WOW! Science Camp Policies

Frequently Asked Questions!

What is the age range of campers?
Children must be 3 ½ years old (3 by January 1, 2011) in order to enroll in WOW! Science Camp. Our oldest campers are in 4th grade during the 2010-11 school year. Children in 5th grade and older may apply to be Jr. Volunteers.

How will I receive a refund if requested?
Refunds will be credited back to your credit card

When will I know if my child is off of a waitlist?
Children will be pulled from the waitlist as spots open up.  Generally the waitlist begins to move during the middle of May and we continue calling families on the waitlist until camp begins.

How will my child be placed in a class?
The students are placed in classes by their age and grade in our school system. The number of campers that enroll determines the number of classes of a certain age group that is taught in each session.

May I register my gifted child for an older age group?
Our goal is to provide an enjoyable, enriching summer-time experience for your child at an appropriate level for his or her age and maturity. In order to be fair to everyone, we will strictly enforce age requirements. Your child must be the correct age or entering the grade level of the camp as of the first day of camp.

How do I get to the Camp?
WOW! Science Camp is held in the children's wing of The Woodlands United Methodist Church. The Church's address is
2200 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380.
You can find directions online by clicking www.mapquest.com or by calling 281-297-5951

How should my child dress for camp?
In comfortable clothes that may get messy. For safety, we recommend closed-toe shoes. Some of our activities are outside and we recommend that you apply sunscreen and bug spray to your child..

When do campers get their camp t-shirt?
Camp t-shirts are distributed during the first day of camp. Please contact a staff member at the front desk if you would like to exchange your child's t-shirt for a different size. We have a very limited supply of extra t-shirts and may not have the size you are requesting.

What are the behavior expectations for campers?
Camper expectations are .... In the event of a severe behavior problem, we will call you to pick up your child. At our discretion, your child may be allowed to return to camp the following day.

How do I get on your mailing list so I receive registration information for next year's camp?
If you would like to be included on our mailing list, please e-mail your name, address, and e-mail address to wowsciencecamp@sbcglobal.net

When will I receive the supply list for camp?
The supply list will be e-mailed to each family registered for science camp and may also be accessed on the website in late May or early June.

Preparing for Camp

During Camp

Where do I take my child?
Classroom assignments for each day of camp will be posted in the lobby of the Children's Education Area. A different topic is taught in each of the classrooms. Campers will change classrooms and topics every day of camp.

Safety procedures for arriving and leaving camp
For your child’s safety all campers MUST be escorted to and from their camp room by a parent or guardian and signed in and out EVERY DAY. While we realize that leaving your contact information each day may not always be convenient, in the event of an emergency we wish to have the most recent contact information for you.

May parents stay in the classroom?
If you feel that your child is unable to remain in camp without you, it may be best to wait a year before you send him/her to camp. Our week-long camps are supervised by education professionals and aim to promote independent learning and socialization.

What are the qualifications of your teachers and assistants?
All of our teachers are certified school teachers or science professionals. The majority of our assistant teachers are parents of campers. The children in our youth volunteer program are former campers and former participants.

How are campers supervised?
Campers are supervised at all times and are escorted on restroom breaks by WOW! Science Camp staff.

Who can I contact during the day if I need to leave an emergency message concerning my child?
Please call the Children's Ministry Desk at 281-297-5951 or and a staff member will deliver your message to the appropriate person.

What can I do to help WOW! Science Camp?
As you can imagine, it takes a lot of people to manage over 1000 children. We appreciate any help you can give us! Even if you can only spare 1-2 hours during the week, we would be very grateful! Please consider the options listed below, and indicate your preference on the reverse side of the registration form. Nursery care is not available during your volunteer hours.

Assistant Teachers: We encourage mothers, fathers, and grandparents to work as an assistant teacher during their child’s session. Your salary pays for the tuition of one child plus a little extra. Parents with young babies may want to wait to assist another year since perfect attendance at both the training session and camp dates is very important to the class. Nursery care for children of Assistant Teachers is not available.

Workroom Volunteers: There is much to be done in the teacher workroom during science camp! You may be making play dough, photocopying lab sheets, or helping prepare other projects for our campers. You may also assist with snack preparation, ordinary kitchen maintenance, or run a quick errand.

Snack Volunteers: If you would enjoy contributing a snack for your child’s classroom, please send 20 snack bags (individual servings) of pretzels or goldfish to his/her class on the first day of camp.
Camp Set-up & Take-down Volunteers: “All hands on deck” – We need moms and dads who can help with setting up our fantastic science-themed rooms. We have a short time to put together rooms that encourage children’s natural curiosity about science and learning, and we want to make the most of this opportunity!