Registration opens on December 2, 2024.
Cranbrook Institute of Science’s on-site summer Explore Camps give inquisitive campers the support they need to learn through doing. Campers will work together to tackle exciting, hands-on activities, experiments, and investigations as they explore popular science topics using the Cranbrook campus and museum as their personal laboratory.
Each week, campers will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of scientifically fun experiences, including exploring our Acheson Planetarium, interactive science shows in our auditorium, engaging dinosaur programs, encountering fascinating bugs, and more. Join us for one week or multiple – weekly activities will not repeat!
DAILY SCHEDULE:
- Camp meets daily from 9:00am – 3:00pm, Monday – Friday.
- Outdoor walk-up check-in begins promptly on Monday at 8:15am.
- Curbside check-in begins promptly at 8:45am Tuesday – Friday.
LUNCH:
Please bring lunch and snacks (morning, afternoon, and for extended care) from home. They must be free of peanuts, tree nuts, nut butters, sesame oil (tahini), and seeds.
| June 9-13 (W0) |
June 16-20 (W1) |
July 7-11 (W4) |
July 14-18 (W5) |
July 21-25 (W6) |
July 28-Aug 1 (W7) |
Aug 4-8 (W8) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Entering K |
Science Sampler | Our Universe in Motion | Science Sampler | Life on Earth | Every Rock has a Story | ||
| Entering 1st | Life on Earth | Every Rock has a Story | Science Sampler | Our Universe in Motion | |||
| Entering 2nd | Every Rock has a Story | Life on Earth | Our Universe in Motion | Science Sampler | |||
| Entering 3rd | Science Sampler | Our Universe in Motion | Every Rock has a Story | Life on Earth | |||
| Entering 4/5 | Outdoor Adventure | ||||||
| Entering 3/4 | STEAM and Outdoor Adventure | ||||||
| Entering 6-9 | CIT | CIT | CIT | CIT | CIT | CIT |
Science Sampler
Are you interested in more than one science “ology”? Join us for an exciting week filled with engineering challenges and engaging science experiments that you won't want to miss! Are you curious? That’s the perfect scientific mindset to bring along!
Life on Earth
Explore the millions of organisms that inhabit our 319-acre campus and beyond! From our hands-on biology exhibits to the diverse adaptations of life that run, swim, fly, skitter, and ooze all around us, there’s so much to discover.
Our Universe in Motion
So much universe, so little time! Get ready for an exciting week of physics and astronomy where you’ll fling, launch, sail, bounce, and discover the mysteries of motion. Explore the forces that shape our world and beyond!
Every Rock Has a Story
This investigation is right underneath you! Just like the Earth itself, our activities orbit around exciting games and experiments exploring lava, rocks and minerals, crystal formation, and much more. Dive into the fun and discover the wonders of geology!
Outdoor Adventure
Campers will discover how challenging—and rewarding—living in the wild can be, while gaining essential outdoor skills and a deeper connection to nature. From mastering archery to engaging in hands-on science activities focused on understanding and protecting the environment, this dynamic experience combines adventure with learning.
Full STEAM Ahead!
Join us for a one-of-a-kind camp experience at TWO museums, where we’re uniting right- and left-brain thinkers! This unique program encourages both analytical thought and creativity, empowering your camper to discover new ways to explore the world around them.
Counselor in Training (CIT)
Calling all past campers entering grades 6-9! Have you aged out of our camps but still want to stay involved? We have the perfect program for you! This exciting opportunity will prepare you to become a future camp counselor as you work alongside our dedicated camp staff, engage with current campers, and participate in activities specially curated just for you. Plus, lunch is provided!
A Note on Weekly Themes
Our Explore Camps offer tailored topics and activities designed to meet the developmental needs of each grade level group. Your camper can expect to dive deep into the week’s main topic while also exploring related disciplines that spark their curiosity. The descriptions above provide an overview of what to expect, but rest assured, activities are adaptable to maximize engagement and learning.
PRICING:
Explore Camps & Outdoor Adventure Camps:
- Kindergarten: $500 per week non-members, $425 CIS members
- Grades 1-5: $450 per week non-members, $380 CIS members
Full STEAM Ahead Camp:
- Grades 3-4: $500 non-members, $425 CIS/CAM members
Counselor in Training (CIT):
- Grades 6-8: $375 non-members, $320 CIS members
DISCOUNTS:
July K-3 Full Session Discount: Save $40 as a not-yet member or $55 as a CIS Member!
Your camper must be registered for all four weeks of an Explore Camp at the time of registration for the discount to be automatically applied to the total 4-week camp registration.
Discounts do not apply for Full STEAM Ahead or Outdoor Adventure.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: (Applies to Institute of Science Camps only)
- All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to CISReservations@cranbrook.edu and are subject to the policies below.
- The $100 per week enrollment deposit is non-refundable.
- Written cancellations received before April 1, 2025, will be eligible for a full refund. The enrollment deposit is non-refundable.
- Written cancellations received between April 1 and May 31, 2025, will be eligible for a 50% refund of total tuition. The enrollment deposit is non-refundable.
- Cancellations received on June 1, 2025, or later are not eligible for a refund.
- Cancellation should not be assumed until confirmed by CIS Reservations.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
- A $100 per week non-refundable enrollment deposit is required at the time of registration. The remaining camp fees are due as follows:
- 50% of the total fees due by April 1, 2025
- 100% of the total fees due by June 1, 2025
- For registrations made after April 1, 2025, the enrollment deposit and 50% of the remaining tuition are due upon registration and 100% of the total fees due by June 1, 2025.
- For registrations made after June 1, 2025, full payment is required at the time of registration.
- If you select the ‘Scheduled Payment’ option during registration, payments will be automatically arranged to meet the required amounts by the specified deadlines.
FEES:
- Rush Enrollment Fee: $35 per session after June 1, 2025
- Late Payment Fee: 10% of balance after June 1, 2025
ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS:
- Cranbrook accepts the following payment options, with the associated processing fees:
- eCheck (ACH): 1.1% processing fee
- Credit Card: 3.1% processing fee
- Check: Can be mailed or dropped off at the Institute of Science during standard museum open hours (no processing fee)
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
- Before Care is available from 7:30 - 9:00am, Monday – Friday.
- ($20/day or $90/week)
- After Care is available from 3:00 – 6:00pm, Monday – Friday.
- ($30/day or $135/week).
- Payment plans are available for no additional fee.
FINANCIAL AID:
Need-based financial aid is available. Awards are funded by Cranbrook Institute of Science and other camp families. To apply, please contact us. To donate, visit our donation page.
Questions about our Explore Camps? Call us at 248-645-3210 or send us an email at CISReservations@cranbrook.edu.