Junior Scientists: Decomposer Detectives + Power to the Pebble (Grades K-2)
NEW FOR 2025: EARLY RELEASE FRIDAYS! All K-8 summer camps on the CU Boulder campus end at 3pm on Fridays.
July 28-August 1 (Online registration closes July 18. Call 303-492-7188 to register after this date.)
9am-4pm
$595
Location: CU Science Discovery
Note: Junior Scientist camps consist of morning and afternoon segments that cover two different topics, creating a well-rounded day.
Decomposer Detectives
What happens to our waste? Join us for a hands-on adventure exploring the fascinating world of decomposers! From moldy mysteries to crawly critters and compost creations, we’ll discover how nature’s cleanup crew works to break it all down. We’ll dig deep into both natural and human-made processes, learning how the world cleans up its messes—one tiny organism at a time!
Power to the Pebble: A Rock Camp You Can't Take for Granite
Calling all junior geologists- get ready for a rockin' week filled with marvelous rocks and minerals. In this camp, you will discover how rocks are formed, observe their unique properties, learn how to use tools like an expert rockhound, and maybe even start a rock collection of your own. Practice your observational skills, learn about the ways geologists identify unknown samples, and make some new rock-loving friends along the way. Join us as we dig deep into the fascinating world of geology- it's a boulder move but we hope your in!
What to Bring: While at Science Discovery, participants are expected to store their personal belongings in their backpack. Space is limited so please limit the number of personal items brought from home. All items should be labeled with the participant’s first and last name in case an item is misplaced. Please send your child with the following each day:
- A backpack (sized to fit your child) for carrying personal items and any camp materials they will be bringing home
- Filled water bottle(s)
- 1-2 snacks (or more), depending on the child's needs
- A sack lunch that does not require refrigeration
- Closed-toed shoes
- A hair tie to hold back lengthy hair, if applicable
- All camps spend a portion of each day outside. Please send your child with clothing appropriate for the daily forecasted weather (jacket, sweatshirt, rain poncho, etc.)
- Optional:
- A mask or any additional Personal Protective Equipment the child wishes to utilize
- Full set of extra clothes in a Ziploc bag
Grade Policy: CU Science Discovery serves students in grades K-12. Careful consideration is used to determine grade levels for all camps and classes. To provide the highest quality experience for all participants, it is necessary to adhere to the specified grade range for all camps and classes. Please note: All participants must be a minimum of 5 years of age to attend a CU Science Discovery camp.
Cancellation and Transfer Policy: Science Discovery has designed its cancellation policy to minimize the number of camp and class spots that are unused due to last-minute cancellations. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the camp/class will incur a $35 administrative fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 30 days of the start of the camp/class. In the event that a camp/class is cancelled by Science Discovery, registrants will receive a full refund. Transfer requests made up to 30 days prior to the start of a camp/class will incur a $15 administrative fee. Transfer requests made within 30 days of the the start of a camp/class will incur a $35 administrative fee.
CU Boulder employs a framework for public health and COVID-19 decision-making that follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. While masks are optional on the CU Boulder campus, we encourage those who prefer to do so to continue wearing them. Properly fitted N95 or KN95 masks remain an effective tool for preventing transmission, especially in conjunction with vaccination. Students, parents and staff are encouraged to stay home if they are feeling sick or have COVID-like symptoms.
Feeling under the weather? You should begin isolation at home as soon as you:
- Begin to experience symptoms that may be related to COVID-19.
- Receive a positive test result for COVID-19, regardless of whether you have symptoms.
- Have been instructed to isolate by a healthcare provider or public health staff member.
When considering policy changes around COVID-19 transmission prevention, CU Science Discovery will adhere to all campus, county and Public Health guidelines. (Updated January 2024)