Policies
Cancellations, Exchanges & Refunds
- Due to the high demand for camp places, each sale will be considered final.
- Registrations are not transferable from one child to another.
- Patrons who drop a camp or wish to transfer their child from one camp to another will receive a 50% refund of the cost of the dropped camp if notification is received at least 10 working days before camp starts.
- There are no refunds for camps dropped less than 10 working days before camp begins.
- In order to receive a 50% refund, patrons must contact the Education Department by phone no later than 10 working days prior to the first day of camp at 214-428-5555 ext. 8. Once your withdrawal from camp is processed, you will receive written confirmation (along with refund, if applicable) by mail.
Please note: MNS reserves the right to cancel camps that do not meet minimum enrollment. If a camp is canceled by the MNS patrons will receive a full refund.
Procedures
Safety procedures
For your child’s safety all campers MUST be escorted to and from their camp room by a parent or guardian and signed in and out EVERY DAY. Only individuals who have parent or guardian approval to pick up a child will be allowed to do so.
Lunch and Snacks
Lunch and snacks are a critical part of your child’s experience at camp. Parents are responsible for providing a small snack and a nutritious, full lunch for their child each day. Please make sure all food items do not need refrigeration.
Special Needs and Medications
MNS is happy to accommodate children with special needs but in order for us to be able to help your child have an enjoyable experience at camp, we ask that you notify the Camp Coordinator of your child’s needs prior to your child’s first day of camp. Please notify us of any allergies, accessibility concerns, behavioral, psychological or emotional conditions or other special needs using the form provided upon registering for camp. Please call 972-201-0558 to speak with the Camp Coordinator.
MNS will NOT be responsible for administering medication to children. Consult a pediatrician about altering the child’s dosage so that medication can be administered outside of camp.
Upon camp enrollment, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire about your child’s health needs. If you have any questions about this, or any other form, please contact the Camp Coordinator.
If your child has a severe allergy and is susceptible to anaphylactic shock, you are required to provide epinephrine (adrenaline) injections to the camp staff. All MNS camp staff are trained in the use of “epi” pens.
While we hope to offer these camps to as wide a range of children as possible, it is not possible for us to offer one-on-one care.
Parking
When you arrive to drop off or pick up your child, please park in the large lot in front of the Museum’s Science Building (formerly The Science Place). Please do not pull into the circular drive in front of the Science Building, as this is a restricted Fire Zone. Also, please do not simply drop off your child in front of the building and send them in unattended – ALL campers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when arriving at or leaving camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTRATION
How can I be sure to get the camps I want?
The best way is to become a Museum of Nature & Science member and register online during priority registration (typically 2 weeks prior to open registration). Please visit natureandscience.org or call 214-428-5555 x 1461 to purchase, renew or upgrade a membership.
How can I find out which camps are filled?
Camp sessions with online enrollment are updated in real-time, and the number of spaces available is listed next to the name of each camp session on the online registration page. If the number of available spaces is 0, the camp is full. If you are registering by phone then the attendant should be able to provide up-to-date enrollment information. If you are not registering for camp online or by phone, please call the Discovery Camp Coordinator at 972-201-0558. You will receive a reply within 48 hours.
What is the best way to register a carpool so that all children have classes the same week?
Register online the same day in the early morning. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that all children will get the camp group they want with their carpool group or friends, and we cannot make exceptions to allow more children into the camp sessions. We also cannot rearrange classes to place your child with a specific group of individuals.
May I register my gifted child for an older age group?
No, we strictly enforce age requirements. Your child must be the correct age or entering the grade level of the camp as of the first day of camp.
I just need Before or After Camp Care for one day. Can I do that?
Yes, but we require you to pay for the entire week. If you don’t sign up for either of these, but have your child show up anyway, you will be billed for the entire week of before or aftercare.
CAMP DAY
How should my child dress for camp?
Your child should wear comfortable clothes that may get messy. For safety, we require closed-toe shoes. Campers may also need a sweater in case the camp room is cool. A specific list of clothing and other items will be outlined in your camp registration packet. Your packet will be mailed to you after you successfully enroll your child in camp.
What are the qualifications of your teachers and assistants?
The majority of our teachers are certified school teachers, others are science professionals. The majority of our teaching assistants are participants in our youth volunteer program. All camp teachers are certified in basic CPR/First Aid.
What is the typical class size?
Though class sizes will range, they will be no smaller than 8 and no larger than 20. This helps ensure that your child has the individualized attention he or she needs to enjoy his/her experience.
How are campers supervised?
Parents or guardians are required to physically sign campers in and out of camp every day. Campers are supervised at all times and are escorted on restroom breaks.
May parents stay in the classroom?
No. If you feel that your child is unable to remain in camp without you, it may be best to wait a year before you send him/her to camp. Our camps are supervised by education professionals and aim to promote independent learning and socialization.
What are the behavior expectations for campers?
Camper expectations are posted in each room and are emphasized throughout the week. In the event of a severe behavior problem, we will call you to pick up your child. At our discretion, your child may or may not be allowed to return to camp the following day.
Who can I contact during the day if I need to leave an emergency message concerning my child?
Please call the Education Office at 214-428-5555, extension 8 and a staff member will deliver your message to the appropriate person. If your child has a cell phone with him/her, it needs to be turned off during the camp day. Please do not call your child’s cell phone during camp.
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