Can my child bring their electronic device(s) to camp?

Stem Camp USA teaches and encourages the use of technology and electronics as a tool to help solve problems and facilitate innovation and creativity. Campers will be using monitors, keyboards, mice, and programmable units (robots). We have a jam packed week of learning and activities. Therefore, we ask that campers to leave their tablets and other electronics at home or in their bags (if the device or phone is for communication). Devices for game play, internet surfing, or social media will be discouraged asked to be put away or not brought to camp. The space we will be using is a community space and there is no LOST AND FOUND. Please do not bring toys, animals, electronic games, radios, laptops, tablets, iPads, iPods and CD players to the camp.

What about cell phones?

If the device or phone is for communication it can be left in the campers bag. Please label phones, and all personal belongings.

What shoes should I wear?

Wear closed-toe shoes for safety.

What clothes should I wear?

Wear clothes that are fun to play in! Kids seem to be most comfortable here in shorts.

Does it get hot or too cold?

We will be indoors for the camp and therefore temperatures should be comfortable, campers may want to bring a light sweater, in case the A/C is too cold on any given day. Please mark all clothing with your child’s name and all personal belongings.

What amenities do we have access to?

There are boys and girls restrooms available.

Each student will pair with other students and have a table and chair with everything needed to build, program and code robots.

What is the parking situation?

Parking is free but not guaranteed at Bella Mar. However, there may be other activities going on at the park or pool.

Some parking areas may require a short walk to your event. If there is a concern for handicap or elderly, please let your event coordinator know ahead of time so we may assist with golf cart pickups or make special arrangements.

Is there a FOOD on property?

There are no meals or food available for Stem Camp USA.

Can we bring our own food?

Yes, campers are encouraged to bring a small healthy snack (fruit, snack bar, etc.). Campers should also bring a water bottle to stay hydrated through the day. There will be no use of the microwave or refrigerator or kitchen area for campers.

Can you accommodate for special diets?

No. Any special diets should be provided as a snack. Please inform us via registration page or email, so we can make any arrangements necessary to accommodate.

What if my child has food allergies or special dietary needs?

The facility is not certified gluten or allergy free. If you camper has a food allergy please contact us via registration or email so that we can make arrangements as best as possible for this location.

Do you provide lunch, snacks or water?

No. Campers will need to bring a snack and water or juice each day. We will have snack time, but there is no breakfast or lunch provided in this half day camp. Campers should have breakfast before arriving each morning.

Do you provide whole grain or gluten free options?

No. The facility is not gluten free.

What about drinks?

Campers are to bring water bottles to stay hydrated during the day.

Do you provide soda and juice?

Stem Camp USA does not provide soda or juice for campers.

How about gum or candy?

No gum or candy will be allowed at camp.

Do you offer sibling discount?

Yes, $20 off full registration price ($279) for each additional sibling. Each additional sibling camp fee = $279. The early registration pricing cannot be combined with the sibling discount.

When is payment due?

Full payment is due at the time of registration.

Do you provide any confirmation when I register for a camp?

Yes, Stem Camp USA will provide a confirmation email to the email you give us on the registration page.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept PayPal, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Do you accept other forms of payments such as cash or check?

No, at this time we do not accept other forms of payment.

Do you give refunds?

Yes, please see our refund / cancellation policy below.

How much does a week of camp cost?

Early Bird registration is $279 per camper per week until Feb. 1st, 2019. After Feb. 1st, 2019 the camp fee is $299 per student per week.

What if my camper misses a day or two, can I get a refund?

No. Camp costs are prepaid for the week, not individual days.

What if Stem Camp USA needs to cancel camp?

If a weather related emergency, medical or facility emergency occurs, Stem Camp USA will notify all campers as soon as possible, along with refund procedures.

What time is check in/check out?

Check-in is 9:00am and Check-out is 11:50am to 12:00pm

What are the dates of camp?

March 18-22, 2019

What are the daily hours and do you offer extended hours?

9am-12pm Monday - Friday.

No, extended hours available at this time.

How many campers are in each group?

Camp sizes are 12 campers.

What are the age groups for each camp?

Stem Camp USA program is for 8-12 years of age.

What happens on the first day of camp?

