FAQs

How are you dealing with the COVID-19 situation?

Science Smart Kids Inc. (Camp Captivate) takes the safety and health of our community very seriously. We are continually monitoring the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic and are studying the ever-changing recommendations of the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as well as the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. Furthermore, we are researching best practices and are actively monitoring recommendations and input of the American Camp Association and fellow camp directors.

Our “Safety Plan” and “Staff Training Modules” have been adapted post COVID-19 to increase cleanliness and decrease possible person to person transmission. We will continue to monitor updates at the federal, state and local level. At this point, we are planning to hold camp as usual and it is too early to make the determination of whether we can host the traditional Camp Captivate product.

As a company, we are being responsible by researching “outside the box” ideas to implement possible digital learning should the “shelter at home” order still be in place through the summer. We are concerned for our campers and their parents during this extremely stressful period of homeschooling and the shelter in place. Thank you for your support of our company. Many companies are now modifying classes and offering online versions through Zoom or Google Meet. If you have additional questions or feedback, please email Ildiko Stennis, the Camp owner, at ildiko@sciencesmartkids.com.

Why choose Camp Captivate?

We feel that a number of factors differentiate our camp from others available throughout the South Bay:

• For our S.T.E.A.M. Camp Jr. and S.T.E.A.M. Camp Plus, we offer technology exploration stations in our beautiful computer lab.
• Science classes are taught by teachers with Bachelor’s degrees in a Science field and some have a Masters degree and/or Science Teaching Credentials
• For our Explorer Camp, we created a multifaceted curriculum, which includes daily physical activity and team-building as well as a weekly guest storyteller.
• Outstanding staff to student ratio (varies by age of camper).
• Classes are small so that each child gets the attention he/she deserves.
• We keep the entire camp small, so that it is easier to meet everyone.
• We feel all connections are important. We build a relationship with each camper and his/her family.
• Extended care is available to bridge the gap between the end of camp and the end of the parents’ work day.
• Discounts and scholarships are available
• We have a Friday Parent Presentation, where the students share out about their projects and we show a slideshow of photographs from the week.

Where is the camp located?

We have two locations, one in Santa Clara and one in the Blossom Valley region of San Jose.

Millikin Basics+ Elementary School
Santa Clara Unified School District
615 Hobart Terrace
Santa Clara, CA 95051

Holy Family School
4850 Pearl Avenue
San Jose, CA 95136

What are enrollment minimums for a camp to run?

There are camp size minimums, and camps may be cancelled should the minimum numbers not be met. In that case, campers will be notified by email and either a full refund will be issued or the student may transfer to another date if space is available at no cost.
Minimum class sizes:

• Explorers: 18 students
• Steam Jr: 16 students
• Steam Plus: 14 students

Is there air conditioning in the classrooms?

Yes — Love this on those hot summer days!

What are the hours of the camp?

Drop-off Window: 8:45 – 9:00 am
Pick-up Window: 2:45 – 3:00 pm

Captivate Explorer Camp:

• Camp: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
• AM Care: 8:00 – 9:00 am
• PM Care: 3:00 – 6:00 pm

Captivate S.T.E.A.M. Camp Jr:

• Camp: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
• AM Care: 8:00 – 9:00 am
• PM Care: 3:00 – 6:00 pm

Captivate S.T.E.A.M. Camp Plus:

• Camp: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
• AM Care: 8:00 – 9:00 am
• PM Care: 3:00 – 6:00 pm

Is there extended care available after camp?

Extended Care (8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday-Friday): $10/day early drop off; $30/day extended day for extended care added to cart at the time of registration.

Extended care works out to $10/hour for all pre-registered extended care (add-ons) through online registration system at the time of camp registration. Note: Students who “add-on” extended care as drop-in, or after camp registration, will be charged $12/hour. Any partial hour will count as a full hour.

What ages can attend your camps?

In general, we accept campers in ages 5 to 13, and campers must be at least 5 years old. We recommend that Kinders have completed transitional K or a full-day preschool program.

• Captivate Explorer Camp: Ages 5 –  7
• Captivate S.T.E.A.M. Camp Jr.: Ages 7 – 10
• Captivate S.T.E.A.M. Camp Plus: Ages 10 – 13

Note: We will NOT be able to accept 4-year-olds who are enrolled in a preschool program, but we would love to have them when they turn five. There are different licensing rules for children under 5. Thanks for understanding!

