Below are some questions we hear from parents about our Mad Science summer camps. If you do not see your question and answer, please feel free to e-mail a Camp Specialist at sciencem@bellsouth.net or click on Contact Us above.
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What is a Mad Science Camp?
Mad Science is the world's leader in fun science for children. We are an international franchise organization whose mission is to get kids excited about science. There are over 185 Mad Science locations in 25 countries around the world. The Mad Science Group has been providing fun, hands-on science programs since 1985.
Mad Science 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. Your child will be able touch, see, hear, smell and taste what science is really all about. We use an inquiry-based technique that allows even the youngest camper to enjoy our learning environment. Campers create a variety of take-home projects while exploring how science affects the world around us.
Your child will have so much fun he may deny he was learning!
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What ages are appropriate for a Mad Science camp?
Most Mad Science camps are open to children in rising pre-schoolers through 5. For these camps, we leave it to the discretion of the parent whether to enroll a rising 6th grader. For Red Hot Robots - 1 (New Robot) & Red Hot Robots - 2, the technical nature of building your own robot requires a little more manual dexterity from our campers. Therefore, these Robot Camps will be open to campers in grades 2 through 6 or 7 to 12 years old. Our Dynamic Dinos & In the Garden Camps are available for campers 4-7 years old. ALL others are available for 5-12 years old.
All Mad Science activities are specifically designed to be conducted in an age and grade appropriate manner. Activities are comprised of large group discussion, work in small teams of 3 - 5 campers and individual attention. Depending on the nature of the activity, our instructors will typically split the campers by age and/or grade to ensure the material is presented at an appropriate level. If there are different aged children in the same camp, we use the buddy system where the older camper will sometimes help the younger camper. For the most part, campers work in small groups with children of similar age.
Our camps usually have a good mix of both ages and gender, therefore your child will be paired with children his age and he will make new friends. All kids have fun at Mad Science, but any activity can be more fun if it is shared with a sibling or friend. Please mention our camps to your family, friends and neighbors. After all, you just may gain a car pool partner!
Mad Science strives at all times to provide fun and safe science activities for all children participating in our programs. To fulfill this commitment, we ask that all children enrolled adhere to basic behavioral guidelines. Our instructors set clear boundaries and expectations as to appropriate conduct and we will hold all children to these expectations. We stress these expectations at the beginning of each day of each program. We ask your cooperation should any parent be notified of discipline issues. It is our intention to provide children with, not deprive them of, exciting and fun science. It is only when a child interrupts this positive learning environment that we would take any action.
Mad Science also has expectations of the parents whose children are enrolled. Only children with a sincere interest in our programs and the necessary maturity to handle the time commitment and the social interaction of a large group of children should be allowed to enroll. Parents are welcome to observe any class and to participate where appropriate. We ask that you limit your participation so that the hands-on nature of our programs is preserved. All parents should support the learning process after the camp is dismissed.
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What is the camper to instructor ratio?
Our camper to instructor ratio will never be greater than 15 to 1. Last year the average sized camp was about 16 children with two instructors. We strive to provide both a male and female instructor at each camp.
The minimum number of campers necessary to hold a camp is 12. Mad Science tries to inform parents as soon as possible should it appear that a camp will not reach its minimum enrollment. On these occasions we will offer priority enrollment in other camps or a full refund should the camp have to be cancelled. For additional information on camp cancellations, click here.
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Who are the Mad Science camp instructors?
Mad Science instructors tend to be college students pursuing an education or science degree, former/retired teachers or teachers on summer break. Most of our instructors have worked for us in our after-school programs that we conduct in over 50 area schools. All of our instructors have experience working with large groups of elementary-aged children, have undergone an extensive background check and received many hours of summer camp specific training. The main characteristic that our instructors all share is their love of working with children.
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How do I register my child for a camp?
Depending on the location of the camp, there may be many ways to register: mail-in, over the phone, in person or on-line. The easiest way is through our on-line registration system. It takes about 5 minutes and accepts Visa, MasterCard and checks.
Almost all of our camps are available through our on-line registration system. However, Seven Oak Park location are responsible for processing their own registrations.
Please refer to the camp schedule for the registration method of your camp.
Note: registration requirements, start dates, end dates and minimum camp size may vary by location.
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Is payment due in full when I register?
Yes. You must submit payment in full to reserve a spot for your child. If you are using the on-line Registration System you can pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or by check. Payment by check must be received in our office within 10 days or your registration may be cancelled.
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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.
Will all camp sessions be run?
We create our camp schedule with the intention of being able to offer each and every session. We ensure there is sufficient equipment and instructors to manage the schedule we publish. Unfortunately there is no science to how the registrations for each camp session will progress. We have established a minimum number of campers needed to offer a session. If this number is not met, we must cancel that session.
As parents ourselves, we understand the unique challenges that arise during the summer as families try to coordinate work schedules, vacation schedules, camp schedules and everything else we have going on in our busy lives. Therefore, if the camp in which your child is registered has not met the minimum requirement, we will notify you at least 2 weeks in advance and give that camp 1 more week to increase the registration before we make a cancellation decision. Frequently we will need just 1 or 2 more campers to meet the minimum. Often parents can help us reach the minimum by calling friends, family or neighbors.
