General Information
What is your Inclement Weather (or Hurricane/Rainy Day) Policy?
Does my child need to be potty trained?
All campers must be completely potty trained. Campers should be able to use the restroom without assistance. Classrooms do not typically have attached single restrooms. Our staff closely monitors campers’ restroom breaks to ensure hand-washing and appropriate behavior. Campers that are 4 – 5 years old should bring a change of clothes with them. If you have further questions, please contact us at houstonsupport@clubscikidz.com.
How do I sign up for camp?
All of our registration is done online. Please click on one of the enroll buttons at the top of our webpage.
What is your tax ID#?
Our tax ID number is 47-4254466. This number is also on your email confirmation. Please keep this confirmation for your records. This can act as a receipt for your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or child care tax credit (if applicable). If you lose your receipt, please go to the Family Account link on our Home Page and login to retrieve a new one.
What should my camper bring to camp?
Each camper should bring a face mask (and one to spare), lunch, snacks, and drinks (or a fillable water bottle) each day. Since we have an outdoor component, a small water bottle is advisable. Campers that are 4 – 5 years old should bring a change of clothing with them. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Please see our policy and waiver concerning the application of sunscreen under our FAQ Risk Management category. Electronic devices are not permitted at camp (unless specifically required by the camp description) and will be confiscated until picked up by a parent.
Can my child bring a cell phone to camp?
We have a “no-cell phone” policy at Club SciKidz Houston Summer Science Camps.
Please click here to read our Parent Letter and Camp Policy regarding cell phones, the Internet, and other technologies.
What is a typical day like?
Please click here to see The Typical Daily Schedule for 4&5-year-olds and older children, ages 6-15.
If needed, select the half-day option which is available for 4&5-year-olds ONLY. The half-day camper’s schedule goes from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Be sure to pack a face mask (with spare), lunch, and snacks. Students in the half-day 4&5-year-old camps will have recess after lunch but will miss our outdoor component in the afternoon and some science activities. Please note, they will receive three full sessions of science in the morning. NOTE: If they are already going to school, we recommend the full-day camp.
What are the hours of the camp?
Camp hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You may drop off your child no earlier than 8:45 am unless you have paid for Pre-camp services.
When can my child be dropped-off and picked up from camp?
Campers may be dropped off anytime between 8:45 am-9:00 am and must be picked up by 4:05 pm. The camp runs between 9:00 am-4:05 pm.
Do you provide Pre and Post camp services?
We have extended day services at all of our locations. The cost is $30.00 per week for Pre Camp, which starts at 8:00 am Post Camp services are from 3:30 – 5:30 pm and cost $40.00 dollars per week. Campers that are picked up later than 5:30 pm will incur additional charges at the rate of $1.00 per minute. Please do not try to drop your child off before 8:00 am. In a pinch, you can pay the daily rate (divide by 5) that morning if you just need services for that day. All parents should make sure they record the Director’s cell phone # in case they need to communicate with the camp site.
Will my child receive a camp T-shirt?
Each camper will receive one T-shirt with each week they register for camp. T-shirts ARE required to be worn each day of camp. Additional shirts can be ordered at the time of registration. They are currently $12.
Are there outside activities?
Club SciKidz Houston has an optional outdoor component in the afternoons each day. Campers are involved in team and skill-building activities within their age group. Activities include: kick ball, soccer, basketball, tug-of-war, water games (Thursdays), team challenges etc.
Also, campers are on the playgrounds of our camps for 30 minutes after lunch.
Our family’s vacation does not allow my child to attend for the entire week. Can they attend for part of the week?
No. In order to gain the most from their camp experience and not to disrupt the structure of the camp, we do not allow partial weeks. We suggest planning early to attend a full week of camp. Please refer to our refund and cancellation policy here: https://houston.clubscikidz.com/programs/faqs/what-is-your-refund-policy/
What if I want to register but my child will not be four until this summer?
