Elementary Camps at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Cholla Buddies: A Rodeo Break Day Camp

Thursday, February 26, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1-6

Desert Museum Members: $95 (Join Today!)
Non-Members: $110

Connect with nature at the Desert Museum! Explore human relationships with the Sonoran Desert through science, crafts, play, and live animal encounters. Leave with an understanding of your role in the desert and ways to explore nature in your own lives. This camp is open to kids currently in Grades 1-6. Campers will be together for group activities and will separate into two groups (Grades 1-3 or 4-6) for age-appropriate activities and adventures throughout the day.

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Elementary Summer Camps

Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Four week-long sessions are available:
Session 1: June 1-5, 2026
Session 2: June 8-12, 2026
Session 3: July 6-10, 2026
Session 4: July 13-17, 2026

Desert Museum and Coati Kids Club Members: $255 (Join Today!)
Non-Members: $275

Packrat Explorers: Sensational Senses
(Entering Grades 1-3 in Fall 2026)

See, smell, taste, hear, and feel the Sonoran Desert! Each day we will let our senses lead as we learn from desert plants and animals, explore nature around us, and examine bioartifiacts. And of course, we’ll explore the Museum, play lots of games, and make art that reflects on our discoveries. Come use those sensational senses to explore the desert!

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*Session 1 & 2 will feature the same core curriculum and activities.

Packrat Explorers; Habitat Heroes
(Entering grades 1-3 in Fall 2026)

How can we be superheroes for the plants and animals around us? Through nature exploration and hands-on activities, campers will discover everyday actions that they can do to protect the planet — no cape required! From forests and wetlands to deserts and oceans, we’ll uncover nature’s superpowers and how humans can help — or harm — these incredible ecosystems.

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`*Session 3 & 4 will feature the same core curriculum and activities.

Sonoran Scientists: Desert Detectives
(Entering Grades 4-6 in Fall 2026)

Calling all curious kids! The natural world is full of surprises and fascinating stories. During this STEAM-focused camp, kids will investigate the world around them using tips and tools of scientists. We’ll use exciting technology for nature discovery, and we’ll even get to meet some Desert Museum scientists and zookeepers along the way! Throughout the week we’ll explore the Museum, make nature-inspired art, and have experiences with a variety of desert animal friends. We’ll have a fancactus time!

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*Session 1 & 2 will feature the same core curriculum and activities.

Sonoran Scientists; Animal Admirers
(Entering grades 4-6 in Fall 2026)

Admire the incredible diversity of animals in the Sonoran Desert! Each day focuses on a different animal taxonomic group as campers explore what makes each group unique, learn about conservation challenges that wildlife face, and meet live animals up close. Through hands-on activities and engaging discovery, campers will build curiosity about science, develop empathy for animals, and learn how they can help protect species and ecosystems.

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*Session 3 & 4 will feature the same core curriculum and activities.

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Optional for Adults:

Work from home — from the Museum!

$95 for all 5 days of camp

Don’t want to drive back and forth every day? Stay and work/play at the Museum while your child is at camp!

Your work station includes:

• Personal (but not private) work space (bring your own computer and headphones)
  • Please note that a completely private area to take calls/Zooms is not guaranteed
• Indoors with air conditioning and Wi-Fi
• Museum entry included
• Come and go from your workspace to see the Museum at your leisure
• Space is limited

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Drop-Off and Pick-Up at Camp

Camper drop-off is between 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. We are not able to accept campers before 8:00 a.m. Please note that camp begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. It is important to be on time so your camper does not miss out on morning camp activities. If your camper must be late for any reason, please let us know by calling 520-883-3022.

What to Wear

Campers will be participating in a variety of activities that involve running, jumping, playing, and maybe even getting a little messy. Campers must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Check the daily weather and send your camper dressed accordingly.

What to Bring to Camp

Bring daily, packed in a backpack, book bag, or other easily carried bag:

• Full refillable water bottle
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Packed snack & lunch
• Closed-toed shoes
• Medication if needed
• Change of clothes & socks (Wednesday)

Changes or Cancellations

If a cancellation is made more than 15 days from scheduled camp date, payments will be refunded minus a $25 administrative fee. No refunds can be made within 14 days of the first day of camp.

Please notify us as soon as possible of a cancellation, change, or to be added to waitlist. Contact us at 520-883-3025 or email: [email protected].