Camps
& Classes

Camp Curious Returns!

From June 10 through August 2, campers will experience the Grand Rapids Public Museum like never before during Camp Curious.  Pre-K through high school campers will explore the wonders of science, history, culture and more through a variety of one and multi day camp options. With artifact explorations, hands-on experiences, behind-the- scenes adventures, exciting experiments, and creative crafts; campers will enjoy an immersive and unique camp experience. Theme topics include: space exploration, the Grand River, engineering, culinary creations, and so much more. 

In addition to our core camp offerings, Camp Curious will be featuring some new camps for the 2024 seasons. Inspired by our construction,  preschool and kindergarten campers will explore building in our Be the Builder camp. 4th-6th and 7-9th grade campers are invited to a behind the scenes look at the museum and archives as they learn what it takes to bring an exhibit to life in our new, Curating Creativity and Exhibit Explorers camps.

Camp registration for Members begins March 1.

GRPM Family and Grandparent Members receive discounts and early access to registration.
Not a member? Sign up today!

Registration for non Members begins March 15.

Camp_Curious_New_Logo_Table-Cover_DRAFT

Multi-Day Camps: Grades 1-3

Lego® Bricks Adventures

Drawing inspiration from the museum, campers will create their own original lego creations. From building toys to creating amazing animals, campers will test their creativity, problem solving and building skills. Get ready to experience this familiar building toy like never before.   

June 11-13: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 16-18: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

River Explorers

The Grand River is home to more than 90 different kinds of fish! In this camp, we will explore the different creatures that call our river home. Discover where water comes from, design solutions for pollution, and create fun art projects inspired by this amazing ecosystem. Get ready to splash into a fun week of learning!

June 11-13: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Time Travelers

Experience history like never before as you step back into 1890s Grand Rapids. Explore our Streets of Grand Rapids, interact with shop owners, go shopping for supplies, complete an AR mission, and create your own printmaking project. Campers will compare the past to the present and learn how kids lived over 130 years ago! 

June 11-13: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 16-18: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fossil Hunters

Dig into the mysteries of the Earth! Fossils tell a story about our exciting geological past. Campers will become junior paleontologists as they learn about, discover, and create fossils. In this camp, you will excavate cookie fossils, examine dinosaur poop, and investigate fossils from our museum collection. Let’s dig into a fun week! 

June 18-20: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 30- August 1: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Art of Nature

Explore the beauty and creativity that abounds in the natural world! This session introduces a variety of art techniques while exploring the Museum’s Natural Science exhibitions and beyond! Campers will marvel at the patterns, colors, shapes and textures while making connections to everyday objects influenced, and inspired by nature. 

June 18-20: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Space: The Final Frontier

Learn about space like never before as you create models, conduct experiments, and enjoy a special visit to the Chaffee Planetarium. You will even learn how to identify stars in your backyard. Prepare to build your own spacecraft and create cool celestial inspired art projects. This week of camp will be a blast! 

June 25-27: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 23-25: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Nature's Engineers

From spider webs to beehives nature is filled with amazing structures and patterns. Learn about biomimicry and the many inventions that have been inspired by nature. Explore specimens from the GRPM collection and observe nature as you draw inspiration for your own creations.

June 25-27: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Builders and Makers

What does it take to be an inventor? What do engineers do? Learn this and so much more as you explore a variety of building materials and complete building challenges. Test your problem solving and creativity skills during this fun week of building and making!

July 9-11: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 9-11: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
July 30- August 1: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Play with your Food

If you like to play with your food, then this is the camp for you! Explore topics like edible sculptures, vegetable shapes for art and architecture, dumplings from different cultures, and experimenting with recipe variations. Campers will learn about the importance of ingredients and the fun of experimenting with new foods.

July 23-25: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Multi-Day Camps: Grades 4-6

Culinary Laboratory

Campers will learn about the science of food, now and in the past. This learning lab will explore topics such as the history of tools and appliances, food preservation like canning, and the amazing chemical reactions that occur in the kitchen.

June 11-13: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Lego® Brick Masters

Experience LEGO like never before. Create your own minifigure, solve challenges, and create builds that move. You will explore the museum to find inspiration for your next creation and learn about simple machines. Explore science and engineering principals as you create amazing builds. 

