When kids age 5–13 join The Huntington’s Explorers Camp, they go behind-the-scenes of the art, library, and garden collections with hands-on experiences that inspire wonder, discovery, and fun!
Explorers runs five consecutive days (Monday through Friday) from 9 a.m.–noon with a different theme each day.
Half-day camp for kids aged 5–13
June 26–30 (Mon.–Fri.) | 9 a.m.–noon or
July 10–14 (Mon.–Fri.) | 9 a.m.–noon
Fee: $350
*Select one week; both weeks are identical in content and programming.
Registration includes all supplies and materials.
All required forms must be filled out in order to complete your registration. The last day to register for camp is June 15. You must fill out the required forms at the time of registration so that we have crucial information about your camper before our camp session begins. In order to protect our campers’ safety, we will not accept medical forms on site during our camp session.
Class Descriptions
Ages 5–6
Wild Huntington with Kristin Brisbois
Calling all artists and scientists! Do you want to go on an adventure to find different plants and animals at The Huntington? During this week, 5 to 6-year-olds explore the natural world in our art, botanical and library collections. Learn about different works of art that feature plants and animals, investigate pollinators and koi who call The Huntington home and keep track of everything you find in your nature journal. Let’s go wild and discover The Huntington together!
Ages 7–8
The Tinker Zone Engineering Camp with Sarah Thomas
Welcome to "The Tinker Zone"! Here, curious 7 to 8-year-olds explore the exciting world of engineering through a variety of hands-on design challenges. Each day, campers will use their creativity to solve problems behind the scenes in The Huntington’s galleries and gardens using camper-designed contraptions, structures, and gizmos. With the guidance of experienced Huntington staff, campers will experiment with different materials and tools, brainstorm ideas, build prototypes, and test solutions, all while making friends and having fun!
Ages 9–10
Inspiration Café with David Muñoz
Welcome to Inspiration Café! Here at Inspiration Café, 9 to 10-year-olds practice different forms of creative expression, from poetry to photography, and by the end will have a closer connection to their own unique creative voices. Each day, they will venture out into the gardens and galleries to discover ways the world around us can inspire our art. By learning about the process and craft behind book binding, collage creation, fiction writing, and photography, campers can create their own works of art that represent who they are and the stories they want to tell.
Ages 11–13
CSI Huntington with Galia Barsever
Get ready for the ultimate summer adventure at CSI Huntington! This week is designed for curious 11 to 13-year-olds who love solving mysteries and uncovering clues. Campers will learn how to analyze evidence in art and literature, explore the fascinating worlds of forensics and genetics, and create their own museum-based puzzles and cases! CSI Huntington is perfect for any young person who wants to have a blast while learning about science, history, and art. By the end of the week, they will have the tools they need to solve complex mysteries that lurk at the museum and create their own puzzles to stump their friends.
What You Need to Know
Camp Structure
Explorers Camp runs five consecutive days (Monday–Friday) from 9 a.m.–noon. Most programs are outdoors so participants should dress accordingly. No lunch or snacks will be provided; participants should bring their own bagged snacks (labeled with child’s name). Pick-up is at noon outside Rothenberg Hall.
Camp Content
Each class uses The Huntington's collections as inspiration for engaging arts, history, botanical, and science-related activities. Explorers focuses on topics that emphasize active learning, exploration, and most of all, fun! All camp sessions are created with inclusive and age-appropriate activities tailored to the multiple ways kids learn. Explorers also includes unique behind-the-scenes experiences with curators and special guests.
Camp Staff
Explorers enjoy a staff-to-child ratio ranging from 1:5 to 1:7 depending on age group. Instructors are passionate educators who are experts in their fields, have undergone training and background checks.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Ensuring that each child has a safe and enjoyable experience is our highest priority. We aim to create an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants. Explorers Camp is designed to meet the needs of all participants with different ways to engage through empowerment and channeling the strengths and interests of each child. Please contact us if you have questions regarding accommodations for your child at explorers@huntington.org. To ensure that Explorers Camp is a positive experience for everyone, your child must have attended kindergarten at the time of enrollment. Please contact us if you have questions about which session is the best fit for your child.
Safety Protocols
Vaccinations are strongly recommended, but not required.
Masks are recommended but not required for all Explorers Camp participants during indoor sessions except when eating and drinking. Snack time will be held outside.
Most of the programming is held outdoors, so weather appropriate clothing is strongly recommended.
If participants or their families experience symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to individuals who have experienced symptoms of COVID-19, they must notify Huntington staff immediately at 626-405-3457.
Should safety protocols change before Explorers Camp begins, participants will be notified.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
The last day to cancel your Explorers Camp registration and receive a full refund for the June 26–30 week of camp is Monday, June 5, 2023.
The last day to cancel your Explorers Camp registration and receive a full refund for the July 10–14 week of camp is Monday, June 26, 2023.
