Below are some questions we hear from parents about our Project Science summer camps.
If you do not see your question and answer, please feel free to e-mail a Camp Specialist
at Info@ProjectScience.info or click on Contact Us above. Click on a link below
to jump to that section of FAQs
General Information Registration Information
During Camp
General Information
Registration Information
During Camp
What is Project Science Camp?
Project Science camps offer a daily combination of in-class discovery and exploration,
outdoor games and physical activities and hands-on applications of the scientific
principles presented. Your child will be able to touch, see, hear, smell and taste
what science is really all about. We use an inquiry-based technique that allows
even the youngest camper to enjoy our learning environment. Campers create a variety
of take-home projects and participate in activities while exploring how science
affects the world around us. Your child will have so much fun he may deny he was
learning!
What ages are appropriate for a Project Science Camp?
Most Project Science camps are open to children entering grades 1 through 6. For
these camps, we leave it to the discretion of the parent whether to enroll a rising
6th grader. By law, children must be a minimum of 6 years of age prior to the start
of their Project Science camp.
All Project Science activities are specifically designed to be conducted in an age
and grade appropriate manner. Activities are comprised of large group discussion,
work in small teams of 3 - 5 campers and individual attention. Depending on the
nature of the activity, our instructors will typically split the campers by age
and/or grade to ensure the material is presented at an appropriate level. If there
are different aged children in the same camp, we use the buddy system where the
older camper will sometimes help the younger camper. For the most part, campers
work in small groups with children of similar age.
Our camps usually have a good mix of both ages and gender, therefore your child
will be paired with children his age and he will make new friends. All kids have
fun at Project Science, but any activity can be more fun if it is shared with a
sibling or friend. Please mention our camps to your family, friends and neighbors.
After all, you just may gain a car pool partner!
Project Science strives at all times to provide fun and safe science activities
for all children participating in our programs. To fulfill this commitment, we ask
that all children enrolled adhere to basic behavioral guidelines. Our instructors
set clear boundaries and expectations as to appropriate conduct and we will hold
all children to these expectations. We stress these expectations at the beginning
of each day of each program. We ask your cooperation should any parent be notified
of discipline issues. It is our intention to provide children with, not deprive
them of, exciting and fun science. It is only when a child interrupts this positive
learning environment that we would take any action.
Project Science also has expectations of the parents whose children are enrolled.
Only children with a sincere interest in our programs and the necessary maturity
to handle the time commitment and the social interaction of a large group of children
should be allowed to enroll. Parents are welcome to observe any class and to participate
where appropriate. We ask that you limit your participation so that the hands-on
nature of our programs is preserved. All parents should support the learning process
after the camp is dismissed.
What is the camper to instructor ratio?
Our camper to instructor ratio will never be greater than 15 to 1. We try to make
the average sized camp at about 20 children with two instructors. We strive to provide
both a male and female instructor at each camp. The minimum number of campers necessary
to hold a camp is 12. For half-day camps with enrollment of 15 or less, there will
be one Project Science instructor. All full-day camps will have a minimum of two instructors.
Project Science tries to inform parents as soon as possible
should it appear that a camp will not reach its minimum enrollment. On these occasions
we will offer priority enrollment in other camps or a full refund should the camp
have to be cancelled and no other camp is available. For additional information
on camp cancellations, click here.
Who are the Project Science camp instructors?
Project Science instructors tend to be college students pursuing an education or
science degree, former/retired teachers or teachers on summer break. All of our
instructors have experience working with large groups of elementary-aged children,
have undergone an extensive background check and received approximately 40 hours
of summer camp specific training. The main characteristic that our instructors all
share is their love of working with children.
Are these the only locations where you will be holding your camps?
Maybe not. We are in discussion with many locations to provide our Project Science
camps. Please look at our website on a regular basis as we will be updating our
schedule as soon as additional locations are added. Also, if you have a particular
location in mind, please bring it to our attention.
What is the difference between a Half-day camp and a Full-day camp?
We are offering most of our camp themes as either a half-day or a full-day camp.