If your child is only 3 years old at this time and will not be four until this summer, we will accept their registration as long as they will be four years old by the first day their camp begins. If enrolling for multiple weeks, your child should be four years old for their FIRST camp week.
Do you take credit cards?
We accept all credit and debit cards using our online registration service. To register, go to our registration page by clicking on “Enroll Now”. Our registration service also accepts checks.
What if I am trying to register and the camp I want my child to attend has reached its camper limit?
If the camp is full, it will be marked as “full” when you try to register. You will have the option of being placed on a waiting list. At this point you do have the capability of choosing another camp that has space. Look on the Camp locations page to see if the camp is full before you go to the online registration service.
Can friends and siblings be placed in the same group?
If you wish your child to be placed with friends or siblings, please let us know in advance on the registration form. We can accommodate this request as long as they are in the same age group. Our age groups are 4-5 year olds – 6-10 year olds – 10-12 year olds and 12-15 year olds.
Can I observe a camp day or sit in on my child’s class?
Club SciKidz Houston does not permit non-campers (parents or unregistered students) to sit in on courses. We require all of our employees to undergo thorough background and reference checks. We understand that parents are very interested in what their children are doing at camp and have therefore created our Family Day event. Family Day takes place on Friday afternoon to provide parents with an opportunity to view their camper’s projects and get a better understanding of their child’s camp experience.
How does Club SciKidz deal with the summer heat?
Safety measures include:
- Club SciKidz Houston counselors will ensure that hats are being worn and sunscreen is reapplied during the day if necessary. If the Permission to Apply Sunscreen has been signed by the parent/guardian, the Director(s) will assist in reapplying sunscreen.
- Children at all campsites will have regular access to water fountains or drinking water. Campers should remember to bring their own water bottles and to fill up throughout the day.
- Club SciKidz Houston counselors will plan indoor activity games/activities when the Sun is the strongest and will take advantage of shaded areas throughout the day.
Safety Management
What is your Inclement Weather (or Hurricane/Rainy Day) Policy?
Sole responsibility for the decision to close and open camps in the case of any threatened or actual emergency rests with Club SciKidz Houston Owners. Club SciKidz Houston Owners will monitor the weather and closure of school districts (e.g. Fort Bend ISD and Katy ISD) and institutions of higher education (e.g. University of Houston – Sugar Land Campus and University of Houston – Katy) near its campsites. The decision to close will be conveyed to camp directors, counselors, and parents of students by email and/or text messages. Updates and other relevant information will be posted on the Club SciKidz Houston Main Business Line (346-667-6564) and website (barring any power outages).
During inclement weather, it is vital for everyone to stay abreast of news coverage about weather or road conditions and emergency information regarding personal safety and evacuation instructions. Recognizing the diverse range of personal circumstances faced by individuals, Club SciKidz Houston urges camp directors, counselors and parents of campers to make decisions in the best interest for themselves and their families. Employees who are unable to report for regularly scheduled work hours should coordinate with Club SciKidz Houston site directors and owners before taking time off while campsites are open and operating under normal conditions – this may done via the employee scheduling app.
While makeup days would normally occur in a school setting, Club SciKidz Houston does not have the ability to offer such make-up time. In the event that Club SciKidz Houston owners close camp because of inclement weather, affected campers will receive credit on their account for the missed day(s) of camp. Absolutely no refunds will be given. Account credits may be applied to future camp weeks in the same summer season or a Summer season thereafter.
Again, the best sources of information as to whether Club SciKidz Houston is open or closed is the Club SciKidz Houston Main Business Line (346-667-6564).
Does my child need to be potty trained?
All campers must be completely potty trained. Campers should be able to use the restroom without assistance. Classrooms do not typically have attached single restrooms. Our staff closely monitors campers’ restroom breaks to ensure hand-washing and appropriate behavior. Campers that are 4 – 5 years old should bring a change of clothes with them. If you have further questions, please contact us at houstonsupport@clubscikidz.com.
Can I observe a camp day or sit in on my child’s class?
