GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Enroll your children today in the Florida Museum of Natural History’s “Amazing Migrations” Playful Escape, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 2.

Registration is available online at http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/childrens_classes.htm or by phone at 352-273-2061.

“Playful Escapes is a fun, educational and informal day at the museum,” said Florida Museum education assistant Tiffany Ireland. “Children will learn about the migratory patterns of different birds, fish and sharks that migrate through Florida.”

Students in grades K-5 may observe the Earth’s magnetic field using compasses and learn how it plays a significant role in animal migrations. Students will also participate in outdoor activities designed to teach them about mapping, topography and ways to observe the Earth’s surface from a bird’s-eye view.

Students should dress for the outdoor weather and bring a sack lunch if enrolled in the full-day session. Pre-registration is required for morning, afternoon or all-day sessions.

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Source: Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Alyssa Wang
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Register your child for a summer of exploration and discovery at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s camps.

The museum offers week-long summer camps from June 13 through Aug. 12 and week-long field camps the weeks of June 27, July 18 and Aug. 1.

“Our summer camp programs are a great opportunity for children to learn about many exciting, interesting topics,” Florida Museum education assistant Amanda Erickson said.

Through activities and hands-on exploration, children enrolled in museum camps will learn about animals, ancient cultures and the environment. Field camps focus on invasive species, insects and plants through activities and fieldtrips.

Summer camps are designed for students enrolled in grades 1-6 for the 2011-12 school year. Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are available. Field camps are offered for students enrolled in grades 5-6, ages 9-11. All field camps are held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Weekly costs for half-day camps are $117 for members and $130 for non-members. Full-day sessions are $225 for members and $250 for non-members. Limited scholarships are available for children of families in need.

Registrations will be accepted by fax, mail or online. Camps will be filled in the order registration forms are received, and confirmation letters will be mailed two weeks from receipt of registration. Register online, www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/summer_camps.htm, or call 352-273-2061 for more information.

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Source: Amanda Harvey (Amanda Erickson), 352-273-2062, aerickson@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leila Milgrim
Media contact:  Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Florida Museum Summer Camps

June 13-17
Globetrotters, Asia (Morning Camp)
Island Fever (Afternoon Camp)

June 20-24
South American Mysteries (Morning Camp)
Something Furry (Afternoon Camp)

June 27-July 1
Creature Construction (Morning Camp)
Animal Voices (Afternoon Camp)
Invaders! (Field Camp)

July 18-22
Marine Mammals (Morning Camp)
Ice Age (Afternoon Camp)
Six Legs, More or Less (Field Camp)

July 25-29
Turning Tides (Morning Camp)
Meal Time (Afternoon Camp)

Aug. 1-5
Fantastic Flight (Morning Camp)
Crabs and Crew (Afternoon Camp)
Green Planet (Field Camp)

Aug. 8-12
Blue Florida (Morning Camp)
Life at the Top (Afternoon Camp)

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Register now for “Antarctic Expedition,” the Florida Museum of Natural History’s next “Playful Escape,” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 25.

Students in grades K-5 will discover why the South Pole is the coldest, windiest and driest place on the Earth.

Classes fill quickly and students must register by Wednesday, March 23.For more information or to register, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/childrens_classes.htm or call 352-273-2061.

“We have crafts and games designed to teach children about the animals and climate in the South Pole and what a fascinating continent Antarctica is,” said Kendra Lanza-Kaduce, Florida Museum public programs coordinator.

“Playful Escapes” offers entertaining education for children during morning, afternoon or all-day sessions.

The cost for half-day sessions is $27 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Full-day sessions are $47 for members and $50 for non-members. Morning sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., afternoon sessions are from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and full-day sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students registered for full-day sessions should bring a bag lunch and dress for outdoor activities.

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Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History is offering fun, educational spring break day camps March 28-April 1for students in grades K-5, including morning, afternoon or full-day options with convenient drop-off and pickup for parents.

The morning camp, “Ways We Eat,” runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon and explores how the animal kingdom goes to lunch. From 1 to 4 p.m., “Desire for Disaster” demonstrates how major natural disasters have produced some of the most amazing landscapes on earth.

Half-day sessions are $117 for museum members and $130 for non-members. Full-day sessions are $225 for members and $250 for non-members.

Register today at www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/childrens_classes.htm or call 352-273-2061 for more information.

“Both camps provide children with information and unique learning opportunities,” said Florida Museum education assistant Tiffany Ireland. “They get to experience and create things while learning about the world around them.”

Each day includes a different schedule of indoor and outdoor activities, arts and crafts and fun-filled games. Spring break camps provide students with interesting information and interactive activities that will keep their minds busy during the week away from the classroom.

From wild and gross to just plain weird, students in “Ways We Eat” will discover how animals eat their meals. “Desire for Disaster” demonstrates how major natural disasters have produced some of the most amazing landscapes on earth, from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to the volcanoes of Hawaii.

Students should dress for outdoor activities and those registered for the full-day sessions should bring their own sack lunch.