Will all the kids be together in mixed-age groups?

Children are grouped by age ranges (grade bands) in each program of the four programs we offer. However, there will be free play and outside recreational time in which kids in all four programs will have the opportunity to interact with one another.

What is the camp ratio?

It depends on the program. In Explorers, the ratio will not exceed 1:12. For the S.T.E.A.M. Jr and S.T.E.A.M. Plus programs, the ratio will not exceed 1:16.

What are the qualifications of the camp staff?

All of our camp teachers are experienced and most are credentialed. All staff members have been fingerprinted and have undergone a comprehensive background check. The director and most teachers are CPR/First aid certified. Camp assistants are college or high school students who have experience working with children. A teacher will be present at all times to supervise the campers and assistants.

Do you offer special deals, discounts, or promotions?

You bet! We do offer some special promotions, discounts, and deals during the year. See our promotions page for details including referral discounts.

Do you offer scholarships?

We do offer some scholarships (up to 25 percent off) based on need. Each family’s situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about our scholarship program.

What is your schedule change policy?

If a schedule change needs to be made after registration, and there is space in another week, every effort will be made to switch your child to the requested week. We will charge a $50 transfer fee for making the change, and your credit card will be charged for the fee.

What is your refund policy?

Summer Camp Refunds:

• March 1 – 31: 75% refund
• April 1 – 30: 50% refund
• May 1 – on: NO REFUND

Do the campers get physical activity?

Yes, we have one hour of PE daily in all our programs. Also, students will have outside play time at the playground and fields of the school facility.

What is your Lunch Policy?

Please bring a labeled, insulated lunch box with ice pack inside. Please do NOT pack items that contain nuts or nut products due to nut allergies. No sharing of food! There is no lunch service at our camp.

What should my child bring each day?

Please have your camper bring the following items each day:

• Snack
• Water Bottle (with name on it)
• Lunch (in a labeled insulated lunch box with ice pack inside)
• Hat (optional, but recommended for outdoor activities)

Note: Please apply sunblock before camp, as we will be unable to apply it during camp. Please make sure your child knows how to apply sunblock for him/herself.

Is there a camp T-shirt policy?

Students are required to wear the Camp Captivate T-shirt each day. Every child receives one complimentary camp T-shirt per week of camp, and the shir will be distributed on the first day of camp each week. Camp Captivate T-shirts must be worn each day for the safety of the campers and additional shirts may be purchased for $12. A limited number of “loaner shirts” may be available, but not guaranteed. It is highly recommended that parents purchase an additional shirt.

What should my child wear each day?

Comfortable clothing including the camp T-shirt and sneakers (no sandals please). Be sure to apply sunblock before dropping them off at camp!

What kind of technology is needed in the S.T.E.A.M. camp technology activities?

For all S.T.E.A.M. camps, some hardware or devices will be provided by camp and we will be in computer classroom filled with desktop computers. However, we will also have some activities which may recommend bringing a personal laptop or an iPad or phone as an option. We will send out emails with the exact technological needs of each camp. Student who do not have their own devices will simply work in partners with another student and will not be excluded from learning opportunities.

As a parent, how will I know what my kids are learning about?

The director will send daily email updates about the highlights of camp.

How do I get my kids’ work from the week?

For all camps, all projects will go home in a bag on the final day of camp (Friday). These projects are filed in the bags throughout the week upon completion.

Is there a parent presentation?

All parents are welcome to join us for the final presentation during the last 30 minutes of camp on Friday. This presentation will include a photo slide show of the events for the week as well as kids sharing about their “favorite activity” in the camp. This has been a really special time for kids to “show off” all that they have learned.

What is the daily schedule?

Please see the page for each camp for a sample daily schedule.

How can you be better prepared to help children with allergies and/or asthma?

For children with allergies or asthma, please help us by completing these forms with details about your child’s needs.

• Food Allergy Action Plan (for children with allergies)
• Asthma Inhaler form for SELF administration
• Asthma Inhaler form for STAFF administration

Where do I drop off or pick up my child?

There will be a welcome table and signage to direct you to the proper room for drop off. There will be a sign in/out binder outside each classroom. The main teacher for each program will monitor the sign in/ sign out process. You will also be reminded in the welcome email, which typically goes out a few days before the start of camp.