10am—5pm Tuesday—Saturday | Noon—5pm Sunday | Closed Monday

Science Camp

Science Camp

Science Camps at The Bishop

Whether you have been to The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Camp before, or it is your very first time, there are many things to explore and discover. Each day, we will highlight everything that makes The Bishop special, including our history, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, Florida ecosystems, Ice Age fossils, and the Planetarium. You will learn, explore, craft, play, snack, and have fun every day!

Details:

When: Camp Times 9am-3:30pm Monday through Friday

8:30-9am Drop off & Pick up 3:30-4pm

Where: The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

201 10th St. W, Bradenton, Florida, 34205

Cost: $250 members/$300 non-members per week

Who: Grades 2-5 (Ages 7-11 )
Starting second grade/Leaving fifth grade

Payment in full is due upon registration.

Spring Break

Best of Bishop Spring Break March 25 – 29

Manatee County

Each day has a different focus inspired and supported by our amazing Museum, interesting galleries, and varied collections. Daily topics:

  • Monday – Get to Know the Museum
  • Tuesday – Manatees and Me
  • Wednesday – Florida Ecosystems
  • Thursday – The Ice Age and Florida
  • Friday – Exploration Space

*In order to receive a membership discount, membership must be current through the selected camp week.

Summer Science Camp

What was Florida like more than 1 million years ago? Explore the animals and plants of this region during the Ice Age. Using fossils, artifacts, and Museum galleries, we will journey back in time and learn why many of the animals were so large and who their closest relatives are still on Earth today.

Water is the key to life on our planet. Explore water in a variety of fun ways this week. We will look closely at the local salt water, fresh water, and brackish water. We will engineer solutions for water problems and get wet in the process. Make a splash and jump in for this new and exciting week.

How often do you think of the world around you? What about beyond our world? This week, we will be exploring all things space! We will use our Planetarium all week to take deep dives into topics such as meteorites, space technology, and our very own Solar System.

Who is at the top of the food chain? Find out this week as we learn all about apex predators in different biomes and animal extremes, such as the smallest, the fastest, and the tallest. We encourage all animal enthusiasts to join us as we learn about animals and then design our very own new extreme animal.

Real or magic? Truth or myth? Who done it? Those are the questions we will be asking in this new and exciting mini-week during week of July 4. Each day, we will be different as we explore, discover, dive deep, and try new things. Join us.

Please Note: The cost of this mini-week is only $130 for members / $180 for Non-members.

New and Improved! Humans have been solving problems using inventions and engineering since tools were created. This week, we will tinker, design, create, build, test, and tweak to solve some real-world problems. Hands down, amazing hands-on fun!

We love things that go fizz, bubble, or pop! We will investigate Newtonian Fluids, endothermic reactions, and anything sticky with some hands-on activities. Join us for some fun, messy, and sensory-driven science experiments.

What are our local marine mammals, and how are they critical to our ecosystem? We will look closely at a variety of marine mammals found in Florida and learn about their status. Do they need our help? How can we make a difference?

Take on the case in this forensics-based class. Learn how real, local experts solve crimes and then help us solve The Bishop Mystery. Will your critical thinking skills and the clues left behind be enough? Join us and see.

*In order to receive a membership discount, membership must be current through the selected camp week.

Counselors In Training Program

Intended for 13-17 year olds.

Gain experience working in non-traditional education in a museum setting during our summer camp! We are looking for passionate and focused individuals who are willing to be flexible and explore with campers through hands-on learning. Counselors in Training will support Camp Instructors with camper supervision and set up and clean up camp programming. Must be willing to learn new things and have fun with campers! Counselors in training can earn volunteer hours for academic programs and letters of recommendation for future jobs.

The 3-week sessions are listed below. If a CIT would like to work more than the allotted 3-week session, arrangements can be made. Daily schedule is from 8:30 AM to 4 PM (including breaks).

  • Session 1= June 3-21
  • Session 2= June 24-July 12
  • Session 3= July 15-August 2
  • Must be available for at least three consecutive weeks of summer camp and a mandatory training session on Saturday, June 1st.

