April: Summertime at the Museum Experience
The April Coffee and Conversation: Summertime at the Museum Experience was facilitated by Tamera Sakotas, Teacher Programs Consultant with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS). She discussed the many youth programs offered by the Museum over the summer, as well as the variety of methods that the programming can be delivered to the out-of-school time community (virtual, on-site, off-site). She even led the group on an interactive activity similar to what is offered to youth that allowed them to explore the Prehistoric exhibit of the museum. Along with the incredible array of youth-centered offerings outlined during the event, Tamera also talked about the many Professional Learning opportunities available at the museum to educators. Please check out the Education Page on the DMNS website for both professional learning and student facing opportunities.
Here is Tamera’s contact information for those of you interested in exploring the museum offerings further:
Tamera Sakotas
(W) 303.370.8365 (C) 917.279.4269
After the immersive activity concluded, the group was brought back together to brainstorm and exchange some summer field trip/activity ideas, as well as share what organizations are doing in their summer programs this year. Here is the list of what was discussed:
10455 W 6th Avenue, Suite 150
Denver, CO 80215
720.266.2143
Youth can participate in an array of activities including archery, climbing, cooking, and much more!
- STEM and Adventure Field Trips cost $5/youth
- Contact Lizzy Dowd for more information: lizzy.dowd@scouting.org
- Check out this CAP Field Trip flyer
Boy Scouts of America- Greater Colorado Council
Scouting offers a number of programs for youth of all ages in all communities. Check out this Scoutreach Brochure.
The DAA Collective Leadership Team includes two members of the Great Colorado Council Team that you can reach out to for more info:
Elizabeth Gonzalez: Elizabeth.gonzalez@scouting.org
Sara Willard: Sara.willard@scouting.org
Denver Firefighters Museum
1326 Tremont Place
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 892-1436
- The Museum offers discounted admission rates for groups who make their reservations at least two weeks ahead of time
- Contact educator@denverfirefightersmuseum.org for more information
4777 National Western Dr.,
Denver, CO 80216
Focused on engaging PreK-12 students, families, and visitors around the topics of food, water, and health through real-world experiences
- FREE and open from Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm and on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10am – 2pm
- CSU Spur is free and open to all educational groups — school groups, field trips, after-school programs, summer camps — as well as individuals and families looking for a more “self-guided” experience. But reservations are required to bring a group.
Youth Development programs to “cultivate career and entrepreneurial interest among youth, with a focus on high-potential, in-demand fields through its Black Excellence and Youth Entrepreneurship Workshops.”
o Youth Programming Interest Form
Reach out to Benzel Jimmerson for more information at info@metrodeep.com
o Delivered quarterly, each box contains activities for girls (ages 6-10) to explore from home.
Summer internship opportunities available for girls (grades 8-12th).
Reach out to Destinee Perkins for more information: dperkins@gidenver.org
Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center
Has a mission to “aid in the establishment of justice and peace through the sharing of culture.”
Drums and Drones program is offered to youth aged 11 -18 years.
If you want to get the kiddos outside:
- Free Public Programs available on specific dates during the Summer
- Field Trip opportunities available Tuesday-Friday from 9:30a-12pm
o $8/student (fees waived for Title 1 schools)
Outdoor Education Program provides experiential outdoor and environmental education opportunities for youth and families.
Big City Mountaineers provides free, professionally-led outdoor and backcountry trips to youth ages 12 – 18.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife- Fishing Clinics and Education teaches kids and families to fish!! Basic fishing-skills clinics for school kids, families, community and civic groups, are offered during the year across Colorado.
Offers a low and high ropes challenge course. Program is intended for ages 8-18, and offers teambuilding activities.
- Swim beach will reopen Memorial Day Weekend
- Offers scuba, fishing, kayak rentals and an archery range
22550 State Highway 74
Idledale, CO 80453
Park offers hiking trails, fishing & picnic tables.
One topic of conversation at the event was around referring families to summer camps and programs that have open enrollment.
You can refer families to the Youth Program Locator to find summer opportunities: https://denvergov.org/youthprogramlocator/
Here are a few options that were mentioned at the event.
*As evidenced by the need to create this list, summer camp spots fill quickly so, please note that as of 4/17 these organizations still appear to have enrollment availability:
Boy Scouts of America- Greater Colorado Council Day Camp
Colorado Adventure Point STEM and Tech Camp Registration NOW OPEN
Bluff Lake Nature Center Summer Camp
CSU Spur Summer Programs
