General Information
What is the registration deadline for camp?
To ensure that we have adequate supplies, materials, and staffing for all campers, the online registration deadline for camps will be midnight on the Thursday before that week of camp starts. For example, the deadline for registering for the week of June 15th will be Thursday, June 11th at midnight. Registrations made after Thursday at midnight will incur a $15 convenience fee.
How do I sign up for camp?
All of our registration is done online. Please click on one of the enroll buttons at the top of any one of our pages.
What is your tax ID#?
Our tax ID number is 27-3857278. This number is also on your email confirmation. . Please keep this confirmation for your records. This can act as a receipt for your flexible spending account or child care tax credit. If you lose your receipt please go to the Family Account link on our Home Page and login to retrieve a new one.
What should my camper bring to camp?
Each camper should bring a NUT FREE lunch, snacks and drinks each day. This year Club SciKidz is totally a NUT FREE camp. Since we have an outdoor component , a small water bottle is advisable. Sunscreen and hat is recommended. Please see our policy and waiver concerning the application of sunscreen under our FAQ Risk Management category. Electronic devices are not permitted at camp and will be confiscated until picked up by a parent.
Can my child bring a cell phone to camp?
We have a “no-cell phone” policy at Club SciKidz Summer Science Camps.
Please click here to read our Parent Letter and Camp Policy regarding cell phones, the Internet, and other technologies.
What is a typical day like?
Each Monday morning you will receive a detailed, camp specific schedule for your child(ren)’s camp. Each day campers will participate in four different hands-on activities related to the theme/topic of their camp. Two activities will be held in the morning and two activities in the afternoon. Campers will have a snack and outdoor activity (20-30 minutes each) in both the morning and afternoon, as well as a 30 minute lunch around noon.
A half day option is only available for the 4&5 year olds. The half day camper’s day will go from 9-1pm. Pack a lunch and snack. They will have recess after lunch but will miss our outdoor activity in the afternoon and two science activities.
What are the hours of the camp?
The camp hours are from 9:00am to 4:00pm. We give parents a 30-minute window for drop off and pick up.
- You may drop off your child off from 8:30-9:00am. Before care starts at 8am and costs $30 per week.
- Pick up is between 3:30-4:00pm. After care goes until 5:30pm and costs $50 per week. Campers who are not signed up for after care and not picked up by 4pm will be added to after care for a fee of $15 per day. After care campers must be picked up by 5:30pm. There will be a late fee (per child) for campers not picked up by 5:30pm. The fee is $5 for the first ten minutes and then $1 for each additional minute.
Do you provide Before and After care services?
We have extended day services at all of our locations. The cost is $30.00 per week for Before Care which starts at 8:00 am. Campers cannot be dropped off prior to 8:00 am. Post Camp services are from 4:00 – 5:30 pm and cost $50.00 dollars per week. This year we also offer the option of purchasing before & after care by the day. This can be paid for ahead of time online or at the camp location the week of. Campers that are picked up later than 5:30 pm will incur additional late charges. The fee is $5 for the first fifteen minutes late and $1 each additional minute thereafter.
Will my child receive a camp T-shirt?
Each camper will receive one T-shirt with each week they register for camp. We ask that campers wear their t-shirts each day of camp. These builds a sense of unity and also assists keeping track of campers at locations that host multiple camps. And science can be messy, so it prevents them from ruining their shirts 🙂
Are there outside activities?
Club SciKidz does have an outdoor component in the afternoons each day. Campers are involved in team and skill building activities with their age group. Activities include: kick ball, soccer, basketball, tug-of-war, water games (Thursdays), team challenges etc.
Also, campers are on the playgrounds of our camps for 30 minutes after lunch.
Our family’s vacation does not allow my child to attend for the entire week. Can they attend for part of the week?
No. In order to gain the most from their camp experience and to not disrupt the structure of the camp, we do not allow partial weeks. The majority of our camps are cumulative, and activities build off of each other from day to day. If campers do miss one or more days, there will be no pro-rated refund for days not attended.