If the camp has not met its minimum registration by 1 week prior to the scheduled start date, we may have to cancel the session. In this case, all parents will be notified promptly with a list of alternative camp sessions. Last year we were able to accommodate over 90% of campers in another camp session after their original session had been cancelled. If we are unable to accommodate your schedule, we will offer you a full refund of your registration fee.
Our history shows that almost all camp registrations have been received by July 31st. Therefore, all changes to our camp schedule will be finalized on this date and the final camp schedule will be published. You may still register after this date, however only the camps listed in our final schedule will be offered for the remainder of the summer.
Mad Science reserves the exclusive right to run a camp session under the stated enrollment minimum.
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Will you run afternoon camps this year?
Mad Science has scheduled both morning and afternoon sessions of our half-day camps at most of our locations. We have done so specifically due to our NEW COMBO CAMP options. This offers you an additional FULL Day option where you can take 2 different themed camps in 1 week and save money. You still have the option of registering for the morning or the afternoon camp if a FULL Day is not what you are looking for. __________________________________________________________
What is your refund policy?
For all camp registrations that occur through Mad Science (i.e. our on-line registration system), cancellations by you that occur greater than 30 days prior to the start of the camp will be subject to a $25 service charge. Cancellations requested between 8 and 30 days prior to the start of the camp will be subject to a $50 service charge. No refunds will be given for cancellations inside of 8 days prior to the start of the camp. At any time prior to the start of a camp, you may transfer your registration to another child with no service charge.
If we do not get sufficient enrollment to hold the camp, Mad Science will make every effort to provide alternative camp locations or you will be offered the option of a full refund.
Should your child be removed from a camp due to behavioral issues or consistent late pick ups, there will be no refund.
Since Mad Science is offered at a number of host locations, their refund policy may be different than ours. In these instances, Mad Science will adhere to the host locations refund policy. Please check with your location for their specific refund policy.
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Can I sign my child up for more than one camp?
Yes! In fact, we encourage it. Each camp is completely different so your child can enjoy them all without repeating activities. Last year, many children initially registered for only one camp. After they discovered how much they enjoyed our activities, they registered for additional camps. Due to the popularity of many of our themes and weeks, several children were disappointed when the additional camps were already sold out. Take our word for it, your child will love all our camps! Save yourself the trouble and register for all of them!
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The NASA camp sounds familiar. Has this been offered before?
In the fall of 2006 Mad Science introduced an after school program that was developed in partnership with NASA - The Academy of Future Space Explorers. This program proved to be one of the most popular after-school programs we have ever offered. Due to popular demand for this exciting, one-of-a-kind programming, we have modified the NASA After-School program to create this camp. Approximately 70% of the content of this camp is the same as that included in the after-school program. This camp is a half-day program that can be extended to a full-day through our Combo Camp. Additionally, there is a $20 equipment fee for the NASA camp.
If your child enjoyed the NASA program at school, he will certainly enjoy it in summer camp! The longer time frame of camp allows us greater freedom and flexibility to explore the many scientific concepts introduced through this unique programming.
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What is the Combo Camp?
Combo Camp is a combination of our two half-day camps (multiple options) to create another full-day option for you. Each day we will explore one topic from each of these camps so your camper will experience two camps in one and save money! In every other aspect, this camp will function exactly like each of our other full-day camps. The Combo Camp is a full-day camp. You may still register for just one topic in the morning or afternoon if a Full Day is not what you are looking for. Please see the camp schedule for dates and locations.
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Are these the only locations where you will be holding your camps this summer?
Maybe not. We are in discussion with many locations to provide our Mad Science camps. Please look at our website on a regular basis as we will be updating our schedule as soon as additional locations are added. Also, if you have a particular location in mind, please bring it to our attention.
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I am not familiar with the camp location, how do I find out where it is located?
All our locations have been carefully chosen to be easy to get to and convenient to find. Most are very close to the major highways in the Greater Columbia area so they should be no more than 15 minutes travel time for the majority of the population. In our on-line registration system, you will find a Map button for each location. Clicking this will take you to a Mapquest map for that location. Should the location not be in our on-line registration system, the camp schedule should have the location's phone number.
If our schedule does not match YOUR schedule then bring Mad Science to you! Call 803-739-2122 for additional details.
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What is the difference between a Half-day camp and a Full-day camp?
We are offering most of our camp themes as either a half-day or a full-day camp. Our Combo Camps are offered as full-day camps so you may have the option of taking 2 themed half day camps in 1 week saving you money and to create another full-day camp option for you. Half-day camps are typically held from 9AM to Noon. Afternoon camps are typically held from 1PM to 4PM. Full-day camps are typically held from 9AM to 4PM.
In each camp we will present demonstrations and activities that will highlight the scientific principles of each theme. The full-day camps allow us to spend more time on certain aspects, go deeper into the material and provide additional hands-on activities.
