Summer Camp Themes

Summer 2010 & April Vacation Camp

Leonardo DaVinci is the inspiration for integrating science and art experiences and exploring different themes in depth, so we can give your child a DaVinci Experience®. NEW half day program for 4-7 yr. olds at Falmouth site. All of our sites accept 5-13 year olds full day ( small groups of similar aged campers) except in Yarmouth. Please note that themes offered in Yarmouth on Cousins Island are for 8-13 year olds.

Amazing Africa

Learn about the scientific marvels and art of this fascinating continent! Make masks, warrior shields & flags, 3d animals, African dolls, jewelry and more as we explore these amazing cultures in South Portland . top

Ancient Egypt

Grab your pith helmet and map for an imaginary excavation of ancient Egypt. Document your discoveries with drawings, paintings and sculptures. Offered in Freeport. top

CIT ( Counselor-In-Training

Applicants should be 13-15 years old and must commit to at least two weeks of summer camp( not necessarily consecutive). There is also precamp training in June that consists of CPR certification, basic first aid training, and an all staff orientation meeting, Throughout the summer CIT's receive reading materials on child development, participate in leadership development activities and are under the supervision of DaVinci Experience staff and are assigned a mentor. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon a personal interview with the camp director and a review of references. There is a $100 fee per week for 1st year CIT's. The fee is waived for returning 2nd year CIT's. Applications may be printed from our Employment Opportunities page.

Creatures of the Deep

Learn about the deep thermal ocean vents and the creatures that live there. Giant squid, whales and dolphins are just a few of the creatures we'll find out about on Cousins Island in Yarmouth ( Must be at least 8 yrs. old for this week. We are outdoors most of the day and swim in the ocean ). top

Crime Lab

Learn how detectives solve crimes! Find fingerprints, analyze fibers and soil, and experiment with chromatography as you work with a team to solve mysteries in Falmouth . Half day option for 4-7 yr. olds , as well as full day option for 5-13 yr. olds. top

Critters & Creatures

Explore the local environment of field and woods to learn about birds and other animals up close. David Sparks, an animal rehabilitator from Sparks Ark will visit along with live animals. Includes hands-on science experiments, art projects and outdoor fun and games in Falmouth . Half day option for 4-7 yr. olds , as well as full day option for 5-13 yr. olds.

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Docs that Rock !

Learn about fantastic careers in medicine! Experiment to find out how our bodies work and how to keep them healthy. Listen to hard working hearts, make models of lungs, learn how the senses work and much more. Discover hidden worlds inside the human body with a microscope! Half day option for 4-7 yr. olds , as well as full day option for 5-13 yr. olds in Falmouth . top

Emergency Vet

Campers will be introduced to the exciting world of Veterinary Medicine at our Falmouth site. They will learn about animal behavior, diseases and parasites, and first aid for pets through hands-on activities and games. A vet will visit and discuss how to prepare for a career in veterinary medicine and answer your questions about pet care. Animal rehabilitator, David Sparks of Sparks Ark will also bring real animals to camp and stress safety around animals. top

Island Artist/ Making Maine Art

Learn about Maine artists and their art at our Yarmouth site on Cousins Island. Paint seascapes like Winslow Homer, build sculptures like Louise Nevelson, mix egg tempera like Wyeth, make animal books like Dahlov Ipcar and more! Bring your swim suit and water shoes for exploring the sandy beach and rocky shore. (Must be at least 8 yrs. old for this week. We are outdoors most of the day and swim in the ocean )top.

Island Habitat

We'll explore tidal pools and discover animal habitats along the shore and in the woods and fields of Cousins Island in Yarmouth. One of our most popular camps! ( Must be at least 8 yrs. old for this week. We are outdoors most of the day and swim in the ocean )top

Kitchen Chemistry

Conduct exciting experiments using safe household materials. We'll make cornstarch creatures, things that wiggle and foam and more at our Freeport site. We will also learn about "green chemistry" and why it is important for chemists and engineers to develop safer, more environmentally friendly chemicals for the products, like toys, that we use every day. top

Knights & Princesses

Imagine a fantastic trip through medieval Europe and the time of cathedrals in Cape Elizabeth . Build a castle, construct a catapult, and play medieval games! top

Lightning, Lava, & Landslides

Construct a volcano, see why earthquakes quake, and make a tornado in a bottle! Explore severe weather patterns and make your own weather station equipment at our Falmouth site! Half day option for 4-7 yr. olds , as well as full day option for 5-13 yr. olds. top

Making Impressionist Art

Learn about famous Impressionist artists and their art at our Falmouth site. Paint outdoors like Monet and Renoir. Experiment with pastels like Degas. Make fun Matisse-inspired collages. Lots of art projects and games help you discover the secrets of the Impressionists. Half day option for 4-7 yr. olds , as well as full day option for 5-13 yr. olds. top

Ocean Commotion

Discover the wonders of the ocean and the creatures in it with outdoor games and science & art projects on Cousins Island. Learn about sea life from plankton to sharks & whales. Get upclose looks at starfish, hermit crabs and moon snails. Bring water shoes for shore explorations.( Must be at least 8 yrs. old for this week. We are outdoors most of the day and swim in the ocean ) top

Picasso to Pop Art

Learn about famous modern artists at our South Portland site. Paint like Picasso and practice print making like Andy Warhol. Experiment with fun drip painting like Pollack and create your own sculpture. Learn about Japanese anime and manga as we make our own comics.

Radical Rain Forest (April Vacation Camp 2010)

Learn about the fragile ecology of the rainforests around the world. Using activities and hands-on science experiments, we will explore the environment and its endangered species. We'll make puppets and models of the layers of the rainforest, paint jungle scenes and more in Falmouth. Special April vacation hours 9am- 5pm.) top

Sea Pirates

We'll explore the history of pirates and ships on the sea. Construct your own model pirate ship, learn to tie nautical knots, and find out what floats or sinks off the gang plank. Learn navigational skills and use a treasure map for the DaVinci Scavenger Hunt in Cape Elizabeth . top

Space Traveler

If you liked Space Station Vacation last summer, you'll love Space Traveler! We'll learn about the latest developments in space exploration. Lots of hands-on experiments and projects to explore our solar system and the stars beyond. Make your own star finder in Falmouth. Half day option for 4-7 yr. olds , as well as full day option for 5-13 yr. olds. top

The Write Stuff

( 4 day Writing Camp July 6-9th)

Do you want to be a reporter, writer or poet? Learn the writing skills to give you confidence in expressing your ideas. Your instructor worked for Scholastic Books for years and will now share her knowledge of informational and reportive writing. You'll also have the opportunity to visit with the special "Critters & Creatures Camp" guests ( David Sparks and various animals) and help with the DaVinci Experience Newsletter in Falmouth . Use your imagination to create your own stories and art. Games and outdoor fun included. ( Must be at least 8 yrs. old for this session. ) top

Island Explorer (not offered in 2010)

Learn to identify the trees, plants, and rocks of Cousins Island . Make your own rock collection. Explore the area's diverse ecosystems through hands-on science activities and games. Lots of outdoor and beach fun at our Yarmouth site!( Must be at least 8 yrs. old for this week. We are outdoors most of the day and swim in the ocean ) top