What if I am trying to register and the camp I want my child to attend has reached its 18 camper limit?
If the camp is full, it will be marked as “full” when you try to register. You will have the option of being placed on a waiting list. At this point you do have the capability of choosing another camp that has space. Look on the Camp locations page to see if the camp is full before you go to the online registration service.
Can friends and siblings be placed in the same group?
If you wish your child to be placed with friends or siblings please let us know in advance on the registration form. We can accommodate this request as long as they are in the same age group. Our age groups are 4-5 year olds – 6-9 year olds – 10-12 year olds and 12-15 year olds.
Can I observe a camp day or sit in on my child’s class?
Club SciKidz does not permit non-campers (parents or unregistered students) to sit in on courses. For security, we require all of our employees to undergo thorough background and reference checks and do not allow those who have not completed background checks. Due to COVID procedures, only campers and staff are allowed the building to limit exposure. We have also found that younger campers do better when mom/dad do not linger. We have experienced staff to make sure that even the most reluctant camper adjusts to the camp day and has a great time.
We understand that parents are very interested in what their children are doing at camp. Each week you will receive an Activity Guide which is specific to your child’s camp. The activity guide will not only tell you the activities and experiments for each day, but also give background knowledge and questions to ask your child that will encourage a discussion about what they did and learned that day.
How does Club SciKidz deal with the summer heat?
Safety measures include:
- Outdoor activities can be shortened or held earlier in the day if needed. Outdoor activities will also be shortened as needed.
- Children at all camp sites will have regular access to water fountains or drinking water taps. Campers should remember to bring their own water bottles and to fill up throughout the day.
- Club SciKidz counselors will plan lower activity games/activities when the sun is the strongest and will take advantage of shaded areas throughout the day.
- We are a licensed youth camp in the state of Maryland. As a result we cannot apply sunscreen but will encourage your child to use sunscreen. Additionally please administer sunscreen prior to dropping off your camper.
Tuition
How do I use my account credit?
Using your account credit is easy! Add the camps you’d like to your cart and proceed to the checkout screen. Directly above the spot where you’d enter your credit card/payment information, you’ll see a section labeled “Credit Balance Information”.
This is the section that will show you the amount of credit you have available and allow you to apply it to your purchase. If your registration is less than your credit balance, the remaining amount will stay as credit. If your registration is more than your credit balance, it will show you the remaining balance and prompt you to enter payment for the remaining amount. If you have any questions, just email us at sciencecamps@clubscikidzmd.com .
How much is the camp?
Prices for our full day camp start at $299. Several camps have an added Lab Fee. These are camps that have an extraordinary amount of project supplies. Many of our robot and advanced science and technology camps have such fees. Some camps also have different prices depending on location based upon our rent structure at that school or church. Our half day option for 4&5 year olds is $199 ($219 at St. Martin’s).
Jr. Chem, Jurassic, Lil Engineer, Lil Scientist & Intro to Robotics: HALFDAY329
Lil Space Explorer & Tech Machines: HALFDAY299
All 4-5 yr.old camps at St. Martin’s: SMHALFDAY
Are there any discounts?
Discounts will be offered from Cyber Monday when registration opens through the end of February. Our biggest discount is our Cyber Monday discount of $40 off per week of full-day camp (not applicable at Key School or Bullis School). Discounts will decrease as we get closer to the summer. No extra discounts are offered after March.
We always offer multi-week and sibling discounts. You receive $10 off the second and additional child per week for the sibling discount and $10 off the second and additional camp for a camper for the multi-week discount. These discounts are cumulative and are applied automatically when camps are registered for at the same time.
A military discount is offered. Contact us to provide proof and receive the discount code.
Are there any scholarships available?
Every year Club SciKidz makes available a large number of scholarships for our camps with our Shelby Jean scholarship program. These are 100% scholarships to families that need assistance providing the camp experience for their children. Requirements require a completed application including a paragraph explaining your financial circumstances, a reference from your child’s teacher, and a brief letter from your child expressing their desire to attend our science and technology camps. One scholarship per family please!
Please click here to download the application and start the scholarship process.
