Summer Camps

Kids at summer camps with graphics

Explore more at PacSci Summer Camps!

PacSci’s Camps for Curious Minds offer more than 100 unique camp experiences across multiple locations for kids in grades PreK–8. From cooking up fried eggs, engineering duct-tape boats, or creating yummy candy concoctions, there’s plenty to discover at Camps for Curious Minds.

Our summer camp offerings have expanded to continue developing every child’s passion for exploration and curiosity, including a new location at Impact Salish Sea Elementary and added scholarships. We’re ready to reach more campers and leave everyone with a memorable summer. So take a look at what we have in store and get ready to explore more!

Disclaimer: Our printed booklets have some issue with the date offering. Our digital booklet is the most updated.

Did you know?

PacSci Summer Camps are in high demand – receive 1-week early access and up to $30 off per registration by becoming a PacSci member!

Camp Locations

LocationAddress
Pacific Science Center200 Second Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98109
Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center1625 118th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98005
St Thomas School8300 NE 12th St, Medina, WA 98039
Kirkland Seventh Day Adventist School5320 108th Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98033
Explorer West Middle School10015 28th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98146
Impact | Salish Sea Elementary3900 Holly Park Dr. S, Seattle, WA 98118

CAmp Policies & Information

Be sure to review our 2023 camp policies and information regarding health and safety, waivers, transfers, cancellations, waitlisting, and more.

General Camp Information

Campdoc information

Registration will be conducted completely through CampDoc this year. CampDoc has robust instructions for participants regarding signing up, completing registrations, making payments, and more on the Participant Help Center.

For technical questions or assistance with navigating the platform, please submit an online request directly to CampDoc or call at (734) 619-8300 Monday–Friday between 6 a.m.–2 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (9 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time).

How does registration through CampDoc work?

Pacific Science Center will have a unique link to our CampDoc registration platform. Using the link, you will be able to create an account (if you do not already have one from 2022) then register for camp on the date registration opens.

Camp session options will display based on the grade you indicate in your camper’s profile. Please make sure that the camp session(s) that you select matches the camp location and date(s) for which you are interested. After selecting your camp session(s), you will have the option to purchase a camp-provided lunch as an Add-On for all locations except St. Thomas School (lunch is included in the camp price at this location). If you are a member, you will also be able to enter your member discount code to receive $30 or $15 off the camp price, depending on your membership level.

On the purchase confirmation page, you will be prompted to input your payment information (via credit card or bank account only), and you will have the option to set up a payment plan. Whether or not you opt into a payment plan, you must pay a non-refundable $50 deposit for each camp session to secure your registration. Your registered sessions will display under the Registration tab of you camper’s profile.

For more information on registration, please refer to the Register support article in CampDoc’s Participant Help Center.

How can I create an account before registration opens?

Members will be sent an early registration link via email on Thursday, February 2.

The link for general registration will be posted on our website on February 13.

Once you click the link, you will be directed to the CampDoc platform. If your camper attended PacSci camps in 2021, you should already have a CampDoc account and can click LOG IN with your email address and password. We encourage you to log in to your camper’s profile in advance of registration to ensure their grade information is up to date.

If you do not have a previous CampDoc account through PacSci, you must click SIGN UP and enter your email address and create an account password. You will then be asked to add your camper’s name, gender, and birth date. The About You page will appear, prompting you to add your name, phone number, and mailing address. These steps must be completed before you will be able to register for camp sessions.

For more information and a how-to guide for creating a CampDoc account, please refer to the Sign Up support article in  CampDoc’s Participant Help Center.

Do I have to complete my camper’s Health Profile before I register?

You must create a CampDoc user account and complete through the About You information page before you will be able to register for camp sessions. You do not need to complete your camper’s full Health Profile before you can register, however you MUST complete their Health Profile in full at least one week in advance of your camp session’s start date. Your camper will not be admitted into camp until their Health Profile is complete.

