JUNE 2023
(FL) Through Sept. 4, 2023, SPIDERS ALIVE! Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-846-2000. Take an eight-legged walk on the wild side with Spiders Alive! This exciting exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives with more than a dozen LIVE species on display. Discover the unique traits and characteristics of this diverse group of animals at this interactive, family-friendly experience! Spiders and their relatives highlight the ecological importance of these animals that include black widows, orb weavers and scorpions. Large touchable models reveal more about spider anatomy and their differences from insects while rare fossils — including one that’s 100 million years old — display species from the past. Videos showcase a variety of unique animal behaviors, such as a diving bell spider living under water and a southern black widow spinning silk. Separate fact from myth and learn about ancient spiders, conservation, venom and more. $8 adults | $7.50 FL. residents, seniors & non-UF college students; $5.50 ages 3-17; FREE for ages 0-2, UF students & Museum members. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/.
(NJ) New Jersey State Museum, SMALL EXPLORERS, 2nd Saturday of each month through June 2023, 9:45 or 11:00 am, Ages: 0 to 5 years, NJ State Museum, 205 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08060, njsmfsmallexplorers@gmail.com. Small Explorers is a FREE program for children 5 and under and their families to assist with developing school-readiness. Every month we explore a new theme through storytelling, museum objects, crafts, games, and playtime! Program takes place in-person in the Museum from October-June. Two sessions to choose from: 9:45 or 11:00 am. Space is limited, registration required. Registration link available each month on the Museum’s website or Facebook page. Free. www.statemuseum.nj.gov.
(PA) York County History Center, HOMESCHOOL DAYS, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month, through May 2023. Sessions generally run from 11 a.m. to noon, with additional sessions added as needed based on interest. Elementary age students. Agricultural and Industrial Museum, 217 W. Princess Street, York PA 17401, 717-848-1587, schools@yorkhistorycenter.org, $5 per student, adults admitted free. Each Homeschool Day at the York County History Center features a different student-centered workshop led by our museum staff and free time to explore our museum and interactive exhibits. Programs are designed for elementary school-age students but younger and older siblings are welcome to participate. Your family will be encouraged to work together, ask questions, and engage with our museum’s STEAM content! www.yorkhistorycenter.org.
(VA) Children’s Museum of Richmond, BILINGUAL STORY TIME, every Thursday at 10:30 AM. Ages 0-8 and their caregivers. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown, 2626 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220804. 474.7000, info@cmorva.org. Join us Thursday in October for a bilingual story time in the Downtown Playhouse! We’ll sing, dance, read and learn Spanish! Free with Museum admission. www.cmorva.org.
(VA) Children’s Museum of Richmond, SPECIAL NIGHTS, every third Friday of the month from 5-7 pm, alternating between our Downtown and Chesterfield locations; first Special Night of 2023 takes place Downtown. All ages. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown, 2626 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220 & Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Drive, Midlothian, VA 23112, 804.474.7000, info@cmorva.org. The Children’s Museum is excited to host a FREE night for families with children with disabilities on the third Friday of each month from 5:00-7:00 pm. The event will be open for registration about a week prior to each event. Free. www.cmorva.org.
(VA) Children’s Museum of Richmond, TUTUS & TIES, Every Tuesday at 2:00 PM. Ages 0-8 and their caregivers. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown, 2626 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220, 804.474.7000, info@cmorva.org/ Movement and Play are good for children’s bodies and brains. In fact, movement can help increase memory, perception, language comprehension, attention, emotional understanding, and decision making! Join us in the Downtown Playhouse where we’ll dress up and move! Free with Museum admission. www.cmorva.org.
(MD) June 3, 2023, DRAYDEN AFRICAN AMERICAN SCHOOLHOUSE OPEN HOUSE, 11:00 am-2:00 pm. Drayden African American Schoolhouse, 18287 Cherryfield Road, Drayden, Maryland 20630, 301-994-1471. The St. Mary’s County Museum Division, in partnership with the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), will be offering free Open Houses for visitors and the community at the Drayden African American Schoolhouse in Drayden. The Drayden African American Schoolhouse is one of the nation’s best-preserved one-room African American schoolhouses, and its story represents a significant part of St. Mary’s County’s African American history. The St. Mary’s County Museum Division also offers special programs for school, bus, and other tour groups who would like to schedule a visit to the Drayden site. Individual visitors who would like to see the schoolhouse during times outside open house hours can contact the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum at (301) 994-1471 to arrange a visit. For more information about the Drayden African American Schoolhouse Open Houses, programs, admission prices, and more, visit the Drayden African American Schoolhouse Facebook page at Facebook.com/DraydenSchool or call (301) 994-1471.