Can I change a camp or site location?
Yes, as long as the request is made at least two weeks ahead of time, we will accommodate your request as long as there is space available in the new camp or location. If there is a difference in price, you will be responsible for paying the difference or you will receive a credit, whichever is the case. There is no additional registration fee to change camps. Your request must be in writing (email: sciencecamps@clubscikidzmd.com).
What is your cancellation policy?
Flexible Cancellation Policy:
Just like last summer, we are committed to operating the 2021 camp season for you and your family. However, during this time of uncertainty, we would like to provide you some comfort and flexibility when enrolling in camp for 2021.
If you enroll in camp and your plans change or you have concerns about your child attending camp this summer, you can cancel and receive a refund or credit according to our policy. Our policy encourages early decisions so as not to affect other customers or our ability to efficiently deliver our programs and is based on the fact that supplies are purchased for your child in March. Because we cover registration fees for you, all cancellations for a refund will incur a $30 cancellation fee (per camp) to cover administrative costs.
Our cancellation policy is as follows:
- Receive a full refund through March 31, 2021
- Receive a 75% refund April 1 – May 30, 2021. No refunds will be given after May 30, 2021.
- Starting June 1, 2021, cancellations will receive a full credit as long as the cancellation is made at least two weeks in advance of the camp start date. This credit can be used for a different week of camp during the summer or camp in the future. Cancellations made within two weeks of the camp start date are not eligible for credits. There are no refunds or credits for missed sessions.
- Please note that camps purchased with account credit can only be issued an account credit in the event that you’d like to cancel.
Cancellations must be made via email (sciencecamps@clubscikidzmd.com) by the cut-off date or at least two weeks in advance, whichever is applicable.
Can I use my FSA funds to pay for camp?
Yes, most FSA funds can be used to pay for camp tuitions, as long as the funds are from the year that the camp occurs. There is usually paperwork that you need to bring to camp so that we can verify and sign the form. To ensure that your FSA funds can be used for summer camp, please check with your bank/program before registering.
Camps and Curriculum
What new camps are you offering this year?
For Summer 2021, we are not offering any new camps, but we did have a few new camps for Summer 2020 and are excited to have them again this year so a new group of campers can experience them! For ages 6-8, we are offering Pokemon Professor and Marvel Stop Motion and are expanding GiggleBot and Video Game Engineering with Nintendo Labo. For Cosmos, we’ve added the building and launching of a model rocket along with keeping campers’ favorite activities and experiments in that camp. For ages 9-12, we are adding Great Masters, an art based STEAM camp and A Week in the Wizarding World, Harry Potter themed camp. Video Game Engineering with Nintendo Labo was so successful with the 6-8 age group, that we’ve brought it to the 9-12 age group. For campers who enjoyed Robot Engineer last summer, they will be building two different robots (3 in 1 ATV and T4 Solar Bot) this summer.
Check out our full course offerings by age group to see all that we have to offer!
What are the age requirements of your camps?
Our camps are for children and teens ages 4-15. Each camp description has a recommended participation age.
Although our youngest camp group is for ages 4-5, some exceptions may be made. All campers MUST be FULLY potty trained by the time they attend camp. Our program is a structured setting, and we have found that campers who have attended structured preschools and nursery schools tend to be more successful than those who have not attended such programs or have only attended day care. It should also be noted that there is NO nap time, and unfortunately we cannot accommodate campers who need a nap. All campers must be at least 3.5 year old before their first week of camp. Refunds cannot be given for younger campers who prove to be unsuccessful in our camp.
Club SciKidz carefully considers the age range for each course as we receive feedback from our instructors, parents, and campers, but at the same time we understand that every child is different. When children are close to the next age group, we allow parents the flexibility in deciding which camp is best for their child. It is important to note that some technology courses require some experience and prerequisite skills, so this should be considered when making the decision. Feel free to give us a call if you’d like some information on which camps might be best for your child.
