Camp FAQ’s

What should my child bring to camp?

• Refillable water bottle
• Sack lunch (doesn’t require refrigeration)
• 2 snacks
• Hat (optional)
• Sunscreen (optional)

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.

Campers should wear comfortable clothes that they can move around in and good sturdy shoes they can play in without hurting their feet.

We encourage campers to leave toys, cell phones, money, and other personal items at home so they do not become misplaced or damaged; the museum is not responsible for any damages or losses that occur. Campers may not buy items from the gift shop during camp hours unless their parent or guardian is present.

Will my camper go off-site during the camp?

During winter, spring, and holiday camps, campers may walk to Manzano Mesa Park but otherwise are on-site at the museum the duration of the camp. If a field trip is planned, a permission slip is provided in advance. During the summer, campers may attend a field trip, visit the Manzano Mesa Community Center Spray Pad, or walk to the nearby park.

Can I stay with my child during camp?

Most children do just fine without a parent present. 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. If you have questions, please call our Enrichment Coordinator at 505-245-2137.

Please keep in mind that all camp staff have experience and an interest in working with children and will strive to make our camps the best experience possible for your child. If an issue or concern should arise with your child, the instructor or Camp Director will call a parent.

Do you offer before- and after-camp childcare?

Before- and after-care are built into each camp at no extra cost to parents. Before-care drop-off is at 7:30 am and after-care pick-up is on or before 5:30 pm.

My child is too old to attend camp. Can they volunteer?

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History accepts students aged 13 (going into the 9th grade) and older to join the museum’s Counselor in Training (CIT) program. The CIT program is a leadership program where your teen will build their communication and collaboration skills while working with experienced museum educators to learn how to work with children and become a future camp counselor. For questions, please contact the Director of Education at 505-245-2137, ext. 101.

How soon should I register my child for camp?

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

Cancellation Policy

• If a summer camp cancellation is received more than 5 weeks before the camp, a refund will be issued for the registration fee paid, minus a processing fee of $35.00 per camp.
• If a summer camp cancellation is received less than 5 weeks, but more than 1 week before the camp, a refund will be issued for the registration fee paid, minus a cancellation fee of 30%.
• Summer camp registrations canceled less than 1 week prior to the start of a camp will not be refunded. No exceptions.
• If a single-day camp cancellation is received 5 days or more before the camp, a refund will be issued for the registration fee paid, minus a processing fee of $10.00 per camp.
• If a single-day camp cancellation is received 1-5 days before the camp, a refund will be issued for the registration fee paid, minus a cancellation fee of 25%.
• Single-day camp registrations canceled less than 24 hours prior to the start of a camp will not be refunded. No exceptions.
• Refunds are not available for missed camp days and no partial registrations will be offered.
• The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History reserves the right to open or close a section of camp based on demand. Should a camp be canceled, registration fees will be refunded in full.