Desert Museum Camps
To the desert and beyond! Our engaging camps will explore the Sonoran Desert region’s diverse land, sea, animals, and plants. Campers will explore every nook and cranny of the Museum as they use science to make their own desert discoveries, observe live animals up close, create art, and chill out in our Packrat Playhouse.
Cholla Buddies Day Camp
Thursday, February 22, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Museum Members $90 (Join Today!)
Non-Members $120
Connect with nature at the Desert Museum! Campers will explore human relationships with the Sonoran Desert through science, crafts, play, and live animal encounters. Campers will leave with an understanding of their role in the desert and ways to explore nature in their own lives.
Coyote Campout – A Spring Break Camp
March 11-14, 2024
Grades 6-8
Museum Members $275 (Join Today!)
Non-Members $295
Join us on a camping adventure! This 4-day camp includes daytime exploration at the Museum along with a 2-night overnight experience. Throughout the week, campers will spend time outdoors learning about the amazing biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert. We’ll visit local nature areas, engage with native plants and animals, build confidence on a ropes course, and end the week with a hands-on service project! All camping gear will be provided. Length: 4 days, 2 nights
Itinerary
Monday:- 9:00 a.m.: Drop off at the Museum
- 4:00 p.m.: Pick up at the Museum
- 9:00 a.m.: Drop off at the Museum
- Overnight at the Desert Museum Saguaro in Tucson Mountain Park
- Overnight at the Desert Museum Saguaro Site in Tucson Mountain Park
- Service project at Sweetwater Wetlands
- 4:00 p.m.: Pick up at Sweetwater Wetlands
Summer Camps at the Museum!
Museum Explorers are for children entering 1-6 grade and are split into two grade group categories, Packrat Explorers and Sonoran Scientists.
Camps offered from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Museum Members $255 (Join Today!)
Non-Members $275
Session 1: June 3–7, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Session 2: June 10–14, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Session 3: June 24–28, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Packrat Explorers: Curious About Colors (Grades 1-3)
Discover the diversity of the Sonoran Desert through the lens of color! Each day we will explore the varied colors of the Museum’s plants, animals, and minerals and learn how color benefits them. We will search for treasures, play like a packrat, create fabulous art projects, sing, make music, and enjoy desert stories. Don’t be blue — join the fun!
Sonoran Scientists: Wonders of Water (Grades 4-6)
Discover the wonders of water and its connection to all land and life in the Sonoran Desert! Visit the otter, feed the stingrays, and splash around as we explore the Museum. Get messy with hands-on activities, visit the Packrat Playhouse, and meet some Desert Museum scientists along the way. We’ll have a fin-tastic time!
Optional for Adults: Work from the Museum for $95
Don’t want to drive back and forth every day? Stay and work/play at the Museum while your child is at camp!
Your work station includes:
- Personal (but not private) work space (bring your own computer and headphones)
- Please note that a completely private area to take calls/Zooms is not guaranteed
- Indoors with air conditioning and Wi-Fi
- 6' distancing from other stations
- Museum entry included
- Come and go from your workspace to see the Museum at your leisure
- Limit 6 — reserve your space early!
Colors of the Desert
July 15-19, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Grades 6-8
Museum Members $255 (Join Today!)
Non-Members $275
Discover the many colors of the Sonoran Desert as we observe the world around us through the lenses of culture, art, and science. During the day we will explore the Desert Museum grounds, have up close live animal experiences, learn with Tohono O'odham and NOIRlab teachers, as well as create projects out of natural materials using nature as our inspiration. Each day brings a new adventure as we explore the colors of the desert!
Changes or Cancellations
No refunds for cancellations made less than 15 days from the program date. Cancellations made more than 15 days from the program date will be refunded the program fee less $25.00.
Please notify us as soon as possible of a cancellation, change, or to be added to waitlist. Contact us at 520-883-3025 or email: education@getcarddoctor.com.