Burpee Museum's 2026 Summer Day Camp: Prehistoric Minds (July 20 - 24)

How is a modern turtle like one that swam with dinosaurs? What can ancient reptiles teach us about the iguanas in our care today? Prehistoric Minds blends paleontology and zoology to explore how evolution shapes behavior and survival. Students investigate fossil animals, analyze adaptations, and then examine living counterparts at the museum. This class builds scientific thinking, comparison skills, and evolutionary understanding — ending with a final showcase of deep-time discoveries.

Dates: July 20th - July 24th, Monday - Friday

Time: 10 am - 3 pm

Students will be grouped by age and ability.

Friday is a share and & explore day where students share what they learned during the week to an audience including parents, families, and guests.

Campers should bring a sack lunch and a beverage daily. There will be fresh filtered water to refill your container.

Cost:

Nonmembers: $240, Members: $200

Online Ticket sales end at midnight on July 17th.

Due to the cost of staff and materials, refunds will not be given after July 13, 2026.

Tickets sold out? Contact Burpee Museum Visitor Services at (815) 965-3433 to enroll by phone.