Curiosity Camps
Let your child ignite their natural curiosity through the power of play in an awe-inspiring environment!
About Curiosity Camps
Let your child ignite their natural curiosity through the power of play in an awe-inspiring environment! Each camp will have the opportunity to engage in specific programming topics for the group. Opportunities for exploration of the Museum environment and programs will be a part of each experience. The Community Room will be “Camp Central” and campers will be able to engage together as a group in that space for directly supervised experiences created for each camp. Whether you are looking for something for your child to do on a day off of school or an opportunity to explore the camp theme there will be something for everyone!
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota education team consists of highly qualified and trained program educators. The team is lead by Minnesota Licensed educators. These educators work closely to imagine and facilitate experiences that are engaging, unique, developmentally appropriate and fun for the campers.
More camps will be added throughout the year, so check back later!
Scholarships, presented by Xcel Energy Foundation, are available for families experiencing barriers.
CMSM’s Curiosity Camps: Early Experience is an early learning experience inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach which believes in children’s innate capacity to wonder, hypothesize, investigate, and ignite their own learning journey. Facilitators will observe and provoke thoughtful investigations to follow the emergent interests of children within the Museum and carefully design play-based experiences that support children’s exploration of materials, environments, relationships and ideas. This is also an opportunity to practice adult/parent separation time.
Slots Available: 18
Time: 9am-11:15am
Age: Children 3-5 years old. Must be toilet independent.
Cost: $275 for 10 weekly sessions
2024 Wednesday Camp Dates:
Fall 2024 September 18 – November 20
Spring 2025 January 8 – March 12
Looking for something for your child to do on M.A.P.S. Early Out Days? Here is the answer! Come join us for play and exploration in our awe-inspiring environment! Each Early Out day will have a fun theme, enriching activities, and opportunities to explore our spaces!
Slots Available: 18
Time: 1-4:30pm
Age: Current Kindergarten to 4th Grade
Cost: $45 each day *must register separately for multiple days
2024-25 Wednesday Camp Dates:
September 18, October 9, November 13, December 11, January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14
No school? No problem! Join us for one or all four of these full day Curiosity Camp options. Engaging topics, hands-on fun, and lots of exploration!
Slots Available: 28
Time: 9am-4pm
Age: Current Kindergarten to 4th Grade
Cost: $70 per camp day. *must register separately for multiple days.
2024 Camp Dates: March 26, April 10
Questions?
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota education team consists of highly qualified and trained program educators. The team is led by Licensed Educators. These Educators work closely to imagine and facilitate experiences that are engaging, unique, developmentally appropriate and fun for the campers. At least two-three team members (depending on which camp) will always be actively present with the children. Our typical instructor-to-camper ratios are 1:8 for kids 5-11 years and 1:6 for kids 4-5 years.
If the camp you are registered for is canceled by CMSM, you will be refunded your tuition in full. Please Note: Registration funds may not serve as credit for another CMSM camp or program, and camp sessions are not transferable to other campers. If CMSM cancels a camp, refund options will be shared.
If my camper becomes ill or is sent home sick for the week, will there be a refund?
No. It is the policy of The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota to not issue full or partial refunds based on the health of a child. By visiting CMSM you voluntarily assume all risks related to any potential infectious or contagious disease.
As a part of your registration, you will fill out a waiver form. Unless you specifically mark that your child does not have permission to be photographed or filmed we will assume the right to do so.
Questions? Contact VP of Play and Learning, Kim Kleven at kim.kleven@cmsouthernmn.org
Join us for an awe-inspiring summer filled with opportunities for children to use their curiosity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity!
Slots Available: 28
Time: 9am-4pm
Age: Finishing Kindergarten to 4th Grade in 23-24 school year.
2024 Individual Camp Dates: June 11, 12, 13, June 18, 19, 20, July 9, 10, 11, July 23, 24, 25
Cost: $70 per day camp
2024 3-Day Camp Dates: August 20-22 and August 27-29
Cost: $210 per 3-day camp
Curiosity Camps are proudly presented by the Xcel Energy Foundation.
