Twenty children participated in this summer’s Dr. Mossbreath camp. At week’s end, they had solved an incredible mystery and found the treasure: the lost mummy of the Burke Museum.

Nellie, the 2000-year old Egyptian mummy, had been lost for many years. Was it stolen? Was it borrowed and never returned? Or was it hidden somewhere inside the museum? No one knew, until the mysterious Dr. Mossbreath stumbled onto a few clues. But he couldn't piece them together on his own. He needed the help of the young investigators (ages 7 to 10 years old) brought together in the camp. Dr. Mossbreath shared his clues with the campers through shredded letters, notes, and mysterious symbols – adding to the suspense of finding a lost treasure.

Each day, the campers practiced a different sense. Sensory activities included mystery smell bags, sound maps, and even blindfolded drawing. Their heightened senses helped them to solve the mystery. Whether deciphering a coded message or searching the museum for clues, the campers worked together to unlock a secret door that led to Nellie, the lost mummy. They pulled up a dusty cloth and unlocked a drawer to reveal the ancient coffin and mummy, painted with strange symbols and even gold. Dr. Mossbreath’s mystery was solved!     

The campers, the camp instructors, and families celebrated finding the treasure on Friday afternoon with an ice cream party. Dr. Mossbreath made a startling appearance in the final hour, and congratulated the campers on their success. The kids, of course, wasted no time in telling him how smart they are for solving the mystery! Perhaps Dr. Mossbreath will devise an even more mysterious mystery next summer.

The reviews are in...

"My daughter thoroughly enjoyed it and we have recommended the camp to many friends."

"High quality, fast-paced camp."

"It was fun and educational!"

"My child loved it - being inside the museum and outdoors on campus."

Participants described the education staff as "kind, caring, helpful, and thoughtful."

Photo by Tim Stetter

Photo by Diane Quinn