Summer Camp FAQ
Q: Is there a waiting list for full camps? How do I add my child's name to the waiting list?
A: YES! We have waiting lists for ALL of our camps that are full. There is no cost to be on the waiting list, and you can add your child's name to as many waiting lists as you are interested in. In order to add a child to the waiting list, we must receive a completed registration form in order to add you to our system. Should a spot open up for your child, you would receive a phone call and email immediately, offering you the position, and we will wait to hear a response from the first person on the waitlist before we call subsequent families. You can access a copy of the registration form here: Registration Form (PDF). Please note that you should save a copy of the edited document to your computer so that you can email or print to submit it.
Registration Form (PDF)
Q: When will the registration form be available and when does registration begin?
A: The registration form and payment are required to process your application. Registration for Friends of the Museum begins on Monday, February 4th, and for the general public on Monday, February 18th. All registration forms received on or before the first day of registration will be processed on a lottery basis. You can open and type into the registration form here: Registration Form (PDF). Please note that you should save a copy of the edited document to your computer so that you can email or print to submit it.
Registration Form (PDF)
Q: Can I pay by credit card?
A: Yes! But we must take your information by PHONE. Please do not write your credit card information on the form OR in an email. Compete the form and then save to your desktop. Email your completed registration form to our Summer Camp Director, megan.chesser@naturalsciences.org. Once your registration form has been received, our Summer Camp Director will call you for your VISA or MasterCard information. We are unable to accept Discover or American Express at this time.
Q: When will I receive confirmation?
A: Registrations will be processed within a week of receipt, after the registration period has officially started. Your confirmation will then be emailed to you (or you may request a printed copy in the mail). Please do NOT call regarding confirmation information since answering these calls slows the registration process for everyone. The information should be arriving in your inbox or home shortly.
Q: What age group should I sign my child up for?
A: CAUTION- Our enrollment may be different compared to other places! Your child(ren) should be signed up according to the grade level your child is CURRENTLY in. If your child is in Kindergarten this (2012-2013) school year, they should be signed up for the PreK-K classes, not the 1st-2nd grade classes. We cannot make exceptions, and registration forms that are for incorrect age groups will be returned.
Q: My child will be 4 by the time camp begins. Can I sign them up for the PreK–K class?
A: Children must be 4 years old by August 31, 2012 to sign up for Pre-K classes and entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2013. We cannot make exceptions.
Q: Why are the Museum camps nut free?
A: In response to the growing number of severe nut allergies, and for the safety of all children who attend our camps, the Museum has decided to adopt this policy.
Q: Where is Yates Mill Pond?
A: Yates Mill County Park is located just off of Lake Wheeler Road (near the intersection with Penny Road) in southern Wake County. It is approximately 20 minutes from the Museum. The Museum no longer offers transportation to Yates Mill Pond from the downtown Museum.
Yates Mill Pond on Google Maps
Q: Where is Prairie Ridge?
A: Prairie Ridge Ecostation is located on Gold Star Drive (just off Reedy Creek Road) between Blue Ridge and Edwards Mill roads (near the NC Museum of Art). It is approximately 15 minutes from the Museum.
Prairie Ridge on Google Maps
Q: Does it matter whether I get my registration in by February 4 (for Friends) or February 18 (for general public)?
A: Yes! All registration forms received before the first day of registration will be processed on a lottery basis. All forms received after the morning of February 4th are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis in the order in which they are received.
Q: Last year I sent my registration in a week before my friend. They got in the classes they wanted while I didn't. Why is that?
A: All registration forms that come in before 8:00am the first day of registration are treated equally in a lottery. It is unusual, but possible, that some camps will fill-up on the first day of registration.
Q: Do you offer TRACK-OUT Camps for students in year-round schools?
A: Yes! But on a limited basis. Please be patient with us- we know that demand is high and we want to bring new, fun educational camps to everyone in year-round schools too. This year we are re-introducing a few track-out camps in early June. We hope that as space and staffing allow we will be able to expand to offer more camps throughout the year.