June 11-13: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
July 9-11: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Young Wizards Academy

Don’t miss the GRPM’s acclaimed Young Wizards Academy at the Camp Curious School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You will enter your favorite book series as you get chosen by a wand made on our lathe, sorted into a museum house, and compete for house points. Harness the power of imagination to create potions, craft your own mandrake, study the stars and meet fantastic creatures. Campers are encouraged to come dressed for the part.  

June 17-20: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 17-20: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
July 22-25: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 22-25: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Incredible Innovators

Put your engineering and creativity to the test as you complete a variety of challenges. Learn how circuits work, experiment with robotics, and use found materials to invent solutions to real world problems. If you enjoy tinkering and trying new things, this camp is for you! 

June 25-27: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Curating Creativity

What does it take to create and run a museum? Young historians will explore the roles of curators, Collections managers, and exhibit designers as they meet Grand Rapids Public Museum staff and learn about what it takes to make an exhibit. Students will investigate historic artifacts, explore the museum’s collection, and learn about Grand Rapids’ exciting history. Students will also design and arrange their own themed exhibit to share with families on the last day of camp.

July 9-11: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Exploring Space

Prepare for a mission to a new, unexplored planet as you create landing gear, engineer tools, and test for life. You will learn about the planets, constellations, and space exploration You will also get the chance to visit the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. Blast off into a great week of learning! 

July 16-18: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Futureville

Welcome to Futureville where young urban planners transform the future of living! This camp introduces campers to the principles of sustainable city design, focusing on innovative transportation and renewable energy solutions. Participants will brainstorm and blueprint their ideal city, integrating eco-friendly methods like solar power and green transit systems. They’ll tackle real-world issues such as renewable energy, efficiency, and conservation, learning how a city can thrive in harmony with the planet. It’s a hands-on journey to crafting a cleaner, greener world, one city at a time!

Futureville is a partnership with Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI). The first two days of camp will be held at the Museum, and the second two days will be at VAEI.

July 22-25: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Watershed Wonders

The Grand River plays a huge role in our community and state. Explore the past, present, and future of this watershed as well as the role you play in protecting this resource. You will design solutions for pollution, test water quality, explore food chains, and examine the tiniest creatures that call the river their home. Prepare to study real samples taken from the Grand River. You will also pretend to be a sturgeon in our amazing Sturgeon Excursion AR game hidden throughout the Museum. 

July 30- August 1: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Natures Palette

Nature and art come together for an amazing week of exploration and creation. Explore art techniques as you create masterpieces inspired by the Museum’s Natural Science collection. You will be amazed at the incredible patterns, textures, and colors you will find in the world around you. 

July 30- August 1: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Multi-Day Camps: Grades 7-9

Museum Makers

Explore the process of building a museum, from creation to collection as you spend the week on an all-access, behind the scenes look at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Investigate some of the many jobs that exist in a museum as you meet GRPM staff, peruse the Museum’s extensive collection of specimens and artifacts, and learn about what it takes to create an exhibit. You will put your learning into action as you work with your team to create your own exhibit. 

June 17-20: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Digital Me

Explore the future of Digital Museum Technology with behind-the-scenes access to our next generation tools and devices. Using computer code and design thinking, you’ll be able to leverage the Museum’s digital collection to build the next generation of interactive exhibits. We will scan Artifacts in 3D, use AI to generate content, build multiplayer mobile experiences, and customize a 3D globe to make your own Museum metaverse.

June 25-27: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Planetarium Masters

Are you a stargazer, or have you dreamed of exploring deep space? Work side by side with planetarium experts to learn about planetary topic and develop a show for the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium. Campers will present their planetarium masterpieces on the last day of camp. 

July 15-18: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Multi-Day Camps: Grades 10-12

Digital Me: Museum Metaverse

Explore the future of Digital Museum Technology with behind-the-scenes access to our next generation tools and devices. Using computer code and design thinking, you’ll be able to leverage the Museum’s digital collection to build the next generation of interactive exhibits. We will scan artifacts in 3D, use AI to generate content, build multiplayer VR experiences, and customize a 3D globe to make your own Museum metaverse.

July 23-25: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Monday Camps For Pre-K

Dream It, Build It Lego® Bricks

Explore different types of Lego bricks as you create your own amusement park with the rest of your team. Learn how to make projects that move. Grow your creativity and problem solving as you create fun projects. 

