Summer Camp

FAQs

• Where do I park for camp pick-up and drop-off?

  Campers can be dropped off and picked up at Port Discovery’s main lobby.  Parents/caregivers can briefly park at the traffic circle on Market Place. Directions will be included in your camp packet upon registration. 

• Will I need to complete a waiver?

  Yes, all campers must have their completed forms by the first day of camp. The waivers can be found in your camp portal following paid registration.  

• What does my child need to bring with them to camp?
  • Wear comfy clothes to play and explore in. 
  • SOCKS & closed-toes shoes. 
  • Refillable water bottle. 

  • Packed lunch if preferred. 
  • Pack a labeled full extra change of clothes to leave at camp. 

  (In case of accidents or getting wet from the water exhibit) 

• Can I send medication in with my child?

  All medications, with the exception of Epi-Pens and Emergency Inhalers will be collected and held by the Camp Director but must be self-administered by the child. A medication administration authorization form will be emailed to parents of children who require medication during the camp day.

• How will my child spend their day at camp?

  Activities will include: 

  • Museum Exploration 

  • STEM Activities 
  • Art Projects 
  • Camp Songs & Games 
  • Lunch and Snack Time 
  • Afternoon Creative Arts Enrichment 

  A sample schedule will be included in the parent packet. 

• What are the camp leaders/counselors like?

  Our camp staff rocks! Our counselors are enthusiastic, caring individuals with extensive experience who lead school and summer groups during both the school year and summer!  All staff members are over 18 years of age, carefully screened, including background checks, and selected for their ability to add to the camp experience. Camp staff are CPR and first-aid trained.  

• Are there other people or groups at Port Discovery while camp is in session?

  Yes, the museum will be open to our general admission guests. Our campers will travel the museum together in their camp group with their camp counselors.  

• Does my child need to be bathroom independent to attend camp?

  Yes, children must be able to use the bathroom independently in order to attend camp at Port Discovery. Using the bathroom independently means the child is able to communicate the need to use the bathroom and is able complete the entire process on their own, including buttoning and/or refastening pants, skirts or dresses. 

• What if my child needs a break or gets tired during the day? What if my child is sick during camp?

  Each camp group will operate out of their own classroom that serves as their camp base.  

  The schedule is written to allow both time to explore the museum as well as activities and downtime in the classroom. During time in the classroom, campers may choose to visit our cozy corner of books and quiet calming activities. 

  Please keep your camper home if they are displaying cold or flu-like symptoms. (See Port Discovery’s Sick Policy here.) 

• May my child have a friend come with them? May adults/parents stay for the camp session?

  We welcome friends to register too! You may request ONE camp buddy to be placed in the same group at camp. You and your friend must each request each other by name and be within the same grade level, as well as register for the same week of camp.  

  Parents and/or caregivers are not allowed to stay for the camp session. Camp is a great place to foster a child’s sense of autonomy, meet and make new friends as well as prepare and follow routines and schedules similar to those seen in the school year.  

• May we stay and play after I pick my child up from camp at 4pm?

  The Museum will be open to general admission until at least 5pm. Caregivers and additional children not enrolled in camp can pay a reduced rate of $10.00 to stay for the last hour the museum is open. Your camper will still need to be signed out at the end of the camp time and receive an admission bracelet.  

• May I stay to play in the museum with my child who is too young for camp while my other child/children are in camp?

  Caregivers and additional children not enrolled in camp must exit the museum after drop-off and may re-enter at the museum’s regular operating hours. All guests ages 1 and up must pay general admission to stay and play while museum is open. However, you may not accompany the camp group. 

• What is the cancellation/refund policy?

  Withdrawal from camp prior to April 14, 2023 will result in a 50% refund of camp dues. No refunds will be given after April 14, 2023.  

  Camp registration may be transferred to another child/family with written notification at least 4 weeks prior to camp start date. 

• My family needs help paying for camp.

  Port Discovery is committed to every child having the opportunity to experience camp. The Museum has a limited number of scholarships. Families may be eligible if they qualify to participate in Port Discovery’s PlayMakers program. * 

  Please email camps@portdiscovery.org for more information. 

   

  * The PlayMakers program provides reduced admission to any Maryland family that qualifies for nutritional assistance and is in possession of a valid EBT/Independence Card or WIC ID. https://www.portdiscovery.org/playmakers/  

• How can I access the camp portal after payment?

  Click this link: https://camps.portdiscovery.org to access the camp portal to complete or update your camper’s registration.