A Look Back at Break Camp Adventures

May 7, 2024
Emily Jeung

As another season of discovery and adventure ends, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact of 2023 – 2024 Camp For Curious Minds’ School Break Camps.

From the depths of the ocean to the icy coolness of the Arctic, each camp has left an indelible mark on our campers, families, and community.

Do you like what you’re reading? Sign up for our upcoming 2024 Summer Camps across multiple locations in and around Seattle!

Two girls working in dirt

Empowering Future Stewards

Throughout the Break Camps, campers have become empowered agents of change, ready to tackle the challenges facing our planet.

From exploring the human impact on our oceans to discovering solutions for a sustainable future, they have gained the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a positive difference in the world around them.

Boy looking through a magnifying glass

Inspiring Curiosity and Wonder

At the heart of our Break Camps is a commitment to inspiring curiosity and wonder in the next generation of scientists, explorers, and innovators.

Through hands-on activities, immersive experiences, and interactive learning, campers have discovered the beauty and complexity of the natural world, igniting a lifelong passion for exploration and discovery.

Arctic Adventures campers exploring the Adventures with Sound exhibit.

Building Community Connections

Pacific Science Center’s Break Camps have also fostered meaningful connections within our community, bringing families together on a shared journey of learning and discovery.

From bonding over boat-building challenges to marveling at the symmetry of snowflakes, campers and their families have created memories to cherish for years to come.

Polar Plunge campers learning about animal adaptations by meeting with Ruby the Ball Python.

Insights and Discoveries 

Throughout camps, learners engaged in a variety of hands-on activities and immersive experiences, gaining valuable knowledge and skills that will stay with them long after the camps have ended. Here are just a few of the things they learned:

  1. Understanding the Human Impact on Oceans: Campers in “Turning Tides” and “Climate Cove” learned about sustainability, citizen science, and the importance of protecting our oceans from human-caused climate change.
  2. Exploring Winter Science: In camps like “Winter Wetland” and “Hidden Bears and Snowshoe Hares,” campers delved into the properties of snow and ice, discovering the unique challenges and opportunities of winter in the Pacific Northwest.
  3. Adapting to Arctic Conditions: At “Arctic Adventures” camp, campers explored the remarkable adaptations of Arctic animals and learned about the traditional knowledge and survival skills of native Inuit peoples.
  4. Building Engineering Skills: Campers in “Plant Pals” and “Arctic Adventures” had the chance to build model boats, igloos, and more, honing their engineering skills and creativity.
  5. Fostering Environmental Stewardship: Across all camps, campers developed a deeper appreciation for the natural world and gained a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity.
Throughout the week, campers in Turning Tides learned about ocean science and created boats to go along with that. They added an element to their boats each day that represented what they learned about and got to set sail in the PacSci ponds!

Looking Ahead to Summer 

As we reflect on the impact of our Break Camps, we also look forward to the adventures that await in the summer months. There’s something for every young explorer at Camp for Curious Minds’ Summer Camps.

Are you ready to embark on a summer of discovery and adventure? Sign up for 2024 STEM Summer Camps and continue the journey of exploration, learning, and fun!

There’s a world of excitement waiting to be uncovered, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Blossoming Botanist campers working on their wooden boats for the Float Your Boat Project in partnership with UW. These boats will be sent by scientists to the arctic to collect data on ice melts!

Together, Let’s Explore, Discover, & Learn

As we bid farewell to another season of Break Camps, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have joined us on this incredible journey.

As we look to the future, we do so with excitement, anticipation, and a commitment to continuing our mission of inspiring curiosity, igniting imaginations, and empowering future generations of explorers.

Thank you for being a part of the Pacific Science Center community, and we can’t wait to see you at our Summer Camps!

Thank you to our generous supporters, including more than 1,500 individuals, companies, and foundations, as well as more than 13,000 member households. Your support brings to life PacSci’s mission to ignite curiosity in every corner of Washington State and beyond.

«
»