Choose from four themed weeks of camp! Each week is packed with private playtime (indoors and out), special community guests, games, hands-on science, creative art projects, and plenty of summer fun!
Week 1 (June 8th–12th) – Fairy Tale Engineering
Your favorite stories are full of STEM! Learn all about the engineering design process, then make a bed for Goldilocks and build a house for the Three Little Pigs. Read Humpty Dumpty’s tragic tale, then see if you can survive your very own egg drop.
Week 2 (June 15th–June 19th) – Miniatures & Make Believe
World builders welcome! Design a diorama inspired by our dollhouse, make a miniature zine, and craft costumes and accessories to support your storytelling.
This camp is going here, there, everywhere! From under the sea to outer space, travel to a new destination each day. Turn our sandbox into a desert oasis, build a skyscraper in the big city, and craft camouflage for a jungle journey.
Week 4 (July 13th–17th) – Messy Art
Grab your apron; it’s time to get messy! Engineer a paint-throwing catapult, and make your own paper with shaving cream and rubber bands. Then use your new creations to make even more messy art!
Schedule
Monday through Friday: 9 am – 4 pm
Drop-off: 8:45 am – 9:15 am Pick-up: 3:45 pm – 4 pm
Summer Camp Scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and Triad National Security, LLC.
Materials & Personal Property
Personal water bottles are highly encouraged – tap water will be available for refills
No use of microwave will be permitted
Please label all personal items, jackets, hats, lunchboxes, etc. with campers first name and last name initial.
Children will spend time outdoors and classroom temperatures can flux, so please dress in layers and mess!
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Families will drop off campers through the main entrance between 8:45 and 9:15 AM. Caregivers must escort their camper into the building and sign them in each day.
Caregivers will pick up campers from our Sculpture Garden located in front of our Museum Office Entrance.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The Santa Fe Children’s Museum is committed to providing equal access to all individuals, including those with disabilities, and does not discriminate based on disability or on an individual’s relationship to someone with a disability. We strive to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the goods, services, facilities, and programs available at the museum.
We are happy to make reasonable accommodations for individuals upon request, whether the request is made by the individual or, in the case of a child, by their parent or guardian. However, we may not be able to grant a request if it would fundamentally alter the nature of a program, such as child care, camps, before- and after-school activities, classes, or recreational programs.
These accommodations are not limited to urgent or emergency situations. The Santa Fe Children’s Museum will assess each request individually and will consider each case based on its specific circumstances, without imposing any blanket restrictions on the types of accommodations that can be made.
Refund Policy
All registrations canceled 14 days or more before the camp start date will receive a refund minus the $100 deposit.
Cancellations made less than 14 days before the camp start date will NOT be refunded at all.
Scholarship registrations are not eligible for refund.
No refunds or credits will be granted if a child is removed from our program due to a violation of the SFCM behavior policy.
Behavior Policy
Our mission is to engage children in the joys of learning, play, and community. In order to meet our mission, our camp must be a safe place for all children, staff, volunteers, and guests. Our behavior policy is in place to ensure that our camp environment is safe, joyful, and playful.
Children are expected to behave appropriately. At SFCM, appropriate behavior means being kind, respectful, and safe to fellow campers, staff, and museum facilities.
No refunds or credits will be granted if a child is removed from our program due to a violation of the SFCM behavior policy.
As necessary, SFCM staff will take the following action steps to manage behavior incidents and/or chronic behaviors as problems arise and progress:
Camp Staff will address inappropriate behaviors and will redirect the camper to more appropriate behavior in a positive manner. Concerns will be shared with the caregivers of the camper(s) involved during pick-up at the end of the day.
If inappropriate behavior continues and is affecting the experience of other campers, staff, or volunteers, the camper will be referred to Camp Staff. Camp Staff will contact caregivers to inform them of inappropriate behaviors and discuss possible solutions.
