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 165 Mad Science locations in 24 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 (is weather allows) and physical activities and hands-on applications of the scientific principles presented. Our Instructors are notified daily of the heat index. They will determine if outside activities are appropriate or not. Your child will be able to 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 and participate in snack-tivities while exploring how science affects the world around us.
Your child will have so much fun he may deny he was learning!
Give your child the gift of science this summer!
At what age is my child elegible for each camp?
Mad Science camps 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 are open to children Starting Fall 2011 classes in grades Kindergarten – entering 6th grade. For these camps, we leave it to the discretion of the parent whether to enroll a rising 6th grader because they will be the oldest in the group. We do use the buddy system whereby the older children will sometimes help the younger ones.
For Red Hot Robots, the technical nature of building your own robot requires a little more manual dexterity and fine motor skills from our campers. Therefore, Red Hot Robots will be open to campers entering grades 2 through 6th grade.
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 only if the parent contacts the Mad Science office for approval beforehand. 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.
What is the child to instructor ratio?
Our camper to instructor ratio will never be greater than 15 to 1. Last year the average sized camp was about 20 children with two instructors.
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.
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 60 area schools. All of our instructors have experience working with large groups of elementary-aged children, have undergone an extensive background check, possess a Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Depart of Public Safety, and are CPR/1st Aid certified. The main characteristic that our instructors all share is their love of working with children.
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 online. The easiest way is through our on-line registration system. It takes about 5 minutes and accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and checks.
All of our camps are available through our online registration system.
Please refer to the camp schedule for the registration method of your camp.
What is the registration fee for Mad Science Summer Camp?
Half Day: $120 per child/per camp (Madison Park Preschool Camp only)
Full Day: $225 per child/per camp
May 31 - June 3 & July 5 - 8 (4 day camps)
Full Day: $180 per child/per camp
Camp 6 – Add $30 supply fee
Is payment due in full when I register?
Yes. Camp registration is due in full is you register online and pay by credit card. If you choose to pay by check a $50 non-refundable deposit will hold your child’s space in camp and the balance is due 2 weeks prior to camp start date.
The easiest payment method is to use our on-line registration system. If you are using the online registration system you can pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) or by check. NOTE: if paying by credit card, the full amount of the camp will be charged at the time of registration. Payment by check must be received in our office within 2 weeks or your registration may be cancelled.
What discounts are available?
Mad Science discounts: Multi-Camp/Sibling discounts.
Multi-Camp/Sibling Discount
Register for two or more camps and save an additional $10 on EACH camp.
Multi-camp/Sibling Discount is available only on camps where Mad Science processes both the registration and the payment (camps available on our online registration system) and is limited to members of the same household. Registration and payment for all camps must take place at the same time to receive the discount. Multi-camp/Sibling Discount must be processed by our office staff. One child can register for 2 or more camps to receive the discount or two or more siblings can register for one camp each to receive the discount. Siblings do not have to be registered for the same camp(s).
Credit Card Orders: At this time, the online registation system is NOT capable of allowing our multiple camp discounts. You will be issued a credit for the amount of the discount within 7 business days of your registration. If you are paying by check, please take into consideration the discount and send the payment for the discounted amount.
If in doubt, please contact our office at 480-222-2233 PRIOR to registering for any camp.
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 to reserve your child a space!
What is your refund policy?
To cancel a booking, you must do so in writing before your camp starts.
If you cancel more than 4 weeks prior to your camp start date, you will receive a full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 4 weeks of the camp start date, you will be refunded 50% of the camp fee.
There are no refunds once camp has started.
No refunds or make-ups for missed days of camp.
If we do not get sufficient enrollment (at least 12) to run your camp, you will be given a full refund (no cancellation fee will be charged), or the option to switch to a different camp.
I am not familar with the camp locations. How do I find out where a camp is located?
Scottsdale/NE Phoenix Locations:
La Casa de Cristo - 6300 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale 85254 - Map
Legacy Classical Christian Academy - 3427 E. Bell Rd., Phoenix 85032 - Map
Scottsdale Christian Academy - 14400 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix 85032 - Map
Mission Montessori - 11050 E. 96th St., Scottsdale 85260 - Map
Central Phoenix/Glendale Locations:
Christ Lutheran School - 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix 85018 - Map
Arrowhead Country Club - 19888 N. 73rd Ave., Glendale 85308 - Map
Madison Park Elementary - 1431 E. Campbell, Phoenix 85014 - Map
East Valley Locations:
Gilbert Presbyterian Church - 235 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert 85234 - Map
Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church - 1565 E. Warner Rd., Tempe 85284 - Map
Esperanza Lutheran Church - 2601 E. Thunderhill Pl., Phoenix/Ahwatukee Foothills 85048 - Map
Start your own Mad Science Summer Camp
If our schedule does not match YOUR schedule then bring Mad Science to you!
All you need is 20 children and a place to hold the camp and Mad Science will come to you! Usually, we can customize something to fit the times and dates that you want. Call us at 480-222-2233. We would like to visit with you about this.
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 (approzimately 100 ft. x 100 ft.)
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 have its own instructor and its own space.
What if the camp I want to book is full?
There is a good chance that if a camp gets filled up quickly, there will be enough interest to open a second camp which will run at the same location, at the same time, but in a different room and with a different instructor. Most of the facilities we are using have plenty of space for our use and we would be happy to run several camps concurrently.
Do we offer a Before or After Care option?
No we do not. We feel that camp starts early enough for most working parents. Also, over the past few years we have had less than 1% of our campers register for after care therefore we are deciding not to offer it.
Do you provide a lunch with the Full Day camp?
No. You must send a bag lunch + a water bottle with your child. We will provide a mid-morning snack-tivity and a mid-afternoon snack-tivity. The snack-tivities are not a significant amount of food. If your child would benefit from some additional calories during the day, please pack additional snack items. Please pack a lunch without peanut products (peanut butter, granola bars with peanuts, trail mix) for the camp week or until we determine there are no allergies present in the camp. Coolers/refrigeration will be available. Please clearly mark your child's name on all items.
What is your policy for early drop off and late pick up?
For most of our camps, Mad Science cannot accommodate 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.
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. 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.
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 Scottsdale NE Phoenix 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 Authorization Form and either fax, email it to the Mad Science office or 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 we will use the form you provide us for each week your child is enrolled.
Go to Authorization Form (Note: form may take a moment to load)
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. Also, as we will be outside on a number of occasions (when weather appropriate), please do not dress your child in any clothes that you do not want to get dirty.
The snack-tivities that are part of each camp day are not a significant amount of food. If your child would benefit from some additional calories during the day, please pack additional snack items. Coolers/refrigeration will be available.
Please clearly mark your child's name on all items he or she brings to camp.
Please do not bring electronic equipment to camp. Mad Science is not responsible for the breakage or loss of such items.
Will you run ½ day camps this year?
The only ½ day camp Mad Science is offering is at Madison Park May 23 – May 27th for preschool students. In the past we have had to cancel all our ½ day camps due to low enrollment. Therefore, to better serve you, our customer, we have eliminated offering ½ day sessions.
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 3 weeks in advance and give that camp 2 more weeks 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 we have to cancel the session, all parents will be notified promptly with a list of alternative camp sessions. Last year we were able to accommodate over 95% 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.
Mad Science reserves the exclusive right to run a camp session under the stated enrollment minimum.
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