Club SciKidz Houston does not permit non-campers (parents or unregistered students) to sit in on courses. We require all of our employees to undergo thorough background and reference checks. We understand that parents are very interested in what their children are doing at camp and have therefore created our Family Day event. Family Day takes place on Friday afternoon to provide parents with an opportunity to view their camper’s projects and get a better understanding of their child’s camp experience.
How does Club SciKidz deal with the summer heat?
Safety measures include:
- Club SciKidz Houston counselors will ensure that hats are being worn and sunscreen is reapplied during the day if necessary. If the Permission to Apply Sunscreen has been signed by the parent/guardian, the Director(s) will assist in reapplying sunscreen.
- Children at all campsites will have regular access to water fountains or drinking water. Campers should remember to bring their own water bottles and to fill up throughout the day.
- Club SciKidz Houston counselors will plan indoor activity games/activities when the Sun is the strongest and will take advantage of shaded areas throughout the day.
What general safety measures do you have in place?
Safety is our number one goal at Club SciKidz. All of our campers are supervised 100% of the time. We do not allow cell phones and other electronic devices at camp because most of them have built-in cameras and we do not have the ability to monitor internet use. Each camp location has a number of staff that are trained in CPR and First Aid. There is also a first aid kit available.
All staff go through emergency and crisis management training. Staff are never allowed to be alone with children. All of our staff must pass state and national background checks.
What is your medication policy?
If your child has to be given medications at camp, you must fill out our medical form and take that form to camp on the first day. All medications must be given to our Camp Director at check-in. The medication must be in original containers that identify, the prescribing physician (if a prescription drug), the name of the medication, the dosage and the frequency of administration. The medication will be dispensed as instructed by you. This policy also includes Epi-Pens. Campers are not allowed to hold onto their Epi-Pens.
Do you have insurance?
Club SciKidz Houston camps are blanketed with a variety of insurance policies.
How do you train your employees?
Employees receive a combination of online and in-person training before the camp season begins. The training includes Club SciKidz Houston Camp Staff Training Package, where we provide frontline staff with foundational knowledge in the areas of camp-centered leadership, creating community, reducing injuries and illness, bullying prevention, risk management, and recognizing and reporting child abuse.
Counselors also go through core competency training in their particular subject areas with a combination of online and hands-on courses.
What if my child has specific allergy or health needs?
On the online registration form, please list all allergies and medications that need to be administered. You may bring any medications the first day of camp with written instructions describing frequency and dosage. The medical authorization form must be brought on the first day of camp. Medications must be provided in their original containers.
Epi-Pens must be given to the Camp Director on Monday mornings. Epi-Pens are not allowed to be kept in the camper’s classroom or on the person of the camper. In extreme allergy situations, the camp counselor will have access to the Pen in their classroom.
Please keep in mind that we are a nut-free zone.
Tuition
How much is the camp?
The base price for our full-day camp begins at $295. We also offer half-day options for 4&5-year-olds for $209. Several of the camps have lab fees included in their price – these are camps that have an extraordinary amount of project supplies. Many of our robot and advanced science camps are at a higher price for this reason.
Are there any discounts?
Yes, we offer a variety of discounts starting in October and extending until February 14. Many campers attend for more than one week. Consider signing up for our mailing list to receive discount notices. We offer multi-session and multi-sibling discounts of $10 off for each camp registered the entire year. Some of these discounts will be taken automatically and some require a discount code. The multi-camp and multi-sibling discounts are taken automatically.
Are there any scholarships available?
Every year Club SciKidz Houston makes scholarships available for our camps with the Shelby Jean Scholarship. These are 100% scholarships to families that need assistance providing the camp experience for their children. Requirements are a letter explaining your financial circumstances, a reference from your child’s teacher, and a brief letter from your child expressing their desire to attend our science and technology camps. One scholarship per family please!
Please click here to download the application and start the scholarship process.
Can I change a camp or site location?
