Yes

Start with a box. Think outside of it. Transform it into something from a far off world.

First, imagine what something from another world looks like? Is this creature even alive or could it be more machine? Start with a box big enough to climb into. Build a head that fits over yours. Attach flexible arms with grabber claws to manipulate the world around you. Create custom feet for different ways to move.

****Please note that the tools and techniques used in this class will require a certain amount of size, strength, and manual dexterity that not all 11 (or even some 12 year olds) have yet. We cannot accept any campers who are less than 11 years old minimum and we will ask that parents who have any questions as to their child's readiness call us to discuss it and perhaps come in with the camper to meet the instructors before signing up.****

Each tree has a story. Each tree has a place in the forest and gifts that people rely on. This week we will look at oaks, walnuts, willows, birches, and white pines that live on the Museum’s site. We will get to know their practical purposes and the legends that surround them.

Sand and polish pieces of each wood to learn their weight and color. Construct a fandex to collect and remember the parts and stories of these trees.

Art speaks. Sometimes its messages are personal and private. Sometimes art speaks to the biggest audience it can find.
Explore the materials, methods and messages of Public Art.

Each day do a project for yourself and a team project for everyone.

To celebrate
On Midsummer's Day, celebrate the artistry of the sun. Mix with traditional games and costumes shadow paintings of your own design. Silhouette yourself on the day of the year's shortest shadows.

Everywhere in life we encounter choices. What outfit to wear, what show to watch, what to eat for dinner… This last choice has a resounding impact.

Farmers are faced with choices as well - some easier than others. When farming free range, farmers choose to let their livestock - typically poultry - roam freely outdoors, rather than being confined in an enclosure for 24 hours each day.

When a choice like this is made many other factors come into play. Where will the animals roam? Will they be safe? What are the benefits? Farmers have answers.

As America began to concentrate work and people in cities in the 19th Century, thoughtful educators and organizations advocated reconnecting children (and adults) with nature. We organized parks and camps: the air was fresher, schedules could be relaxed, play and learning could be spontaneous.

Nearly everything we do is affected by the weather. So weather forcasting is a special science. However, to create a weather forcast, you need to gather data and interpret the meanings. Our Weather Station measures 1) temperature, 2) wind direction 3) wind speed 4) rainfall and describes cloud formations.

Collect data @ School or @ Home to create charts which will help you understand the patterns that the weather is following. Now, more than ever, being aware of the weather is vital.

When the primary colors of light, red, green, and blue are mixed, white light is produced. By looking at the shadows cast when an object blocks one or more of these color components, you can observe both the additive and subtractive processes of color mixing. Instead of subtracting light via an absorbing pigment, the object's shadow "removes" the component color from the "white" light. For example, the yellow shadow is the result of blocking the blue led and only allowing red and green to mix. Similarly, yellow pigment absorbs blue light and reflects red and green.

Canal boats tell the story of the first bold man-made trade network, of community cooperation, of the ingenious use of water power. Construct a boat, its mules, people and canal bed in 1/4th" scale. Operate a model lock. With the rich illustrations of Peter Spier's Erie Canal ©1970

Connecticut History for the canal communities: New Haven, Hamden, Cheshire, Southington, Plainville

Construct a birdhouse of sustainably harvested pine and re-used plywood. Learn the measurements of adapting house to species. Learn to site house for temperature and security. Learn annual recycling. Learn sensible building choices for birds (and people).