NATURAL SCIENCE PROGRAMS
Junior Scientists
Ages 7 - 11, and 10-12
2025 DISCOVERY CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN
A Family, Year-Round Island Family Membership or higher is required to register for our Discovery Camps.
Junior Scientists Ages 7 - 11
Scroll Down for Ages 10 - 12
Junior Ecologists I and II
This is a half day program meeting from 10am - 2pm
Embark on a journey into the realms of “ologies”! Biology, ecology, ornithology, hydrology and more! Uncover the secrets of plant and animal adaptations, water, soil quality and more! From birds to bugs and soil to water, we’ll unravel the wonders of the natural world. Campers will catch and study insects, search for wild birds, track animals, and design their very own field journal filled with weekly discoveries! Each day will focus on a different topic as we explore all that our natural world has to offer! Campers will engage in a personalized plant or animal study of their own design.
Please pack a snack, plenty of water, and a lunch each day for your camper.
Location: Classes Meet at 2 Vestal Street in Yard between Hinchman House Natural Science Museum and MMA Research Center.
Cost per Participant: $605
*Camp will not be held on Thursday, June 19th and price will be prorated
Junior Aquarists I and II
This is a half day program meeting from 10am - 2pm
Dive into the wonders of the ocean as a Junior Aquarist at the Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium! Over the course of the week, Junior Aquarists will learn about what it takes to run our seasonal aquarium, from how we prepare animal food to how the filters of a tank keep the water clean for the animals! Junior Aquarists will get to interact with our sea creatures, help maintain our many tanks, and explore how the MMA staff interprets science to the public.
Beyond the tanks, we’ll hit the beach for marine ecology walks, where campers will explore marine habitats and collect marine species for the aquarium. With hands-on lessons in marine biology and conservation, this program is perfect for curious scientists-to-be who are eager to explore the underwater world!
Please pack a snack, plenty of water, and a lunch each day for your camper.
Location: Classes Meet at 2 Vestal Street in Yard between Hinchman House Natural Science Museum and MMA Research Center.
Cost per Participant: $605
**Nantucket Year-Round island Families Special Rate
Junior Scientists Ages 10 -12
Marine Investigators I, II, and III
This is a half-day program meeting from 10am - 2pm, drop off at MMA Aquarium
Does your camper want to be a marine scientist or advocate when they grow up? Want to get your feet wet in the field of research? This camp provides an introduction to the topics and tools of marine biology for your young scientist and the fascinating world of scientific research methods. Dive into the vital work of the local conservation agents as you learn about data collection and how scientists utilize data to protect our environment. Explore the behavior of animals, the chemistry of the ocean, and the communities of living organisms. Learn hands-on by performing water chemistry tests and taking readings of the surrounding waters. Examine the world of marine biology further with snorkeling adventures and a kayaking excursion.
Per state regulations participants must demonstrate strong swimming ability to participate in swimming and snorkeling activities or they will be required to wear a life jacket.
Please note: Swimming, snorkeling and other water immersion activities in this session are contingent upon state regulations and safe weather conditions.
Cost per Participant: $800
*Camp will not be held on Friday, July 4th and price will be prorated
Junior Naturalists I, II, and III
This is a half-day program meeting from 10am - 2pm, drop off at MMA Natural Science Museum
Interested in science and ecology? Want to learn how to design your own research?
Step into the world of discovery with Junior Ecologists, a hands-on natural science camp designed for young explorers! Hosted at Maria Mitchell Natural Science Museum, this camp offers a perfect blend of adventure and education. Campers will get a behind-the-scenes experience at the Natural Science Museum operations, assisting with animal husbandry duties and learning what it takes to build and maintain exhibits. With opportunities to engage in natural science and learn how we care for our animals and collections; your child will be immersed in the day-to-day world of the Natural Science Museum.
In addition to museum life, campers will embark on exciting animal collecting trips, exploring local habitats to observe the insects and wildlife. Each session is guided lessons in entomology, terrestrial ecology, and the science behind the natural world, Junior Ecologist is the ideal camp for children who are curious about the natural world around them and want to become hands-on stewards of nature. Campers will collect data, conduct scientific investigations and design experiments using real scientific equipment. Be inspired by the natural world! Conduct mini science experiments and use digital microscopes to create nature – inspired works of art through sketching, painting, and mixed media. Campers will work on multi-day projects building on what they learned the day before as they ask and answer their own scientific questions.
Cost per Participant: $800
Registration Information
***PLEASE REMEMBER***
Camper Health Records:
Once enrolled in Discovery Camp your registered email will receive an invitation from our electronic health records portal - Camp Doc. To complete this profile, you will need to provide the following information:
- Phone number for your child’s doctor
- Health insurance details
- Emergency contacts and phone numbers
- Names and contact info for people on your child’s pick up list
- Medication details if applicable
- Physical and immunization records
Medical and medication forms are REQUIRED. Camper's profiles must be completed at least 2 weeks before your camper's registered session. Please Note: No child will be allowed to participate in our programs without our administration receiving ALL of the completed registration and medical information. MMA reserves the right to cancel – without refund – any camper’s spot if the information is not received two weeks before the session’s start date.
Camp Session Details:
- Session Details will be shared the Wednesday before your camper's session begins, you will also receive a detailed email that includes drop off and pick up details, an agenda for the week with locations, activities and what to bring. Since our instructors plan their lessons the week prior to the session it is not possible to send this information sooner.