Discovery Kids Summer Camps
Mark your calendars! Discover the magic of play this summer in our 8 week summer camp from June 30-August 22, 2025 (no programming July 4 or July 18), offering a variety of engaging programs for ages 4-9. Full summer registration for our play-based camps opens at 9AM on March 24, 2025. Families will need a Discovery Center membership in order to register.
Your child will spend sunny days learning and playing in our award-winning Story Garden and taking hikes on the trails within Ross Park. They will also have plenty of time to explore the region’s one and only children’s museum. What better place is there for your kids to spend their summer?
Our talented camp instructors are devoted to enhancing learning and adventure through projects, experiments, art, music, dance, creative expression, game play, outside adventures, and numerous hands-on activities. We are striving to ensure each camper has a full and enriching experience while still remaining diligent with our safety and health protocols. Your child’s safety is our top priority.
Pre-k (Age 4)
Our full day camps are open to 4 year olds and will help your child adjust to a school-like setting and prepare them for Pre-k or kindergarten in the fall.
Your child will learn new skills as they interact with their peers and adjust to classroom routines.
This camp will have a ratio of 1 adult to every 8 children with a total of 16 children total.
*To participate in this camp, your child must be toilet trained. You will also need to supply proof of immunizations and last medical physical to complete your registration.
During this week, Summer Camp will be closed on July 4.
Spellbinding Stories
Embark on a magical adventure where imagination knows no bounds! From creating their own fairy tales to acting out their favorite characters, every child will leave with a heart full of magic and new memories to treasure.
Arrggggg!
Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me!
Join us mates for a ride on the open seas. We will learn about the ocean, ships, and the pirates that travel on them—singing sea shanties on the hunt for our treasure.
You might not recognize us after we join the pirate crew of the Discovery Center.
During this week, Summer Camp will be closed on July 18.
Whoosh, Zap, Shazam
Is it a bus? Is it a plane? Or is it… Blossom the Bull? The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier puts its spin on the classic superheroes that we all know and love. Let’s embark together to find out what makes us super!
Casita Magica
Experience the magic of art, Spanish, and culture in one unforgettable week! Each day, campers will explore the magic of the madrigal family, creating their own masterpieces inspired by South America, while learning Spanish phrases to connect them to the heart of the story.
Tinkerbell’s Workshop
This is the perfect place for children to tap into their inner inventor, artist, and adventurer! Kids will enjoy building their own magical creations, participating in treasure hunts, and exploring nature’s wonders, all while developing their problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities.
Wheels of Wonder
Rev your engines and get ready for a week of high-speed fun! From big rigs to speedy race cars, campers will discover how these amazing machines are full of surprises and magic!
Magic Grows
Kids will get their hands dirty as they explore the world of animals, plants, and farm life with a sprinkle of wonder. Discovering how a farm is not only a place of hard work but also a land of enchantment, where each new experience feels like stepping into a storybook.
Goodbye Summer
We’re celebrating the end of summer by bringing back all of our favorite games and activities. Ending our time together with a picnic. See you all next summer!
Ages 5-6
This camp will have a ratio of 1 adult to every 10 children with a total of 20 children total.
During this week, Summer Camp will be closed on July 4.
Spellbinding Stories
Embark on a magical adventure where imagination knows no bounds! From creating their own fairy tales to acting out their favorite characters, every child will leave with a heart full of magic and new memories to treasure.
Casita Magica
Experience the magic of art, Spanish, and culture in one unforgettable week! Each day, campers will explore the magic of the madrigal family, creating their own masterpieces inspired by South America, while learning Spanish phrases to connect them to the heart of the story.
During this week, Summer Camp will be closed on July 18.
Sorcery & Sauté
Where young chefs and wizards come together to whip up spells in the kitchen and create enchanted dishes! Campers will learn kitchen safety, recipe techniques, and how to saute their way to delicious magic in the kitchen.
Whoosh, Zap, Shazam
Is it a bus? Is it a plane? Or is it… Blossom the Bull? The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier puts its spin on the classic superheroes that we all know and love. Let’s embark together to find out what makes us super!
Arrggggg!
Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me!
Join us mates for a ride on the open seas. We will learn about the ocean, ships, and the pirates that travel on them. Singing sea shanties on the hunt for our treasure.
You might not recognize us after we join the pirate crew of the Discovery Center.
The Secret Science Society
Welcome to The Secret Science Society, where young minds become curious explorers of the unknown! Get ready for mind-blowing discoveries, experiments, and teamwork.
Shhhhh- It’s a secret!
Creeper Camp
Ready to dive into the world of Minecraft like never before?
Campers will embark on exciting quests, construct epic structures, and solve puzzles. We will design everything from castles to secret lairs. Combining the best of Minecraft with our own world.
