Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Register now for the Florida Museum of Natural History’s educational and entertaining summer camps and field camps.

Students in grades 1-6 for the 2012-13 school year can investigate natural history, examine fossils, discover ancient cultures and meet some of the most interesting members of the animal kingdom during the weeklong camps June 11 through Aug. 3.

Summer camps for grades 1-6 run June 11-Aug 3 and field camps for grades 5-6 are offered the weeks of June 18, July 9 and July 23. To register, visit http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/summer_camps.htm or call 352-273-2061.

Through activities and hands-on exploration, children enrolled in summer camps will learn about fossils, animals and the environment. Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are available for summer camps. Field camps focus on conservation, nature photography and museum collections. All field camps include field trips and are full-day sessions.

Half-day sessions are $120 for museum members and $130 for non-members. Full-day summer camp and field camp sessions are $225 for members and $250 for non-members.

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

Florida Museum of Natural History 2012 Summer Camps

June 11-15
DinoMania (Morning Camp)
Awesome Arthropods (Afternoon Camp)

June 18-22
Build It! (Morning Camp)
Now You See Me (Afternoon Camp)
Wild about Conservation | June 18-22 (Field Camp)

June 25-29
A Whale of a Tale (Morning Camp)
Kitchen Chemistry (Afternoon Camp)

July 9-13
Magnificent Maps! (Morning Camp)
Fossil Freeway (Afternoon Camp)
Nature Photography (Field Camp)

July 16-20
Fantastic Forests (Morning Camp)
Mayans: Lords of the Land (Afternoon Camp)

July 23-27
Our Changing Planet (Morning Camp)
Math Mysteries (Afternoon Camp)
Adventures in Museum Collections (Field Camp)

July 30-August 3
Sharks and Minnows (Morning Camp)
Artistic License (Afternoon Camp)

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Applications for the Florida Museum of Natural History summer 2012 junior volunteer program for students ages 12-17 are available beginning March 9 and due April 11.

Applications will be posted online at www.flmnh.ufl.edu/volunteers/vol_juniors.htm and available at Powell Hall, 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville FL, 32611. Applications must be delivered to the museum or postmarked by 5 p.m. April 11.

“I think one of the main benefits for the junior volunteers is the opportunity to have their first real work experience,” said Amy Hester, Florida Museum volunteer coordinator. “All of the work is very hands-on and will hopefully help them discover a field that they’re passionate about. It’s also a great way for high school students to fulfill their Bright Futures service requirements.”

If selected, junior volunteers must serve at least two weeks during the summer or a total of 40 hours if serving as a camp assistant.

A pre-service interview scheduled for April 28 is required for all new applicants, and those selected to serve must attend training June 3.

Junior volunteers may work with students enrolled in summer camps, with children and families in the Discovery Room, interact with visitors in the permanent and temporary exhibits and catch a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes work at the museum.

“Who doesn’t want to help people discover science while working the Discovery Cart or share the joy of a beautiful butterfly with a visitor in the rainforest exhibit?” Hester said. “This program is a great mix of fun and service that keeps the youth coming back.”

Last year more than 120 junior volunteers spent a total of 5,460 hours at the museum.

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Source: Amy Hester, 352-273-2055, ahester@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Elementary, middle and high school students in Florida who receive an ‘A’ or ‘S’ grade in science can present their latest report card for free admission to the Butterfly Rainforest with a paid regular price adult admission. Alachua County students receive their next report cards Nov. 8.

The offer is valid until the next report cards are issued. A student receiving another ‘A’ or ‘S’ grade on their next report card would again qualify for the offer through the end of the following grading period.

” ‘A for Science’ is such a popular program that we decided it should not be limited to just a few counties,” said Jaret Daniels, Florida Museum assistant director of exhibits and public programs. “We want to showcase the importance of science statewide, encourage students to do well in school and reward them for receiving outstanding grades.”

The program was available to students in Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Putnam and Union counties in 2010.

The Butterfly Rainforest is a 6,400-square-foot, lush, tropical garden with hundreds of living butterflies from around the world, including 60 to 80 different species at any given time.

Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This offer has no cash value and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $10.50 for adults ($9 Fla. residents) and $6 for ages 3-17.

For more information about this promotion or other museum events, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu or call 352-846-2000.

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Source: Jaret Daniels, 352-273-2022, jdaniels@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
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 accepting applications for summer 2011 junior volunteers from students ages 12-17. The application deadline is 5 p.m. April 7.

An application and more information are available online, www.flmnh.ufl.edu/volunteers/vol_juniors.htm, or at the museum front desk in Powell Hall, near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road, during business hours.

“New applicants are encouraged to apply for this fun and educational volunteer experience where they meet new friends and gain important practical life skills,” said museum volunteer coordinator Julie Crosby.

Junior volunteers must serve at least two weeks during the summer (40 hours if serving as a camp assistant) and may work a maximum of four hours per day. A pre-service interview, required for all new applicants, will take place Saturday, April 23, and a training session from 1 to 4:45 p.m. Sunday, June 5 is required for new and returning volunteers.

Junior volunteers work with younger students in the museum’s summer camps and with children and families in the Discovery Room. They also interact with visitors in the permanent and temporary exhibits, may catch a glimpse of what goes on behind-the-scenes and celebrate their work with an end-of-summer party.

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

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Discover what happens after dark at the Florida Museum of Natural History, during “Overnight at the Museum” from 7 p.m. March 12 through 9 a.m. March 13.

“Overnight at the Museum” is $50 for a member parent and child and $65 for a non-member parent and child. Additional guests are $20 each for members and $25 for non-members. A maximum of three children per adult may register.

Registration is available online, or by phone, 352-273-2061. Space is limited and participants are encouraged to register early. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 8.

During this fun-filled sleepover, discover what hides in the cave, curl up next to the mammoth or mastodon and get ready for a night of activities, crafts, games, movies and snacks.

“Visitors will be able to see the whole museum at night and have a lot of fun with arts and crafts,” said Tiffany Ireland, Florida Museum education assistant. “Last year we had about 60 participants. The kids really enjoy exploring the exhibits during the evening, and it’s fun for the parents too.”

The program is designed for children ages 6-12. Participants should bring comfortable clothes, a sweater or jacket, sleeping bag or inflatable mattress and a pillow. A light breakfast will be provided in the morning.

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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. — 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