Camps FAQs

General Information 

What should we bring to Camp?

 

• Small water bottle - we always have extra water at our sites to refill 
• Comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes that can get messy 
• Masks are encouraged indoors but not required 
• Bug repellent & sunscreen (optional) 
• Backpack for the listed items. Please leave other items at home.  

Do we need to pack lunch? 

Yes, campers must bring lunch, a snack, and a water bottle with them every day. Except for rain or extreme heat, lunch will be taken outside and includes time for unstructured play. Fleet Staff will not be able to provide lunch and/or snacks. 

Do you allow campers to bring their own toys, tablets, or personal electronic devices? 

We ask that campers leave personal items, especially electronics and toys, at home. If camp staff determines that the presence of these items is disruptive to the class, they may be confiscated and held until the end of the day.  

Cell phones and smartwatches must be always silent and out of sight. Campers must seek permission from the camp leader to make a call and must be conducted in a manner so as not to disturb the camp activity. The first time a cell phone is used without permission it will be collected by staff and returned to the camper at the end of the day. On the second offense the camper will lose cell phone privileges and the cell phone will not be allowed in camper possession for the remainder of the camp. In the event of an emergency, the camp leader or camp director will contact the parents directly. If a parent needs to reach the camper, a call may be placed to the camp contact phone and a message will be given to the camp leader and student. 

Fleet Staff makes every reasonable attempt to safeguard campers’ possessions. However, the museum will not be held responsible for the loss, destruction, or theft of any personal items your child may bring to camp. 

What is the Fleet’s sick policy?  

If your child exhibits symptoms of an illness or states that they feel ill to a staff member, a parent/guardian will be notified immediately. If a child is sent home, they will need to be picked up within 30 minutes of notification.   

Symptoms that will result in a child being sent home include (but are not limited to): 

• A fever of 100.4°F or higher. 
• Coughing (unless a doctor’s note confirms the child is not contagious, such as with allergies) 
• Headache 
• Upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea 

All children need to be symptom free (and in the event of a recent fever, must be fever free without the aid of fever reducing medication) for 24 hours and have a doctor’s note for them to attend a camp session.  

Refunds due to illness will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If your child, or someone in their household, is diagnosed with COVID-19 please contact the Education Coordinator immediately.

Your Child’s Day 

What is the daily schedule? 

• 8:45a.m. - 9:00a.m. Drop-Off 
• 9:00a.m. - 9:15a.m. Welcome and Day Introduction 
• 9:15a.m. - 10:00a.m. Museum Visit 
• 10:00a.m. - 10:15a.m. Snack Time 
• 10:15a.m. - 12:00p.m. Activities 
• 12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m. Lunch and Recess 
• 1:00p.m. - 3:30p.m. Activities 
• 3:45p.m. - 4:00p.m. Pick-Up 

Do campers go outside? 

While in camps, our educators will be taking children on walks throughout the park and encouraging outdoor activities throughout the week. Campers may visit fountains, gardens, or relevant exhibits at other institutions. The Education team will do our best to communicate what days we are anticipating outdoor adventures so that families may plan accordingly. We do suggest campers bring hats or sunscreen if they are sensitive and wear closed-toed shoes.   

Drop-Off and Pick-Up 

How does camp drop-off work?  

The drop-off and pick-up area is located at the Business Entrance on the south side of the building, adjacent to the parking lot. To locate the South entrance from Park Boulevard, turn onto Space Theater Way and make an immediate right into the parking lot adjacent to the Fleet Science Center.  

Fleet Staff will be outside for curbside pick-up in the same spot from 3:45-4:00p.m. For the safety of the children, Fleet staff will verify the photo ID of parents/guardians/authorized adults at pick-up every day. If you have an addition to the pick-up list or need to pick up your child early, please call (619) 238-1233 ext. 847.  

*Pick-up later than 4:15p.m. will incur a $25 fee for every 30 minutes thereafter. If you are late more than twice, your child may not be allowed back to camp, and there will be no refund. 

What if I need to pick up or drop off at a different time? 

If you are going to be picking up or dropping off a child at a different time, please notify the Camp team or call 619 238-1233 ext. 847 in advance so we can make arrangements as needed. 

Can I add people to the authorized pick-up list?  

Yes, please let us know in the morning if someone other than the person(s) listed on your registration form will pick up your child. 

Medical Information and Behavior Expectations

What are the behavior expectations?  

Our classes have been developed to encourage imaginative, creative and energetic exploration. However, appropriate conduct is expected. Please review the following established classroom rules with your child before camp:  

• Be cooperative. Many of the activities that children participate in will require that they are considerate of their fellow participants. Fleet programs are a great way to make friends!  
• Be kind. Bullying behavior, either verbally or physically, will not be tolerated and will be addressed immediately.   
• Be clean. Children will be asked to help us keep our area clean (after we have fun making a mess of course).  
• Be curious and creative. The most important guideline.  

 

If a child is struggling with any of the above rules, the educator will respond first by giving a verbal warning, then on a second offense will escort the child out of class to call home. We reserve the right to dismiss without refund children whose behavior disrupts the class environment, especially those who engage in physical aggression or other dangerous behavior towards children, staff, or themselves. 

What if my child has medical concerns?  

If your camper has any food or materials allergies, please include that information in the registration form during registration or contact the Education Coordinator.  

Staff is not permitted to administer medication. However, if your child requires medication during camp, we can store it in a secure location and provide it to the child for self-administration at the appropriate time. This includes inhalers and EpiPens. Medications must be brought in the original container with physician’s instructions.  

Accessibility 

Accessibility at the Fleet

Fleet Science Center is committed to providing a safe and educational experience for all campers. If you are interested in enrolling or have enrolled a camper who made need accommodations, please contact the Camp Manager to discuss the specific needs of your camper and strategies that would ensure that your camper has the most engaging experience possible. We also welcome Camper Aides but require all aides who attend camp to clear a background check before camp begins.