What happens in a Mad Science Camp?
Your child will become a junior scientist for the week, having the opportunity to experience a variety of science adventures. Children will be able touch, see, hear, smell and taste what science is really all about. Mad Science always delivers a unique curriculum developed by dedicated science educators. Our camps offer a daily combination of in-class discovery and exploration, outdoor games and physical activities and hands-on applications of the scientific principles presented.
We use an inquiry-based approach that allows even the youngest camper to enjoy our learning environment. Children will create a variety of take-home projects and participate in activities while exploring how science affects the world around us. And, we provide everything your child will need.
How long has Mad Science been doing camps?
This is the 11th year that we will be conducting our summer camps in the Charlotte area.
What is the child to instructor ratio?
The ratio usually ranges from 7-10 children to 1 instructor; with no more than 25 children in each camp.
What ages are the camps designed for?
Our camps are designed for specific age groups within the range of rising grades Pre-K to 5. The appropriate age groups as listed in our camp descriptions. We take into account the different activities requiring fine motor skills, extended mental focus, reading skills, etc.
Are different aged children in the same camp?
There is a range of ages in our camps. Common age ranges are Pre-K to 1st grade; 1st to 5th grade; 3rd to 5th grade.
All Mad Science activities are specifically designed to be conducted in an age and grade appropriate manner. Activities are comprised of large group discussion and activities, small group work and individual projects. Depending on the nature of the activity, our instructors usually split the campers by grade level to ensure that the children are in small groups of the same grade. We may use the buddy system where an older camper will help a younger camper with a challenging activity after they have completed their own.
Who are the Mad Science camp instructors?
Mad Science recruits teachers, teacher's assistants and current college students majoring in education with previous experience with elementary aged children in other settings. Many of our instructors work for us in our after-school programs during the school year. Our instructors are required to complete extensive training and receive classroom certification. All Mad Science instructors must also pass a series of state and national criminal background checks.
How do I register my child for a camp?
Most of our camps are conducted in partnership with other organizations and groups. Each location usually handles registrations, selects the camp offerings and set prices.
How soon should I register to reserve space?
Some camps and dates fill very quickly, while others may have spaces available up to the start date. We recommend that you register as soon as possible to ensure that you get into the camp of your choice.
If my child took a particular camp, will it be the same camp that they took before?
Mad Science currently has eight camps to choose from--allowing a camper to have a totally different experience every summer. We update our camps so there may be a few new activities even if it is the same basic camp. Some children take the same camp again and still enjoy it equally well.
Do you offer Early Drop-off or Late Pick-up?
Check with the different locations on their policies.
What should my child bring and wear to camp?
Mad Science provides all the equipment and materials for both the in class activities and the take home projects.
Children should dress comfortably for that day’s weather. We ask that children not wear open toed shoes to a Mad Science camp – especially flip-flops. Also, please dress your child in clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. You may wish to provide sunscreen or insect repellent for periods outside.
Pack your child’s favorite snack items and drinks for half-day camps. And, clearly mark your child’s name on all items brought to camp.
What is your refund policy?
Check with the different host locations on their policies.
If Mad Science is sponsoring the camp, a $50 cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations within 4 weeks of the start of the camp. If a Mad Science sponsored camp does not get sufficient enrollment to hold a camp, a full refund will be promptly issued.
Will you have other locations and dates this summer?
We will be adding locations. Check our website for a current listing of our schedule of locations and dates. Or, start your own!
Can we hold a camp at our location?
Yes! All you need are 12 children and a place to hold the camp. Mad Science will come to you and take care of everything. Call us to learn more about how easy it is to set up a camp at your location.
What is involved with hosting a Mad Science camp?
All you need are 12 children and a place to hold the camp. Mad Science can handle registrations, etc. for you. We may even be able to adjust the start/end times, length and programming to meet your needs. All we need is:
ü A location like a club house or community center
ü Table/desk space and seating for each camper
ü A table for the Mad Scientist to set up.
ü Access to electricity and water
üA nearby outside area for some activities
If you do not want to host a comp but know of a great location like your church or community center, let us know about it.
Call us to see how easy it is to start a camp at 704-561-9996.
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