 |  | Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mad Science Camp?
Mad Science camps are designed for exciting fun hands-on science activities. Your child will become a junior scientist for the week, having the opportunity to experience a variety of science adventures. We use an inquiry-based technique that allows even the youngest camper to enjoy learning. Children will design, create, build and assemble a variety of interesting projects and will take at least one project home every day. We will provide everything your child will need. A snack and a non-carbonated drink (like Kool-aide) will be provided. Children should dress comfortably and come ready to have some fun!
What is the child to instructor ratio?
There will be no more than 25 children in each camp. Each camp will have 2 instructors.
What ages are the camps designed for?
Camp number 6 is designed for preschool children. If you have a 6-year old child who is entering first grade, they may also enjoy our camps 1 through 5, and 8. However, they need to be a child who is not easily frustrated, has some reading skills, and does not mind being helped. Camp number 7 is restricted to children at least entering 2nd grade because of the fine motor skills required. All other camps with the exception of Camp number 6 are designed for ages 6 - 12.
Are different aged children in the same camp?
Yes. We use a buddy system whereby the older children will sometimes help the younger ones. Also, with two instructors in every camp, there is always plenty of help. For most of the activities, the children work in small groups.
Who are the Mad Science camp instructors?
Most of our instructors are people who have worked for us in our after-school programs that we conduct in over 60 schools every spring and fall semester. All of them have experience working with children. We also do a criminal background check on each one. One of their main characteristics is their love of working with children.
How long has Mad Science been doing camps?
This is the 12th year that we will be running our week long summer camps in the Austin area. Mad Science of Austin is a franchise of The Mad Science Group in Montreal Canada. There are over 150 Mad Science franchises all over the world. The Mad Science Group has been providing Mad Science programs for over 20 years.
How do I register my child for a camp?
If you are paying by VISA or MasterCard, you can call us and we will be happy to take your registration over the phone. If you are paying by check or money order, you can download a registration form and send it in with your payment. Due to limited spaces in each camp, we cannot reserve a space for your child until we receive your payment. If you are paying by check, we do not reserve a space until we receive your check.
Is payment due in full when I register?
Yes. However, you can elect 2 different payment options. You can have us deposit your payment in full (within 2 weeks of registering), or you can elect our deferred payment plan. With our deferred plan, we will not deposit your check or charge your credit card until 4 weeks prior to the camp start date. If you are paying by check and are paying for multiple camps, you can send in separate checks if you want us to delay depositing the check until 4 weeks prior to the camp start date. If you send in only one check, it will be deposited 4 weeks prior to the start of the first camp that you enroll your child in.
How soon do I need to register to reserve a space for my child?
This is the toughest question we get because we have no idea. Some camps and dates fill very quickly, while some may have spaces available up to the start date. We recommend that you register as soon as possible. Since we won’t deposit your payment until 4 weeks prior to the camp start date, if you elect our defered payment plan, there is no reason to wait. Register early to reserve your child a space!
What is your refund policy?
If you cancel within 4 weeks prior to the camp start date, a $50 cancellation fee per camp will be charged. After the first day of camp, if your child does not wish to continue, the $50 cancellation fee will be charged and the balance will be refunded. However, you must call Mad Science at (512)892-1143 prior to the start of the second day of camp to obtain a refund. After that, no refunds will be given. If we do not get sufficient enrollment to hold the camp, we will return your check or not charge your credit card. If we have already deposited your payment, we will give you a full refund. There is no fee charged if you cancel more than 4 weeks prior to the applicable camp start date.
Can I sign my child up for more than 1 camp?
Yes. Many children sign up for multiple camps. Each one is totally different so that your child can enjoy them all without repeating activities.
My child has attended a Mad Science camp before. If he/she took a particular camp number, will it be the same camp that he/she has taken before?
The camp numbers have remained the same as the ones that we have used in the past. For example, if he/she has taken Camp 1 before, many of the activities will be the same. However, each year we make some changes so there will be a few different things. We have had a lot of children take a particular camp again and still enjoy it the second time.
My child has taken a Mad Science camp before, but I do not remember which one.
Call us and we will be happy to look it up for you.
What if I see a particular camp and dates that I want, but you are offering it on a morning or afternoon that won’t work into my schedule?
Call us and we will visit with you about it. When we set up our schedule, we arbitrarily pick a morning or afternoon session for many of our camps. When that session fills, we will then open the corresponding afternoon or morning camp. Many times we get sufficient enrollment to be able to hold the second camp. You can also periodically check our website to see if we have added camps.
Are these the only locations where you are holding your camps this summer?
Maybe not. We may be adding locations, especially in the outlying areas. Also, if you can get at least 15 children and can provide a location, we will bring a camp to you. Usually, we can customize something to fit the times and dates that you want. Call us –We would like to visit with you about this.
At some of the locations, it appears that you are offering 2 or more different camps on the same weeks. Is this correct?
Yes. We have access to more than one room at some locations so we will be running multiple camps at the same time. Each camp will still have two instructors and its own space.
What is the difference between a 3-hour per day camp and a 6-hour per day camp?
We are offering our camp numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 as a 3-hour camp and a 6-hour camp. We will cover the same material, but with the 6-hour camp, we are able to go into things in more depth. We will also do more activities in the 6-hour camp.
Do you provide a lunch with the 6-hour camp?
No. You must send a sack lunch with your child. We will provide a mid-morning snack and a mid-afternoon snack along with a non-carbonated drink.
Do you offer Early Drop-off or Late Pick-up?
We do offer late pick-up (from 3:00pm - 6:00pm) on our 6-hour per day camps. The charge for this is $50 per week and we need at least 5 children per camp to be able to offer this option. Early drop-off is available on our 6-hour camps. Call us at (512)892-1143 for details.
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