Half-day camps allow children and parents greater flexibility for other pursuits during the day either before or after the Mad Science camp.
Should you require a camp that will keep your child for a full working day, please look into the offerings at our host locations or take advantage of our Before & After Care option at select locations. Several of our partner locations offer additional options such as extended day care or other activities that can be flexible to meet your needs.
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What is the Before & After Care option?
I need a camp that matches my work schedule. Do you offer camps that cover a full workday?
In response to many requests from working parents, this summer we are offering the option of an additional 2 hours a day of supervised care. Through the Before & After Care option you may now extend select full-day camps from 9am - 4pm to 8:30am - 5:30pm.
Before & After Care will be supervised recreation such as indoor and outdoor games, videos, arts and crafts projects, nature hikes, etc. It does not include additional Mad Science programming. This extended care takes place each day from 8:30 to 9:00 am and from 4:00 to 5:30pm. Regular Mad Science camp programming will take place from 9am to 4pm each day. The Before & After Care option is NOT available for half-day camps.
An additional charge of $25 per camp for this supervision will apply. There is no discount for partial usage of this program. You must enroll for both the camp session AND the corresponding Before & After Care session. For example: on our registration system, if your full-day camp is at the S.C. State Museum from 6/8 to 6/12, the corresponding Before & After Care program will be at the same location with the same dates of 6/8 to 6/12.
A minimum of five campers per camp session must register for the Before & After Care option for Mad Science to offer this program.
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What should my child bring/wear to camp?
Mad Science provides all the equipment and materials for both the in class activities and the take home projects. All you need to provide is a child who is ready to have fun!
Children should dress comfortably for that day's weather. We ask that children not wear open toed shoes to a Mad Science camp especially no flip-flops. Also, as we will be outside on a number of occasions, please do not dress your child in any clothes that you do not want to get dirty. You may wish to apply sunscreen or insect repellent or send these items with your child. A hat and/or sunglasses may also be useful.
Please clearly mark your child's name on all items he brings to camp.
Mad Science Disposable Lab Coats
Mad Science Disposable Lab Coats are included in each camp.
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Do you provide a snacks or lunch for camps?
No. You must send a snack each day for half day camps OR 2 snacks and a bag lunch with your child for full day camps. If your child would benefit from some additional calories during the day, please pack additional snack items. Please clearly mark your child's name on all items and do not bring any snacks that contain any type of nuts.
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What is your policy for if I am late picking up my child?
For most of our camps, Mad Science cannot accommodate your child if you are NOT signed up for the early drop off or late pick ups. To ensure our instructors are ready to provide your child with an exciting, stimulating and safe day, our doors will open promptly at our stated start time. Please do not drop off your child and leave him unattended before the start time of camp. Our instructors will not be responsible for your child until the start of the camp day unless you have registered for the Early Drop-off/Late Pick-up option.
An authorized parent or guardian must be at the camp site prepared to assume responsibility for your child at the stated end time of camp. We ask that you do not enter the room until the instructors dismiss the camp. The vast majority of our camps end on time. However, to ensure all children complete the activities for the day, our camps may run a few minutes long. Should an authorized parent or guardian not be present at the end of camp, Mad Science reserves the right to charge a late pickup fee of $1.00 per minute per child beginning 10 minutes after the stated end time of the camp. This late fee must be paid by cash or check directly to the Mad Scientist who has supervised your child. Your child cannot return to camp until this fee is paid. A second late pickup will result in your child being removed from camp without a refund.
A select number of full-day camps will have a Before & After Care option that can extend the camp by 2 hours per day. Only campers previously enrolled in this program may arrive early or stay after the published times of our camps. The Before & After Care option is NOT available for half-day camps.
Additionally, some of our host locations may provide additional options such as extended day care (before camp, after camp or both) or an additional activities package so that you may add to the Mad Science camp. Such options may be listed in the schedule but please directly contact the host locations and secure these arrangements for yourself.
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Mad Science Authorization Form
There is an element of risk inherent in participating in the scientific process and handling scientific materials and equipment. We at Mad Science of Columbia take every precaution to ensure the safety of our campers and staff. It is important for campers and their parents to understand that if used improperly, and/or without instructor supervision, certain equipment and materials can be dangerous and could result in severe injury or death.
Please print, fill out and sign the below Authorization Form and bring it with you on the first day of camp. Your child will not be allowed to participate in a Mad Science camp without a completed Authorization Form on file with Mad Science. Should your child be enrolled in more than one Mad Science camp, you will need to complete an Authorization Form for each camp.
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Start your own Mad Science camp
If our schedule does not work with YOUR schedule then bring Mad Science to you!
All you need is 12 children and a place to hold the camp and Mad Science will come to you! We may even be able to adjust the start time, length of the day, number of days or customize our programming to exactly match your needs.
Location needs for a Mad Science camp are pretty simple:
- Table/desk space and a chair for each camper
- A table for the Mad Science equipment
- Access to electricity and water
- The ability to darken the room
- A nearby outside area (approximately 100 ft. x 100 ft.)
Mad Science provides everything else!
Please contact our office for details.
Phone: 803-739-2122
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