Summer Camp Registration (Sold Out)
Operation Imagination: Summer Camp is back with exciting themes in addition to camp favorites from the past. Registration opens Friday, March 24 and only online enrollment is available. Camps run Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with exceptions for weeks 3 and 7. Drop off runs from 8:30-9:00 a.m. and pick up run from 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Camp includes engaging activities, museum exhibit exploration, outdoor recess and an afternoon snack. Campers must have a reusable water bottle. Lunch through McAllen ISD’s summer feeding program is offered for all campers. Campers with dietary needs are welcome to bring their own lunch and snacks.
$190 per Camp
$152 for IMAS Members
5% Sibling Discount Code: OISB2 (All children must be in same family unit and fall within the camp week’s grade level. Improper use will result in cancellation.)
Explore the camp schedule below. Each week is designed for a specific grade level range. Your curious campers won’t want to miss out on this summer fun!
Read our camp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Monday – Friday
9 AM – 3 PM
June 5-9: SciTech Camp
For incoming 4th-8th graders
All aboard! Destination SciTech Camp! Explore the different branches of STEM by coding and creating your own robot.
June 12-16: Jr. Anthropologists
For incoming 3rd-6th graders
Become a junior anthropologist as you learn about the hidden myths and legends of the world.
June 20-23: Mighty Nature
For incoming 3rd-6th graders.
This camp will run Tuesday-Friday, in observance of Juneteenth on June 19, with a reduced rate of $150 ($120 for IMAS Members).
Discover how mighty nature is by becoming a geophysicist and learning about natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
June 26-30: Textile Crafters
For incoming 4th-8th graders
Take a closer look at our collection of textiles! Learn how to make simple works of art through sewing, embroidery, and fabric design.
July 10-14: Roaming Dinos
For incoming 2nd-4th graders
Dig into Earth’s historic past by unearthing dinosaurs in your very own dino dig. Explore what it takes to be a paleontologist and learn about the tools and methods they use!
July 17-21: Visual Artists
For incoming 6th-12th graders
Refine your fine art skills and create works to be on display at the museum! This camp will explore the visual arts through painting, printmaking, and drawing. Artworks will be exhibited from August 11 through September 3. Camp families are invited to a reception to view camper projects on Friday, August 11 from 5-6 p.m.
July 26-28: World of Water (WOW)
For ages 5-7. This camp runs Wednesday-Friday with a special rate of $50 ($40 for IMAS Members).
Hosted in collaboration with McAllen Public Utility.
Dive into the world of water as we learn the basic concepts of water, explore its properties, and make a splash as we engage in hands-on learning through art and science.
July 31-Aug 4: IMAS Curators
For incoming 3rd-6th graders
Uncover the secrets at the museum by becoming an IMAS Curator. Create your own exhibit design and go behind the scenes at IMAS to learn about our permanent collections.
Aug 7-11: Movie Makers
For incoming 4th-8th graders
Direct your own short film or stop-motion video with a group. We will be exploring special movie effects through editing, make-up, and costume design. Camp families are invited to a reception to view camper projects on Friday from 5-6 p.m.
Camp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Operation Imagination: Summer Camp is $190 (discounted to $152 for members) per camp week, per camper. The IMAS has a no refund or credit policy on camps, admission, and workshop fees. Registrations cannot be transferred to other campers.
Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Camp will run weekly Monday-Friday from June 5 through August 11, 2023, with the exceptions listed below. Camp days run 9 AM-3 PM, with drop off from 8:30-9 AM and pick up from 3-3:30 PM. For early or late pickups, the caregiver must come inside for assistance.
CAMP SCHEUDLE EXCEPTIONS
- Mighty Nature camp will run Tuesday-Friday, in observance of Juneteenth on Monday, June 19.
- There will be no camp week of July 3-7.
- World of Water (WOW) camp will run Wednesday-Friday, July 26-28.
Camp takes place at IMAS inside exhibit spaces and outdoor areas within the museum grounds.
Address:
1900 West Nolana Avenue
McAllen, TX 78504
- Campers are encouraged to wear masks though it is not required.
- Camps are held in an indoor classroom though capacity is limited so there is plenty of space.
- Handwashing before meals.
- All camp staff are CPR and First Aid certified.
Campers should be within the assigned grade level range for the camp week. Our camps are specifically designed with those levels in mind. To ask for an exception, please email Selena Garza at sgarza@theimasonline.com with case details. Not all inquiries will be granted. A reminder that camps are non-refundable and non-transferrable, and credit cannot be offered for camp week changes.
The weekly camp fee includes daily activities, exploration of the museum exhibits, and unforgettable summer memories! Each camper will be given one complimentary camp shirt for the season.
