Young scientists can take on Summer Explorer Camps at County Museum

The San Bernardino County Museum is offering a cool way to spend the summer. From meeting animals with superpowers to learning how to dig deep for things of the past, Summer Explorers Day Camps are in full swing helping keep young minds busy.

Camps officially kicked off Tuesday, introducing about 20 youngsters to the amazing world of animal adaptations, discovering some of the cool and sometimes gross superpowers different animals have and how it helps them survive and thrive in the wild.

As part of the activities, children were taken on a tour of the museum, exploring the several animals on display, then were grouped together to form their own animal super team.

Paridhi Maske, 10, and her sister, Aakriti, 9, along with Elin Apple, 7, and Palash Rakshit, 6, formed the supergroup — Team Cougar.

Flying, invisibility and even teleportation were some of the superpowers the kids wished they possessed.

“I want to teleport to beat traffic,” said Paridhi.

“I want to fly so I can see the top of all the buildings and see when someone needs help,” said Elin. “I have good eyesight like birds do, so I think it’s definitely the superpower for me.”

The camps, a series of four-day immersive experiences themed around science-based topics, continue through July.

Camp themes will change each week. Upcoming explorer camps are:

“Whose Fault Is It Anyway: Shake It Up,” June 27 – 30.

Learn how earthquakes happen and create and measure your own mini-quakes. What can fossils and rocks teach us about our potential for earthquakes? How can you help your family be prepared?

“Giant Beasts of the Ice Age,” July 11 – 14.

Join in a mock excavation. Do you have what it takes to be a paleontologist? What Ice Age animals lived in your own backyard?

“Crime Scene Investigation: Forensics Museum Edition,” July 18 – 21.

Become a detective for a week and learn the secrets of crime scene investigation. Using forensic science, uncover evidence to help figure out whodunit!

Camp wraps up with “Best of Summer Camp Sampler for Kids on the Spectrum” July 25-28.

In a specially tailored camp designed for children on the Autism Spectrum (ASD), explorers will experience a highlight week of activities from previous camps. Focused on interests and social skills-building, parents caregivers, and aides are welcome to attend the session or spend time steps away in the museum enjoying the exhibits.

Advance registration is required for each camp series. Campers must have completed first grade and be 7 to 10 years old. Each camp session is Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Class enrollment is limited.

Cost is $155 per week of camp; children of Museum Association members can enroll for $135 per week. Limited scholarships are available by application.

Registration forms are available online at www.sbcounty.gov/museum or at the museum front desk. For registration information or to learn more, call the museum’s education division at 909-798-8611.