Yes, and there is no charge for this service. Your request must be in writing (email), and we will accommodate your request as long as there is room in the new camp or location. Be prepared to pay (or receive) the difference of the camp cost. Payment or credit will be remitted within the registration service.
What is your refund policy?
We are committed to operating the 2021 camp season for you and your family. However, during this time of uncertainty, we would like to provide you some comfort and flexibility when enrolling in camp for 2021.
If you enroll in camp and your plans change or you have concerns about your child attending camp this summer, you can cancel and receive a refund or credit according to our policy. Our policy encourages early decisions so as not to affect other customers or our ability to efficiently deliver our programs and is based on the fact that supplies are purchased for your child in March. Because we cover registration fees for you, all cancellations for a refund will incur a $30 cancellation fee (per camp) to cover administrative costs.
Our cancellation policy is as follows:
- Receive a full refund through April 15, 2021
- Receive a 75% refund April 16 – May 31, 2021. No refunds will be given after May 31, 2021.
- Starting June 1, 2021, cancellations will receive full credit as long as the cancellation is made at least two weeks in advance of the camp start date. This credit can be used for a different week of camp during the summer or camp in the future. Cancellations made within two weeks of the camp start date are not eligible for credits. There are no refunds or credits for missed sessions.
Please note that camps purchased with account credit can only be issued an account credit in the event that you’d like to cancel.
We are fully committed to operating our camps this summer. We hope you will join us!
Do you take credit cards?
We accept all credit and debit cards, along with checks, using our online registration service. To register, go to our registration page by clicking on “Enroll ” at the top of our webpage or once selecting a camp. We also accept checks at our camp locations to pay for T-shirts and extended day services.
Can I receive a tax write off when I register my child for summer camp?
If you’re registering a student under the age of 13 and they’re attending a day camp this summer, you may be able to apply paid tuition toward child and dependent care credit.
This is what the IRS website says.
“The cost of day camp can count as an expense towards the child and dependent care credit. Expenses for overnight camps do not qualify. The credit is generally 20% to 35% of non-reimbursed expenses; up to $3000 in expenses for one child and up to $6000 for two or more children. The actual credit is also based on your income.”
Please note: Club SciKidz Houston does not offer tax advice. Consult your accountant or tax professional before filing. Your employer may have established a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), consult your HR Department to see if your plan covers day camps.
Already Registered?
What is the Camper Welcome Packet?
The Camper Welcome Packet is a four page document containing very specific information about our camps. The packet delivers specific information about, required forms, extended hours, fees, tax id #, what you should and should not bring to camp, our medication policy, etc.
I forgot my Password?
If you forget your password you may request it from our registration service. Please note, that the password you use for the after-School program (if enrolled) will not work for the summer camp registration.
How do I access My Family Account?
When you complete the camp registration, you will receive an email describing your family’s online account. Please safely store this information. The login information you established for your registration will allow you access to your account; with it, you will be able to see your purchased camps. You can also print off statements for company Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plans and child tax credits.
The Family Login is at the bottom right of any of our webpages.
Camps and Curriculum
What new camps are you offering this year?
Club SciKidz not only has a new website, but we are also introducing some new camps that include: Roblox Coding, Minecraft, QuadCopter Aerial Robotics, Java programming, Stop Motion Animation, RPG Game Design, Cartooning, LEGO EV3 Robotics, and new offerings in our Engineering camps.
What are the age requirements of your camps?
Our camps are for children and teens ages 4-15. Each camp description has a recommended participation age.
Club SciKidz Housotn carefully considers the age range for each course as we receive feedback from our instructors, parents, and campers. Our age policy is to allow you to take a course provided you meet the age requirement by September 1st of the camp year. Example: If you see a course for “ages 6-8” and your child is currently 5 but will turn 5 by September 1st of the camp year, you can register your child for that course.
Please note that you will see some camps listed in the 6-12 (Grades 1 – 3 and 3 – 5) and 12-15 (Grades 5 – 8) age categories. As children move towards middle school age, parents can choose to place their child in either group depending on the child’s abilities and experience with the subject matter. However, be aware that the older group’s conversation will sometimes turn more mature.
