With financial support raised during the Fund a Need portion at the 2022 Captain’s Ball, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium will be offering a limited number of scholarships for students in pre-school through eighth grade for educational programming. The campaign raised more than $30,000 to provide aid to students and families in need to attend day camps in the coming year.
“The River Museum provides a variety of programming that engages learners of all ages – preschool to adults—as part of our efforts to encourage lifelong learning,” said Jennifer Drayna, Director of Education. “Thanks to the generosity of donors, we are able to make our educational programs more accessible to our community by offering full scholarships for youth programming to families in need of assistance.”
The scholarships are available to students who receive free or reduced lunch and applies to the River Museum’s summer and winter break camps (grades K-5), School’s Out Day Camps (grades K-5), Early Explorers programming (ages 2-5), and Middle School Next Level Camps (grades 6-8). Scholarships cover the cost of the camp in addition to lunch and wrap-around care where applicable. Registration is currently live for Summer Camps and Early Explorers.
Parents can register their children online at rivermuseum.com/learn and click on the “Camps and Programs” tab. The River Museum’s education team will also be in contact with area schools’ guidance counselors and administrators to connect students with the opportunities.
Early Explorers – Offering sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the year, Early Explorers is open to children ages two through five along with a parent or caregiver. Sessions are held monthly year-round. Programs include a variety of hands-on and active activities, including crafts and a game. A parent and/or caregiver can attend the program for free with the toddler. General admission is not required for this program, nor is it included. Guests who show their SNAP Benefits or Medicaid cards qualify for Museums for All and are able to register for Early Explorers programming free of charge.
School’s Out Day Camps - Join the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium for School’s Out Day Camps that take place on weekdays when the Dubuque Community School District is not in session. The programs are for students in kindergarten – 5th grade and are available for full-day options. Students are required to bring a sack lunch. Drop off between 8:45-9:15 a.m. and programs start at 9 a.m. Students are required to bring a sack lunch for in between morning and afternoon sessions. Pick up is between 4-4:15 p.m., and programs end at 4 p.m.
Summer Camps - Summer Camps at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium provide children entering kindergarten – 8th grade with engaging, interactive, and affordable programs during the summer months. Participants must bring a sack lunch for full day camps. Camps are divided by grade level, and wrap-around care is available for elementary camps. There are five sessions of elementary camps, and the middle school camp is a two-day overnight after the Fourth of July. Programming runs from mid-June through the end of July.
Winter Break and Spring Day Camps - Students will enjoy special day camps for kids in kindergarten -5th grade during winter and spring break. Each day offers different themed sessions with fun, educational programs. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will require students to bring a sack lunch.
For all programming, discounts are available to River Museum members and for full-session registration.
For more information about registration, program offerings, or scholarships, please contact Kaelyn Howe, Education Group Coordinator, at learning@rivermuseum.com or 563-557-9545 x 222.