Editor’s note: This information is republished in full from IMAS with permission. It was originally published or updated on July 6, 2026.
Summer Camp Registration
Operation Imagination: Summer Camp is back at the International Museum of Art & Science in McAllen, TX! This summer, we’re bringing back camp favorites alongside exciting new themes in science, art, engineering, and more — designed to spark curiosity in every camper.
Camps run June 1 – June 18 and July 6 – July 24, 2026, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Drop-off is 8:30–9:00 a.m. and pickup is 3:00–3:30 p.m.
Each week includes hands-on activities, museum exhibit exploration, outdoor recess, and an afternoon snack. Campers should arrive each day with a ready-to-eat lunch, a reusable water bottle, and an extra snack if desired. Please pack items that are easy to enjoy during the camp day.
Pricing
- $200 per camp week
- $160 for IMAS Members (Family Membership and above)
- Week 3 (June 15-18): $160 per camp week; $128 for IMAS Members (Family Membership and above)
This camp week is discounted due to it being a 4 day camp week. IMAS will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
5% sibling discount available — use code OISB2 at checkout. All children must be in the same family unit and fall within the camp week’s grade level. Misuse may result in registration cancellation.
Late pickup after 3:35 p.m. requires an aftercare payment of $5.
Explore the camp schedule below — each week is designed for a specific grade level. Your curious campers won’t want to miss out on this summer of discovery!
Week 1: June 1 – June 5
Movie Makers
For incoming 4th–5th graders.
Learn about storyboards, scripts, and set design as you create your own cinematic work of art with a team. Work together to act, voice, and direct as you explore special movie effects through editing, make-up, and costume design.
SOLD OUT
Movie Makers Premiere
June 5, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Parents and guardians are invited to IMAS to celebrate the videography work created Movie Maker campers. Come together and grab a bag of popcorn as we see creative and exciting works made in cinematic art!
Week 2: June 8 – June 12
Tinker Imagineers
For incoming 2nd-3rd graders.
Delve into problem solving, working in teams and a week full of engineering challenges. Imagineers will build with simple materials, experiment with cardboard, and become prototype professionals. Activities include building a playscape, building rubber band cars, engineering bridges, marble runs, and more.
SOLD OUT
Week 3: June 15 – June 18
This camp week is discounted due to it being a 4 day camp week. IMAS will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Clay Lab
For incoming 4th–5th graders.
Throw your skills into this week’s camp all about Clay. Learn a variety of techniques from scoring, slip, hand building, coil building and more! Sculpt a mask inspired by the IMAS Folk Art collection, experiment with slab building and coil your vessel. Campers will build their own clay works of art as they take a closer look at the ceramic art works and objects in the IMAS Teaching and Permanent Collection.
SOLD OUT
Week 4: July 6 – July 10
Dig Into Earth
For incoming 2nd-3rd graders.
Dig into the layers of Earth, shift into plate tectonics, and explore rocks and minerals. Campers will explore the IMAS geology collection, take part in a Geode Demolition, create weathering and erosion models and more.
McAllen Public Utility Camp: World of Water
For incoming 4th–5th graders.
Dive into the depths of our Water World in collaboration with McAllen Public Utility. Learn about water conservation, experiment with hydraulic technology and the impacts of ocean acidification. This camp includes presentations in the Science On a Sphere theatre, water engineering challenges and more.
Week 5: July 13 – July 17
Artful Creators
For incoming 2nd-3rd graders.
Create imaginative works of art inspired by art movements throughout history. Young artists will be inspired by contemporary, surrealists, abstract expressionists and impressionist artists. Campers will explore the elements of art through painting, sculpture, collage and more.
Paints & Prints
For incoming 6th-8th graders.
Get creative and experiment with paints and prints! Learn a variety of printmaking techniques such as etching, mono-printing and screen printing. Campers will also explore different types of paint media such as watercolor, acrylic, spray paint and gouache.
Week 6: July 20 – July 24
Ecology Explorers
For incoming 2nd-3rd graders.
Explore the diverse world of living organisms big and small! Get up close in the Biozone lab with our insects, reptiles and more. Explorers will dissect owl pellets, master the Food Web puzzle, get microscopic at the microscope station and learn more about biomes around the world.
Science Fusion
For incoming 6th-8th graders.
Discover how ingenuity and experimentation intertwine with circuits, engineering, and physics! Campers will experiment with light, sound, color and motion. Campers will construct sound visualizers, build spin art machines with DC motors, create handmade paper and more.
SOLD OUT
Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does camp cost?
Operation Imagination: Summer Camp is $200 (discounted to $160 for IMAS Members with Family Membership and above) 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.
When is camp?
Camp will run weekly Monday-Friday from June 1 through July 24, 2026, with the exceptions listed below. Camp days run 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with drop off from 8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. and pick up from 3:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. For early or late pickups, the caregiver must come inside for assistance.
Where is the camp held?
Camp takes place at IMAS inside exhibit spaces and outdoor areas within the museum grounds.
Address: 1900 West Nolana Avenue McAllen, TX 78504
What health policies are in place?
- 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.
How old does my camper need to be to attend?
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.
What does the camp fee include?
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.
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 are kindly asked to bring a ready-to-eat lunch and snack (if desired) each day to ensure they stay energized throughout their time at camp. Please pack items that are easy to enjoy during the camp day.
What does my camper need to bring?
Campers need to bring a reusable water bottle and their own ready-to-eat lunch. A light jacket is recommended.
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. IMAS discourages campers from bringing gaming devices.
Should I expect camp communications?
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.
What are the times for camp?
Camps run from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Campers may be dropped off between 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and picked up between 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A late pickup fee of $5 per child will apply for children not picked up by 3:35 p.m. Drop off and pick up will be located outside in the semi-circle drive in front of the museum.
Sample Camp Schedule
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Camp Drop Off
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM – Team building
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Activity 1
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Exhibit Exploration
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Lunch & Recess
- 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM – Activity 2
- 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM – Snack Time
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Activity 3
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Camper Pick Up
How will camp drop off and pick up run?
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.
What happens if I am running late for pickup?
We understand that occasionally caregivers will be late due to situations outside of your control. If you are running late, please call the main line at (956) 681-2800. Otherwise, staff 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.
How can I register my child?
Register for camp through the link provided above. The 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 IMAS at (956) 681-2800 for assistance, though IMAS is 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.
Do you have any discounts?
Yes. IMAS Members (Family Membership and above) get a discounted price for Operation Imagination Summer Camps. To upgrade your membership level, contact Celina Michel, IMAS Membership & Coordinator, at 956-681-2817.
IMAS is also 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.
What is the refund policy?
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.
Can we register for single days?
Single days are not offered. The camp is being sold for each week in its entirety.
Source: IMAS.
