Operation Imagination Returns with Engaging Summer Camps at IMAS

McAllen, TX — The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is thrilled to announce the return of Operation Imagination: Summer Camp from June 2 through August 1, 2025. With brand new themes and the return of camp favorites, these weekly camps invite young learners to explore science, technology, art, and more in a fun and engaging environment. Each camp includes hands-on activities and exploration of exhibits in a unique museum setting.

Camp registration is $200 per week or $160 for IMAS Members (Family level and above). A 5% sibling discount is available for children in the same family attending the same week.  Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with drop-off from 8:30–9:00 a.m. and pick-up from 3:00–3:30 p.m. Week 3 (June 17–21) will run on a modified schedule in observance of Juneteenth. Registration is online only.

Operation Imagination camps are divided by weekly themes and age levels, providing a diverse and enriching summer experience for children entering 2nd through 9th grades.

The 2025 summer kicks off June 2–6 with Movie Makers for incoming 3rd to 5th graders, where campers will learn about scripts, storyboards, and special effects to produce their own film. During the same week, Dino Expedition welcomes incoming 2nd to 4th graders for a prehistoric adventure exploring fossils and paleontology. On Friday, June 6, a special Movie Makers Reception will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for families to enjoy the campers’ cinematic creations.

From June 9–13, Deep Space Astronauts (2nd–4th) will explore the cosmos through interactive science and art activities, including StarLab and Science On a Sphere presentations.

June 16–20 features two camps: The Clay Lab (3rd–5th), focusing on ceramics and sculpture, and Exploring Life’s Blueprint (6th–8th), which dives into biology and genetics. Note that this week runs Monday to Wednesday and Friday only, with a reduced rate of $160 ($128 for IMAS Members) closed on Juneteenth.

From June 23–27, Jr. Geologist (2nd–4th) will uncover rock cycles and minerals, while Visual Artist Apprentice (3rd–5th) invites campers to refine their fine art skills with works later displayed in the museum.

Camps resume July 7–11 with Ancient Engineers (3rd–5th), exploring inventions of early civilizations, and Visual Artist Explorers (2nd–4th), which introduces campers to a variety of art-making techniques.

July 14–18 includes Secret Life of Bugs (3rd–5th), a look into entomology and insect science, and Printmakers Lab (6th–9th), where campers create original art using traditional and experimental print techniques.

July 21–25 presents Water Warriors (3rd–5th), hosted in collaboration with McAllen Public Utility, where campers learn about water science and conservation. That week also includes Art & Science Fusion (3rd–5th), exploring physics, circuits, and engineering through creative projects.

The final week, July 28–August 1, offers The Power Lab (6th–8th), investigating forces, light, and sound, alongside a second session of Movie Makers for middle school campers. A special reception on Friday, August 1, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. will celebrate the works created by both Movie Makers and Visual Artist Apprentice campers, whose artworks will be on display at IMAS through August 25.

Don’t miss out on a summer of curiosity, creativity, and discovery. To view full camp descriptions and register online, visit https://theimasonline.org/summer-camp/.