For more information and a how-to guide for completing you camper’s Health Profile, please refer to the Health Profile support article in CampDoc’s Participant Help Center

Can I set up a payment plan?

Yes, although you must pay a non-refundable $50 deposit on each camp session you are registering for to hold your reservation. CampDoc will allow you to select an amount, length of time, and day of the month for the payment plan to automatically process until the full payment due date.

All camp sessions must be paid in full by May 15, 2023. Any outstanding balances on your payment plan will be automatically charged on this date. Camp registrations made after May 15 must be paid in full at the time of purchase.

For more information on payment plans, please refer to the Payments support article in CampDoc’s Participant Help Center.

I’m a member. How do I get my membership discount benefit?

Members must use the member discount code provided in the early registration link email to receive $15 or $30 off camp prices, depending on membership level. If you do not receive the link and discount code by 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, please email Membership.

For more information on using discount codes, please refer to the Coupons section of the Register support article in CampDoc’s Participant Help Center.

Payment Information

We are only able to accept payment for summer camp registration via credit card or bank account payment. On your credit card statement, summer camp purchases will display as DOCNETWORK INC, the CampDoc parent company name. You will also be able to review your transaction history and account balance directly in CampDoc under your camper’s profile Account tab.

For more information on credit card charges, please refer to the Payments and the Chargebacks and ACH Returns support articles in CampDoc’s Participant Help Center.


Age & Grade Information

Are camps based on the current grade or next year’s grade?

Camps are based on the grade the camper is going into for the 2023–2024 school year.

How old does my preschooler need to be to attend camps?

Preschoolers must be 4 years old by the first day of the camp they are enrolled in, and must be potty trained (able to independently ask and go to the restroom, including wiping and re-dressing).

My camper will be going into ____ grade, but really wants to take (grade above/below) camps. Can I sign up for this camp?

No. Our camps are designed for the grade range listed. If the camper is too young, the content may be over the camper’s head when in a camp with (highest camp grade in range). If the camper is too old, the content will not be challenging for the camper and not a good experience. We also consider the social impacts of a child being the youngest or oldest in the group.

Do you offer any camps for high school students?

No. While we usually have service learning opportunities for teens (14–18) during the summer to assist with our summer camps, we are unable to offer this program this year.


Pick-Up/Drop-Off Locations & Procedures

Drop-off and pick-up procedures will vary by location. Due to health and safety concerns, parents may be required to find parking for the time it takes to walk to the specified drop-off and pick-up locations. While parents and guardians may enter external spaces during drop-off and pick-up, only campers and staff may enter the buildings. Drop-off and pick-up procedures for each camp location are available below.

Parents and guardians of registered campers will also receive an email before their camp start date with details on procedures and safety protocols.


Extended Day Care

PacSci is offering PM extended care! This add-on is an optional purchase during registration on CampDoc for $75 for each camp session. Extended Care promptly ends at 6 p.m. each day. No one-day purchases are available. Any unplanned extended care or late pick-up will result in a $10 late fee for every 10 minutes.


Lunch Information

We are pleased to be working with Gourmondo this year for our lunch catering services! Each day of camp will provide a different exciting option to fuel your camper for a day of exploring their curiosities. View our planned weekly lunch menu offerings. Menu offerings may be subject to change based on ingredient availability.

Camp-provided lunches are available for an additional $60/week charge at all in-person camp locations, except at St Thomas School where the price of the school’s in-house catering services for lunch and snacks are included in the price of camp tuition. You can add lunch to your registration through CampDoc until 2 weeks in advance of your camp session start date. Vegetarian and Allergen-Free lunch options are available upon request.

To add lunch to your currently registered camp session:

  1. Login in to your camper’s CampDoc profile.
  2. Click the Registration tab under their name on the left.
  3. Click the name of the session for which you want to purchase lunch for the week.
  4. Check the box next to Lunch for [4/5] Day Session.
  5. Click the ADD button in the lower right of the page.
  6. Complete payment for your outstanding account balance in the Account tab. Morning and afternoon snack options will be provided directly by Pacific Science Center.    

