For Immediate Release

Fernbank Announces Virtual Summer Camp

ATLANTA, May 21, 2020 – While many summer camps have been limited due to COVID-19, the need to explore is alive and thriving. In response, Fernbank announces its virtual 2020 Summer Camps, allowing for physical distancing while still encouraging discovery with opportunities to engage, learn and explore through Fernbank's popular summer camp programming from home. Virtual camp means Fernbank can accommodate more campers from wherever they live—whether locally, across the United States and even globally. New registrations are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camps are available daily from 9:30am until 4:30pm EDT with camp educators taking campers through live streaming sessions, guided crafts and activities, and structured, self-led explorations. Virtual camps have been designed to require minimal parental or adult interaction and don't require campers to participate sequentially or in full sessions if they aren't able to.

Once registered, Fernbank campers will be able to access all camp sessions through the free Moodle app, which is compatible with a computer, tablet or mobile device, so you can take the Fernbank fun wherever you may need to go. Screen-time throughout each day of camp will remain limited, with a maximum of three hours per day, broken up throughout the day.

Guests will find camp options vary based upon their child's ages from ages 5-13.

Day Camps are customized for ages 5-7 and ages 8-10. This exciting and interactive program has themed days, that will be repeated each week, with special activities, games and crafts centered around the day's theme, including Amazing Animals, Fantastic Physics and Paleontology.

Amazing Animals Day invites campers to discover the strange world of animal adaptations. Activities include exploring their backyard for animal traces and meeting several of Fernbank's animal ambassadors through video sessions. Fantastic Physics Day takes campers into the worlds of matter, energy, and how they interact. Activities include making oobleck and a DIY pendulum. Paleontology Day turns campers into excavators, taking on the role of paleontologists studying ancient life, including dinosaurs. Activities include acting out the geologic time scale and making clay fossils.

Ranger Camps are tailored to campers ages 11-13 to explore forest environments, the biodiversity within these ecosystems, and the native plants and animals that call them home. This ecologically driven program allows campers to step into the outdoors and explore ecosystems they might find in their very own backyard. Activities in this program include tree identification, observing biodiversity plots and much more.

"We have made sure to include all of the elements of an in-person camp that our campers love, including plenty    of socializing, to keep that fun camp feel, and hands-on activities designed for campers to explore and experiment at their own pace in a familiar environment," said Sarah Arnold, Fernbank's Director of Education.

Cost for Fernbank's week-long camps are $200 for members and $250 for non-members, a $100 discount from traditional camp prices. 

For dates, further information or questions visit the Summer Camp page on Fernbank's website at https://fernbankmuseum.org/learn/summer-camp/, or contact our Education Department by email at SummerCamps@FernbankMuseum.org and by phone at 404.929.6327/6341.

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Media Inquiries:
Tyler Thornton, Public Relations Specialist
Tyler.Thornton@FernbankMuseum.org
404.929.6381

About Fernbank
Fernbank, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is one of the most popular and iconic cultural destinations in Atlanta. A collection of experiences rooted in science, nature and human culture, the attraction includes a natural history museum, giant screen 3D theater and 75 acres of nature adventures that include the largest urban old-growth Piedmont Forest in the United States. Visit fernbankmuseum.org for more information and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.