June 10: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 10 : 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Fun with Fossils

What are fossils? What do paleontologists do? How do we learn about dinosaurs? Learn the answers to these questions and so much more as you dig up fossils and create fun art projects inspired by our favorite prehistoric creatures. Get ready for a dino-mite day!

June 17: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 17: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

River Critters

Beavers, sturgeon, and turtles… oh my! Learn about these critters and so many more as you explore the Grand River and the animals that call it home.  Dive deep into your learning as you examine our West Michigan Habitats Exhibit, create art projects, and touch real specimen from our collection.

June 24: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 24 : 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Junior Engineers

Junior Engineers will build and solve problems as they explore the role of architects and engineers in our world. Help your favorite fairy tale characters solve problems, create tasty stowers and create your own loopy roller coaster. 

July 8: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 8 : 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Be The Builder

From bricks to blocks to boxes building materials are all around us. The GRPM is budding with construction to inspire future engineers and construction workers. What can you create? Grab your hard hat and get ready for a fun day of building. Learn what it takes to be a builder and try your hand at building using a variety of fun materials. If you like to tinker and create, this camp is for you!

July 15: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 15 : 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

S is for Space

Blast off  into a fun day of space exploration! Experience a show in our Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, create celestial crafts, and try your hand at creating your own space vehicles. Enjoy an amazing astronaut adventure. 

July 22: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 22: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Amazing Animals

Celebrate the season by exploring how cultures from around the world celebrate various holidays. Learn about Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Three Kings’ Day and Christmas while investigating the Museum’s artifact Collections. Campers will explore the Museum for stories, traditions represented and maybe an elf or two.

July 29: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 29 : 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Monday Camps For Grades 1-3

Slimy Science

Did you know that some animals use slime? Explore ooey gooey science as you learn about animals and how they survive. Experiment as you do slug races and make your own slime. Get ready to get messy!

June 10: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 10 : 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Space: The Final Frontier

Get ready for a day of learning that is out of this world. From celestial crafts to extraterrestrial experiments this day of camp will be full of STEAM experiences that will leaving you wanting to reach for the stars. 

June 17: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 17: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

World of Bugs

Did you know some caterpillars are camouflaged as snakes or even bird poop? Learn all about the adaptations that help insects survive in their world.Enter the world of bugs as you learn the important role they play in our world and even the food you eat! Become a pollinator and complete fun science experiments and beautiful art projects inspired by the world of bugs! 

June 24: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 24 : 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Fossil Hunters

Fossils are all around us and provide us with clues about the past. Discover the different types of fossils and try your hand at paleontology as you excavate fossils. Explore specimen from our collection and create some fun and surprising projects inspired by what you observe. 

July 8: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 8 : 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Lego® Adventures

Campers will draw inspiration from the museum as they create amazing Lego brick creations. From machines to animals, the museum is home to many unique artifacts to spark your creativity. You will be amazed at what you can create. 

July 15: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 15 : 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Engineering Curiosity

Calling all builders and makers! Flex your creativity and problem solving skills as you design your own creations and engineer solutions to problems. From recycled materials to fun toys, you will test an explore a variety of materials. You will be amazed at what you can create! 

July 22: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 22: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

River Explorers

The Grand River is home to more than 90 different kinds of fish! From tiny creatures too small to see with the naked eye to funny looking fish, you will be amazed at all the things below the surface. We will create models, design solutions for pollution, observe and create art projects exploring this amazing river!

July 29: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 29 : 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Friday Camps For Pre-K

Amazing Animals

Calling all social butterflies and eager beavers! If you love animals, this camp is for you! Learn about all sorts of amazing animals as you explore what they eat, where they live and the role they play in our world. You will love seeing interesting specimens from our collection and exploring our West Michigan Habitats exhibit. 

June 14: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 28 : 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
August 2 : 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fun with Fossils

What are fossils? What do paleontologists do? How do we learn about dinosaurs? Learn the answers to these questions and so much more as you dig up fossils and create fun art projects inspired by our favorite prehistoric creatures. Get ready for a dino-mite day!

June 14: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 12 : 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

S is for Space

Blast off  into a fun day of space exploration! Experience a show in our Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, create celestial crafts, and try your hand at creating your own space vehicles. Enjoy an amazing astronaut adventure. 