Health & Safety Information

We are committed to safely delivering summer camp experiences for all campers and staff in compliance with the Washington State Department of Health guidance.

We will continue to closely monitor the health of campers and staff on-site and move symptomatic individuals out of camp groups until they can leave the site.

Camp sick policies and procedures may change based on updated local, state, and federal guidance and health recommendations. Any changes will be posted online and registrants will be notified.

All in-person summer camps will follow the practices as well as the detailed policies outlined below: 

  • Enforcing our Sick Camper Policy
  • Requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for staff
  • Continuing communication with camp families when a health concern arises during camp, including possible or known COVID-19 exposure
  • Increasing opportunities for hand washing and increasing availability of hand sanitizer
  • Increasing cleaning and disinfecting of materials and the facility
  • Eliminating the need for camper transportation in vehicles during the camp day.

Sick Camper Policy

In order to attend an in-person summer camp, all parents or guardians of campers must review and sign our Sick Camper Policy. The policy includes an acknowledgment that campers who have exhibited or reported symptoms within the past 24 hours prior to camp will not be allowed to attend camp.

The policy must be reviewed, signed, and submitted electronically in the camper health profile through CampDoc during registration. Download a copy of the Sick Camper Policy.

High Risk Groups

Those at high risk for health problems from COVID-19 should consult with their health care provider when considering whether to participate in Camps for Curious Minds.

What health information do I need to provide in order to attend camp?

All registered camp attendees must complete their CampDoc profile that includes providing basic camper health information, reviewing and agreeing to PacSci’s health and safety policies, and completing the in-person camper liability waiver before coming to camp. All campers must also complete a daily health screening through CampDoc prior to arriving at camp each morning.

Staff Training

All camp staff are required to be certified in first aid and CPR and to hold a valid WA Food Worker Card. We also give our staff extra training in leading sensory friendly camps, cultural responsiveness, and Child Abuse Protection.

Staff training will also include additional information this summer on proper use of facial coverings, looking for and recognizing symptoms of COVID 19, and proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

Allergies and Food Sensitivities

Our camps and facilities are not nut free. If your camper has a food allergy please list in the medical section when registering online and then talk to the classroom teacher in person the first day of camp.

Epi-Pen and Inhaler Protocol

Parents can choose whether they want their camper or the camp teacher to carry necessary Epi-Pens and inhalers. If a camper has an Epi-Pen, inhaler, or other urgent medical supply, this should be noted on the medical release form. If teachers carry supplies, they are kept it in a backpack with the rest of the first aid supplies and medical release forms. If the camper carries it, the camper is responsible for making sure it is available when needed (the teacher will probably not check to make sure they bring it out to lunch with them, rather than leave it in their backpack).

What is the staff to camper ratio? How many campers are in each camp?

Department of Health guidelines limit camp groups to a maximum of 32 campers and staff. All Camps for the Curious Mind camp groups will be limited to no more than 20 campers and will have dedicated educators and an assistant educator. Group sizes will be determined by age, site location, and the room size with most groups below this limit. Staff to camper ratios vary depending on group size, but will not exceed a 1:12 staff to camper ratio. Some camps like preschool and sensory friendly camps will have a lower camper to staff ratio.

Personal Aides

If your camper requires a personal aide at camp, please contact our Camps Team. PacSci does require a background check and at least 2 weeks notice for all personal camper aides.

Registration

When does registration open?

Member registration opens Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Member registration links will be sent via email and posted in online accounts at 10 a.m. on this day.

General registration opens Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. The CampDoc links will be posted online at 10 a.m. on this day.

When is the last day I can sign up for a camp? 

For in-person camps, registration closes the Monday before the camp start date at 11:59 p.m.

What is the waitlist process? 

  • If a camp is full at the time of registration, you can add your camper to the waitlist. If an opening occurs, we will notify you by email. Openings only occur if someone transfers camps or cancels their registration.
  • Once notified via email, the first person on the waitlist will have 24 hours to confirm their registration acceptance for the camp before the next email is sent to the next person on the waitlist.
  • Due to the physical limitations of our classroom spaces and our required adult-to-camper ratios, we cannot add spaces to full camps.

How can I transfer to a different camp?

To transfer your camper to a new camp, first register for the new camp online.* Once registered, email Camps or call (206) 443-2008 to cancel your original camp. There will be no fee for transferring camps and your original camp will be refunded in full (including the non-refundable deposit) after a new camp is booked.

*Registration closes the Wednesday before the camp start date at 11:59 p.m.

What is the cancellation policy?

Requests for withdrawal from camp must be made more than 2 weeks prior to the camp start date to receive a full refund minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. Any registration cancelled with less than 2 weeks notice will forfeit the full cost of the camp session.

To cancel your registration, please email Camps with your name, camper name, and registration information.

PacSci and our partners will make every effort to run camp sessions as scheduled, but in the event of extenuating circumstances requiring cancellation, such as a positive COVID-19 diagnosis or extreme weather conditions, one or more days of camp may be cancelled without refund.


membership

I’m a member, are there Summer Camp benefits?

Yes! For our members, we’re offering one-week early access to Camps for Curious Minds registration, plus a $30 discount per camp for Feature Family and Igniter Members and a $15 discount per camp for Family Members.

Early registration for members opens Monday, February 6, at 10 a.m. We will be sending a special member registration link via email on Thursday, February 2, along with your member discount code. Once you receive this invitation link, you can create a CampDoc account and enter your information ahead of time to speed up the registration process. At 10 a.m. on Monday, February 6 this link will grant members access to register. If you do not receive the link by 5 p.m. on February 2, please email Membership.

How does the special member registration link work? 

Members can use the direct registration link and member discount code at any time after 10 a.m., Monday, February 6 to register for Summer Camps. In order to register for camp sessions, you must create a free CampDoc profile for each camper before making a purchase. You will also be asked to verify your membership status in your camper’s profile. If you create a second login for an existing account, don’t worry—we will resolve and combine all duplicates and this will not impact your ability to register for camps.

What if I don’t get the special member registration link email? 

The email address we have tied to your membership account may be incorrect or you may have opted out of receiving PacSci member emails. If you do not receive the member registration link on Thursday, February 2, please email  Membership as soon as possible to request your direct link.

Contact Us

We are delighted to be able to offer Summer Camps to our community this summer. However, we are working with a small staff which may result in a delay in response to emails, phone calls, and voicemails. We appreciate your patience as we work to respond as quickly as possible.

Email

Email is the preferred method of communication for camps related questions or issues. Staff monitor and respond to emails from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday. Response times are dependent on email volume.

  • For questions about camps, registration, health and safety, logistics, etc. please email Camps.
  • For questions about membership and the special direct member link, please email Membership.

Phone

Response times are dependent on call volume. We will respond to voicemails from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday in the order they were received. Please contact us at (206) 443-2008. If you leave us a voicemail, please clearly state the following information in your message in order to receive the fastest and most accurate response:

  • Your full name (please spell your last name)
  • The phone number where we can reach you
  • Your general availability for a return phone call
  • The nature of your call.

Generous support provided by:

Additional generous support from D.V. and Ida McEachern Charitable Trust, Umpqua Bank, and the Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pathway (NESSP), funded by NASA under award No. NNX16AB86A, and more than 1,500 individuals, companies and foundations that donate to Pacific Science Center each year, as well as more than 20,000 member households from every corner of Washington State and around the country. Learn more about ways you can support Camps for Curious Minds and Pacific Science Center.