Summer Camp FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Are parents or other caregivers allowed to attend camp with children?

The Museum does not allow adults to attend camp with children. If your child requires special considerations, please speak with the Public Programs Manager personally, well in advance of your child’s first day of camp. Arrangements must be made prior to the beginning of camp without exception.

Can children under the age of 4 sign up for camp?

Preschoolers age 3 are eligible for the Big Discoveries camp theme only. They are not eligible for our Pre-kindergarten camps. Young 4-year-olds may also be enrolled in Big Discoveries.

My 5-year-old has not attended kindergarten yet – what camp should she sign up for?

Children who have not yet attended kindergarten should enroll in the pre-kindergarten camps.

Can children entering kindergarten enroll in the Big Discoveries camp sessions?

No, this special camp is designed to provide the best experience possible for our youngest campers.

My child has never been dropped off for childcare before; can they be enrolled in camp?

No. In an effort to make the camp experience a positive one for young children, it is best that they have practiced the routine of being dropped off in a childcare or other drop-off program before they come to camp. You will be asked to provide the name of the program in which they are currently enrolled upon registration. There are no exceptions to this policy. School-age children who are home-schooled may still be able to enroll in camp, please call the Public Programs Manager if you have any questions about this policy.

Can my child enroll in the same camp as their friends?

We make every effort to accommodate requests for campers to be in the same group as their friends. As long as all of the children have registered for the same camp, during the same week, time and age group, they will be grouped together. We are not able to group children from different age groups together except in Mixed Ages sessions of Afternoon Adventures or Summer Time Rock Out for pre-kindergarten and school-aged children.

Is lunch-care optional?

No, all of our half day camps will run from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. including lunch care. Children will eat in their classrooms with instructors and fellow campers. Please note you must send your child with a lunch.

What will children do in afternoon camp?

Each day children enrolled in the afternoon camp session will join highly qualified Lead Counselors in outdoor play and creative pursuits. Campers will be able to choose which activities they’d like to do after lunch time.

Why did you change the structure of your carpentry camp?

We have shifted the focus of this camp to expand on fort-building activities in order to meet the interests of our campers and better fulfill our educational emphasis on creativity.

How can I register my child for camp before February 14, 2012?

In order to be eligible for early camp registration you need to be a Supporting member.

Who is eligible for the Supporting Member price?

Only members with a Supporting Membership ($250 and up) are eligible for special pricing.

I’m not sure what level membership I have, how can I find out? How can I upgrade my membership?

Please call the Membership Manager at (415) 339-3954.

I’m having trouble registering online. Can I register by phone?

Please call the Registration Coordinator at (415) 339-3931.

What should my child wear to camp?

Please send your child in old clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. While we use mostly washable products, stains can still occur. During our camps, children play all around the Museum, indoors and outdoors, and they can sometimes tear, damage or stain clothes! It is also advisable to send them in layers; weather at Fort Baker can be unpredictable. Please send children in closed-toe shoes.

Who are the camp instructors?

All of the Lead Instructors are certified teachers, preschool teachers, experts in their crafts, or have a strong background in child development. Our counseling staff is made up of dedicated young adults, many of whom played at the Bay Area Discovery Museum when they were little, and have previous experience working with children.

If you have questions or concerns about Discovery Camps, please call the Public Programs Manager at (415) 339-3982.