(NC) June 5-August 5, 2023, ACADEMY AT SOAR SUMMER SPANISH IN COSTA RICA IMMERSION PROGRAM, 9th through 12th Grades. SOAR, 112 Virginia Avenue, Building B, Waynesville, NC 28786, 828-456-3435, admissions@soarnc.org. The course will begin and end at the Academy at SOAR in Waynesville, North Carolina, but they will spend the summer in Costa Rica. This 9-week Spanish Immersion course allows students to earn foreign language credits during the summer for either Spanish I, Spanish II, or Spanish III. Students will attend a Spanish language school, which allows for a full and dynamic immersion experience. In addition to language skills, students will gain practical life experience, increase their independent living skills, and discover the culture of the country of residence. Students’ interactions with locals through daily tasks and responsibilities and extending to their travels, provide consistent opportunities to practice, learn, and refine their conversational Spanish in a variety of situations. Students must have a valid passport that does not expire over the summer. Cost of Event: $15,300. https://soarnc.org/spanish-immersion/
(NC) June 6-23, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: NORTH CAROLINA ACADEMIC DISCOVERY, Ages: 11-18. SOAR Balsam Base, 226 Soar Lane, Balsam, NC 28707, 828-456-3435, admissions@soarnc.org. At 18 days, NC Academic Discovery combines a multitude of outdoor adventure activities and academic / study skill instruction. The differentiating aspect of this course is the classroom experience, which is designed to help prevent summer “learning loss” (in either Language Arts or Math) while providing instruction in study skills and organizational strategies, which so often challenge our ADHD campers. Interspersed throughout the course are 8 days that include classroom instruction. The remainder of camp is spent doing adventure activities including high ropes, team building initiatives, archery & hatchet throwing, primitive skills, etc. On weekends, the teams head to the field for a variety of exciting expeditions including backpacking, rock climbing, caving, swimming, and whitewater rafting. Cost of Event: $5,500. https://soarnc.org/nc-academic-discovery/.
(MD) June 7, 202, ISLAND FEVER, 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Recommended for Grades 3 to 8. Masonville Cove Environmental Education Campus. 1000 Frankfurst Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21226, 410-354-7180. vbandell@livingclassrooms.org. Students are introduced to the concept of urban heat islands and investigate temperatures of different surfaces when exposed to heat/light with infrared thermometers. Combined with hands-on experiments that investigate how plants help cool the hearth and engineering design challenges to address the problem of Urban Heat Island, students will gain an understanding of why urban areas tend to be hotter than rural, more natural areas. $20/participant. www.masonvillecove.org.
(NC) June 8-17, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: LLAMA TREK, Ages: 8-10, SOAR Balsam Base, 226 Soar Lane, Balsam, NC 28707, 828-456-3435, admissions@soarnc.org. Our Llama Trek course is quite popular and tends to fill up the quickest. At only 10 days long, it is designed for our youngest campers, and the staff in this course are more sensitive to their needs (i.e. homesickness and bedwetting). This course will go on a 3-day, 2-night llama trek expedition where each camper will be assigned a llama to care for and lead for the duration of the expedition. Campers will also work on team building with a low ropes course, self-confidence with Rock-climbing, and gain some independence and social skills in a non-threatening environment. There will be opportunities for whitewater rafting, swimming, day hikes, and visiting a nature center. Cost of Event: $4,400. https://soarnc.org/nc-llama-trek-adventure/
(NC) June 9 – 19, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: NORTH CAROLINA CLASSIC, Ages: 11 – 18. SOAR Balsam Base, 226 Soar Lane, Balsam, NC 28707, 828-456-3435, admissions@soarnc.org. SOAR’s North Carolina Classic is the original course SOAR started with in Western North Carolina. This course will take campers on a four-day, 3-night backpacking excursion through Pisgah National Forest. Campers will also be able to participate in other outdoor activities such as our high ropes course, rock climbing, fishing, mountain biking, and white water rafting across Western North Carolina. Don’t wait, adventure is here! Cost of Event: $4,300. https://soarnc.org/nc-classic-adventure/
(FL) June 11 – 20, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: FLORIDA KEYS SCUBA ADVENTURE, Ages: 14-18. Camp Sawyer in the FL Keys, 33990 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, (828) 456-3315, admissions@soarnc.org. The FL SCUBA Adventure is a satellite camp meaning participants tent camp the entire time and is housed at Camp Sawyer in the FL Keys. This course provides campers an opportunity to learn a lifelong skill, one that enables them to explore a whole new world filled with amazing corals, fish, and marine life. The group will explore the FL Keys, both above and below the water. Courses begin with SCUBA instruction near Big Pine Key, utilizing the spectacular Looe Key Marine Sanctuary. Campers will be awestruck by the beauty and diversity of the coral reef as they are free to explore its amazing intricacies. Cost of Event: $4,800. https://soarnc.org/fl-scuba/.