Half-day camps are typically held from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Full-day camps are typically
held from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
In each version we will present demonstrations and activities that will highlight
the scientific principles of each theme. The full-day camps allow us to spend more
time on certain aspects, go deeper into the material and provide additional hands-on
activities.
Half-day camps allow children and parents greater flexibility for other pursuits
during the day either before or after the Project Science camp.
Before care is provided FREE (starting at 8:00am) for our half day campers. Before
and After care is provided FREE (starting at 8:00am and ending at 5:00pm) for our
full day campers. Several of our partner locations offer additional options such
as extended day care or other activities that can be flexible to meet your needs.
I need a camp that matches my work schedule. Do you offer camps that cover a full
workday?
Yes! Before care and After care is provided FREE of charge.
Before and After Care will be supervised recreation such as indoor and outdoor games,
videos, arts and crafts projects, nature hikes, etc. It does not include additional
Project Science programming. This extended care takes place each day from
8:00 to 9:30 am and from 3:30 to 5:00pm. Regular Project Science camp programming
will take place from 9:30am to 3:30pm each day.
How soon do I need to register to reserve a space for my child?
This is the toughest question we get because we have no idea. Some camps and dates
fill very quickly, while some may have spaces available up to the start date. We
recommend that you register as soon as possible.
Will all camp sessions be run?
We create our camp schedule with the intention of being able to offer each and every
session. We ensure there is sufficient equipment and instructors to manage the schedule
we publish. Unfortunately there is no science to how the registrations for each
camp session will progress. We have established a minimum number of campers needed
to offer a session. If this number is not met, we must cancel that session.
As parents ourselves, we understand the unique challenges that arise during the
summer as families try to coordinate work schedules, vacation schedules, camp schedules
and everything else we have going on in our busy lives. Therefore, if the camp in
which your child is registered has not met the minimum requirement, we will notify
you at least 6 weeks in advance and give that camp 2 more weeks to increase the
registration before we make a cancellation decision. Frequently we will need just
1 or 2 more campers to meet the minimum. Often parents can help us reach the minimum
by calling friends, family or neighbors.
If the camp has not met its minimum registration by 4 weeks prior to the scheduled
start date, we may have to cancel the session. In this case, all parents will be
notified promptly with a list of alternative camp sessions. Last year we were able
to accommodate over 90% of campers in another camp session after their original
session had been cancelled. If we are unable to accommodate your schedule, we will
offer you a full refund of your registration fee.
Almost all camp registrations have been received by July 15th. Therefore, all changes
to our camp schedule will be finalized on this date and the final camp schedule
will be published. You may still register after this date, however only the camps
listed in our final schedule will be offered for the remainder of the summer.
Project Science reserves the exclusive right to run a camp session under the stated
enrollment minimum.
Start your own Project Science Camp!
If our schedule does not work with YOUR schedule then bring Project Science to you!
All you need is 12 children and a place to hold the camp and Project Science will
come to you! We may even be able to adjust the start time, length of the day, number
of days or customize our programming to exactly match your needs.
Location needs for a Project Science camp are pretty simple:
- Table/desk space and a chair for each camper
- A table for the Project Science equipment
- Access to electricity and water
- The ability to darken the room
- A nearby outside area (approximately 100 ft. x 100 ft.)
Project Science provides everything else! Please contact our office for details.
Phone: 775.200.0600 E-mail: Info@ProjectScience.info
How do I register my child for a camp?
All of our camps for 2009 are registered on-line. You may also register over the
phone. The easiest way is through our on-line registration system. It takes about
5 minutes and accepts major credit cards, paypal and on-line checks.
Note: Registration requirements, start dates, end dates and minimum camp size may
vary by location.
Is payment due in full when I register?
Your child is not enrolled until we receive payment. If you prefer to
pay by check, we must receive your payment within 7 days of your registration. When registering
online or over the phone you can pay by major credit card, online check, or Paypal.
Can I sign my child up for more than one camp?
Yes! In fact, we encourage it. Each camp is completely different so your child can
enjoy them all without repeating activities. Many children initially register for
only one camp. After they discover how much they enjoyed our activities, they attempt
to register for additional camps. Due to the popularity of many of our themes and
weeks, several children were disappointed when the additional camps were already
sold out. Take our word for it; your child will love all our camps! Save yourself
the trouble and register for all of them!
