Summer Updates from the JMZ

August 8, 2023

Hello Friends,

As we approach the end of the summer break, we highlight the Friends’ summer camp scholarship program, which enabled 18 children to experience the JMZ’s enriching science camps this summer. We are looking for a donor or corporate partner to sponsor our scholarship program next summer. If you would like to learn more about this or other sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to our Development Manager Marie Ivich, marie@friendsjmz.org.

I hope you will find time to visit the JMZ this month. The JMZ's animal care team is busy hand-raising scarlet and sacred ibises to join the "Loose in the Zoo" experience soon. If you hear loud chirping during your visit, that means that these newest residents are ready for mealtime!

On August 22, the Friends will host a storytime in collaboration with the Palo Alto Library from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the JMZ’s Dawn Redwood Courtyard. Enjoy a glass of lemonade during this event! Friends’ events are free with admission; please remember to purchase tickets to the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo in advance. 

Lauren Angelo

President, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

Friends’ Program Spotlight: Scholarships for JMZ Summer Camps

Questions for Access & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair, Evelyn Semenza

Tell us about the Friends’ summer scholarship program.

The Friends started offering summer camp scholarships in 2019. The program took a hiatus for a few years due to COVID limitations but was revamped for this year. JMZ summer camps offer a rich variety of activities for children, from science experiments to swimming.

Summer camps allow children to explore their interests in a fun and relaxed environment. The JMZ’s camps focus on different science topics, which supplement STEM education while keeping young minds excited to learn when they are not in school and thus preventing summer slide. It is really important to JMZ educators that each child discovers a love of science during camp activities – some children are naturally drawn more to different topics, and it is so special to watch what inspires each individual. Camps also offer a wonderful opportunity for kids to socialize and practice teamwork skills. Since camps place children of similar ages and interests together, kids are able to connect with peers that attend different schools. This is very beneficial for forming friendships.

Summer can be challenging for families if summer camps or other forms of childcare are not available. Cost is often a barrier to access. Camp scholarships benefit not only children, but families as well, giving parents access to childcare. Camp expenses can add up quickly, especially if there are multiple children in a household. We were able to provide scholarships to a few siblings during the same camp weeks, which was really helpful for families.

Photo of campers and educators enjoying the Baylands.

What other accommodations were available to ensure children could attend the JMZ's camps?

We partnered with HopSkipDrive to arrange transportation to and from camps, so that this would not be a barrier to anyone who wished to attend. This is convenient for families as well, since it does not require children to be dropped off somewhere before they can be driven to camp. Drivers pick up children directly from the home, and make sure that they arrive in time for check in.

We also provided post-camp as an option. This way, parents and guardians would not have to leave work or other obligations early for pickup. Post-camps are a great way for kids to continue to socialize and play outside of regular camp hours. One parent shared that her kids could not stop talking about how much fun they had during post-camp! This was a really popular addition that nearly all families used.

A young camper proudly displays a craft created in Camp Kinetic.

How were campers identified for this program?

We collaborated with the Palo Alto Unified School District’s Family Engagement Specialist and local organizations that identified children who would benefit from JMZ summer camps, and for whom registration expenses were a barrier to their family. 

All of these organizations were intentional about the interests of each child, and worked with the JMZ’s Education Director to select which camp would be the best match. In total, we funded 18 scholarships for K-5 students and placed kids in a variety of camps. Depending on the child and their schedule, some kids were able to attend camps focused on animals, others on the ocean, and some even enjoyed Wildlife Camp at Foothills Park. 

The families and the organizations we partnered with expressed superior satisfaction with JMZ summer camps. Our goal is to offer more scholarships in the future, so that more children can experience the benefits of science camps.

Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

info@friendsjmz.org | www.friendsjmz.org

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