(NC) June 11-25, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: NORTH CAROLINA EXPEDITION Ages: 13-18. SOAR Balsam Base, 226 Soar Lane, Balsam, NC 28707, 828-456-3435, admissions@soarnc.org. At 15-days, this course is designed to be slightly more physically challenging and offers a broader range of adventures than other courses. The NC Expedition crew’s biggest adventure – a 5-day backpacking trip in Pisgah National Forest, through which they learn the fundamentals of expedition planning: using a map and compass, planning their backpacking route, and organizing and packing just the essentials! Hiking days will be rewarded with exhilarating views and the satisfaction of navigating “the road less traveled.” Along with traditional activities you see in other courses this group also gets to go mountain biking, rappelling, and caving! They spend more time on the water where they Funyak the Tuckasegee, then whitewater raft down the 2-3 class Nantahala River, and also whitewater raft on the Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater competitions and home to prime Class 3-4 water. Cost of Event: $5,200. https://soarnc.org/nc-expedition/.
(FL) June 11 – 20, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: FLORIDA KEYS ADVENTURE, Ages: 11-18. Camp Sawyer in the FL Keys, 33990 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, (828) 456-3315, admissions@soarnc.org. The FL Keys Adventure is a satellite camp, meaning participants tent camp the entire course and are housed at Camp Sawyer in the middle FL Keys. The trip’s highlight is a 4-day, 3-night excursion to Dry Tortugas National Park, a beautiful island located halfway between Florida and Cuba and home to Fort Jefferson, a moat-surrounded, octagon-shaped fort dating back to the early 1800s. While there, campers will explore the island, discovering its shallow water shipwrecks, catching fish from shore, snorkeling the patch reefs, and kayaking in the beautiful aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. SOAR’s 22-foot Mako boat provides campers the perfect opportunity to catch snapper, sea bass, shark, and more. Campers also get to zoom across the water while tubing behind the boat! Cost of Event: $4,800. https://soarnc.org/fl-keys-adventure/.
(SC) June 17, 2023, AMERICANA FOLK FESTIVAL, 10 am – 4 pm. Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens, SC 29671, 864-898-2936, info@hagoodmillhistoricsite.com. We have an amazing day planned for y’all. All day: Operation of the Historic Hagood Mill, living history demonstrations, artisan craft market and tours of the Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site. Admission is $5 per person aged 13 and up. Free admission for 12 and under. No parking fee. Camping fees are additional. Event goes on rain or shine. No refunds. https://www.hagoodmillhistoricsite.com/
(MD) June 17, 18 & 19, 2023, DRAYDEN AFRICAN AMERICAN SCHOOLHOUSE OPEN HOUSE, 11:00 am-2:00 pm (special Juneteenth weekend hours.) Drayden African American Schoolhouse, 18287 Cherryfield Road, Drayden, Maryland 20630, 301-994-1471. The St. Mary’s County Museum Division, in partnership with the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), will be offering free Open Houses for visitors and the community at the Drayden African American Schoolhouse in Drayden. The Drayden African American Schoolhouse is one of the nation’s best-preserved one-room African American schoolhouses, and its story represents a significant part of St. Mary’s County’s African American history. The St. Mary’s County Museum Division also offers special programs for school, bus, and other tour groups who would like to schedule a visit to the Drayden site. Individual visitors who would like to see the schoolhouse during times outside open house hours can contact the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum at (301) 994-1471 to arrange a visit. For more information about the Drayden African American Schoolhouse Open Houses, programs, admission prices, and more, visit the Drayden African American Schoolhouse Facebook page at Facebook.com/DraydenSchool or call (301) 994-1471.