Please note that you will see some camps listed in the 9-12 and 11-15 age categories. As children move towards middle school age, parents can choose to place their child in either group depending on the child’s abilities and experience with the subject matter. However, be aware that the 11-15 year old group is often on the higher end of the age range, and some younger campers may not be as comfortable with this group as others.
Safety Management---- (Medication form located in this section)
Can I observe a camp day or sit in on my child’s class?
Club SciKidz does not permit non-campers (parents or unregistered students) to sit in on courses. For security, we require all of our employees to undergo thorough background and reference checks and do not allow those who have not completed background checks. Due to COVID procedures, only campers and staff are allowed the building to limit exposure. We have also found that younger campers do better when mom/dad do not linger. We have experienced staff to make sure that even the most reluctant camper adjusts to the camp day and has a great time.
We understand that parents are very interested in what their children are doing at camp. Each week you will receive an Activity Guide which is specific to your child’s camp. The activity guide will not only tell you the activities and experiments for each day, but also give background knowledge and questions to ask your child that will encourage a discussion about what they did and learned that day.
What general safety measures do you have in place?
Safety is our number one goal at Club SciKidz. All of our campers are supervised 100% of the time. All staff undergo three background checks, are screened and attend training. The training includes but is not limited to classroom management, emergency procedures, abuse prevention & reporting, and Club SciKidz procedures. The majority of our staff is CPR & First Aid certified. Our site directors are experienced certified teachers who are not only first aid and CPR certified but have received Medication Administration Training.
The majority of our camp locations have locked exterior doors. Club SciKidz follows the procedures of the host location concerning keeping doors locked and entry into the building. Parents are asked to only use designated doors and to check in with the director upon entering the building. Parents and other adults are not permitted to wander the building or walk unescorted throughout the building.
A large component of our safety measures is our dismissal process. We use the PikMyKid app which gives parents the ability to designate people to pick up their children if they are unable to do. It is all done through a secure app, to ensure that only those you designate are allowed to pick up your child(ren). Parents and others will be unable to pick up campers without the app or without being designated by the “primary parent”.
We do not allow cell phones and other electronic devices at camp. If parents choose to allow their child to bring them, they should be kept in backpacks and unseen throughout the camp day. Cell phones should not be used throughout the day– even breaks, lunch and outdoor activities. If instructors and directors see them, they may be confiscated and returned to the parent at dismissal.
Because of the severity and number of peanut and nut allergies, we are a Nut Free Zone. Please do NOT send peanut or tree nut products in your child’s lunch or snacks. If you accidentally send something with peanuts or nuts, your child will be permitted to eat apart from other students. We’ll also provide a reminder on the first occurrence.
For specifics about our COVID safety policies and procedures, please see our COVID Resource page.
What is your medication policy? (click here to download medicine form)
If your child has to be given medications (including emergency medicines such as Epi Pens and inhalers) at camp you must fill out our medical form and take that form to camp on the first day. The form MUST be signed by the prescribing physician and all [applicable] sections of the forms must be filled out. All medications must be given to our Camp Director at check-in. The medication must be in original containers that identify the prescribing physician (if a prescription drug), the name of the medication, the dosage and the frequency of administration.
How does Club SciKidz deal with the summer heat?
Safety measures include:
- Outdoor activities can be shortened or held earlier in the day if needed. Outdoor activities will also be shortened as needed.
- Children at all camp sites will have regular access to water fountains or drinking water taps. Campers should remember to bring their own water bottles and to fill up throughout the day.
- Club SciKidz counselors will plan lower activity games/activities when the sun is the strongest and will take advantage of shaded areas throughout the day.
- We are a licensed youth camp in the state of Maryland. As a result we cannot apply sunscreen but will encourage your child to use sunscreen. Additionally please administer sunscreen prior to dropping off your camper.
Do you have insurance?
Club SciKidz camps are blanketed with a variety of insurance policies.
Who are your employees, and what are your hiring requirements and training?
Our pledge is to put your children in the company of the most trustworthy and capable adults we can hire- instructors and counselors who are well suited to the task of caring for campers. The effort we put into screening and selecting our staff is part of that pledge. Our staff work with your children in the context of a visible, well scrutinized environment that has many built-in checks and balances. Counselors are supervised by the Camp Directors guided by clear, firm policies regarding behavior. Their actions are visible to co-workers and campers.
