LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With many students in Louisville will start this school year virtually, parents who need to go back to work are faced with a child care dilemma. Some museums hope to solve that problem for families by launching non-traditional instruction (NTI) camps.

Some parents are already back at work, which is why during the week, you can find kids at summer camp at the Kentucky Science Center. After Jefferson County Public Schools announced it would begin the year virtually, CEO Mike Norman knew families could be in a bind when summer camp ends.

“We know what families are dealing with. We have our own team members balancing NTI and family and work. It is a rough, rough time," Norman said.

That's why the Kentucky Science Center will start what it calls "Camp NTI" Aug. 31. The week-long, full-day camp sessions will have an emphasis on helping campers complete their NTI schoolwork.

“We will provide support for their NTI work. We will help them get logged on and make sure they are doing what they need to do,” Norman said.

When their NTI work is complete, campers will get to take part in other educational activities that the Kentucky Science Center has to offer. The Kentucky Science Center has been offering summer camp since June, so safety protocols are already in place. 

“I’ve been so impressed with our camp kids. Once we said you have to wear a mask, everybody 6 and older is wearing a mask. They are washing their hands. They are keeping their distance from each other,” Norman said.

Families can book the camp per for students in kindergarten through sixth grades. It starts Aug. 31 and runs through Oct. 1. The cost is $245/week for Kentucky Science Center members and $295/week for non-members, but discounts are offered for those who book multiple weeks. Space will be limited, so Norman recommends interested families sign up sooner rather than later.

The Frazier History Museum will also be offering an NTI camp. President and CEO Andy Treinen said they are used to offering education opportunities for students throughout the year through field trips and camps, so he came up with this camp idea to give working parents a child care option that puts schoolwork first.

"We have educators that work throughout every year to help kids and facilitate education, so why not bring those two things together and provide an opportunity for families to get their kids here?" Treinen said.

He said each student will get to learn in their own six-foot space. There will be staff on hand to help answer any questions the campers may have while doing their online school work.

“We can ensure that kids are spaced out and that there’s much more than six feet between them. They will all be required to wear a mask, and we will have one facilitator for every five children we have here taking advantage of NTI from the Frazier," Treinen said.

The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 31 through Oct. 2. Students can sign up per week at $200/week for members and $225/week for non-members. Campers must bring their own laptop or other electronic device, headphones, school supplies, and lunch. Questions about the camp can be sent to education@fraziermuseum.org. As space is limited, Treinen does expect camp could sell out, so he recommends interested families sign up sooner rather than later.