With many school districts in the St. Louis area planning for remote-only or partial in-person school, some parents are looking for alternatives to a home-based online education or home schooling. The Magic House announced it will open Learning Camp, a supervised, socially distanced environment separate from museum visitors where kids in kindergarten through grade 5 can spend the day working on school work if needed, and participating in a STEAM-centered curriculum.
Learning Camp will be similar to the museum's full-day summer camp program, which implemented social distancing and other CDC protocols successfully. Open five days a week with before and after care available, Learning Camp will supplement school-based learning with creative STEAM and social studies interactive experiences led by the education staff at The Magic House. A supervised and supported virtual learning lab will be available for students to complete online learning if needed.
Each day begins with private exploration and play in the museum, followed by a variety of learning experiences, including robotics, 3D printing, pottery making and cultural education. The afternoon hours will be designated as a time for independent reading, schoolwork, and art experiences. Students will be divided into small group "play pods" with 10 students maximum to allow for social distancing within exhibit spaces and classrooms.
Families can sign up for Learning Camp on the days they need a place for their children to learn away from home. There is a two day per week minimum. Members receive a discounted rate of $37.50 per day, with a daily rate for non-members of $45. Lunch, prepared by the museum's chef, is $5 per day, or students may opt to bring their lunch. Before and after care is available from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. for $10 for the morning session or $15 for both sessions.
Learning Camp begins on August 24.
Pre-registration is available now. For information and to pre-register, visit magichouse.org
This annual community festival includes lots of live entertainment, a parade on Saturday morning, a carnival with rides, a Kids Korner on Saturday, games, crafts, live music, fireworks and more.
Come play at The Magic House for free during Emerson Free Family Night. Capacity is limited.
The Festival of the Little Hills is an annual three-day event that features over 300 arts and craft booths, more than 40 food vendors, live entertainment (both musical and non-musical) and a Kids Corner.
This 7,000 square-foot makerspace is designed for kids to play, explore create and collaborate. Visitors have a chance to "paint" on the digital easel, use a pottery wheel to create a clay creation, design for a 3D printer, launch air rockets, build robots and circuits and more!
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