Summer Camp

Build, Draw, and Perform!

Two-week sessions for campers entering grades 3-5 in fall 2008

Experience the world we build for ourselves in exciting new ways—through the performing, visual, and building arts! Attend one, two, or three sessions of two-week, full-day summer camp at the National Building Museum.

A young visitor practices his drawing during the Big Draw Family Day.

Photo by F.T. Eyre

Building Performers

July 14–25, 2008
Create a performance based on the Museum’s historic and storied past! Discover what’s hiding in the columns of the Great Hall, unveil the myths behind the Museum’s friezes, and bring the outrageous characters found in and around the Museum to life. Under the guidance of members of the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, tell a story using movement, improvisation, and creative drama. The session culminates with the campers’ original performance for family and friends in the Great Hall.

Young Designers

July 28–August 8, 2008
Photograph, sketch, and write about the various architectural treasures to be found in the Judiciary Square/Penn Quarter neighborhood. Museum educators and specialists lead campers through a variety of art and creative writing activities to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Washington, D.C.’s neighborhoods, communities, and landmarks as they create their own exhibition. At the end of the session, campers host their very own gallery opening for family and friends.

Worldly Builders

August 11–22, 2008
The Worldly Builders camp session and its waiting list are full. 
Journey to three regions around the world without ever leaving DC! Explore Africa, Japan, and Spain through the lens of an architect and discover their cultural traditions. Campers participate in design challenges, crafts, and games as they re-imagine and re-construct the landmarks of these regions. At the end of the session, families and friends are invited to a “world bazaar,” where campers act as tour guides, and share their newly built structures and knowledge.

Another successfully constructed bridge from the Bridge Basics program.

Photo by Museum Staff

Each camp session features a variety of electives during the regularly scheduled day. They include:

• Lego® and Keva Plank building challenges
• Perspective drawing activities
• Creative writing
• Building-related crafts
• Storytelling
• And more!

Camp Hours

9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Early drop-off begins at 8:30 am. Extended care is available from 3:00 to 5:30 pm.

Cost

Per session fee: $625 NBM Members (Family & above) / $675 Non-member
Extended Care fee: $100 per two-week session

Questions? Call 202.272.2448 or email family@www.nbm.org.

View 2008 Summer Camp Brochure. (PDF)