’t even fully understand. It was a super proud mom moment!
Parent of a Past Camper
A month later and I’m still hearing bits and pieces of things Morgan learned, and memories from her time in camp.
Parent of a Past Bug Camper
Lots of fun to be had at Bug Camp!
