Hey NAPA
Let’s Talk Science!
Ages 3-7
Your
Journey
Into
Fields Of
Science
✶
Your Journey Into Fields Of Science ✶
Our approach
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Explore It All
From tiny bugs to giant stars, we go on adventures across every corner of science. Each week brings a new surprise to spark wide eyes and big smiles.
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Let’s Get Curious!
Big questions start small. We follow kids’ wonder — “Why is the sky blue?” “How do volcanoes boom?” — and turn it into discoveries they’ll never forget.
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Mix, Make, Discover
Science is something you do! We mix, build, and experiment so kids feel the joy of hands-on learning and the pride of “I made this!”
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Learning Together
The best discoveries are shared. Kids laugh, imagine, and explore side by side, building confidence and friendship along the way.
JumpStart Science Club is here to spark big curiosity in little scientists.
We believe the best way to learn is straight from the source — that’s why we invite real scientists, engineers, and explorers working in the field to share their knowledge. Each session focuses on one area of science — from rocks and fossils to rockets and stars — with hands-on activities and stories that bring discoveries to life.
By giving kids (and parents!) a jumpstart into the world of science, we’re helping them see the wonder in their everyday surroundings and the endless possibilities waiting to be explored.
Together, we’re not just learning science — we’re learning how to think like scientists: curious, creative, and ready to explore.
Our Mission
How it works
JumpStart Science Club meets kids where their curiosity is brightest!
Seasonal Sessions
We gather on Sundays for 4–6 weeks in Winter, Spring, and Fall. Each session has a unique theme — from dinosaurs to space — and no two seasons are the same!Parents Join the Fun
This is a parent-participation club. Grownups learn right alongside their kids — and trust us, you’ll be amazed too.Membership & Fees
Session fees vary by curriculum and fundraising support. Please inquire for details — we’ll share everything before sign-up.Join the Adventure
We’re building our next group now. If you’d like your child to be part of it, click below to express your interest — that helps us plan the next session!
Look into the last session
Look into the last session
Week 1:
Microscopes & Tiny Worlds
We kicked things off with brand-new microscopes and a special visit from a microbiologist who brought live plankton straight from the water. Kids peered into a hidden world of moving, glowing life under the lens and learned how scientists study creatures too small to see with the naked eye.
Week 2:
Flight & Forces
This was an unforgettable week! An aerospace engineer showed us how air makes things fly using rockets and a wind tunnel, while a former F-18 pilot shared their journey into aviation and the thrill of flying supersonic jets. Kids left inspired, with paper airplanes and rocket designs of their own.
Week 3:
Wildlife & Tracking
Two wildlife biologists gave us a peek into their daily work — from training owls to tracking sea turtles. Kids learned how scientists study and protect wild animals, then tried their hand at identifying tracks and scat through games and stamp kits. A visit from Napa Wildlife Rescue made the day even more special.
Week 4:
Fossils & Geology
We made fossil prints in clay, experimented with mini “volcanoes,” and took a field trip to the Petrified Forest. A local geologist helped us uncover the stories hidden in the rocks beneath our feet.
Our Board
Audrie Walsh
JumpStart Science Club was created by Audrie Walsh, a winemaker, mom, and lifelong art and science enthusiast. She earned her Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine and her Master’s in Oenology from the University of Adelaide in South Australia, blending a deep love of science with real-world application. Growing up in the Mojave Desert in a family of aerospace engineers, Audrie learned early how curiosity and creativity fuel discovery. With JumpStart, she brings that same spirit to kids and parents, creating a space where families can explore, experiment, and see the world through a scientist’s eyes.
President and Founder
Joan Kisthardt
Joan lives in Napa with her husband, Noah, and their daughter, Mika. While she once dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, her college years led her to discover a passion for art and architecture. She holds a master’s degree in City Planning from Boston University and is now the owner of Just Between Friends, a popular local children’s consignment event.
