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Summer Camps FAQ

Frequently asked questions about our Summer Science Camps.

How does the random drawing process work?

All registration forms must be at Explorit by April 16. (This does not mean that they must be postmarked by April 16—they must be at Explorit by April 16, period.)  Registration forms should include first and second choice camps and complete payment for all desired camps. Between April 16 and 30, Explorit staff will randomly sort through all of the registrations received by April 16 and enroll children in their first choice camps as long as there is space available.  If the first choice camp is full, we will enroll children in their second choice camp.  If there is no space in any of the camps, we will place children on the waiting list for their first choice camp.  All families will receive written notification of camp enrollment and waiting lists status after April 30. 

What are my chances of getting into camps through the random drawing process?

Your chances of getting into your first choice camp are excellent. Explorit now has two locations that can be used for summer camp. This will allow Explorit to offer multiple sections of each camp. Therefore, we will do our best to accommodate all first choice requests submitted by April 16.

I am a member and shouldn’t members be given a chance to enroll in camps first?

Explorit is a public institution and wants our programs to be accessible to all families.  However, even if we were to provide member preferences, it would not alleviate the high demand for camps. Explorit has more than 1,000 members and more than 65 percent of the families that utilize our summer programs are already members. Members receive a significant price break for camps and many other benefits throughout the year.

What happens if I pay by check and don’t get into all of my camps?

We encourage families to pay by credit card so that we can charge your card only for the exact fees due for the camps you get into.  However, if you need to pay by check and if your child gets into only some of the desired camps, Explorit will cash your check and issue you a credit letter for the amount due back to you. You can then exchange this credit letter for a refund by following the directions specified in the letter.

This process makes it very hard to plan my summer. What should I do if I get into your camps as well as camps at another program for the same week?

Explorit realizes that the random drawing makes it difficult for families to plan their summers before receiving notification from all of the summer programs.  Therefore, Explorit will offer a “shuffle period” from May 3 - June 4. During these two weeks, you can cancel any camp with no penalties or fees.

What if I need to cancel a camp after June 4?

After June 4, all reservations are considered final. If you do need to cancel a camp, Explorit will offer your space to a child on the camp wait list. If your space is filled with someone on the wait list, Explorit will issue you a credit letter for the camp amount minus a $10 processing fee per camp canceled. You will be able to exchange the credit letter for a cash refund if desired. If we cannot fill your space in the camp, we cannot issue any refund for the camp. You may also sell your space independently. However the new registrant’s information must be submitted to Explorit prior to the beginning of the first day of camp.

How does the wait list work?

If a child does not get into their first or second choice camp, they will be placed on the wait list for their first choice camp only.  Throughout the summer, if children drop out of a camp, Explorit will call families on the waiting list to offer them a space in the camp.  After April 30, all families participating in the random drawing registration process will receive written notification of the camps they are enrolled in and the wait lists they are on. There is a good chance that some children on the wait list will be offered spaces after our shuffle period between May 3 and June 4.

I want to enroll my child in the same camp as her best friend. How can I do that?

We cannot guarantee that friends will be enrolled in the same camp. The best way to try to enroll children together is to submit their registration information in the same envelope.  We must have complete registration information for all children to process a request.  Another option, if you cannot submit the registration forms together, is it write the name of the friend you would like your child enrolled with on your child’s registration form in the designated area under the heading “Siblings/Friends”

What happens during the extended day option?

Children enrolled in the extended day options will have 3.5 hours of structured activities in the morning focused on a weekly theme.  They will then have an hour lunch break and recess in the park before returning to the “classroom” for more science investigations and activities.  The afternoon session is generally a more informal and intimate science learning experience. Like the morning camps, activities are science-based, fun and hands-on. Depending on enrollment, children in grades 1-5 may be combined into one group. The afternoon session runs from noon until 5 p.m. but parents can pick their children up before 5 if necessary. (However, if you pick up your child before 5, you still need to pay the full camp fee. We cannot pro-rate any camp fees.)

I would like to send my child to your camps but cannot afford the camp fees.

We would be happy to send you a scholarship application or you can download. We offer limited scholarships for families with financial need.  Please complete and return the application with your registration form.

What will my child be doing in each camp?

Each camp will involve hands-on, science-based activities. Children will learn about a topic by engaging in active investigations. Classes often involve games and storytelling as well as take-home crafts. 

But what specific activities will my child be doing in camp? Can you tell me more about each camp? 

All of our camps are currently in development and so we cannot guarantee any specific content.  In addition, we cannot guarantee activities because many things are dependent on weather, the time it takes for children to complete activities, the interest level of the children, etc. At this time, the best guide we have for camp content is the description in the camp guide.

What is your best or most popular camp? Which camp do you recommend? 

All of our camps are excellent. We cannot really pick any one as the most popular. Usually, they all fill up so please don't wait too long to register.

Will the children be going outside during their camps?

Yes. All of our camps involve outdoor components. We feel that 3.5 hours is too long to keep children inside a classroom. All of our camps are designed to provide activity and variety.  If your child has severe allergies or cannot go outside for other reasons, please notify Explorit so that we can meet your child’s needs. Also, please dress children appropriately for Davis summer weather and apply sunscreen each morning.

Can I enroll my 3rd grader in the 1-2 classes with his younger brother? Can I enroll my talented 2nd grader in the 3-5 classes?

No. Explorit programs are designed to meet the educational and social needs of students in specific age groups, and grade levels are used as parameters for these groupings.  Although your child might be advanced, or shy, in some areas, we find that the camp will meet his or her social needs best if he or she stays with the proper age group.

Is it okay if we drop our child off a few minutes early? I will not be able to be there right on time to pick my child up; is it okay if I am a few minutes late?

No. Explorit has no means of supervising children outside of the regular camp schedule. We cannot allow early drop off or late pick up. Please plan ahead to assure that your child will be dropped off and picked up on time. If you need to pick up your child at a later time, we recommend enrolling her in the extended day option, which goes until 5 p.m. each day.

My child can’t read very well and doesn’t speak English well. Is that okay?

Explorit’s camps are educational experiences but do not require any reading or writing skills. ESL students have successfully participated in our camps over the years.

We will be leaving town and I will have to pick my child up early so he will miss the end of the camp. Is that okay?

Yes, that is fine. Children are not required to attend all of the camp sessions. However, we cannot prorate any camp fees. If you are going to miss a significant amount of the camp, we recommend looking for another camp time that might better meet your needs.

Do I have to send food along with my child or be prepared in any other way on the first day?

Please consider sending sunscreen, hats and water bottles with your children because all of our programs include some outdoor activities. Children will have access to drinking fountains all day.  If your children are enrolled in the extended day option at Explorit, they must bring their own lunches.  Explorit will provide a small snack during the morning and afternoon, but you are welcome to send an additional snack with your child if you prefer. Some camps might request that children bring items from home, but families will be notified well in advance should this need arise.

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