Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
Contact: Neva Cole, Communications Director
6 Washington Street
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Children’s Museum of NH Offers In-Person Summer Camps or Take Home Summer Activity Kits
(Dover, NH – Thursday, April 17, 2021) – The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire has decided to offer both in-person summer camps and take-home summer fun activity kits. Parents can choose what works best for their families.
The 3-day in-person summer camps run from 8:30am to 11:30am. Mini Camps are for kids ages 4 & 5, and Discovery Camps are for ages 6 & 7. “These half day programs start with play time inside the museum,” shared Education Director Xanthi Gray. “Then, based on the theme of the camp we’ll do some experiments and projects. The kids will also get to enjoy playtime outside, weather permitting, in our new outdoor Play Patio area!” All campers will be required to stay masked for the whole camp day, aside from eating or drinking. See camp descriptions and details below.
Camps cost $110 for Members and $125 for Non-Members. This April, the Museum is running a Membership Drive, and anyone who signs up or renews their membership will automatically be gifted a free Guest Option (a $20 value). That guest option can be used to bring a different friend, grandparent or caregiver every time you visit the museum. People who purchase or renew their membership in April will also be entered to win one free Car or Cash Raffle ticket (a $100 value). The Raffle winner will get to choose between $25,000 towards a new Nissan from Port City Nissan or $20,000 cash. CMNH Member Kristen Lang says about her family’s membership, “We are so thankful, especially during these particularly challenging times, to have a safe, fun, and educational space to bring our children. It’s so much more than just a change of scenery for us. We’ve been members for years and it’s been so exciting to see how our children engage with the exhibits differently as they grow!”
If families are not quite ready for in-person camps, they can purchase Summer Fun Activity Kits to take home and work on at their leisure. These kits are unique to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, are screen free, allow kids to work at their own pace, and include “tried and true” museum activities. “We sold these kits last summer,” shared CMNH Education Director Xanthi Gray. “They were a big hit with families, so we wanted to offer them again, with different activities.” Families can choose between Large Summer Fun Activity Kits which includes materials and instructions for 20 activities ($120 for Members, $140 for Non-Members) or Small Summer Fun Activity Kits which includes materials and instructions for 10 activities ($55 for Members, $75 for Non-Members). Kits are available to purchase online until May 14, and can be picked up at the Museum the week of June 23 on the days the Museum is open.
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is open with limited hours, and requires guests to reserve a date/time online prior to visiting. Play sessions are capped at 20% of the museum’s capacity, and run 2 1/2 hours. Current play sessions are Wednesdays and Sundays, 9-11:30am, and Thursdays through Saturdays, 9-11:30am or 1-3:30pm. Everyone over the age of 24 months is require to wear a mask, follow health and safety guidelines, and the museum is cleaned between each play session.
“It’s been a long hard pandemic for many, including the museum,” shared Jane Bard, CMNH President. “We’ve seen an 88% decrease in our admissions, memberships and programs, and have suffered a drastic loss of $694,202 in income. But despite all that, we’re open for playtime, welcoming new Members, opening a new outdoor exhibit this Spring, and excited to slowly add back camps and programs. We’re thankful for our community’s generous support!”
In-Person Summer Camps at the Children’s Museum of NH
Children’s Museum of NH Science Fun Mini Camp
Tuesday, August 3 - Thursday, August 5, 8:30-11:30am
This summer, mini campers ages 4 & 5 will have a blast exploring science! Campers will explore science and art through messy experiments, creative crafts, incredible art projects and more!
Children’s Museum of NH Amazing Art Mini Camp
Tuesday, August 10 - Thursday, August 12, 8:30-11:30am
This camp is designed to encourage the artist that exists within each camper! Using a variety of materials, each child, ages 4 & 5, will engage in the process of creating sculptures, wearable art, and much more. Campers will explore their creative potential and go home with some fabulous works of art! End the session with a mini art show for all to attend!
Children’s Museum of NH Science Explorers Discovery Camp
Tuesday, July 20 - Thursday, July 22, 8:30-11:30am
This summer, Makers and Scientists ages 6 & 7 will try out amazing science experiments and interesting art projects. Think like an engineer and build structures, and think like a scientist and try something new. Campers will make art projects to take home in this STEAM camp.
To learn more, register for a camp, or purchase a Summer Fun Activity Kit, visit www.childrens-museum.org/things-to-do/camps-classes
About the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
The not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two levels of hands-on, interactive exhibits for children from newborn to middle school. Children can explore a wide range of subjects, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art and natural history. The museum is now open with limited hours and play sessions require online reservations. The Silver LEED-certified museum specializes in creating memorable family learning experiences and works closely with schools, social service agencies and educators. The museum also hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events for families. For more information, please email the museum at questions@childrens-museum.org or visit www.childrens-museum.org
