The University of Mississippi Museum began its annual educational summer camp this week. The camp invites children from pre-K through eighth grade to explore different categories of art, history and science.

According to the description found on the University Museum website, “Children will encounter mythological creatures, explore the museum, and experiment with new art materials in these exciting and educational camps inspired by the museum’s collections and special exhibits.”

This portion of the camp invites children ranging from pre-K to Kindergarten and their parents to create art pieces based on stories and exhibits within the museum.

The museum offers seven different week-long camps. Depending on their age, the campers educational experience will vary. Campers entering first through fifth grade will explore topics in Modern Art, Mythology and “Made in Mississippi,” which is a week dedicated to the artistic history of the state as well as it’s current artists. Older children entering grades sixth to eight will engage in a four-day camp “Adventures in Art” in which they will have the opportunity to explore multiple styles of art including drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.

All levels of artistic skill are encouraged to partake in the camp.

Curator of Education, Emily McCauley believes the camps educational experience will benefit the campers in the future.

“What were trying to do is not just provided art activities for the kids but provide a different way of learning,” McCauley said. “We do a lot of object-based learning, so were looking at the exhibits, drawing conclusions, making observations, being inspired. From an early age, those are critical thinking skills that are developed.”

Each week-long camp costs $65 for museum members at the Family Level and above. For non-members of the museum, it will cost $85 per child.

To register for a camp, go to http://museum.olemiss.edu/summercamp/. A computer for registration is available at the museum front desk if needed.