Topics & Teachers | Fees, Discounts & Scholarships | To Enroll

  INTRODUCTION TO WONDERCAMP

Philosophy
WonderCamp's primary purpose is to introduce children to the process of scientific inquiry in an informal setting. Camp activities encourage children to test, observe, measure, and discover. Children are introduced to a variety of basic science concepts, with a focus is on creativity and critical thinking.

Staff
All camps are led by experienced teachers with help from well-trained high school interns. The typical ratio is one staff person for every four to five campers. WonderCamp's director is Laura Sears.

Age of Campers
WonderCamp serves children entering kindergarten through grade 6 in the fall of 2012. To help ensure a successful experience, children should be registered for a camp that is appropriate for their age, interests, and abilities. WonderCamp may not be appropriate for children entering kindergarten who have not yet had a successful nursery school or daycare experience. Discovery Time may be more appropriate for such children. Teens may become involved in the museum's Volunteer Program, and those of high-school age may apply to the Summer Internship Program.

Daily Routine
All camps involve extensive hands-on activities. These typically are structured so that campers rotate in small groups among science activity stations. Scientists and other experts in their field may visit some camps as guests. Parents receive daily highlight information that is intended to stimulate discussion between campers and parents about the day's activities and learning. Parents may find these discussions useful in seeking out more resources to further their child's interest in the subject.

Daily Schedule
Camp is held for five days (Monday through Friday) during four different weeks in the summer. Morning camps are held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and afternoon camps are held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Campers may attend morning, afternoon, or both camps. Each camp includes a break for a healthy snack. Most camps include a "recess" period on the playground, or, if the weather is inclement, an inside break from concentrated activities.

Children may sign up for the supervised lunch hour between the morning and afternoon sessions. They should bring their own lunches and beverages. The lunch hour includes supervised play with campers of all ages on the school playground or inside, depending on weather. Children may come to lunch either after a morning camp or before an afternoon camp. Those attending camp all day must sign up for the lunch hour.

Children may not arrive more than ten minutes before the start of camp. Each day, the parent/caregiver should accompany the camper to the check-in table and then to the camp classroom. Children should be picked up on time when camp ends, as we offer no extended childcare service after 4:00 pm. The parent/caregiver should come to the camp classroom to sign out the camper and help carry projects home.

 

LOCATION

WonderCamp is held at University Elementary School, 1111 North Russell Road, on Bloomington's northeast side. The school offers indoor and outdoor amenities, including air-conditioned classrooms and both playground and nature areas for outdoor activities. The closest Bloomington Transit bus stop is on Smith Road at the corner of 10th Street (also known as State Road 45). Please note that there is no crosswalk to get from the bus stop to the school and that it is not appropriate for a child to cross this road without the assistance of an adult.

2012 FEES, DISCOUNTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Fees for Members	TBD per camp (includes TBD non-refundable processing charge per camp) Additional fees apply for certain camps NOTE: Your membership must be current during camp week(s) to apply this discount fee. TBD per week for supervised lunch hour. Food is not included.
Fees for the General Public	TBD per camp (includes TBD non-refundable processing charge per camp) Additional fees apply for certain camps TBD per week for supervised lunch hour. Food is not included.
Discounts	TBD discount per child per camp if that child is enrolled in four or more camps!
Scholarships	Full and partial scholarships for up to two camp sessions per child are available for eligible families. Please submit the Scholarship Application with the Enrollment Request Form. The non-refundable processing charge is waived for those receiving scholarships.

 

TO ENROLL

Museum Members Only: March dates TBD | Open Enrollment: Date TBD until camps fill

Each camp group is limited to approximately 20 children. Spaces are filled in order of receipt of completed Enrollment Request Forms, accompanied by full payment or a completed Scholarship Application. WonderLab will send an enrollment confirmation letter, or a notice that the child has been placed on a wait list, within one week of receipt of the Enrollment Request Form.



FORMS

Click here to make your secure online request!

Downloadable Forms
If you prefer, you may download, fill out and return any of the files below in person, by mail or by fax.

Enrollment Request Form | Scholarship Application | Drop-Add Form
These PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader. After you download the file to your computer,
you have the option of typing your information before sending the form to your printer.

These forms also are available to pick up at the museum welcome desk.

METHODS OF PAYMENT

Online	VISA • MasterCard • Discover
In Person	Cash • Check • VISA • MasterCard • Discover
By Fax 812-330-1337	VISA • MasterCard • Discover
By Mail WonderCamp 308 W. 4th Street Bloomington, IN 47404	Check • VISA • MasterCard • Discover

Withdrawals and Cancellations
If a child withdraws from a camp at least two weeks before the camp starts, WonderLab will refund the camp fee minus the processing fee. No refunds will be given if the child is withdrawn from a camp less than two weeks before the camp's start date. In the unlikely case that a camp session does not have sufficient enrollment, WonderLab will notify parents of enrolled children at least one week before the start of the camp and provide a full refund.

 

QUESTIONS?

Email Celeste Wolfinger or call (812) 337-1337 ext. 11

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© 2012 WonderLab Museum