Goodbye Summer
We’re celebrating the end of summer by bringing back all of our favorite games and activities. Ending our time together with a picnic. See you all next summer!
Ages 7-9
This camp will have a ratio of 1 adult to every 10 children with a total of 20 children total.
During this week, Summer Camp will be closed on July 4.
Medieval Court
Calling all young lords and ladies! Campers will train as knights, design their own coats of arms, and learn the arts of swordplay (foam swords, of course!) Each day brings a new royal adventure, from feasts and dances to quests for treasure and mysterious creatures. Whether they’re playing the role of a wise queen, a brave knight, or a clever court jester, kids will have the time of their lives in a magical, medieval world!
Whoosh, Zap, Shazam
Is it a bus? Is it a plane? Or is it… Blossom the Bull? The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier puts its spin on the classic superheroes that we all know and love. Let’s embark together to find out what makes us super!
During this week, Summer Camp will be closed on July 18.
Overworld
Ready to dive into the world of Minecraft like never before?
Campers will embark on exciting quests, construct epic structures, and solve puzzles. We will design everything from castles to secret lairs. Combining the best of Minecraft with our summer in the real world.
Honey, I shrunk The Discovery Center
This summer, kids will shrink down to explore the world from a whole new perspective. Inspired by the classic movie, campers will dive into the wonders of science as they learn about the fascinating mini-world around them. From studying the life of ants and insects to experimenting with how different materials shrink and grow, each day will be filled with exciting hands-on activities.
Sorcery & Sauté
Where young chefs and wizards come together to whip up spells in the kitchen and create enchanted dishes! Campers will learn kitchen safety, recipe techniques, and how to saute their way to delicious magic in the kitchen.
Optical Illusions
Where art and science come together to create mind-bending fun! Dive into the magic of 3D art, play with perspective, and even create their own illusionary masterpieces. Help us explore the fascinating world of visual tricks and illusions through hands-on projects and creative challenges.
DC Behind the Scenes
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work at The Discovery Center?
Come work with our magical team to learn what happens behind the scenes. Create new exhibit plans, prep to teach in a classroom, and add new art to our walls.
Goodbye Summer
We’re celebrating the end of summer by bringing back all of our favorite games and activities. Ending our time together with a picnic. See you all next summer!
2025 Camp Structure
Summer Camp 2025 will run Monday-Friday 9AM-4PM from June 30 – August 22, 2025. (Please note that there is no camp on July 4 or July 18.) Our full day camps are divided into three different age groups: Pre-k, Ages 5-6, and Ages 7-9. This summer we will open our registration to families in need of a summer camp for all 8 weeks of camp as this has been shown to be a need of our community. All campers must hold an active Discovery Center Membership to enroll in Summer Camp.
2025 Camp Rates
Ages 5-9 Camps: Full Day (9AM – 4PM)
8 week session: $1,600
Age 4 (Pre-k) Camp: Full Day (9AM – 4PM)
8 week session: $1,700
Childcare subsidies through the Department of Social Services (DSS) will only be accepted for currently enrolled full time children. Please contact Ciara Heatherman at 607-773-8661 ext 209 for details.
Extended Camp Options
We offer before-camp care (8-9AM) and after-camp care (4-5:30PM) for 5-9 year old campers. There is no before or after care available for our pre-k campers.
Families can purchase 8 weeks of before-camp care for $240 and after-camp care for $320.
Registration Fee
The registration fee is included in tuition this year and will cover classroom supplies and any special events or field trips.
Membership Requirements
In order to qualify as having a Discovery Center Membership for Summer Camp enrollment, your family membership must be current at time of registration through August 2025. If your membership will expire before September, you must renew it before completing your camp registration. When you renew your membership now, your new membership year is activated when your current membership expires. To purchase or renew a membership, click here or call 607-773-8661.
No refunds will be given for memberships purchased after camp registration is completed.
Membership benefits are not transferable, and membership discounts for camp cannot be used to register extended family members.
A Typical Day at Camp
Adventure and learning are waiting around every corner at the Discovery Center! Every morning, campers will gather in their classrooms and settle in with their instructors. From there they’ll take part in all kinds of engaging activities designed to encourage children to be creative, engaged and active!
Each week is a new theme and a new set of things to learn about. We will play in our one of a kind hands-on children’s museum, award-winning Story Garden, or the woods of Ross Park. Children will participate in structured games, story time, an art enrichment curriculum and of course have plenty of chances to be active and keep moving. There will be new friends to make and social skills to develop each and every day!
Food
Waitlist and Late Registration
Our camps typically fill up early, so we do maintain waitlists when they reach capacity.
Cancellation Policy
If The Discovery Center’s camps are open and running, we will be unable to issue refunds for any fees paid.
Questions?
For more information, email directorofed@thediscoverycenter.org or call (607) 773-8661 ext 209.
