Summer Camp FAQ & Hours

When does summer camp registration open? How long is it open for?

Summer Camp registration opens at 12 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14.  You can register for a camp session up to 2 weeks before the program runs.

Are there any discounts for summer camps?

Early Bird discount (valid through March 14): $15 off each full-week camp and $5 off each single-day camp with code WBSC24!

Members save $25 on each full-week camp and $10 on each single-day camp.

What do the camp grade levels refer to?

Our grades refer to the level that children are entering for the upcoming school year (‘24-25). 

Each camp’s curriculum is developed according to the assigned grade level so that each camp is developmentally appropriate.  If a child is on the cusp for starting Kindergarten and intends to stay in Pre-K for another year, they are still eligible to attend camp as long as they are ‘kindergarten ready.’  This means that the child can be away from their parents for an extended period of time, are fully potty trained, and know their ABCs and numbers.

Some camps have multiple weeks, is the second week a continuation or repeat?

Our camps that offered more than one week are not a continuation of the week prior.  Both weeks of camps have the same curriculum and activities.  If you sign up for both weeks of a camp, your child(ren) will be doing all of the same activities.

Do you offer before/after care for summer camps?

Yes!  Morning care runs from 7:30-8:45 a.m. and is $50 per week. 

Afternoon care runs from 4:10-5:30 p.m. and is $50 for the week.

During these times, campers will take part in activities such as watching educational videos, playing games, coloring, and other hands-on activities. Campers that remain past their designated pick-up window will be charged a late fee. More details on this policy can be found here.

What is the camp drop-off procedure like?

Camp drop-off takes place at the Groups & Reserved Programs entrance located on W. Court Street. 

Drop-off for full-day and AM sessions takes place from 8:45-9:15 a.m. and 12:45-1:15 p.m. for PM sessions. 

Parents/Guardians may utilize curbside drop-off for their camper(s) on W. Court Street during the above designated timeframes only. Parents/Guardians will not need to enter the building during curbside drop-off.

For late drop-offs, parents/guardians must walk their child(ren) into the building (using the Groups & Reserved Programs entrance on W. Court Street) to be checked in and must park their vehicle in a nearby parking garage.

What is the camp pick-up procedure like?

Camp dismissal runs from 11:45 a.m-12:10 p.m. for AM sessions and 3:45-4:10 p.m. for full-day and PM sessions. 

Parents/Guardians may utilize curbside pick-up for their camper(s) on W. Court Street during the above designated timeframes only. Parents/Guardians will not need to enter the building during curbside pick-up.

For late or early pick-ups, parents/guardians must park their car in a nearby parking garage and utilize the Groups & Reserved Programs entrance on W. Court Street.

Children will be released from their classrooms only after photo I.D. has been checked and confirmed against our list of authorized pick-ups.  Individuals are expected to bring their photo I.D. with them each day.

Do I have to pay for parking if I'm dropping off or picking up for camp?

Parents/Guardians may utilize free curbside drop-off and pick-up during the designated timeframes. Any early or late drop-offs and pick-ups will require parents/guardians to park in a nearby parking garage. Parking in nearby garages is free for the first 15 minutes, $1 for the first hour, and $2 for every subsequent hour. Participants are responsible for these fees.

The two closest parking garages are the Spiral Deck (directly across from the Groups & Reserved Programs entrance on W. Court St.) and Maple Street Parking Garage (about a 2-3 block walk).

If I sign up for an AM session and a PM session in the same week, do I have to pick up my child in between or can they stay for the whole day?

No, you do not have to pick up your child in between AM and PM sessions. Campers registered for both an AM and PM session in the same week will join our other full-day campers for lunch and recess.

What is your camp cancellation policy?

• Registration can be cancelled/transferred with a full refund/no charge up to 30 days prior to the start of camp.
• Cancellations made 15-29 days before arrival date: 50 percent refund
• Cancellations made 14 days or less before arrival date: No refund

Refunds can be made to the card used for payment.

What if my child can only partially attend the week or gets sick?

No tuition adjustments or pro-rates will be made for participants who are only able to partially attend a camp program.  If a child becomes ill prior to the start of a camp and can no longer attend, please notify our team.  A camp transfer or credit to attend a future camp can be applied to the participant’s account.

Is food provided at camp?

Food is not provided at camp unless you register for our snack option during registration.  Full-Day camps have 2 snack breaks per day and Half-Day camps have 1.  Please either pack a snack for your child(ren) or opt into our snack option.  We offer a variety of snacks for those registered, such as pretzels, granola bars, goldfish, and fruit cups.  Campers staying for the whole day need to pack a lunch.

What staff do you have supervising campers?

All of our educators are trained Science Center staff hailing from a variety of backgrounds.  We have Ph.D.s, engineers, teachers, and college students pursuing teaching and STEM degrees who offer their talent to our campers over the summer.  In addition to having clearances and background checks, our staff is trained in strategies and techniques for incorporating inquiry-based learning into an informal classroom learning experience, classroom management, accessibility, and safety.

I got put on the camp waitlist. When will I know if I get into the camp?

Unfortunately, it is hard to know if or when a spot will open up on a waitlist.  If your place on the waitlist becomes eligible for a camp opening, you will be notified as soon as it becomes available.

What are the field trips for Amazing Adventures camp?

Monday, campers will stay on-site at Da Vinci Science Center.  This allows our staff and campers to get to know each other and become familiar with our rules for the week.  Currently, our planned trips include GoggleWorks in Reading, the Canal Museum in Easton, Bushkill Falls in the Poconos, and Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown.