Frequently Asked Questions
Who staffs your camps?
Discovery Creek is known for its outstanding camp staff. All
Discovery
Creek camps are instructed by professional museum educators with years
of experience teaching the early learner in an inquiry-based environment.
The Summer Programs Manager, Simone Welch,
oversees all administration, programming, and camp staff
and is the main contact for any questions regarding
Summer Nature Adventure.
Each camp is staffed by:
- A Camp Director who is an experienced educator at Discovery Creek.
- An Assistant Director and two to four college age interns who have been selected based on their ability to teach and work with children.
- Several teen volunteers who assist the campers with daily activities.
All adult staff are certified in CPR and first aid. Programs
involving water sports are monitored by a staff member who
is certified in lifesaving and rescue. All staff hired for the
summer must pass two background checks. Discovery
Creek always maintains a camper-to-staff ratio of 6:1.
How many children are enrolled in your camps?
Enrollment averages 36 children per session for camps
located at Rock Creek International School (Lower campus),
Schoolhouse, and Glen Echo Park. Meadowlark Botanical
Gardens and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens camps average
24 children per session. Campers work in small,
age-specific groups of six.
Can my child be with friend(s) or sibling(s) at camp?
Discovery Creek encourages campers to make new friends but understands
the importance of being with friends they know, especially in new surroundings.
Therefore, the Camp Director will make an effort to fulfill any requests by
parents noted on their camp application for campers to be with friends or siblings
during the camp day.
How do I drop off and pick up my child from camp?
To ensure the safety of your child, parents
MUST check in and
out everyday with the camp director when dropping off or picking up your child.
A photo ID will be required for pick-up of all children. If
anyone other than a parent listed through the online registration process is
dropping off or picking up the camper, a written note must be given to the Camp
Director in advance. You may also indicate the names of people authorized to
drop off and pick up your child on your camp application.
What happens if it rains?
In the event that inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances
should make certain activities inadvisable, alternative
activities are planned. Please note that all camp activities
are subject to change without notice, though every effort will be
made to inform parents of any changes. Notification of changed
field trips will come via email as well as on the camp bulletin
board the day before.
Will Discovery Creek camps take place on July 4?
Discovery Creek will be closed in observance of July 4. Camps scheduled
for the week of July 2 - 6 have been prorated accordingly. Please make a note
of the different fees for camps that take place during this week.
What does my child need to bring to camp?
- A great attitude!
- Campers who stay past 12 noon are required to bring a
lunch that does not require refrigeration.
- All 4 - 6 year old campers must bring an extra set of clothing and
all other campers are encouraged to do the same.
- Campers should bring a backpack for their lunch, water
bottle(s), and any extra clothing items they may need.
- Campers must bring at least one labeled and filled water bottle daily
(two is encouraged).
Why do campers need to bring extra clothes?
Campers need to dress appropriately for being outdoors and getting dirty.
It is always helpful to bring shoes that can get wet, a towel, an extra set
of clothes, and a swimsuit for days with water activities.
Camp Directors will inform parents of any specific attire needed for the next
day’s activities at drop off or pick up.
NOTE: All children are expected to be potty trained before they come to
camp. In the event of an accident, campers must be able to independently clean
themselves and change their clothes. Parents must inform Camp Directors of
any challenges campers may have using the bathroom. Continued problems may
lead to a dismissal from camp.
Are any items prohibited?
Discovery Creek recommends that campers bring no other materials
to camp other than a water bottle, lunch, change of clothes, and another water
bottle. We are not responsible for lost items. Additionally, under no circumstances
are campers allowed to bring valuables, weapons, card collections, radios,
or other electronic devices. All these items are subject to confiscation.
Discovery Creek is not responsible for such items if brought to camp.
Camper(s) possessing any weapon will be removed from camp without refund.
Please note: Discovery Creek Children's Museum reserves the right
to dismiss, without refund, any camper whose behavior is not appropriate to
the atmosphere and expectations of the Museum.
How do I receive a receipt from camp for my records?
Discovery Creek Children's Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our Tax ID
number is 52-1714855. For a receipt, please call 202-488-0627 or email camp@discoverycreek.org.
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