All of our camp directors are certified teachers currently working in the classroom. Our lead instructors are either certified teachers or Jr. & Sr. college students. Our college-aged employees come from the best local and out-of-state universities and colleges. Each employee experiences an intense background and reference check. Our goal is to hire as many science, math, engineering, computer science and education majors as we can. We hire some high school students to serve as Jr. Counselors who assist lead instructors and counselors.
Employees receive in-person training before the camp season begins. The training includes the Club SciKidz’s Camp Staff Training Package, where we provide all staff with foundational knowledge in the areas of camp-centered leadership, creating community, reducing injuries and illness, bullying prevention, risk management, and recognizing and reporting child abuse.
What if my child has a specific allergy or health needs?
On the online registration form, please list all health concern, allergies and medications that need to be administered. The more information you provide, it more it enables us to ensure that your child has a successful and safe experience. It is also helpful for you to speak with the director on Monday morning to bring any specific details to their attention. They have access to and review all health concerns and information each week, but talking with them is the best way to ensure your camper has a successful experience. Any medications (must be in their original containers) and need to be turned in to the director on the first day of camp with a completed and signed Medication Administration Authorization form.
Epi-Pens must be given to the Camp Director on Monday mornings. Epi Pens are not allowed to be kept in the camper’s classroom or on the person of the camper unless they have permission from the prescribing physician to self carry. In this case, the “self-carry portion” of the Medication Administration Authorization form will need to be filled out and signed by the prescribing physician.
Food/Special Needs
What if my child has a specific allergy or health needs?
On the online registration form, please list all health concern, allergies and medications that need to be administered. The more information you provide, it more it enables us to ensure that your child has a successful and safe experience. It is also helpful for you to speak with the director on Monday morning to bring any specific details to their attention. They have access to and review all health concerns and information each week, but talking with them is the best way to ensure your camper has a successful experience. Any medications (must be in their original containers) and need to be turned in to the director on the first day of camp with a completed and signed Medication Administration Authorization form.
Epi-Pens must be given to the Camp Director on Monday mornings. Epi Pens are not allowed to be kept in the camper’s classroom or on the person of the camper unless they have permission from the prescribing physician to self carry. In this case, the “self-carry portion” of the Medication Administration Authorization form will need to be filled out and signed by the prescribing physician.
Do you provide any meals or snacks at your camps?
Club SciKidz does not provide any food service to campers. Parents should be sure to pack two snacks and a water bottle in addition to a lunch. Please remember that we are peanut and nut-free.
Some of our camps do use food in some of the experiments. If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, please bring it to the attention of the site director on Monday morning as well as putting it all on the registration form.
Are Club SciKidz camps appropriate for children with special needs?
Club SciKidz instructors are trained to handle special circumstances to a limited extent. We have found that if children are able to function without an aide at school, they generally are successful at camp. If your child does require an aide at school, you must ensure that an aide accompanies your child to camp. All aids must be at least 18 years of age and not related to the camper. Over the years we have had many children with special needs, and they usually do very well. However, if for some reason it is determined that camp is not a suitable for your child, the total tuition for camp is non-refundable per our cancellation policy. To find out with our programs meets your child’s needs, please feel free to give us a call. We are happy to discuss your child and our programs.
Already Registered?
What is the Camper Welcome Packet?
The Camper Welcome Packet is a document containing very specific information about our camps. The packet delivers specific information about, required forms, extended hours, fees, tax id #, what you should and should not bring to camp, our medication policy, etc.
Due changing COVID policies and procedures, not all information in the Welcome Packet may be relevant. The most up-to-date policies and procedures can be found on our website. We’ll also include a Summer 2021 Newsletter with each weekly Welcome Email, which will have current information, policies and procedures.
What do I do if I forget my password to my account?
If you forget your password you may request it from our registration service. There will be a “forgot password” prompt on the sign-in page.