Download the Time Tunnel 2009 Registration Form (PDF)

Welcome to Time Tunnel!
The Museum’s 21st annual summer camp presents diverse approaches to learning in the creative environment of a natural and cultural history museum. A staff of educators, scientists, historians, artists, and counselors work together to provide campers with fun, educational activities. Each day, campers explore the Museum using Time Tunnel themes as their guide, play games outdoors, spend time in the computer lab, and enjoy water activities outside the Museum.

Time Tunnel staff and counselors are experienced teachers or outstanding college students, many returning to camp from previous summers. They are knowledgeable in areas ranging
from science and the arts to sports and recreation. Waterfront staff holds the necessary certifications to oversee the swimming program.

Time Tunnel is designed for kids entering first through eighth grades. Staff work with children and parents to accommodate special needs.

Session I
ICKY, SPOOKY & OOKY!
June 29–July 10

Get ready to squish, slither and squirm as “Inspectors of Ickiness!” Get an up-close look at some creepy crawlies as we explore field biology. Keep an eye open for the “Gully Man” while we discover hidden plant and animal life under a decaying log. Make your own compost from yesterday’s lunch and learn how landfills work. Scientists share their work on bats, bugs, and kooky-looking spiders. No icky session would be complete without investigating animal tracks and their scat (poop)! This is how scientists learn what animals have eaten and where they get their food! Campers will investigate leftovers from an owl’s meal, make silly putty, create slime, and eat their own edible insects! Let’s explore germs and learn how to protect ourselves against these invisible invaders! We’ll dig into dirt to examine the mysteries of mud and the creatures that live underground. Create your own mummy and learn how cultures throughout history felt about life and death. Hear New York legends and create our own Time Tunnel myths and stories. Make your own loveable Time Tunnel monster! Be prepared for a daily visit by Dr. Disgusto who will share something icky, spooky, or ooky with our brave campers!

Session II
FOOTPRINTS FROM THE PAST: MESSAGES FOR THE FUTURE!
July 13-July 24

Scientists and historians try to decode the mysteries of ancient life. They figure out when things happened, when creatures lived, and how things were made. They help piece together the Earth’s story. Sometimes they only find a few puzzle pieces and they make smart guesses about their findings. Campers will put on their detective caps and investigate the secrets of life long ago. We’ll explore the Museum inside and out for fossil evidence. Campers will study clues left behind by ancient people, such as pottery pieces, stone tools, strange bumps in the earth, and ancient garbage pits. After exploring the ancients, we’ll create our own society called the “Melunnitter’s.” Melunnitter’s will have their own flags, foods, home designs, songs, and games to unite their cultures. We’ll learn how to protect ourselves from danger and communicate in our own unique languages. Campers will design their own artwork, symbols, and jewelry. We’ll establish a trading port and swap with each other. Each tribe will work to develop their own government and decide how they want to run their community. We’ll think about what is important to share with future generations by creating time capsules about the “Melunnitte” cultures.

Session III
PARTY LIKE IT’S 1609! WHAT HAPPENED 400 YEARS AGO?
July 27–August 7

It’s party time as we “rock” the Quadricentennial (400th anniversary party)! Set sail for a time and place that forever changed the world. Turn back the clock and visit New Netherland and Beverwyck (code word for Albany) and the famous adventurers Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain. Where did they come from and what were they looking for? Who did they meet when they arrived? Explore the world of the Mohican people and try to imagine what they thought of these strange boats and people from faraway lands. Explore the Museum’s newest exhibition, dedicated to the world of 400 years ago. We will celebrate and explore holidays and festivals, clothing, symbols, and foods of various cultures. We’ll play games created by the Dutch and native New Yorkers. Create beautiful Dutch tiles, colorful wampum-style jewelry, and print newspapers (a new idea in 1609!) Campers climb atop the Corning Tower to create maps and journals of modern-day Albany. Party-goers will design their own versions of Hudson’s Half Moon and investigate the mysteries of Fulton’s steam engine and a river called the Hudson. What inventions changed the world in 1609? Campers will become explorers and adventurers who braved oceans and sea “monsters” while seeking trade routes and new lands. Create rhymes and rap about life in 1609. Don’t miss this party of the century! There won’t be another like it until 2109!

Daily Schedule
Time Tunnel meets weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and hour-early and/or hour-late Time Tunnel Extra is also available for an additional fee.

Fees
Register early and pay in full by May 15 to receive last year’s price of $340 per child for Museum members, $380 per child for non-members, for each two-week session.

Register after May 15 and fees are $360 per child for Museum members, $400 per child for non-members, for each two-week session.

Sign up for all three sessions and pay by May 15 to receive a special rate of $925 for Museum members, $1,025 for non-members.

Sign up for all three sessions after May 15 and fees are $970
for Museum members and $1,080 for non-members, per child.

The fee for two weeks of Time Tunnel Extra is $70 for the morning or afternoon session, or $120 for both morning and afternoon sessions.

Time Tunnel Camp T-shirts are $12 each.

Camp is designed in two-week thematic blocks, but we do offer a limited number of one-week sessions at half the regular two-week fee. Fees include all activities and instruction, recreation, and two daily snacks.

Advance registration is required. Registration cancellations received on or before June 12 will be refunded less a $25 per child per session cancellation fee. Registration fees are non-refundable after June 12.

New York State Museum members discount
Members of the New York State Museum participate in outstanding family programs at reduced rates, attend special members-only events, receive the Museum’s quarterly magazine and events calendar, and enjoy other benefits. To become a Museum member and immediately qualify for the special member rate for Time Tunnel 2009, call 518-402-5019.

For more information:
E-mail jgreenou@mail.nysed.gov or call the Time Tunnel Registrar at 518-402-5019. Time Tunnel fills quickly so sign up soon for
this exciting educational camp experience!