June 21: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 19 : 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

River Critters

Beavers, sturgeon, and turtles..oh my! Learn about these critters and so many more as you explore the Grand River and the animals that call it home.  Dive deep into your learning as you examine our West Michigan Habitats Exhibit, create art projects, and touch real specimen from our collection. 

June 21: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 19 : 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Junior Engineers

Junior Engineers will build and solve problems as they explore the role of architects and engineers in our world. Help your favorite fairy tale characters solve problems, create tasty towers and create your own loopy roller coaster.  

June 28: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 26: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Be the Builder

From bricks to blocks to boxes building materials are all around us. The GRPM is budding with construction to inspire future engineers and construction workers. What can you create? Grab your hard hat and get ready for a fun day of building. Learn what it takes to be a builder and try your hand at building using a variety of fun materials. If you like to tinker and create, this camp is for you!

July 12: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Dream It, Build It Lego® Bricks

Explore different types of Lego bricks as you create your own amusement park with the rest of your team. Learn how to make projects that move. Grow your creativity and problem solving as you create fun projects. 

July 26: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
August 2: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Friday Camps For Grades 1-3

Lego® Adventures

Campers will draw inspiration from the museum as they create amazing Lego® brick creations. From machines to animals, the museum is home to many unique artifacts to spark your creativity. You will be amazed at what you can create. 

June 14: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fossil Hunters

Fossils are all around us and provide us with clues about the past. Discover the different types of fossils and try your hand at paleontology as you excavate fossils. Explore specimen from our collection and create some fun and surprising projects inspired by what you observe. 

June 21: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

River Explorers

The Grand River is home to more than 90 different kinds of fish! From tiny creatures too small to see with the naked eye to funny looking fish, you will be amazed at all the things below the surface. We will create models, design solutions for pollution, observe and create art projects exploring this amazing river!

June 28: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Engineering Curiosity

Calling all builders and makers! Flex your creativity and problem solving skills as you design your own creations and engineer solutions to problems. From recycled materials to fun toys, you will test an explore a variety of materials. You will be amazed at what you can create! 

July 12: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Slimy Science

Did you know that some animals use slime? Explore ooey gooey science as you learn about animals and how they survive. Experiment as you do slug races and make your own slime. Get ready to get messy!

July 19: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Space: The Final Frontier

Get ready for a day of learning that is out of this world. From celestial crafts to extraterrestrial experiments this day of camp will be full of STEAM experiences that will leaving you wanting to reach for the stars. 

July 26: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

World of Bugs

Did you know some caterpillars are camouflaged as snakes or even bird poop? Learn all about the adaptations that help insects survive in their world.Enter the world of bugs as you learn the important role they play in our world and even the food you eat! Become a pollinator and complete fun science experiments and beautiful art projects inspired by the world of bugs! 

August 2: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Grand Rapids WhiteWater Summer Science & Leadership Program

July 8-19, 2024 (Monday to Friday, no weekends)
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Grand Rapids Public Museum
Ages: Incoming high school juniors and seniors, Fall 2024

The Grand River is the heart of our city and the intersection of its history, business, ecology and social scene. The Grand Rapids WhiteWater 10-day Summer Science and Leadership Program takes learning outside the classroom where you will:

  • Conduct hands-on science investigations around sturgeon, aquatic species, and the federally-endangered snuffbox mussel.
  • Learn about and practice principles of Design Thinking, a process for creativity and innovation.
  • Work with scientists, business owners and civic leaders invested in our communities.
  • Present your research to community leaders working to build a sustainable future.

Students who successfully complete the program requirements of attendance, research report, team presentations, and career profile will earn a $200 educational stipend.

For questions, contact David Koning at davidkoning73@gmail.com.

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Refund Policy

The GRPM may cancel camp with insufficient enrollment or for any emergency reason; registrants will be notified and given a full refund. There are no refunds after the start of class. Campers are not enrolled until complete payment is received. The GRPM will not prorate or offer make-up days for student absences. If campers need to cancel their registration, the Museum will provide a full refund if it is two weeks or more before the start of the Camp session. The Museum will offer a 50% refund on cancellations one week prior to a scheduled Camp date. No refunds will be given for cancellations less than one week prior to the Camp’s start date.

