Summer Camp Summary

This year's Discovery Center Summer Camp was a great success, marking its first return to full swing since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. With generous grant funding from The Alaska Community Foundation in partnership with Rasmuson Foundation, we were able to offer scholarships to families, resulting in an exciting increase in participants compared to recent years. Out of the 30 campers served, 23 were new, bringing diversity and new connections to the camp.

Camp spanned over ten weeks, each with a different theme and unique focus. Campers had the opportunity to interact with animals through visits to the Reindeer Farm, Conservation Center, and the Alaska Zoo. They participated in water activities and water safety education, and they were introduced to various creative arts, fostering their creativity through drawing, painting, and photography projects. A week of music followed, where campers explored different types and genres of music and even made their own instruments, followed by a week dedicated to learning about various cultures and their traditions.

A partnership with Turnagain Ceramics made ceramics the focal point of week seven, providing campers with hands-on experience in clay work and neat projects to take home and show off to friends and family. Campers then got to conduct science experiments and engage in team and individual sports in a mini Olympics. The tenth and final week was spent celebrating and reflecting on the summer's fun-filled experiences.

The camp formed more than 15 community partnerships this year, expanding our network of resources and offering innovative experiences. By joining forces with local experts, and with the help and guidance of our staff, campers enjoyed specialized events and activities, giving them with a memorable and fulfilling camp experience and making for a big bunch of happy campers.

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