CQ Director's blog

Bring the Kids for Camp Quest Minnesota at American Atheists Convention!

Submitted by CQ Director on Fri, 03/18/2011 - 11:44

CQ Minnesota Logo Join Camp Quest Minnesota for a fun-filled mini-camp occurring one day only during the 2011 American Atheist National Convention in Des Moines. There will be Camp Quest style activities and events as well as field trips to the Science Center and All-Play.

UPDATE: Online Registration now available here.

When: Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (field trip leaves at 9:30 am sharp). » Read more

What's a Summer Camp Doing in a Secular Lobbying Coalition?

Submitted by CQ Director on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 08:56

Camp Quest is a member of the Secular Coalition for America, a national lobbying organization for atheist, agnostic, humanist and other secular Americans. The Secular Coalition recently launched a blog featuring voices from their member organizations, including Camp Quest executive director, Amanda Metskas. Amanda's first blog post explains the basics about Camp Quest, and why Camp Quest is a member of the Secular Coalition for America. Here's a quick teaser:

At Camp Quest we serve freethinking families, a group that is often invisible to policymakers. Even within atheist, agnostic, and humanist organizations, families with children are often under-represented. Being a part of the Secular Coalition for America helps Camp Quest raise the profile of secular families in two important ways:

Now, go read the rest.

To learn more » Read more

Using the "E-word" in Elementary School

Submitted by CQ Director on Wed, 02/23/2011 - 10:13

Delaney's Monkey Is evolution appropriate for elementary schoolers? We certainly think so, and so does Charlie's Playhouse, maker of fabulous evolution toys for kids. A few months back Charlie's Playhouse held an Evolution and Art Contest for kids ages 4-12. They asked kids to imagine an environment, and then take a currently existing animal and draw a picture of how its descendents might look after millions of years of adapting to living in that environment. Even though the contest is over, you can still download the activity and do it with your kids, or get together with some other families and hold your own contest!

One of the contest winners, Delaney, age 9, drew the monkey pictured here. He lives on an island with purple bushes, hard nuts, and quiet predators. Delaney was all set to be interviewed by her elementary school principal about the contest, when things started to take a wrong turn... » Read more

Darwin is our Valentine

Submitted by CQ Director on Tue, 02/15/2011 - 13:31

Darwin Valentine It's easy to give Valentine's Day short shrift with it coming right on the heels of Darwin Day. In fact, we probably would have let it pass without comment, if not for this fantastic Valentine that we received at the Camp Quest office.

If you and your family have special Darwin Day or Valentine's Day traditions, or fun ways of combining the two, please share them on our facebook page.

Hope you had a great Darwin Day, and a happy Valentine's Day too!

» Read more

Happy Darwin Day!

Submitted by CQ Director on Sat, 02/12/2011 - 08:37

Happy Birthday Charles Darwin Happy Birthday, Chuck! Have some cake to celebrate the 202nd birthday of Charles Darwin today! Once you've wiped the frosting off your face, check out some other fun Darwin Day activiites for you and your family:

1. Check out the events page on the Darwin Day website to find out what is going on near you. For example, if you live in Michigan, you can attend Michigan State University Museum's Darwin Discovery Day on February 13.

2. Send your loved ones Darwin Day ecards like the one pictured here. You know you want to spread the Darwin Day cheer!

3. Get one of the amazing evolution toys offered by Charlie's Playhouse. They consult with evolutionary biologists to make sure their toys » Read more

Hey adults, don't let the kids have all the fun

Submitted by CQ Director on Thu, 02/10/2011 - 09:36

Did you know that our camp counselors are dedicated volunteers? Adults ages 18-80 come to Camp Quest for a week each summer and serve as cabin counselors, activity leaders, photographers, camp nurses, lifeguards, and support staff. Don't let the kids have all the fun without you! Here are the top five reasons (with photos) why you should apply to volunteer.

Mentoring at Camp Quest

5. Mentor awesome kids » Read more

Attention High School Campers!

Submitted by CQ Director on Wed, 02/09/2011 - 15:47

The Secular Student Alliance is offering much more support to students who want to start atheist, agnostic, humanist, and freethinking groups on their high school campuses. Check out this story in USA Today about student groups starting in Texas and in the Chicago area, and check out the SSA's press release about high school organizing. If you are » Read more

Camp Quest activities during the year?

Submitted by CQ Director on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 16:48

If you're part of the Camp Quest Minnesota or Camp Quest Texas community you are in for a special treat this winter. Both of those Camp Quest locations are offering events for campers to get together during the school year.

Camp Quest Texas is hosting a February Family Get Together in Oklahoma City on Feburary 19-20th. Get more information, and sign up for their mailing list to learn about more fun upcoming events. Sign up by tomorrow, February 9th to attend! » Read more

Attention Atheist College Students!

Submitted by CQ Director on Wed, 01/19/2011 - 10:09

You still have two weeks to apply for American Atheists Founders' Scholarship. Applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2011. Here are the details from American Atheists:

What is it? » Read more

Welcome to the New Camp Quest Website!

Submitted by CQ Director on Fri, 01/14/2011 - 12:37

Take off your coat and stay awhile! Here at the new Camp Quest website you can make yourself at home learning about Camp Quest, exploring our resources for freethinking families, and you'll find frequent updates on our blog.