A nutritious lunch is available courtesy of McAllen ISD’s summer feeding program through August 3. An afternoon snack and juice is provided each camp day. In the case of dietary needs, an alternate snack (fresh fruit) will be provided. Campers may bring their own sack lunch and snack if desired.
Campers need to bring a reusable water bottle. A light jacket is recommended.
A nutritious school lunch is available courtesy of McAllen ISD’s summer feeding program through August 3.
An afternoon snack and juice is provided each camp day. In the case of dietary needs, an alternate snack (fresh fruit) will be provided. Campers may bring their own sack lunch and snack if desired.
Caregivers are welcome to supply an extra set of clothes for the week, if desired. Campers are welcome to bring items that help them cope such as stuffed animals or fidgets. We discourage campers from brining gaming devices.
Please be sure to provide the correct parent/guardian and emergency contact information upon registering online. Caregivers are contacted in cases of sickness, if a change of clothes is needed, or if campers are not picked up on time. You are welcome to send your camper with an extra set of clothes at the beginning of the week. Full or partial refunds based on the health of a child are not eligible.
Camps run from 9 AM-3 PM. Campers may be dropped off between 8:30-9:00 AM and picked up between 3:00-3:30 PM. A late pickup fee of $5 per child will apply for children not picked up by 3:35 PM. Drop off and pick up will be located outside in the semi-circle drive in front of the museum.
SAMPLE CAMP SCHEDULE
8:30-9:00 AM – Camp Drop Off
9:00-9:30 AM – Team Building
9:30-10:30 AM – Activity 1
10:30-11:00 AM – Recess (outdoors)
11:00-11:30 AM – Lunch Time
11:30 AM-12:00 PM – Exhibit Exploration
12:00-1:45 PM – Activity 2
1:45-2:00 PM – Snack Time
2:00-3:00 PM – Activity 3
3:00-3:30 PM – Camp Pick Up
Camp drop off and pick up will take place outside in the semi-circle drive in front of the museum. Campers will be escorted to and from the vehicle each day. It is helpful if caregivers let campers know what drop off and pickup will be like at camp before arriving.
Drop Off: Caregivers and campers should remain in the vehicle until greeted by an IMAS staff member. Caregiver will be prompted to sign their camper in on the paper roster. Campers will then be walked to the classroom by an IMAS staff member.
Pick Up: After pulling into the semi-circle drive, an IMAS staff member will ask for your camper’s name. A photo ID may need to be provided by additional designated adults for camper release. Caregiver will be prompted to sign their camper out on the paper roster. Caregivers will wait in their vehicles for the camper to come out from the museum, escorted by a staff member.
Campers may be dropped off between 8:30-9:00 AM and picked up by 3:30 PM. A late pickup fee of $5 per child will apply for children not picked up by 3:35 PM.
In the case of early or late pickup, the caregiver will need to come inside for assistance.
We understand that occasionally caregivers will be late due to situations outside of your control. If you are running late, please call our main line at (956) 681-2800. Otherwise, we will wait 5 minutes past the pickup end time and then call caregivers.
A late pickup fee of $5 per child will apply for children not picked up by 3:35 PM. Late pickup fees can be paid via check, cash, or credit card upon arrival at the Admissions desk. Caregivers will need to come inside to pick up children past 3:35 PM.
Register for camp through the link provided above. Our system will require a log in. You will need to create an account if this is your first registration with IMAS. Be sure to use a previous account if you have purchased online previously. You may call the IMAS at (956) 681-2800 for assistance, though we are no longer able to register camps over the phone or in person.
Be sure to select the correct ticket pricing based on child’s age before adding to cart. Then, go to your cart and select Complete Purchase. You will be required to fill out the information for your camper. Please double check your information is correct before purchasing.
Members, when registering online, please log in first to see the discounted price. If the discounted price does not appear, please call during business hours at (956) 681-2800 for assistance.
Yes. We are offering a sibling discount when registering 2 or more children. Children must be within the same family unit and fall within the camp week’s required grade level.
Use code OISB2 at checkout for 5% off the camp week price per child. Only valid for minimum of 2 campers and maximum of 5 campers per Patron.
Improper use of code will result in a cancellation and request to pay the correct amount. This could result in a loss of the camp seat.
The IMAS has a no refund, no credit policy. Campers cannot be moved to other camp weeks. Camp registrations cannot be transferred to another child, regardless of relation. All proceeds benefit the IMAS, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and cancellations or no-shows will be retained as a donation to the museum.
Single days are not offered. The camp is being sold for each week in its entirety.
