Camp of the Week: Super Hero Adventure
Each week through the spring, we're spotlighting one camp from our Ultimate Summer Camps List. Find previous stories and search our Ultimate Summer Camps List at kids.azcentral.com.
Do you have a tiny superhero in the making?
The Children's Museum of Phoenix is offering its first summer camps, including "Super Hero Adventure" for ages 5 to 8.
Melanie MacEachern, marketing manager for the museum, says the camp isn't all about costumes and comic books — although those fun activities are definitely included.
"It's about recognizing the heroes in our everyday lives," she says. "The activities will require kids to experience small-scale risk taking and role playing and working in a team."
Along with discussions on what it means to be a hero, kids will get to design their own superhero logos, make costumes, draw comics and celebrate Superman's birthday. Campers also will work to earn a superhero badge presented on the last day of camp.
The museum hopes to draw about 400 kids to its summer camps. The facility, which opened in 2007, is finally drawing on its resources to offer summer programs that support "that early childhood development comes from hands-on learning — not just reading, but doing," MacEachern says.
Other summer camp themes include "Hollywood Hall of Fame," where kids explore their inner star power through dramatic play, costume creation, music and a talent show; "Ready, Set Roadtrip," where kids learn about different historical sites across the country; and "Element Explorers," a science and nature camp where kids explore the earth, air, water and fire.
"Camp is about boosting children's self-confidence," MacEachern says. In addition to themed camp activities, campers can enjoy general play at the museum, including its three-story Schuff-Perini climber, noodle forest and market.
Morrison covers the Kids and Families beat. Reach her at kara.morrison@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on Twitter @azckids.
Camp of the Week: Super Hero Adventure
Age range: 5-8.
Type: Day camp.
Activities: Recognize everyday heroes, create superhero capes and explore our own heroic talents through risk taking, role play and teamwork. Each day, campers will work to earn a superhero badge presented on the last day. Other activities include a birthday party for Superman and comic-book creation. Cost includes daily lunch and snack.
Where: Children's Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh St.
When: June 29-July 3, July 27-31.
Admission: $235-$280.
Details: 602-253-0501, childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
Ultimate summer camps list
Super Hero Adventure is just one of more than 1,275 camps featured in our new, searchable summer camps directory at summercamps.azcentral.com. You'll find everything from traditional back-to-nature summer camps to day programs that specialize in sports, theater, art, music and more.