Flagstaff- The Museum of Northern Arizona’s Discovery Program inspires Flagstaff’s youth to explore the Colorado Plateau during a summer of unforgettable experiences. In each of the 39 classes offered for youths ages 4–18, campers are immersed in the region’s traditions of fine arts, natural sciences, Native cultures, and ecology. These classes draw out kids’ natural curiosity and create a thirst for knowledge and appreciation of their surrounding environment.
Low student-to-teacher ratios and visits to local landmarks bring youths in direct contact with the spectacular heritage of the Colorado Plateau. Science investigations led by scientists, art projects with accomplished artists, and adventurous field expeditions led by skilled and engaging outdoor educators provide a unique growth opportunity for Discovery students.
“In a time when school art, environmental education, and other important programs have been cut back, Discovery offers opportunities for youth to creatively explore their artistic imagination and investigate local landscapes through first-hand experiences,” says Education Specialist Caitlin Evans. “Discovery introduces students to new disciplines and diverse worldviews. It urges students to value local resources and fosters community involvement.”
From among this year’s exciting classes, an all-time favorite class, Rumbling Rocks, has children exploring the volcanoes and geology of the Colorado Plateau through hands-on laboratory experiments, digging into the stories rocks tell, and taking a field trip to local landmark Sunset Crater. A handful of new classes reach into new subject areas, including Aqua Detectives, where children spend the week investigating the fascinating environments of local lakes, rivers, and creeks and the animals and insects that call these waters home. In another class, Clay in the Kitchen, students learn to create traditional ceramic forms that can be found in the kitchen as they produce bowls, plates, serving dishes, and mugs that can be added to their family’s own kitchen.
A new teen program for ages 13–17, Discovery Treks, offers overnight camping ventures led by Felix Parham, an avid outdoor enthusiast and local adventurer who creates new challenges and unforgettable experiences. These multiday camps visit many of the region’s treasures as the group rafts the lower half of the mighty San Juan River, mountaineers Arizona’s tallest peaks, canyoneers through the jaw-dropping canyons of the Mogollon Rim studying water resources and riparian ecology, and finishes strong with a climbing expedition led by top-notch climbing experts, all while developing leadership skills and a connection with the amazing landscapes of northern Arizona. Discovery Treks is partnering with local organizations including Vertical Relief Climbing Center and Grand Canyon Youth.
Discovery’s Junior Counselor program is entering its sixth year of providing valuable job experience to local teens. Volunteer Junior Counselors ages 13–18 are able to stay connected with MNA’s Discovery Program as they assist teachers with programs. When asked about her experience as a former Discovery participant, the now four-year Junior Counselor Kelly Reid exclaims, “I always looked forward to summer camps at MNA as a participant. Now that I’m older, I still love camp, but return each year because of the joy it brings me to pass on my experiences to new kids.”
For reservations or information, contact the Discovery Office at 928/774-5213, ext. 241 or discovery@mna.mus.az.us. Scholarships are available and are awarded based on financial need and student interest. Class descriptions, scholarship information, and applications are available at musnaz.org.
The following sponsors support MNA’s Discovery 2010:
Albertsons Community Partners
Anonymous Contributors
Bashas’ Shop & Give
Flagstaff Community Foundation
Forest Highlands Foundation
Grand Canyon Youth
McCoy Motors
Sam’s Club Foundation
Vertical Relief Climbing Center
The Museum of Northern Arizona is surrounded by tremendous geological, biological, and cultural resources in one of Earth’s most spectacular landscapes. With a long and illustrious history, MNA evokes the very spirit of the Colorado Plateau, inspiring a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the area. Its education programs encourage students to collaboratively and individually contribute to the investigation and interpretation of their homeland. The Museum is located three miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff, at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, on scenic Highway 180.
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