 Counselor in Training Responsibilities:

  • Assist Camp Instructor with implementing hands-on activities and programming.
  • Anticipates and ensures safety for campers and staff.
  • Ensure a neat, clean, and organized facility.
  • Ability to multi-task, be flexible, dependable, and responsible.
  • Foster interpersonal relationships through cooperation, helpfulness, and friendliness towards staff, campers, parents, and guests.
  • Be a role model towards campers and communicate positively with co-workers.
  • Prepare and organize materials for daily camp activities.
  • Deal with camper behavioral and physical issues in a professional and positive way.

 

Qualifications:

  • Age: 13-17 years old.
  • Passion for science and/or education.
  • Experience working with children is a plus.
  • Be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
  • Be able to have fun and be goofy!

Application Process:

  • Teacher letter of recommendation required.
  • 1-page essay written by applicant describing experience and/or interest.
  • Completed application form Applications sent to Gabrielle Meyer, Director of Learning.

SCIENCE CAMP FAQs

No refunds will be issued for cancellations within two weeks of the camp’s start date.
If circumstances require The Bishop to cancel a camp session, all campers registered for that session will be offered an opportunity to re-book for a later camp session if one is available. Otherwise, refunds will be issued.

Camp runs 9am-3:30pm. Drop-off is from 8:30-9am. Pick-up is from 3:30-4pm. Pick-up and drop-off will take place at the check-in table to the left of the main doors. Please park along the street or in the parking garage across from the entrance of the Museum on 10th Street West.

  • During pick-up, please have your photo ID ready.
  • Pick-up and drop-off will take place rain or shine.
  • Do not drop off your camper without signing them in.

We prefer that campers are picked up and dropped off during the established times.

  • If you need to pick up your camper early, please notify camp staff at drop-off. Upon arrival, please speak with Visitor Services at the front desk, and they will communicate with the camp staff to bring your camper to you.
  • If you will be dropping off your camper late, please notify camp staff asap using the phone number provided in your Pre-Camp email.

Please do not bring your camper to camp if they or anyone else in the household is feeling ill. You may call 941-746-4131 ext. 113 or education@bishopscience.org if your camper becomes unable to attend for any reason.

  1. Lunch and snacks that do not need to be refrigerated or microwaved.
  2. A refillable water bottle.
  3. Comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty. We suggest your camper be dressed in layers due to the hot temperatures outdoors and cold temperatures indoors.

Please label all items with your camper’s name. Campers may bring a cell phone, but it must be put away in their bag or cubby during camp activities. All other electronics and toys should stay home.

Campers must be in the age range (7-11 for Elementary Camp, or 11-14 for Middle School Camp) on the first day of camp. For example, your camper could be 6 when signed up in February but must be 7 by the first day of the camp they are signed up for OR a camper could be 14 on the first day of camp and have a birthday the next day.

If a camper will not be the correct age on the first day of camp, the registration will be cancelled and refunds given in accordance with our cancellation policy.

At The Bishop, we provide a variety of indoor and outdoor science activities for our campers, including limited periods in the sun. Please apply sunscreen to your camper prior to drop-off. Indoor areas can get chilly, so please dress your camper appropriately for different temperatures.

Due to safety and space considerations, family members are not permitted to visit with their camper during the camp day. If The Bishop is open, you are welcome to pay admission to enjoy the public areas while camp is in session. If you decide to visit the Museum, please do not disrupt campers while camp is in session.

Our camp is inclusive, though not specifically set up to accommodate campers requiring one-on-one assistance with special needs. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your individual camper. We will work with you to determine if our camp is a good option for your child.

Yes.
Our goal is to make Science Camp accessible to as many children as possible.

Contact at 941-746-4131, ext 113, or education@bishopscience.org to add your name to our waiting list. If a cancellation occurs, open spots will be offered to those on the waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis.

You will receive a Pre-Camp email the week prior to your camp’s start date with specific camp details. If you still have questions regarding our camp policies and procedures, please email education@bishopscience.org or 941-746-4131 ext 145.