We have a jammed packed agenda that encourages creativity, learning and FUN!

Our first day will start off getting to know the campers, establishing rules and expectations. We also will level set on STEM understandings and review the routine the campers can expect the rest of the week.

Every camper:

• is welcomed by a Stem Camp USA staff member as they arrive;
• gets a special “First Day Name Tag"; and
• is encouraged to ask questions to satisfy their curiosity about camp and to comfort concerns.

Do you perform background checks on your counselors? Yes.

What is your staff-to-camper ratio?

Camp Ration is 6 children to 1 camp counselor (6:1). Max camp size is 12.

Do you offer transportation? No.

What should I pack for each camp?

Snack, Water, Light Sweater, and CREATIVITY and ENERGY.

Do you have medical insurance for my child?

No, we do not carry medical insurance for campers. In case of an emergency, 911 will be contacted along with anyone listed as an emergency contact.

How do you respond to homesickness?

We will work with campers and encourage them to participate or switch to another activity. If a camper continues to have a tough time, we will contact the parent/guardian.

What are the ages of the campers?

8-12 years old.

What happens when it is extremely hot outside?

Stem Camp USA is a indoor camp wit A/C.

What are the ages of your counselors?

Each group is staffed with two Adult Counselors and a Junior Counselor. Junior Counselors are at least 18 years of age and are in our training program; they are learning how to be effective leaders to hopefully in the near future become one of our Adult Counselors.

Is there access to the Pool or water for swimming?

No. Stem Camp USA is an indoor camp. We will not allow campers to use the swimming facilities.

Will my student use the playground?

No.

What kind of safety precautions do you take to keep children safe at Stem Camp USA.

Stem Camp USA focuses on safety above all else. Group size is limited based on the age of the campers, and our ratios follow the standards of the American Camp Association. All staff goes through mandatory training, all counselors, specialists, and directors are background checked. Each activity has the means to communicate with the Directors in case of an emergency. We practice multiple drills including; fire, medical and lockdown.

We always try to fulfill a great summer for all the kids, which includes kids who have challenges physically, different learning rates and more complex emotional needs. While we can’t guarantee enrollment for every child, we are here to discuss if there are specific questions and to help coordinate. Please email us at stemcampusa@gmail.com to see if STEM Camp USA is the right fit for your child.

Stem Camp USA should be notified by phone or email if a child is ill, especially if the illness is communicable. Internally, we keep track of the instances of communicable diseases at camp, and when appropriate will notify the parents of all children that may have been exposed, while respecting the confidentiality of campers and families involved.

Communicable Diseases

Campers who have communicable diseases will be sent home and may not return to camp until the illness has been treated successfully and the camper is symptom free. A doctors note will be required.

Lice

Campers who have signs of head lice (itching, head irritation, etc.) will be removed from their group. If we believe there is a possibility of head lice, we will ask the family to pick their camper up from camp. In order to return to camp, a camper must have had all active lice removed from his or her hair & and no longer show any signs of infestation, itching or irritation.

Stem Camp USA staff uses the positive techniques of guidance, including logical or natural consequences applied in problem situations, redirection of children to more acceptable behavior, anticipation of and elimination of potential problems and encouragement of appropriate behavior rather than comparison, competition or criticism. Consistent and clear rules are established. Staff members encourage children to solve problems rather than imposing solutions and help children to recognize and respect one another’s feelings. Counselors encourage pro-social behavior such as cooperation, helping, taking turns and constructive verbal communication to solve problems. The goal is to help children internalize rules and become self-directed in their behavior.

Stem Camp USA reserves the right to dismiss a child for consistent behavior that makes it difficult or impossible for the staff to meet his/her needs and/or the needs of other children in the group. This will occur without a refund (or portion thereof) or credit towards a future program. This will occur only after parent/staff discussion has occurred.

To inspire campers 8-12 years old to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in robotic programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, thinking skills, problem solving, communication, and leadership.

A refund will be issued only when cancellation is received in writing via email 14 days prior to the start of camp (minus $50 fee): Registrations canceling within 14 days of camp start date will forfeit 100% of tuition.

No refunds issued once the camp session begins.

Please allow us 2 weeks to process your refund.