Summer Camp

For the safety of our campers, our classrooms are in a secure area. All adults in the camp area are Da Vinci Science Center staff who have been background checked and trained. We will occasionally have outside experts visit to provide a supplemental experience for the camp; they are under the supervision of Science Center staff at all times. No other adults (including camper parents, caregivers and relatives) are permitted beyond the secure doors. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our campers safe.

Da Vinci Science Center is committed to providing a physically and emotionally safe environment for all campers and staff. Campers are expected to follow safety guidelines and treat others with respect.

If a camper’s behavior repeatedly or seriously compromises the safety or well-being of others, staff will work with families to determine appropriate next steps. When safety cannot be reasonably maintained, Da Vinci Science Center reserves the right to modify participation or dismiss a camper from the program.

• Registration can be cancelled/transferred with a full refund/no charge up to 30 days prior to the start of camp.
• Cancellations made 8-29 days before arrival date: 50 percent refund
• Cancellations made 7 days or less before arrival date: No refund

Refunds will be made to the card used for payment.

Reservation adjustments: The Da Vinci Science Center understands that sometimes it becomes necessary to reschedule a summer camp session after your reservation has been made. The Science Center will be happy to accommodate a one-time reservation transfer at no cost if there is availability on the new date and the request is made 15 or more days before the start of the camp. Additional changes to the reservation date will incur a $75 processing fee.

Please note, 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 the camp week 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.

For example, if your child catches the flu on Sunday and you notify us and do not report to camp that week, we can extend the credit for a future camp week.  If your child catches the flu on Tuesday but already attended the session on Monday, no credit for the rest of the week can be given.

It is imperative that camp participants are picked up during their camp’s pick-up window so that we can ensure the camp operation moves smoothly and in consideration of our staff members’ time.  Late fees will be invoiced to participants picked up outside of the pick-up window (no later than 12:15 p.m. for grade 1 AM camps, 3:15 p.m. for PreK-K camps, and 4:15 p.m. for grade 1 PM camps and grade 2-8 camps). All late fees are required to be paid in full by the end of the camp week.

Fees associated with late pick-up are:

• $5.00 per minute for the first 5 minutes
• $10.00 per minute for each minute after the 5-minute mark

Da Vinci Science Center is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment and works to reasonably accommodate campers with a wide range of physical, learning, social, and emotional needs.

To help us prepare appropriate supports and ensure a positive experience for all campers, families are asked to share relevant information (such as IEPs, 504 plans, or other support plans) in advance of the camper’s start date. This allows our team to plan staffing, materials, and strategies that best support each child’s success.

If a camper benefits from additional individualized support to fully participate in camp activities, families are welcome to provide a one-on-one aide or support staff member. (Please see our One-on-One Support Staff Policy for additional details.)

Da Vinci Science Center understands that sometimes campers benefit from the support of a certified behavioral aide.  If your child will be utilizing support staff during their camp program, please indicate so in their registration. Additional information will be required prior to the first day of camp for the certified behavioral aide to join:

• A copy of the individuals’ clearances
• Name of the institution for which the individual works

The certified behavioral aide assisting the camper will be required to wear their workplace’s badge while at camp for identification purposes.  While in our care, an aide cannot leave the camp setting with a child unless attended by a Da Vinci Science Center staff member.  Please note, a parent/guardian cannot attend in place of a certified behavioral aide.

I/We (parent/guardian), also to hereby authorize the staff of the Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology, Inc. (or “Da Vinci Science Center”) to act on my behalf, in lieu of my absence to make such decisions, in seeking medical treatment or medicine for my child during any camp activity.  I acknowledge that these actions will occur only after being contacted by and speaking with the STEAM Education Program Manager.  We have carefully read this release prior to its execution and I/We fully understand its content.

I/We, being the parents(s) or legal guardian(s), understand that the Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology, Inc., (or “Da Vinci Science Center”) takes reasonable precautions to insure that its activities are conducted by qualified personnel in a safe and responsible manner.

However, I/We further understand that these activities involve certain risks and exposures, which may include but are not limited to: Chemicals, soldering irons, hammers, nails, manual saws, hot glue guns, power drills, jig saws, exhibits, plants, insects, animals, and weather conditions. I recognize these risks and agree to an assumption of them by allowing my child to attend the Da Vinci Science Center Summer Camps and participate in these programs.

I hereby release, indemnify and hold harmless the Da Vinci Science Center, its officers, trustees, agents, and employees from and against all losses, claims, actions, costs, expenses and/or damages, including attorney and medical fees, arising out of my/our child’s participation in the Da Vinci Science Center’s Camp or sponsored trips/activities, their related risks, whether arising from an act or omission, negligent or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law, except for the willful misconduct or gross negligence on part of the Da Vinci Science Center.

Permission is granted for my child to participate in the Da Vinci Science Center’s Program and I understand, that by signing this form, I am voluntarily and knowingly accepting responsibility for my child’s participation in the Da Vinci Science Center program and its related risks.