Camp FAQ’s

Camp FAQ’s

What should my child bring to camp?

All materials are supplied with the camp registration; however, campers may periodically be asked to bring something from home such as a leaf or an empty two-liter soda bottle if they have it.

Children should wear comfortable clothes that they can move around in and good sturdy shoes they can play in without hurting their feet.
Campers will also be asked to bring a swimsuit and towel on days they go to the swimming pool.
All campers should bring sunscreen and a lunch daily.
Toys, radios, money and other personal items should be left at home so they do not become misplaced or damaged.

If my child attends four camps, why don’t they get four t-shirts?

The cost of the t-shirt is not included in camp registration. T-shirts are provided as a courtesy from the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History Foundation. Camp staff have found that matching t-shirts helps to easily locate and identify Science is Everywhere summer campers during field trips. Also, t-shirts are a method of publicly recognizing camp sponsors and provide campers a memento of their science summer camp experience.

Can I stay with my child during camp?

Most children do just fine without a parent present; however, parents are welcome to stay with their child if they feel their child has special needs or would be uncomfortable if their parents didn’t stay. Please keep in mind that all the camp staff have experience and an interest in working with children and will strive to make science summer camp the best experience possible for your child. If an issue or concern should arise with your child, the Instructor or Camp Coordinator will call a parent. In helping your child to have a successful experience, parents need to be aware that their child may be the only child with a parent accompanying them. Children are usually much more independent with their exploration and creativity when parents afford them the opportunity to learn on their own with their peers.

Why do you take the campers swimming?

Children need an opportunity to participate in recreational activities. With a week long camp there is so much learning going on in such a short amount of time that campers need a break to redirect their energy. Swimming is an activity that most children enjoy and will cool them off during the hot summer months.

What kinds of field trips do the campers go on?

Campers participate in field trips related to their camp session theme. Field trip destinations are chosen for their educational value as well as being fun for the campers. Campers may participate in recreational field trips as well. Not all camps have accompanying field trips.

Can my 13 year old work and be paid for it?

No. Counselors must be 15 before they can be paid for working at the Science is Everywhere Camp and that is with a work permit and parental permission as well as two years volunteer service experience. Youth are encouraged to volunteer for a week or two during the camp season to get a feel for the summer camp and working with children. To enter the Counselor-In-Training program, youth must be 14 years old. Please call 245-2137 ext. 120 for more information about volunteer opportunities with Camp.

Why can’t my fifth grader be in the same camp as my first grader? (Or vice versa)

For the safety of our campers and in the interest of age level appropriateness, age categories must be observed to ensure the best possible experience for all campers. We recognize that some children are more gifted and some children have had prior experiences with the camp subject; however, we have found that children enjoy themselves more and have a better experience if they are with kids their own age.

Why do the volunteers, counselors, and mentors only get to work part of the summer even if they want to work all summer?

The staff members in these positions are all still in school and need time off themselves to enjoy being young. Working with children every day is hard work and we have found that staff that doesn’t commit themselves to the entire summer enjoy their camp experiences more and are better able to maintain a positive attitude in working with the campers.

How soon should I register my child for camp?

Camps are filled on a first come, first served basis. Camp sessions are limited to 15-20 campers. Parents should register their children as soon as they feel comfortable they can make a commitment for the week as there is a fee for canceling a registration.

When does camp information come out each year?

Generally, we try to have the information available six to eight weeks in advance of each camp; however, because we have to work with cooperating organizations and facilities, we have work with their timelines as well..

Who are the people working with my child?

• The Science Camp Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the camp. They work at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and although they are not on site, they will visit the camps throughout the week.
• Instructors are teachers or professionals in the field. Instructors are responsible for the educational presentations during the camp. In some instances, instructors are college age students studying to be a teacher.
• Youth Counselors are high school age youth and college students with an interest in working with children. Youth Counselors have previous volunteer experience with the Science Summer Camp.
• Volunteer assistants are high school age youth with an interest in working with children and science.

All staff and volunteers are interviewed before being placed with the Science is Everywhere Camp. Instructors and mentors must agree to and pass a background investigation before they can be employed. All paid staff are CPR certified.