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Source: Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Blast off with the Florida Museum of Natural History during the next “Playful Escape,” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 21, and discover the wonder and excitement of outer space. Registration and more information is available online, www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/childrens_classes.htm.

The class is scheduled on Presidents Day, an Alachua County Schools student holiday, and provides working parents a place for their children in grades K-5 to enjoy entertaining and educational activities.

Participants will learn about orbiting planets, space ships and space travel.

“Playful Escapes is a fun, themed day for kids,” said Tiffany Ireland, education assistant at the Florida Museum. “We will have a lot of space-related activities and the kids will also have the chance to explore the rest of the museum as well.”

Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions are available. Half-day sessions are $27 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Full-day sessions are $47 for members and $50 for non-members, pre-registration is required. Morning sessions are from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 5 p.m.; and full-day sessions are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students should bring their own sack lunch and dress for outdoor activities.

For more information call 352-273-2061.

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Source: Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — If you’ve ever wondered how wolves work together to hunt, or why alligators wait patiently to catch their prey, join the Florida Museum of Natural History for its next children’s day camp from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, a student holiday for Alachua County Public Schools.

Students in the “Hunting Tactics” camp will explore Silver Springs to learn about some of nature’s most cunning animals and how they use camouflage, surprise attacks and organization to hunt and survive.

The camp is for students in grades K-5 and costs $77 for members and $86 for non-members. Students should dress appropriately for outdoor activities and cold weather. All students should bring a sack lunch and pre-registration is required

For more information or to register, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/childrens_classes.htm or call (352) 273-2061.

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Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

“Every year, children have a great time in our Playful Escapes,” said Kendra Lanza-Kaduce, Florida Museum public programs coordinator. “The program provides children with fun and interactive activities that let them learn about natural history and the environment.”

Playful Escapes offers crafts, activities and entertaining education for children enrolled in grades K-5 during morning, afternoon or all-day sessions.

Themes include “Insects,” “Swamp Life,” “Fossils and Prehistoric Beasts” and “Sharks and Ocean Life.”

Half-day sessions are $27 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Full-day sessions are $47 for members and $50 for non-members. Morning sessions are from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 5 p.m.; and full-day sessions are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Playful Escapes give parents an opportunity to run errands, shop or take care of other last-minute holiday details, while providing children with entertaining and educational activities outside the home during the winter school break.

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Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Children can explore the wonders of caves, prowl with some of the largest cats from across the world, brave the Caribbean Sea’s rich past to learn of its unique culture and much more during summer camps at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Museum member registration begins today (March 15) and general registration begins April 1. Summer camps begin June 14 and are available for students in grades 1-6 for the 2010-2011 school year. Summer field camps are offered for students in grades 5-6, ages 9-11 only. Prices for camps range from $117 to $270 for members and $130 to $300 for non-members.

Morning camps run from 8:30 a.m. to noon and afternoon camps from 1-4:30 p.m. All-day camps and field camps are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Camps provide a challenging and fun environment for children to learn through activities, crafts, literature, museum resources and outdoor exploration.

Registrations are accepted through mail, fax or online and all camps will be filled in the order the registration forms are received. For more information and to register online visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/summer_camps.htm. For more information, call 352-273-2061.

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Florida Museum Summer Camps:

June 14-18
Cave of Wonders (A.M. Camp)
Globtrotters, Africa (P.M. Camp)

June 21-25
Cunning Kitties (A.M. Camp)
Caribbean Breeze (P.M. Camp)
Bio Lab (Field Camp)

June 28 – July 2
Something Scaly (A.M. Camp)
Home, Home on the Range (P.M. Camp)

July 19-23
Flash Fire Forests (A.M. Camp)
Megalodon (P.M. Camp)
Absolutely Aquatic (Field Camp)

July 26-30
Insect Expeditions (A.M. Camp)
Peoples of the Ice (P.M. Camp)

Aug. 2-6
Unsung Heroes (A.M. Camp)
Sprout Science (P.M. Camp)
Zoology (Field Camp)

Aug. 7-9
Ocean Odyssey (A.M. Camp)
The City Life (P.M. Camp)

Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Take advantage of the Alachua County school student holiday April 12 and send the kids to “Playful Escapes” at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. students will enjoy themed activities in a safe, fun environment. Students in grades K-5 will learn about fossils, butterflies and other natural history related topics.

Students should dress for outdoor activities and bring a sack lunch. Pre-registration is required. A half day session is $25 for museum members, $30 for non-members. A full-day session is $45 for members, $50 for non-members.

For more information or to register, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/childrens_classes.htm or call 352-273-2061.

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Writer: Morgan Lamborn
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Classes feature themed crafts and activities that keep kids’ minds moving during the school holiday. Students in grades K-5 will learn about butterflies, fossils, sharks and other Florida natural history topics. Spaces remain for the class and parents are encouraged to register their children now.

Students should dress for outdoor activities and bring a sack lunch. Pre-registration is required. A half day session is $25 for museum members, $30 for non-members. A full-day session is $45 for members, $50 for non-members.

For more information or to register, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/childrens_classes.htm or call 352-273-2061.

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Writer: Lauren Churchwell
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu