When can I register?
Registration is open now! We have limited seating so be sure to register early.
How do I register?
While we prefer online registration, you may register in person at the ticket desk, online or by phone: 309.863.3069.
When will Day Camp's for 2018-2019 be offered?
November 11 | Exploring Water
December 23 | Robotics
December 27 | Robotics 2.0
January 2 | Old Masters
January 3 | Inventions
February 17 | Presidents' Day | Body Science
Who can attend camp?
Day camp is available for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade.
What time of day will camp be held?
Day Camp is in session from 8:30 am-4 pm. Drop off begins at 8:15 am. After care is from 4 pm-5:30 pm.
A mid-morning snack is provided each day of camp, and a 30 minute lunch time. Please pack your child a nut-free sack lunch.
Will I receive confirmation of enrollment when I sign up for camp?
Yes, once you have registered for camp a confirmation packet with further paperwork (i.e. medical release form and lunch order form) and helpful reminders will be emailed to you. Please be sure to provide your email address at registration as confirmation packets will not be mailed unless specifically requested. If you have already filled out paperwork for Summer Camp or a previous day camp, we keep that information on file and you do not need to fill it out again, unless you would like to make changes.
When is payment due?
Payment in full is due at the time of registration.
Will after care be provided?
Yes! A variety of activities will be planned, and a late-afternoon snack will be provided for after care. After care runs from 4-5:30 pm and costs $10. The museum will charge a $10 fee for every 5 minutes that a camper is at the museum after 5:30 pm. After care are subject to cancellation in the case of insufficient enrollment.
How do I register for after care?
Please indicate your desire to participate in After Care on your registration form and include payment with your registration fees. A more detailed form will be sent to you in your confirmation packet.
What should I do for lunch/snack each day?
A nut-free mid-morning snack is provided for all campers each day. If your camper has food allergies, please consider providing an alternative snack.
Sack lunches should be brought from home, but please note that no refrigeration or microwave will be provided.
Please remember, camp is NUT FREE! Please be considerate when packing your child’s lunch and avoid packing nuts or peanut butter.
When Camp Begins...
How are the days structured?
All campers are assigned to an age appropriate camp. Themed activities are planned by the museum's staff of camp instructors. Depending on the week for which you have registered, activities range from art and science projects to visits to the museum galleries, planetarium, and Giant Screen Theater.
How can I find out what activities my child will be participating in during camp?
At pick up, guardians will be handed a detailed informational sheet outlining daily activities and offering dinner-table questions to get your camper talking about all that they learned each day!
What should my child wear?
Many camp activities are messy, so please dress your child appropriately.
Who are the camp instructors?
Day Camp is run by both museum educators and teachers from the community. Our camp instructors are highly motivated, knowledgeable, and talented teachers who enjoy working with kids, and strive to see learning continue all year long.
Who are your volunteer assistants?
Our volunteer assistants range from area high school students working on Service Credit Hours, to college students and adults in the community looking to give back. The volunteer assistants are assigned to a camp or a camp instructor. Each camp has a volunteer assistant who will accompany the camp throughout the day. If numbers allow, each instructor will also have a volunteer assistant who will assist the instructor in preparation for the daily activities as well as provide assistance to the campers. For more information about our volunteer program, or to apply to become a Summer Camp volunteer, please send us an email.
Can I stay with my child during camp?
Parents may stay with their campers during the drop off period. At the start of our day, we ask that parents leave their campers in the care of our camp staff. Please keep in mind that all members of the camp staff have experience and an interest in working with children. They will strive to make camp the best experience possible for your child. If your child requires an aide or helper, they may stay with your child during camp hours for no additional fee.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
We prefer at least three weeks notice if you plan to cancel or withdraw from camp. A full refund will be given to a camper who withdraws from at least two full weeks prior to the start of their camp minus a $10 processing fee. A 50% refund will be given upon withdrawal less than one week before camp begins minus a $10 processing fee. No refunds will be given once camp begins.
What if I am early dropping off or late picking up my child?
The museum reserves the right to charge a $10 fee for every 5 minutes that a camper is present at the museum before or after their designated time. If you need to drop-off or pick-up your child outside of the standard times (8:15 am earliest drop-off and 4:15 pm latest pick-up), please register after care (4:15-5:30 pm).
What if my child has special needs, or requires daily medication?
We are not authorized to give any medication. However, if your child requires an EPI pen, you will need to fill out an emergency action plan so that we may administer it in a crisis situation. Please note this special need at the time of registration.
Please note that our staff is not trained to work with children with special needs and cannot provide one-on-one care. You may opt to provide your child with a caregiver during camp (with no additional registration fee) if you wish to have your child participate in camp.