Who will attend camp?
How old does my child need to be to attend summer camp? Do they need to have attended school?
Children ages 4*– 8 are welcome to enroll. Children do not need to have attended a formal schooling environment in advance of attending camp.
*All campers must be able to use bathroom facilities independently and unassisted.
How many campers will participate in each week of camp?
To maintain safe social distancing and other health and safety protocols, enrollment for camp will not exceed 20 children per week.
Can I observe my camper during camp?
The Museum will be open to the public Tuesday-Friday from 9:00am-12:00pm. Only campers and designated staff will be allowed in the Indoor Classroom to observe camp activities.
Health & safety
Will the Museum be open to the public during camp?
Yes, the Museum will be open to the public during camp hours. Campers and staff will be the only ones in the Indoor Classroom together; however, campers will be in close proximity with the public during our indoor free play. All visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while indoors. Outdoor free play in the Trudy Bronner Discovery Garden and lunchtime will happen when the Museum is closed to the public.
What cleaning protocols will be in place?
All campers will receive their own individualized STEM and Art craft activities. Hand sanitizer will be present after all activities and free playtime. Additionally, the Museum will utilize a portable air purifier while campers are in the classroom as well as other products, such as an electrostatic sprayer, to ensure materials are sanitized before the start of camp each day.
What if my camper is sick or another camper shows up to camp with COVID-like symptoms?
In accordance with state and federal guidelines for schools, early learning centers, and camp programs, the Museum asks that you keep campers home who show COVID-19 symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms can include any of the following:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Campers showing any of the symptom(s) listed above will be asked to remain or return home. Campers must remain symptom-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and provide proof of a negative PCR test to return to camp.
Please note: A rapid antigen test is a screening tool that can often be purchased at a drugstore – it can indicate that you might be infected. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are used to diagnose and confirm COVID-19 infection. The Museum requires proof of a negative PCR test. Negative rapid antigen test results will not be accepted.
Local, free PCR testing facilities:
Will campers be required to wear masks?
Campers are not required to wear a mask during Summer Camp, however, we strongly encourage all campers to do so. Staff will continue to wear a mask in all settings throughout the duration of camp.
Pricing & Cancellation Policy
Can camp be canceled by the Museum?
If fewer than 10 campers enroll in a camp session, the camp session will be canceled. In this instance, families will be issued a refund or can choose to apply their payment to another camp session pending open availability.
What is the refund policy?
Any cancellations made up to 14 days in advance of camp will be entitled to a full refund. Any cancellations made 10 - 13 days in advance of camp will be entitled to a 50% refund. Cancellations made after these time periods are not eligible for a refund.*
*If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms please contact education@sdcdm.org about your COVID-19 refund and credit options.
What if my camper has been exposed to COVID-19 or has been diagnosed with COVID-19?
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please contact education@sdcdm.org about your COVID-19 refund and credit options.
Drop-off & Pick-up
Where are the drop-off and pick-up areas?
Morning drop-off will take place in our Welcome Garden to the left of our Front Entrance. Afternoon pick-up will happen inside the Museum at the Indoor Classroom.
What time is drop-off?
San Diego Children's Discovery Museum Staff will be outside for morning drop-off starting at 9:00 AM. For safety purposes, please park your car and walk your camper to the designated check-in location. Your camper will be checked in and invited to begin arrival activities. A symptoms check, including a temperature screening, will be required to ensure children and employees with a temperature of 100 degrees or above do not enter the facility.
What time is pick-up?
Pick-up will begin at 1:45 PM in the Indoor Classroom. Please enter the Museum with a mask and let the front desk know you are here to pick up your camper(s). Camp staff will verify parent/guardian photo ID at pick up. All authorized pick-up persons must be listed on the sign-out sheet.
What if I am late to pick up?
Pick-up later than 15 minutes after the camp's end time will incur a $25 fee. For every 30 minutes after that time, an additional $25 fee will be added. If you are late more than twice, your child may not be allowed back to camp, and there will be no refund. If you are going to be late picking up or dropping off a child, please notify the Museum in advance so we can make arrangements as needed.
Can we stay and play at the Museum after camp?
Yes, families are welcome to stay for museum exploration after camp hours. Campers are invited to play for free, but adults and siblings must pay for normal admission or use a membership.
Snack Time
Is there an optional snack time that takes place during the camp day?
Yes, campers are allowed to bring snacks and/or lunch and a bottle of water each day. The Museum will NOT provide food. For the health and safety of our visitors, the Museum's water fountains are not currently available. We have a water bottle refill station near our outdoor sinks that campers are welcome to use with staff assistance.
How will the Museum ensure that snack time is safe?
Campers will be allowed to enjoy their snack in the Indoor Classroom. Lunch will be enjoyed in the outdoor Discovery Garden during the hours the Museum is closed. All campers will be spaced at least 3 feet from one another while eating. Hand sanitizer or handwashing will be required before and after eating.
Are there any food restrictions at the Museum?
The Museum is a "peanut-free" facility. Peanuts and peanut butter-based snacks are prohibited in order to protect those with severe allergies. Campers are not permitted to bring or consume peanut-based snacks onsite.