(NC) June 22-July 1, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: LLAMA TREK, Ages: 8-10, SOAR Balsam Base, 226 Soar Lane, Balsam, NC 28707, 828-456-3435, admissions@soarnc.org. Our Llama Trek course is quite popular and tends to fill up the quickest. At only 10 days long, it is designed for our youngest campers, and the staff in this course are more sensitive to their needs (i.e. homesickness and bedwetting). This course will go on a 3-day, 2-night llama trek expedition where each camper will be assigned a llama to care for and lead for the duration of the expedition. Campers will also work on team building with a low ropes course, self-confidence with rock climbing, and gain some independence and social skills in a non-threatening environment. There will be opportunities for whitewater rafting, swimming, day hikes, and visiting a nature center. Cost of Event: $4,400. https://soarnc.org/nc-llama-trek-adventure/
(NC) June 23 – July 3, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: NORTH CAROLINA CLASSIC, Ages: 11 – 18. SOAR Balsam Base, 226 Soar Lane, Balsam, NC 28707, 828-456-3435, admissions@soarnc.org. SOAR’s North Carolina Classic is the original course SOAR started with in Western North Carolina. This course will take campers on a four-day, 3-night backpacking excursion through Pisgah National Forest. Campers will also be able to participate in other outdoor activities such as our high ropes course, rock climbing, fishing, mountain biking, and white water rafting across Western North Carolina. Don’t wait, adventure is here! Cost of Event: $4,300. https://soarnc.org/nc-classic-adventure/
(NC) June 23 – July 3, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: NORTH CAROLINA CANOE, Ages: 11 – 18. SOAR Balsam Base, 226 Soar Lane, Balsam, NC 28707, 828-456-3435, admissions@soarnc.org. SOAR’s North Carolina Canoe adventure is a great way to spend the summer surrounded by mountain lakes and rivers. This adventure takes campers on a four day canoe trip around Lake Fontana, located in the Nantahala National Forest. While on their trip campers will get a chance to see local wildlife as they paddle around this gentle lake. Additionally, campers will be able to participate in outdoor activities such as fishing, rock climbing, white-water rafting, hiking, and camping throughout Western North Carolina. Don’t wait, adventure is here! Cost of Event: $4,300. https://soarnc.org/nc-canoeing-adventure/
(FL) June 25 – July 4, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: FLORIDA KEYS ADVENTURE, Ages: 11-18. Camp Sawyer in the FL Keys, 33990 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, (828) 456-3315, admissions@soarnc.org. The FL Keys Adventure is a satellite camp, meaning participants tent camp the entire course and are housed at Camp Sawyer in the middle FL Keys. The trip’s highlight is a 4-day, 3-night excursion to Dry Tortugas National Park, a beautiful island located halfway between Florida and Cuba and home to Fort Jefferson, a moat-surrounded, octagon-shaped fort dating back to the early 1800s. While there, campers will explore the island, discovering its shallow water shipwrecks, catching fish from shore, snorkeling the patch reefs, and kayaking in the beautiful aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. SOAR’s 22-foot Mako boat provides campers the perfect opportunity to catch snapper, sea bass, shark, and more. Campers also get to zoom across the water while tubing behind the boat! Cost of Event: $4,800. https://soarnc.org/fl-keys-adventure/.
(NC) June 28-July 15. 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: NORTH CAROLINA ACADEMIC DISCOVERY, Ages: 11-18. SOAR Balsam Base, 226 Soar Lane, Balsam, NC 28707, 828-456-3435, admissions@soarnc.org. At 18 days, NC Academic Discovery combines a multitude of outdoor adventure activities and academic / study skill instruction. The differentiating aspect of this course is the classroom experience, which is designed to help prevent summer “learning loss” (in either Language Arts or Math) while providing instruction in study skills and organizational strategies, which so often challenge our ADHD campers. Interspersed throughout the course are 8 days that include classroom instruction. The remainder of camp is spent doing adventure activities including high ropes, team building initiatives, archery & hatchet throwing, primitive skills, etc. On weekends, the teams head to the field for a variety of exciting expeditions including backpacking, rock climbing, caving, swimming, and whitewater rafting. Cost of Event: $5,500. https://soarnc.org/nc-academic-discovery/.
(NC) June 30-July 14, 2023, SOAR ADHD SUMMER CAMP: NORTH CAROLINA EXPEDITION, Ages: 13-18. SOAR Balsam Base, 226 Soar Lane, Balsam, NC 28707, 828-456-3435, admissions@soarnc.org. At 15-days, this course is designed to be slightly more physically challenging and offers a broader range of adventures than other courses. The NC Expedition crew’s biggest adventure – a 5-day backpacking trip in Pisgah National Forest, through which they learn the fundamentals of expedition planning: using a map and compass, planning their backpacking route, and organizing and packing just the essentials! Hiking days will be rewarded with exhilarating views and the satisfaction of navigating “the road less traveled.” Along with traditional activities you see in other courses this group also gets to go mountain biking, rappelling, and caving! They spend more time on the water where they Funyak the Tuckasegee, then whitewater raft down the 2-3 class Nantahala River, and also whitewater raft on the Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater competitions and home to prime Class 3-4 water. Cost of Event: $5,200. https://soarnc.org/nc-expedition/.