If you have any questions, please call us. 346-667-6564.
Can you make an exception to your age requirements?
Since we have taken into account many considerations in matching our age groups and camp themes, we like to adhere to those requirements. Please remember that an age group contains not only a certain intellectual and skill set but also a certain level of social maturity. These requirements allow Club SciKidz Houston to meet the needs of each camper. If you have additional questions, please feel free to call us at 346-667-6564.
Staff Qualifications and Ratios
What are the requirements and where do you recruit your staff from?
Our pledge is to put your children in the company of the most trustworthy and capable young adults we can hire – counselors who are well suited to the task of caring for campers. The effort we put into screening and selecting our staff is part of that pledge. Our staff work with your children in the context of a visible, well-scrutinized environment that has many built-in checks and balances. Counselors are supervised by the Camp Directors guided by clear, firm policies regarding behavior. Their actions are visible to co-workers and campers.
All of our camp directors are certified teachers currently working in the classroom. Our college instructors and novice in-service teachers come from the best local and out-of-state universities and colleges. Each employee experiences an intense background and reference check. Our goal is to hire as many science, math, engineering, computer science, and education majors as we can.
We do not hire Certified Instructional Trainers (CITs) or high school students. All college student camp counselors must have completed their freshman year and be enrolled for fall classes to be eligible for hire.
How do you train your employees?
Employees receive a combination of online and in-person training before the camp season begins. The training includes Club SciKidz Houston Camp Staff Training Package, where we provide frontline staff with foundational knowledge in the areas of camp-centered leadership, creating community, reducing injuries and illness, bullying prevention, risk management, and recognizing and reporting child abuse.
Counselors also go through core competency training in their particular subject areas with a combination of online and hands-on courses.
What is your camper to staff ratio?
We try to keep our ratio as close to 10:1 as possible. We realize that smaller classes allow campers additional one-on-one attention. Many of our programs are designed to accommodate both beginners and advanced learners.
Due to COVID-19, our classes are capped at 10 so that social distancing can occur in the classroom.
Food/Special Needs
Does my child need to be potty trained?
All campers must be completely potty trained. Campers should be able to use the restroom without assistance. Classrooms do not typically have attached single restrooms. Our staff closely monitors campers’ restroom breaks to ensure hand-washing and appropriate behavior. Campers that are 4 – 5 years old should bring a change of clothes with them. If you have further questions, please contact us at houstonsupport@clubscikidz.com.
What if my child has specific allergy or health needs?
On the online registration form, please list all allergies and medications that need to be administered. You may bring any medications the first day of camp with written instructions describing frequency and dosage. The medical authorization form must be brought on the first day of camp. Medications must be provided in their original containers.
Epi-Pens must be given to the Camp Director on Monday mornings. Epi-Pens are not allowed to be kept in the camper’s classroom or on the person of the camper. In extreme allergy situations, the camp counselor will have access to the Pen in their classroom.
Please keep in mind that we are a nut-free zone.
Do you provide any meals or snacks at your camps?
Club SciKidz Houston does not provide any food service to campers. Parents should be sure to pack a snack and drink for the morning and lunch and a drink for the lunch hour. In addition, if your child is enrolled in the Post Camp services, it is advisable to pack an extra drink and snack. Fillable water bottles are advisable. Campers will be advised not to share their drinks, snacks, and food.
Are Club SciKidz Houston camps appropriate for children with special needs?
Club SciKidz Houston instructors are trained to handle children with exceptionalities to a limited extent. We have found that if children are able to function without an aide at school, they generally do very well at camp. If your child does require an aide at school, you must ensure that an aide accompanies your child to camp. All aids must have Texas special education certification, at least 21 years of age, and not related to the camper. Over the years, we have had many children with special needs and they usually do very well. However, if for some reason it is determined that camp is not suitable for your child, the total tuition for camp is non-refundable per our cancellation policy. Please call us if you have any additional questions. 346-667-6564