MAD SCIENCE - CAMP FAQs

What is a Mad Science Camp?

Discover the excitement of Mad Science this summer at your local camp, community center, or school! Mad Science conducts week long summer day camps at 8 locations throughout south Orange County for children ages 3 1/2 to 12. 

Mad Science Camps offer a daily combination of in-class science discovery and exploration, outdoor games, and hands-on applications of scientific principles. Our campers will be able to touch, see and hear what science is really all about and how it affects the world around them. We use an inquiry-based technique that allows even the youngest camper to enjoy our learning environment. Campers create a take-home project every day of Mad Science camp.

Five different day camps are offered: NASA's Academy of Future Space Explorers, Mad Scientist's Laboratory, Anatomy of a Crime Scene, Our Planet Earth, and Preschool Camps.

What ages are the Mad Science Camps designed for?*

Ages 3 1/2 – 5       Little Scientists Preschool Lab

Ages 5 – 12           Mad Scientist's Laboratory

                            Anatomy of a Crime Scene

                            Our Amazing Planet Earth

Ages 6 – 12           NASA's Academy of Future Space Explorers

* The activities in each of our camps are specifically designed for the age ranges outlined above. We ask that parents adhere to the minimum age requirement of our camps. Our programs are designed to be hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. In most cases our minimum age-requirement is not about how intelligent our campers are, but about what they can do! For example, in our NASA camp, campers build rockets which require a significant amount of manual dexterity and patience. In our experience, campers younger than 6 are less successful and tend to struggle, therefore they do not have as much fun.

Click here for a description of each camp. (Please be patient while the page loads.)

Can I sign my child up for more than one week of camp?

Your child is more than welcome to sign up for more than one week of camp. We have a total of five distinctly different camp programs. Many children sign up for multiple camps.

What is your camper to staff ratio?

We offer an average 1:10 ratio for school-age and preschool camps.

Does Mad Science have a minimum enrollment requirement?

Yes. Mad Science and our partner locations reserve the right to cancel any camp that does not meet the minimum enrollment of 10 campers.  Minimum enrollment must generally be met at least one week prior to the camp start date. If one of our Camp Partners cancels a Mad Science Camp due to low enrollment, you will be contacted and issued a refund or credit voucher depending upon the location's policy.

My child has taken the after school classes, are the camps different?

Yes. The content of our camps is different from the after school classes (with the exception of the NASA camp). Campers may cover some similar areas of science and specific science concepts, but the activities in our camps are different from those in our after school programs.

Who are the Mad Science Camp instructors?

Our summer camp instructors are credentialed teachers or instructors who have worked for us in our after-school programs that we conduct in over 50 schools throughout the year. All of our camp instructors have experience working with children and possess a passion for teaching children of all ages!

Does Mad Science conduct background checks?

Yes, we do a thorough background check on all of our instructors including Live Scan fingerprinting  and a criminal background check.

How long has Mad Science of South Orange County been in business?

This is the 12th year that we will be running our week long summer camps throughout south Orange County.

Why did a camp get cancelled?

Mad Science camps have a minimum enrollment of 10 campers.  Minimum enrollment must generally be met at least one week prior to the camp start date.  If this minimum is not met, then the camp may be cancelled.  To help us avoid cancelling camps, please make sure to register early.

REGISTRATION

How do I register for a Mad Science Summer Camp?

Registration for most camps is handled by our partner locations.  Visit the Summer Camp Schedule 2010 for contact information for each Partner Organization. Click here to be taken to the Summer Camp Schedule 2010.

What is the cost to attend Mad Science Summer Camp?

Each partner location determines the per camper price for the Mad Science camp depending on the registration options offered at their site and additional activities that may be offered as part of the camp day. Please contact our partner locations for specific camp prices.

DURING CAMP DAYS

What should my child wear to camp?

Children should dress comfortably and come ready to have fun! Send your child to camp with closed-toed shoes that will remain securely on their feet (no flip-flops, please). We will be spending the majority of our day in the classroom, but the kids will go outside for some camp activities. If your child needs to be sun-screened, please apply it before arriving at camp.

What should my child bring to camp?

Mad Science will provide all supplies needed for camp activities. Parents are asked to provide a snack and water for children to eat during snack break.