STEM Based (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)
Idaho Parks and Recreation will be hosting star gazing at the Bruneau Dunes Observatory every Friday and Saturday through October 17. Located in the Steele Reese Education Center, the Observatory presentation lasts 45 minutes and is followed by a viewing through the Observatory’s collection of telescopes.
Virtual summer camps will be available with the Idaho State Museum as well. Let your children learn about the plants, animals, people and great places through Idaho. The “Explorer Kit” comes with science experiments, games, explorer journal, activity instructions and even Idaho themed arts and crafts. Kits are available for curbside pickup at the Idaho State Museum or can be shipped directly to the home. Parents have three options to choose from. The first option is Curbside Pickup, which includes the “Explorer Kit” and four interactive Zoom classes for $35. You can also have the kit shipped directly to your home and this includes only the “Explorer Kit” for $35. Option number three is also shipped directly to your home and includes the “Explorer Kit” and four interactive Zoom classes for $45.
If your future scientist is interested in insects, join the College of Idaho’s Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History at the Idaho Botanical Gardens on August 22 for “Bug Day.” Kids can earn a “certificate in Bugology,” play insect-themed games and the bravest Bugologists can purchase edible insects. The Saturday event will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 3 p.m. Advanced Admission can be purchased online, over the phone or by visiting the Garden office, the box office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children ages four through twelve will be $8 for admission, an adult admission ticket will be $10 and children under three and free. If you wait to purchase tickets at the gate, they will increase by $2. Admission for children under three will remain free.
Literature Based
If keeping the kids at home is your number one priority, the Meridian Library District has plenty of online programs for children. Every Tuesday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. the library will host Preschool story time via Zoom. The story time introduces preschoolers to both early literacy and precoding skills. On Thursdays, the library will host “Wondertime Online.” Also taking place from 10 to 10:30 a.m., “Wondertime Online” is hosted by librarian Travis Porter and allows children to
do an activity, listen to music and of course do some reading.
The Cabin, a center for readers and writers, plans to host its “Picture This” for children in third to sixth grade. The camps will take place from August 3 to the 7. It lasts from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The camp will explore the power of connecting words and images. The camp is $147 for Cabin members and $177 for nonmembers.
Music and Art Based
Let your kiddos find their inner rockstar at Rock Camp. Hosted by the Boise Rock School, this camp allows the students to practice their instrument and form a band with other campers. The Boise Rock School notes that although it’s called “Rock” camp, the camps are based on whatever genre or type of music the students are interested in. The camp is open to students ages 6-18 at any skill level. The camp has a $150 sign-up fee. The camp is available August 3 through the 7 and August 10 through the 14, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Meridian Art Center will present online art classes for children from ages 6 to ten. On August 4 and 6 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. children ages 6 to 10 can explore unique desert landscapes. This skill-based class requires a watercolor palette, watercolor paper, two brushes, painter’s tape and a black fine point pen.
Children ages 11 to 15 can get in on the fun with a typography class on August 4 and 6 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The class goes over the fundamentals of typography and requires a Pencil, eraser, washable markers or sharpies and a fine point black pen. Both courses charge a $20 sign-up fee.
enriching lives, igniting curiosity, and cultivating connections
