Child / Youth Programs

Our vibrant, indoor and outdoor programs relate to our exhibitions and ignite discussion, hands-on learning and loads of fun. We are always adding new and exciting opportunities so please check back here frequently!

For more information, please contact Megan Patterson, Manager of Education and Public Programs

March Break Camp | Museum Curators
What does it take to put together an exhibition at the museum? Museum Curators will get a special ‘behind the scenes’ tour of our Collections Room. Working as a curatorial team, campers will develop an exhibition theme, choose artifacts, create personal objects, write didactics and finally curate a group exhibition in the museum. Parents are invited on the final day for a celebration and tour of the Museum Curators hard work.

Monday:
Museum Curators will familiarize with the ins and outs of the museum piecing together Stratford and Perth County history. Through scavenger hunts, puzzles and clues, campers work in teams to unveil local stories and artifacts. Lots of indoor and outdoor fun to welcome our first day of March Break Camp.

Tuesday:
Beginning the day with a few warm-up activities will set the tone for a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the Collections Room. Campers will start to work on an exhibition theme and a preliminary artifact list. Lots of  indoor and outdoor fun will round out our second day of March Break Camp.

Wednesday:
Working as a group, the day will begin with the construction of a maquette (a preliminary model) of the exhibition space. Museum Curators will finalize their exhibition theme and the artifact list. Lots of indoor and outdoor fun will round out our third day of March Break Camp.

Thursday:
Museum Curators will begin to pull artifacts from the Collections Room, build exhibition displays and write didactics  (descriptions of artifact) and create personal objects to compliment the exhibition. Lots of indoor and outdoor fun will round out our fourth day of March Break Camp.

Friday:
Museum Curators will put final touches on their amazing exhibition. We will also practice how to docent (tour guide) the exhibition. Final day games, activities and outdoor fun will keep campers busy until the arrival of parents for the celebration of the Museum Curators exhibition.

March Break Camp Details:
Date: March 16-20, 2020
Time: 9am-4pm
Ages: 7-12
Cost:  $180 (Museum Members) , $200 (Non Members)

Please pack a (peanut and tree-nut free) lunch, snacks, and a reusable water bottle. Each day will take us outside, so please be sure to bring weather-appropriate clothing.

REGISTER:
Please click to download and print the March Break Camp registration form. Kindly drop off completed form to the museum.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
Are you a secondary student  working towards your community service hours? We are looking for motivated and interested youth to help out during March Break Camp. Ask us for an application today!

For select adult-focused programs and events, we  provide super-fun, nurturing care for your child(ren) as a support for families. The Never Grow Up Club is celebrated in the museum’s heritage kitchen, and the activities are related in an age-appropriate way to the theme of the adult event. Facilitated and led by the museum’s incredible volunteer-education team. 

Designed for ages 3-10.
Cost: It’s FREE!!! Hooray!
More Info: Megan Patterson, Manager of Education and Public Programs

Never Grow Up Club is available for:

Museum Happy Hour Events:
October 17 | 5:30-7pm  | Special Brew: Farm Juice Co.
In celebration of fall, the Never Grow Up Club will be making incredible BEADED PUMPKINS SCULPTURES!!!! Because why have a real pumpkin when you can have a beaded one?!?

November 21 | 5:30-7pm | Special Brew: Farm Juice Co.
In celebration of our new telecommunication’s exhibition, the Never Grow Up Club will be making incredible TIN CAN TELEPHONES!!!!! Because why have a real phone when you can have a tin one?!?

December 19 | 5:30-7pm | Special Brew: Farm Juice Co.
In celebration of winter solstice, the Never Grow Up Club will be making incredible ILLUMINATED PAPER LANTERNS!!!! Because why have sunlight when you can have candlelight?!?

Conversations with the Collection Program:
COMING SOON…..

We offer guided tours of the museum year round for groups and individuals. Our tours are conversational, informative and most importantly, fun! Please be sure to book ahead if you would like a guided tour, so that we can make sure we have a guide available!

For more information, please contact Megan Patterson, Manager of Education and Public Programs 

Learn about the rich history of letterpress and experience this early method of printed communication. This is a one-hour session full of learning and hands-on fun.

We will begin with a 15-minute introduction to letterpress printing. For the rest of the hour, participants can try their hand at printing on an antique proof press, and create a keepsake card.

Book ahead, 5 person minimum: $10 per person (plus HST)

For more information, please contact Megan Patterson, Manager of Education and Public Programs 

Got the winter blues? We think the best cure is to get outside! During those snowy months, we offer snowshoeing on our walking trails! Snowshoe rental is included in the price of regular admission. Please ask at the front desk if you would like to borrow a pair.

For more information, please contact Megan Patterson, Manager of Education and Public Programs

Whether you choose to run, skip, hop or walk, our nature trails offer tranquility among native pollinator plants, wetland, butterflies, birds and even a singing frog to two. As you weave around our accessible paths, enjoy reading panels telling the stories of Perth County and Stratford pasts. There is no charge to use the nature trails, just enjoy!

For more information, please contact Megan Patterson, Manager of Education and Public Programs