Camp

Camp Hours

Drop-off is from 8:30-9 am at the main entrance to the museum.
Pickup is from 3:00-3:30 pm in the Connection Zone, the space just behind the front desk.
Optional aftercare until 5 pm is available for an additional $75/week during the summer. The museum doors lock promptly at 5 pm when we close to the public – please try to arrive by 4:55 to ensure a seamless pickup.

What should my camper bring with them?

Your camper will need…

• Water bottle
• Gear to be safe & comfortable during outside exploration (e.g. sunscreen, sunglasses, rain jacket, hat, insect repellent)
• Morning snack
• Packed lunch that does not require refrigeration or microwaving

What should my camper leave at home?

Please keep all toys and electronics at home. We are better able to build community without these distractions. Sciencenter is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items.

What should my camper wear?

Every day, your camper should wear comfortable play clothes and closed-toe shoes. We plan to explore Cascadilla Creek on Friday, weather permitting. On Friday, please send your camper with an extra set of clothes in case they get wet and water shoes to wear into the creek!

Every day at Sciencenter camp is packed with STEM-focused fun, including hands-on activities like engineering challenges, science experiments, interactions with live animals, and creative projects. Our exact schedule is subject to change based on the interests and needs of our campers, but we’re sharing a sample schedule to help you and your camper know what to expect.

Optional aftercare is available from 3:30 to 5. Aftercare programming is distinct from the regular camp day and takes place in the Connection Zone (formerly the amphitheater). Aftercare is a wind down from the bustle of the rest of the camp day. Staff provide an assortment of independent activity options like building toys, focused craft projects, books, and educational videos.

First Aid

Camp staff will offer bandaids and ice packs to campers as needed. For more serious injuries, staff will contact caregivers. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, staff will call emergency medical services and contact caregivers immediately.

Medication Administration

Camp staff will only administer medications provided by a child’s caregiver, and will need a signed Medication Administration Release Form in order to do so. Please alert us to any medications that will need to be administered prior to the start of camp by emailing camps@sciencenter.org.

Illness Policy

Please keep your child at home if they have symptoms of a communicable illness. Children with a cough, runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or other symptoms of acute illness should not attend camp until 24 hours after the symptoms stop. If your child has pink eye, lice, chicken pox, or other similarly communicable illnesses, we will ask for a doctor’s written consent prior to your camper returning to the group. If your child begins to feel ill at camp, you will be notified and asked to pick your child up. In the event we are unable to reach you, we will contact other caregivers listed as emergency contacts.

Individualized Support

If your child requires 1:1 paraprofessional support during the school year, we strongly encourage you to find similar support for summer camp. We want all campers to have a great time at summer camp, but our team does not have the resources to provide 1:1 support.

Refund Policy

Summer camp registration cancellations prior to June 1st are eligible for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. Cancellations after June 1st are not eligible for refunds.
For break camps during the school year, cancellations are eligible for a refund (minus a 10% administrative fee) until 2 weeks prior to the start of camp.

Behavioral Interventions & Pathways

When a camper is not meeting expectations, staff are trained to intervene and support the child who is struggling. Staff might redirect a child by offering alternative actions that would meet group expectations, explain and potentially impose a logical consequence, or invite the child to take a break from an activity until they are ready to participate.

In the event that multiple interventions are unsuccessful in helping a child meet group expectations, Sciencenter staff will have a discussion with caregivers about pathways forward.

If a child endangers themselves or other campers or is repeatedly unresponsive to staff interventions, they may be suspended from Sciencenter Summer Camps at the discretion of the Camp Director. Refunds will not be issued for campers who have been suspended from camp programs.

Notice of Non-Regulation

Sciencenter takes our role as a trusted summer camp provider seriously. We hire experienced camp staff who create memorable learning experiences in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our staff are background-checked and CPR/First Aid certified. We maintain an 8:1 camper to staff ratio. If you have any questions about how our camp runs, please reach out to camp@sciencenter.org.

This camp is not regulated or inspected by the New York State Department of Health and is not required to obtain a Department of Health permit. This camp is not required to follow Department of Health regulations, including, checking the state sex offender registry prior to hiring staff; maintaining minimum staff-to-child ratios; hiring medical personnel; or reporting injuries or illnesses to the Department of Health.