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, and we have decided to eliminate all physical camps at school sites for the summer of 2020. We believe that virtual camps are the safest and most responsible alternative for the summer camp program. Learn more about our strategy to deal with the COVID-19 situation.

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?

For Summer 2020, we offer Virtual camps only. Enjoy Camp Captivate anywhere!

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 partial refund will be issued or the student may transfer to another date if space is available at no cost.

For Summer 2020, we have modified the minimum class sizes:

• Explorers: 10 students
• Steam Jr: 8 students
• Steam Plus: 8 students

The deadline for enrollment is May 30, 2020. Should the minimum enrollment not be met by May 30, 2020, a full refund will be given.

What are the hours of the camp?

For Summer 2020, the virtual camp hours are 9 AM to 12 PM, Monday through Friday

How do we get the materials for camp?

Class supplies will be available for pick-up or delivery. Review details with Fee information.

Is there extended care available after camp?

For Summer 2020, as we will be offering virtual camp from 9 AM to 12 PM, Monday through Friday, there is no extended care.

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?

We will not offering any future discounts or deals this year.

Do you offer scholarships?

We will not be offering any additional scholarships this year

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: REVISED for COVID-19

• April 1 – 30: 50% refund if cancelled, or 100% credit toward enrichment workshops or camps in the future
• May 1 – on: Credit to camps (no expiration on the credit)

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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.