summer camp banner

Our week-long summer camps for ages 6–12 incorporate hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) concepts in a fun environment designed for campers to build, explore, and create.

Our weekly, half-day summer camp sessions take place Mondays through Fridays from 9am–12pm or 1pm–4pm from June 5 through June 30. Each session explores a different theme and all materials and supplies to complete each project are provided. To ensure a quality experience, each camp is limited to 20 participants. Session descriptions are listed below.

Registration:

Tuition is $175 per child, per session. Museum Members receive a 10% discount on tuition.

Advance registration is required for this program. Please see 'Important Information' at the bottom of this page prior to registering for information on our COVID policies & procedures, refunds, financial aid, and more.

2023 Summer Camp Descriptions

NEW THIS YEAR:

This year we are offering Beginner or Advanced Sessions open to all campers within the age range of 6–12. Beginner camps will be designed more for students who have less arts & crafts or camp experience, or do not feel comfortable using certain tools such as hot glue guns or sharper scissors or cutting tools. Older or more experienced students can take a beginner class with the opportunity to add more details and extras to their project. If a student at the beginner level wishes to take one of the advanced classes, caregivers should contact or Education Director Djamila Jean-Charles by email or phone (520-881-0606 ext. 105) to discuss prior to registration.

 Beginner Camps for Ages 6–12

Our beginner level sessions are ideally suited for these campers:

  • Minimal experience with summer camps or classes.
  • Minimal or basic experience with art/craft projects and/or with cutting tools such as scissors.
  • May need extra help in further developing skills and guidance in staying on task.
  • Can follow verbal directions and has some ability to read/write, but may not be proficient.

Advanced Camps for Ages 6–12

Our advanced level sessions are better suited for these campers:

  • Has taken past classes, summer camps, and/or workshops.
  • Works independently on craft, art, or other creative projects on a regular basis at home or in school.
  • Able to read/write and to follow written and verbal directions.
  • Feels comfortable using a variety of tools including X-Acto knives, sharper scissors, hot glue guns, sewing needles, and cutting tools AND caregivers agree to allow the camper to use these types of tools with instructor/volunteer supervision.

To be added to a wait list for a sold out session, please email our Education Director Djamila Jean-Charles at djamilajc@theminitimemachine.org

Important Information

Adair Steig is a PhD student in Anthropology at the University of Arizona. She teaches and assists in college courses incorporating such topics as ecology, chemistry, and social science research methods. She also works as a tutor and as an instructor for UA Sky School, helping students from 5th through 12th grades conduct outdoor environmental science projects on Mount Lemmon.

Adair earned an MA in anthropology from UA in 2021, and a BA in environmental studies from Yale University in 2016, where she edited magazines and DJed for radio. Her research has investigated forestry and agriculture in Brazil, Canada, and Peru during a time of global change. She minors in geography and participates in multidisciplinary intellectual communities engaged in science and technology studies and food studies. Her path has led her to build connections between scientific and humanistic endeavors.

Between college and graduate school, Adair worked as a writing tutor, which first ignited her interest in educating. She loves supporting the inquisitive nature of students when learning and fostering their individuality Adair is very excited to join the Mini Time Machine for this camp. What kind of projects will your students create!?

Augustine is an entomologist (bug scientist) by training, who earned a BA from the University of Georgia and a is naturalist at heart. In 2021 they received a Urban Naturalist certification from Georgia Institute of Technology. They love nothing more than teaching others about how interesting insects can be! Augustine has over 5 years of experience in entomology and ecology educational outreach with K-12 students.

They are currently helping our local community to create a neighborhood food garden in Tucson utilizing the principle of regenerative agriculture and urban gardening. Not to mention also teaching seasonal entomology and biology focused courses for high school students and K-12 teachers at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. They grew up in the humid old-growth forests surrounding Atlanta, Georgia, and have been learning all about the beautiful flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert since moving to Tucson. You can find Augustine gardening, hiking up in the mountains, and taking care of their many buggy pets.

Tasha Burr earned a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2015. She has had the pleasure of working with elementary school age children for over two decades! To say it is her passion would be an understatement.

She’s been in the classroom as a teacher, led youth groups for summer retreats as a counselor, and has been a ‘team mom’ for her children's sports groups. Currently, Tasha directs an after school acting program. She believes children have a natural desire to learn and build when given the opportunity and direction to do so. Her aspiration is to help children reach their potential and instill confidence by focusing on their strengths and setting achievable goals.

As a member of TMS (Tucson Miniature Society) and Miniature Club Casita, Tasha utilizes an array of skills which aid her in being a resourceful and well-rounded teacher. She’s cultivated a lifelong love for crafting and tinkering. We’re excited for her to be one of our instructors and hope that you’ll join us to create something wonderful! 

But Don't Just Take Our Word For It...