Summer Camp Registration Is Now Open!

Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions

What will camp look like for my learner?

• Camp features a balance of hands-on experiments, activities, and crafts mixed in with age appropriate breaks, play time, and STEAM themed games.
• Generally, older campers experience about 1 “Brain Break” per 1 hour of instruction time as well as a 30 minute lunch break and 30 minute museum exploration time. Younger students will have more frequent breaks.
• While lessons feature many TEKS aligned activities, the primary focus in camps in placed on the scientific process and inquiry-based learning. Campers will use their own observations, questions, and discoveries to guide their learning journey!

Who is with the campers?

• All camps are led by experienced certified teachers or experienced museum informal science educators.
• Teaching assistants are all experienced in working in informal STEM camp environments and go through education/inquiry-based learning training.
• Students are with instructors at all times and will NEVER be alone in a private space with a single adult.

What do we bring?

• Campers SHOULD bring:
  • NUT FREE snacks and a sack lunch (Full Day Camps Only)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Any medications or Epi-Pens (Please give directly to the Camp Manager or Instructor)
  • Closed-toe shoes for lab and/or workshop safety
• Campers should NOT bring:
  • Backpacks or large bags
  • Toys, phones, tablets, or handheld gaming devices
  • Money
  • Food containing nuts or nut products

What time is camp?

• FULL DAY: 9AM – 4PM
• Doors will open for drop off at 8:50AM
• Students will be available for pick up by 3:50PM
• Campers picked up after 4:10PM will be charged a $1/minute Late Pick-Up Fee

How much does camp cost?

• 5 DAYS, 9AM-4PM:
  • Members: $350
  • Nonmembers: $400

Can I cancel/get a refund?

• Yes, you may cancel your Summer Camp reservation. However, refunds are given on a sliding scale based on advance notification of cancellation.
  • 2 Weeks in Advance = 100% Refund
  • 1 Week in Advance = 50% Refund
  • Less than 1 Week Notice = 0% Refund

Which age group should I select for my learner?

• Please select the grade level in which your student will be enrolled Fall 2024.
• If your learner is taking courses at different or higher levels than their peers, we recommend choosing what most closely aligns with their age, as it is easier on many children’s social skills in informal learning environments.

Is there anything I need to do before camp begins?

• Please fill out the Camp Health Form and complete it for all of your campers. This form MUST be returned before your student will be allowed into camp for safety reasons.
• Double check that the food you are sending is NUT FREE.
• Make sure you are sending your learner in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
• Communicate any health or medical concerns directly to our Camp Manager by emailing us at camp.admin@scitechdiscovery.org.

Do you have a behavior or disciplinary plan?

• We believe in ensuring that all students feel safe and nurtured within their classroom environment. This means offering age-appropriate support for conflict or disruptive behavior.
• Instructors may use techniques such as:
  • Utilizing a “Cool Down Corner” where students can rest on a rug and use toys or pillows to calm down after an incident
  • Having a guided discussion about how they are feeling, identifying emotions, and reflecting on actions
  • Assigning students to different groups who struggle with communicating/cooperating with each other
• Intentional violence is NOT tolerated at Sci-Tech. If a camper actively hurts another student, the issue will be immediately addressed and parents will be notified.
• If a behavior issue cannot be remedied after discussion with parents/guardians or if there is physical harm/threat of harm to staff or students, Sci-Tech reserves the right to dismiss a camper from the program without a refund.

My learner is neurodivergent/has special needs. Can you accommodate them?

• While students of all abilities are welcome to participate in camps, please note that Sci-Tech staff is not specifically trained to work with children with special needs and cannot provide one-on-one care.
• You may opt to provide your child with an aide during camp to assist them. This could be anyone from a trained professional to a sibling, so long as they are familiar with meeting your student’s needs.
• If you have questions about whether our camps may be a good fit for your student, please feel free to reach out at camp.admin@scitechdiscovery.org.

My child does not speak English yet. Can they still attend camp?

• Due to safety working with chemicals, equipment, and other dangerous materials, we do require that all campers understand and speak conversational English or have a translator present.