Family Handbook.

Every summer, the museum offers camps for preschool through high school students. Some camps are offered each year while others are specific to the exhibits in the museum. Some of our popular themes include: fossils, slime, Lego, watersheds, and space. We offer one day camps on Mondays and Fridays and three day camps from Tuesday to Thursday. We host AM (9am-12pm) sessions as well as PM (1:30-4:30) sessions. Our goal is  to open up the museum as a learning lab to inspire curiosity.

The GRPM may cancel camp with insufficient enrollment or for any emergency reason; registrants will be notified by a camp director via email and given a full refund. There are no refunds after the start of class. Campers are not enrolled until complete payment is received. The GRPM will not prorate or offer make-up days for student absences. If campers need to cancel their registration, the Museum will provide a full refund if it is two weeks or more before the start of the Camp session. The Museum will offer a 50% refund on cancellations one week prior to a scheduled Camp date. No refunds will be given for cancellations less than one week prior to the Camp’s start date.

Check in will take place on the first floor at the table set up by
the A is for Auto exhibit. This table will open 15 minutes prior to
the start of the camp session. Morning sessions start at 9am and
afternoon session begins at 1:30. Campers will check in, receive
a camp shirt, and be instructed where their classroom is by
museum staff. If another adult will be picking up your camper
from camp, inform the camp instructor so that they can make
note of the change. Doors to the camp classrooms will open 15
minutes prior to the start of camp. This ensures camp instructors
have adequate time to prepare for the best camp experience
possible.

The GRPM’s parking ramp is located behind the Holiday Inn and across the street from the Blue Bridge. The parking ramp offers a 30 minute drop off and pick up window. This will offer adequate time to drop off or pick up your camper without having to pay for parking.

Campers should bring a water bottle and a peanut-free snack for snack time. Campers are also encouraged to wear comfortable shoes to walk around the museum and participate in possible outdoor activities. Please encourage your camper to leave electronics, toys, valuables, money, and trading cards at home for safe keeping. The GRPM is not responsible for any lost items. Items that are left at camp will be brought to the security office where they can be picked up. Items left beyond the summer camp season will be donated to local charities.

Campers are required to be able to use the bathroom independently. We are not authorized to assist campers with toileting needs. If your child has health concerns or requires additional support in this area, a parent or another adult is encouraged to stay with the camper.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is committed to providing a safe and fun learning environment for all of our campers. If a camper’s behavior is disruptive or unsafe to the Camp Curious program or experience of other campers, the following steps will be taken. Disruptive and unsafe behavior include but are not limited to: bullying, inappropriate language or actions, and destruction of museum property.

  1. The camp instructor will pull aside the camper to talk about the disruptive behavior and remind them of camp expectations.
  2. If the behavior continues, the instructor will contact a camp director. The director will pull the camper aside to discuss what has been going on in camp. The parent/guardian will also be called and informed of their campers choices and the negative impact it is having on the camp.

If the unsafe or disruptive behavior persists, the camper will be removed from the camp by the camp director and the parent/guardian will be asked to come pick up the camper.
Prior to removal from camp, staff will make every effort to
provide an opportunity for the child to be successful in the
program. If a camper’s behavior posses an immediate danger
to themselves, other campers, or staff; the camper will be
sent home immediately. Examples of dangerous behavior
include: Hitting, kicking, biting, running away from the
group, or using objects as a weapon. If a camper is removed
from camp for behavior reasons, no refund will be issued.

First aid kits are located in each classroom and throughout the museum. If a minor accident or injury occurs such as a bump or scrape, the parent/guardian will be notified at the time of pick up. If the accident or Injury is serious (head injury, excessive bleeding, broken limb. etc) the parent/guardian will be notified immediately and museum security will run an accident report. In the event that a camper needs to go to the hospital via ambulance, a staff member will accompany the child to the hospital until the parent/guardian arrives.

Camp Curious staff is not allowed to administer medication. If your camper requires an epi-pen or inhaler, make sure that your camper brings the required medication in their camp bag and inform the instructor.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is not a nut free building. We encourage campers to bring nut free snack and we will inform families at drop off if food is being used during camp for learning activities. If your child has an allergy, please communicate that with the instructor on the first day of camp.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is committed to making all guests feel welcome.