Today's Hours
10:00am - 8:00pm There’s always more to discover!
From wide-eyed camper to dedicated volunteer, 13-year-old Owen Brandt’s journey with The Discovery has come full circle. Today, he can be seen leading activities, supporting campers, and sharing his love of learning with the next generation, continuing a connection to the museum that began in kindergarten.
Camp Discovery, The Discovery’s hands-on summer camp program, inspires kids to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through fun experiments and creative projects. Owen first participated as a camper, and those experiences motivated him to stay involved. “I’ve been involved with The Discovery since kindergarten, when I started visiting with my family,” Owen shared. “Over the years, I also joined their Camp Discovery programs, which made me want to keep coming back and stay involved.”
Now an 8th-grade student at Sage Ridge School, Owen grew up in Reno, NV, and is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for campers as a Teen Assistant.
“My favorite part of my role is connecting with the campers and seeing their excitement and curiosity as they explore and learn,” he said.
In his role, Owen helps bring camp activities to life, supporting Camp Educators and fellow volunteers to ensure each day is both educational and fun.
Owen’s mom, Christina has seen the transformation firsthand: “The Discovery has had a profound impact on Owen. Volunteering at Camp Discovery has helped him feel confident and engaged in a supportive environment. It’s more than a place to explore—it’s a welcoming community where he feels embraced as a curious learner.”
Before volunteering at The Discovery, Owen focused on school and community activities. Still, his passion for hands-on learning and the museum’s interactive programs drew him back, this time as a volunteer giving back to the place that inspired him as a child.
Looking ahead, Owen hopes The Discovery will continue expanding its programs for kids, offering even more opportunities for hands-on learning and creative exploration. “It’s a great community that makes my experience at the museum rewarding and fun,” he added. “I really enjoy working with the kids, educators, and fellow volunteers—it makes every day here something special.”