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Re: Camp that will accept special-needs 8 year old
Hi, I have a son with Asperger Syndrome who has attended Lawrence Hall of
Science camps with an aide. The Lawrence Hall of Science has been very understanding and
worked well with the aide and my son. Now that he has attended a few camps
there he has even done some without the aide.
laura
Re: Lawrence Hall vs. Oakland Galileo
I work at Lawrence Hall so am obviously biased (I don't work in
summer camps however), but our camps are great for youngsters. We
offer half day camps which is a good amount of time if you have a
sensitive child. Because they are 3 hours a day, they pretty much
jump right into the science and there isn't a lot of time for the
whooping and hollering. They do get a snack and play break, but
those are usually a structured game or going up to the musuem
floor and playing with the exhibits. Our summer camps are
designed to be age appropriate and super hands on and engaging.
Your child will get enough moving around, but without all the
downtime and chaos that can accompany it. My daughter also tends
to be sensitive to rowdy environments and she loves LHS camps. To
be fair, I have no experience with Galileo camps.
Sue G.
Re: Afternoon-only summer camps?
Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science has excellent afternoon only
camps during the summer. They offer a variety of options, too.
We've loved every class/camp we've participated in there and
have been impressed by the instructors and the quality of the
material presented.
These camps fill up quick though, so you may want to become a
member to take advantage of eary sign-up dates.
Berkeley mom
Has anyone attended the trainings on Family Math at Lawrence Hall of Science? Or used the book for home enrichment? My 6 year old son really enjoys math and I am thinking of trying to do a bit more with him at home in this subject. The book I've seen describes setting up a group for doing the projects...has anyone done this or used it just individually? Jennifer
I would highly recommend the current Lego exhibit at LHS for children of all ages. My almost-2-year-old had a ball. They have lots of Duplo blocks that kids can play with including 3 stations where kids build buildings then push a button to cause an earthquake simulation and see if their building will crumble or not. Older children had fun with it, too. There's also a Lego racing car contest for children ages 3 and up and much more. It's really fun! - Sharon
Re: Building class or camp for 7-year-old
Lawrence Hall of Science has classes during the school
year and in the summer that focus on science and building.
In the summer, gadget camp would be great for your son,
as well as rocket camp when he gets a little older.
Visit the website for a whole list www.lawrencehallofscience.org.
Megan
Re: Math enrichment classes for 6-year-old
Lawrence Hall of Science has some great summer/after school classes. They
present mathematics from a broader point of view than your child is likely
to see in most classrooms. This year some of them are connected with
afternoon sports camps, so your child could have a full day.
Carol
Lawrence Hall programs are truly wonderful. In order to get
the class of your choice, you should join LHS (which also gives you free
admission for a year and free planetarium shows and discounts on the
classes, along with priority in class registration.). We've also really
loved the programs on Friday and Sat. evenings at the Chabot Observatory in
Oakland. These have been temporarily suspended while a super new facility is
being completed. When the new space opens, there will be all sorts of
fabulous programs, one of the best space/astronomy sites in the US.
Linda
When one of my kids was 6 or 7 (he's now 15), we held his birthday party at LHS. With a January birthdate, we always needed a format that could work in spite of bad weather. It was a real success. We hosted the maximum number of kids (I think something like 12) for the biology workshop - the one where the kids get to pet, hold and observe a variety of animals. It was well managed by a high schooler or undergrad (can't remember which), who supervised and explained about feeding and handling, etc.. The kids all really enjoyed it. Afterward they got to run around LHS for a couple of hours, and everyone found something to do that interested them. I had two other adults to help me - definitely necessary! We brought everyone back to the house for goodies and opening of presents, but I believe you can reserve a party room right there if you like.
It was one of those rare birthday parties where my husband and I actually had a good time, too!
With a little advance planning, one can have a birthday party at the Lawrence Hall of Science. Adults are definitely needed to keep track of all the small party-goers as they check out the displays, the animals for petting, etc. In good weather, one can picnic on the lawn. There is an indoor cafeteria ... check and see, I think they will allow you to bring your own food ... or maybe at least some of your own food if you buy some from them.
More information on Birthday Parties at the Lawrence Hall of Science :
LHS Weekend Workshops and Parties are a great way to celebrate birthdays and other occasions. Workshop topics include Astronomy/Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and vary month to month.
Party workshops are $95 ($85 for LHS members) and include:
Admission to the workshop and current exibits for a maximum of 15 children (children 2 years and older are counted towards the max) Admission for one adult per child participating in the workshop (guests over the max pay regular admission upon arrival)
Two tables for your refreshments are provided. It's okay to bring your own food. For more information on the Galaxy Cafeteria call 644-3171.
Adult participation is required in all party workshops and reservations must be made at least 4 weeks in advance by calling (510) 642-5134.
The Discover Corner Store now offers special LHS invitations, favor bags, party tableware, and more. Order forms will be included with your party reservation.
Laura Beard
Directors Office
Lawrence Hall of Science
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