The Herrett Center for Arts & Science

Explore Herrett:

2024 Science Camp-In

2024 Explore Herrett Science Camp-In

  • Who: For kids in grades 3 through 5
  • When:
    • Drop-off/sign-in: Friday, March 8th, 5:00 PM
    • Pick-up: Saturday, March 9th, 8:00 - 9:00 AM
  • What:
    The Herrett Center at the College of Southern Idaho is excited to invite students to the 2024 Science Camp-In overnight event.  This program is designed for students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade who are interested in learning about various science topics in a fun, engaging environment.  Participants are invited to the museum for an evening packed with an educational workshop, a planetarium show, a trip to the observatory, and many other fun activities.  The Camp-In is meant to show students that science is everywhere, and it's really fun!

    Each camper gets:
    • 2024 Science Camp-In T-shirt
    • Interactive Science workshop (see options, below)
    • INL Science group presentation
    • Planetarium show
    • Pizza party!
    • Observatory visit
    • Camping overnight in the museum galleries
    • Light Saturday morning breakfast
    • Scavenger hunt/hands-on activity tables
  • Fee:
    $50 per camper
    • Space is limited; pre-registration (.pdf form) is required.  Registration deadline is Friday, February 23rd, 2024.

Frequently asked questions:

  • How do I select workshops for my child?
    Please rank the workshop of your child's preference from 1 (first choice) to 8 (last choice).  Because workshops are assigned on a first come, first served basis, not all participants will get their first choice of workshop.  (The earlier you register, the higher the probability of getting your top choice before it fills up!)

  • How do I register my child?
    Registrations may be submitted by mailing the registration form and check to:
    Herrett Center Science Camp-In
    P.O. Box 1238
    Twin Falls, ID 83303

    Or, register by phone:
    (208) 732-6655

  • What should I pack for my child?
    We ask that participants pack lightly for this event.  Please only bring the bedding required for sleeping and any vital necessities.  Pajamas and a change of clothes are not necessary, as children will just sleep in the clothes that they wear to the event.  Registrants will receive a list of suggested camp-in items with their confirmation packet.

  • What should my child wear?
    Children will be travelling around campus at night, so please wear weather appropriate clothing.  Children will also be sleeping in the clothes that they wear, so they should be comfortable.

  • Will food be served at the event?
    Please feed children a full dinner before arriving at the event.  Snacks will be provided throughout the evening, including a light breakfast in the morning.  Please notify the Herrett Center of any food allergies when you register.

  • What if I have other questions not listed above?
    Contact our "Camp-in Director" Shelby Hamblen
    Phone: (208) 732-6664
    E-mail: sphamblen@csi.edu

Workshops:

Cool, Hot, and Colorful Chemistry Sun Prints!
Participants will get to do different hands-on experiments in one of CSI's chemistry labs.  Experiments include writing with invisible ink, extracting DNA from strawberries, and making slime.  The workshop leaders will also do several exciting chemistry demonstrations! Kids will participate in making some of the oldest known photographic images that exist: sun prints!  These sun prints, also known as cyanotypes, use UV light for exposure and, historically, used sunlight to accomplish this task.  The results are beautiful blue photographic impressions&helip;AKA the coolest images known to man!
Found Object Printmaking Owl Boxes & More!
Can you record things without writing them down or videoing it?  Yes!  Campers will explore the history and process of printmaking and making multiples.  Using a variety of objects, prints will be made using ink, paper, as well as hand and press printing.  In addition, campers will engage with gyotaku, the way Japanese fishermen recorded their catches beginning in the 1800s.

Owls play an important part in the local ecosystem.  In this workshop, campers will build owl boxes to be donated to Idaho Fish and Game.  Along the way, everyone will learn more about owl's role on the range and gain woodworking skills in CSI's wood lab.
The Scoop on Soil* Slimy & Reactionary Chemistry*
In this workshop, kids will learn the basics of the most important substance on Earth–SOIL! Campers will touch soil, paint with soil watercolors, and explore different kinds.  To finish, campers will explore soil horizons and construct an edible soil profile with different edible substances representing the different layers of soil.

*This workshop involves dealing with foods like pudding, Oreos, chocolate, coconut, gummy worms, and green food coloring.		 In CSI's chemistry labs, campers will experiment with the pH scale using household chemicals.  Campers will also explore how chemical reactions produce color changes and then create slime using the power of polymers.

*Campers won't handle any chemicals that they wouldn't expect to find at home.
A Spark in the Air Makerspace
Participants will “play” with air pressure and static electricity.  They may even see some miniature lightning bolts during experimentation.  Prepare for some bright sparks and loud bangs.  You will be shocked and blown away! Campers will explore CNC machines, building their own items and toys, and find out the opposite of 3D printing.