If the inappropriate behavior continues, caregivers will be contacted to pick up the camper immediately, and the camper will be suspended for the remainder of the day (and possibly week, at the discretion of Camp Staff). Depending on the severity of the behavior, the camper may be dismissed from continuing camp programs at SFCM without a refund.
SFCM Summer Camp has a zero-tolerance policy for physical violence, leaving the group without permission, and behaviors involving the endangering of self, staff, other campers, or any other individuals. These behaviors will result in disciplinary action, which may include immediate dismissal from the camp program.
Camp Staff reserves the right to immediately dismiss a camper from current and future camp sessions at any point for conduct that is deemed detrimental to the well-being of other campers and staff or the overall operation of the camp. Refunds will not be issued (for current or future camp sessions) if campers are dismissed from Summer Camp programs due to behavioral reasons.
Plan for Play
Santa Fe Children’s Museum is CDC-compliant and since March 2020 has made changes to keep you, your family, and our staff safe and healthy. Some of the new operations include; encouraging staff/youth mentors/volunteers to be vaccinated, being outdoors as much as possible, adjustments to exhibit availability, upgrades to our HVAC system, and a purchase of new hospital-grade air purification system.
As of February 17, 2022, New Mexico does not require face masks in all indoor spaces. This policy applies to our guests, staff, and volunteers. However, everyone may continue to wear a mask to protect themselves and others from getting COVID-19. If you feel more comfortable with your child wearing a mask, that is ok! Masks must be provided from home.
We will continue to monitor and modify all recommendations to ensure that all visitors have a comfortable experience at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. At the heart of all the policies of SFCM is abiding by the mission to keep all of your campers and staff are equitably healthy and safe.
We remain committed to delivering a fun and educational camp experience for all!
Join our Camp Team
Spend your summer inspiring play and discovery! The Santa Fe Children’s Museum is hiring a seasonal Camp Teacher to lead hands-on activities, games, and creative learning for kids. If you love working with children and making learning fun, apply today for a summer full of joy and adventure!
SEE FULL CAMP TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION
Camp Teacher
The Camp Teacher works with Education staff to lead fun and educational summer camp experiences for kids ages 5-9. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with kids, is playful, and energetic.
Schedule: This is a temporary seasonal position with the following schedule:
Training: June 1 – 5 (12 hours)
Camp Week 1: June 8 – 12 (8:15 AM – 4:45 PM)
Camp Week 2: June 15 – 19 (8:15 AM – 4:45 PM)
Camp Week 3: July 6 – 10 (8:15 AM – 4:45 PM)
Camp Week 4: July 13 – 17 (8:15 AM – 4:45 PM)
Compensation: $21/ hour
Essential Functions
Supports the Museum’s mission and educational philosophy.
Ensures a fun and welcoming environment that is clean, safe, and cared for.
Engages with children and adults in a welcoming, courteous, and professional manner.
Leads campers in hands-on, play-based experiences during the camp programs.
Leads hands on STEAM activities.
Opens and closes camp classrooms at beginning and/or end of workday.
Assists with care and maintenance of the Museum facility as used by campers and the program.
Communicates with Museum Educators and Camp Leads regarding any issues including exhibit repairs, camper problems/concerns, etc. that may arise.
Provides guidance and direction to Camp Assistant Teachers and Camp Mentors
Attends camp related meetings and training.
Follows Museum policies as trained on during the orientation.
Supervises and engages with campers during open playtimes, indoors & out.
Hard skills
Good communication skills
Proficient with email and messaging
Customer and Personal service
Office suite software
CPR/First Aid certification
Soft skills
Good problem-solving skills, adaptable
Detail-oriented, accurate
Strong verbal communication
Bilingual helpful
Team-oriented
Open to feedback
Experience
One or more years working in teaching/childcare with ages 5-10
Experience working with special needs children
Working and Physical Conditions/Additional Requirement
Lift up to 30 lbs
Able to bend, kneel, squat to engage with children at their level
