With many school districts in the St. Louis area planning for remote-only or partial in-person school, some parents are looking for alternatives to a home-based online education or home schooling. The Magic House announced it will open Learning Camp, a supervised, socially distanced environment separate from museum visitors where kids in kindergarten through grade 5 can spend the day working on school work if needed, and participating in a STEAM-centered curriculum.
Learning Camp will be similar to the museum's full-day summer camp program, which implemented social distancing and other CDC protocols successfully. Open five days a week with before and after care available, Learning Camp will supplement school-based learning with creative STEAM and social studies interactive experiences led by the education staff at The Magic House. A supervised and supported virtual learning lab will be available for students to complete online learning if needed.
Each day begins with private exploration and play in the museum, followed by a variety of learning experiences, including robotics, 3D printing, pottery making and cultural education. The afternoon hours will be designated as a time for independent reading, schoolwork, and art experiences. Students will be divided into small group "play pods" with 10 students maximum to allow for social distancing within exhibit spaces and classrooms.
Families can sign up for Learning Camp on the days they need a place for their children to learn away from home. There is a two day per week minimum. Members receive a discounted rate of $37.50 per day, with a daily rate for non-members of $45. Lunch, prepared by the museum's chef, is $5 per day, or students may opt to bring their lunch. Before and after care is available from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. for $10 for the morning session or $15 for both sessions.
Learning Camp begins on August 24.
Pre-registration is available now. For information and to pre-register, visit magichouse.org
Your child is old enough to start kindergarten, are they ready? Are you? At this special presentation, both you and your child will get a brief overview of what is expected before your child even enters the classroom. You'll also receive a free backpack and school supplies. Registration is required.
Join in on First Art, a free art program for toddlers where the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Explore Ballwin's parks with your toddler or preschooler with the Little Explorers program, held twice a month. Each Little Explorers outdoor class includes a craft, snack, and lots of activities to get you and your toddler moving and exploring!
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.
Learn ways to nurture your baby's development and make new friends in a relaxed, supportive environment at Baby & Me, a free class offered at the St. Louis County Library. Baby & Me classes are for parents and caregivers with pre-walking infants ages 0-12 months.