What is your refund policy?
Cancellations by you that occur greater than 30 days prior to the start of the camp
will be subject to a $25 service charge. Cancellations requested between 8 and 30
days prior to the start of the camp will be subject to a $50 service charge.
Cancellations requested in the 7 days before camp will be subject to a $100 service charge.
At any time prior to the start of a camp, you may transfer your registration to
another child with no service charge.
If we do not get sufficient enrollment to hold the camp, Project Science will make
every effort to provide alternative camp locations or you will be offered the option
of a full refund.
Should your child be removed from a camp due to behavioral issues or consistent
late pick ups, there will be no refund.
Are there any additional materials fees?
No. All camp materials and take-home projects are included in the cost of camp.
How are missed days handled?
If your child misses a day of camp, we are happy to provide you with all materials
and instructions for take-home activities that your child has missed. We do not
offer any reimbursement for missed camp days.
Do you offer a family discount?
Yes! We offer a 10% discount off the total tuition for your family. For example, camp for two (2)
siblings would be $360 instead of the usual $400. The price for three (3) siblings
would be $540 rather than the usual $600.
What should my child bring/wear to camp?
Project Science provides all the equipment and materials for both the in class activities
and the take home projects. All you need to provide is a child who is ready to have
fun!
Children should dress comfortably for that day's weather. We ask that children not
wear open toed shoes to a Project Science camp especially no flip-flops. Also, as
we will be outside on a number of occasions, please do not dress your child in any
clothes that you do not want to get dirty. You may wish to apply sunscreen or insect
repellent or send these items with your child. A hat and/or sunglasses may also
be useful.
The snacks that are part of each camp day are not a significant amount of food.
If your child would benefit from some additional calories during the day, please
pack additional snack items. Coolers/refrigeration will be available.
Please clearly mark your child's name on all items he brings to camp.
Do you offer T-shirts?
Project Science provides FREE custom designed T-shirts for all our camps. After
all, your Project Science experience is not complete without the wardrobe! These
camp T-shirts are top quality, 100% cotton pre-shrunk short sleeve shirts by Fruit
of the Loom.
Do you provide a lunch with the Full Day camp?
No. You must send a bag lunch with your child. We will provide a mid-morning snack
and a mid-afternoon snack along with water. The snacks are not a significant amount
of food. If your child would benefit from some additional calories during the day,
please pack additional snack items. Coolers/refrigeration will be available. Please
clearly mark your child's name on all items.
What is your policy for early drop off and late pick up?
Please do not drop off your child and leave him unattended before the start time
of before care. Our instructors will not be responsible for your child until the
start of before care (8:00am).
An authorized parent or guardian must be at the camp site prepared to assume responsibility
for your child at the stated end time of camp or after care. We ask that you do
not enter the room until the instructors dismiss the camp. The vast majority of
our camps end on time. However, to ensure all children complete the activities for
the day, our camps may run a few minutes long. Should an authorized parent or guardian
not be present at the end of camp or after care, Project Science reserves the right
to charge a late pickup fee of $1.00 per minute per child beginning 10 minutes after
the stated end time of the camp. This late fee must be paid by cash or check directly
to the Project Science instuctor who has supervised your child. Your child cannot return to
camp until this fee is paid. A second late pickup will result in your child being
removed from camp without a refund.
All camps offer before care (starting at 8:00am). Our full-day camps will have after
Care ending at 5:00pm. After Care option is NOT available for half-day camps.
Do I need to sign an Authorization Form?
There is an element of risk inherent in participating in the scientific process
and handling scientific materials and equipment. We at Project Science take every
precaution to ensure the safety of our campers and staff. It is important for campers
and their parents to understand that if used improperly, and/or without instructor
supervision, certain equipment and materials can be dangerous and could result in
severe injury or death. Please print, fill out and sign the below Authorization
Form and bring it with you on the first day of camp. Your child will not be allowed
to participate in a Project Science camp without a completed Authorization Form
on file with Project Science. Should your child be enrolled in more than one Project
Science camp, you will need to complete an Authorization Form for each camp.
Click here to view and print the Authorization Form