Q: My child is enrolling in the camp with a friend. Will they be able to be together and in the same groups?
A: Yes. You can list any friends you would like to have your child grouped with on the registration form. In addition, campers will be placed in groups Monday morning, after going through the camp rules and weekly schedule. Children will be placed in groups with children their own age and we always ensure that they can be together with their friends, though we do try to encourage all children to interact and socialize with other campers to make the experience more enjoyable and fun for everyone, including those who may not be attending with another camper they now. We try very hard to make every camper feel included in all aspects of the camp.
Q: How long has your camp been in business?
A: Camp Science Safari is in its fourteenth year of business here in San Diego. Our cooking and crafts camp, Camp Culinary Creations, is now in its seventh year and has doubled in attendance each year.
Q: What is the ratio of campers to staff?
A: Our camp ratios are some of the lowest in the industry. Our Camp Science Safari has a ratio of 1:8; Camp Culinary Creations and Camp Flair For Fashion both have a ratio of 1:6.
Q: What training and certification is required for your staff?
A: We have an exceptionally talented and experienced staff, most of whom are college/university students with the majority working towards degrees in education and science-related fields, with at least half of our staff maintaining teaching credentials. All staff members are required to pass federal and state background checks, fingerprinting, and an extensive camp training program, including first-aid, safety, and camp procedures.
Q: I'm worried about my child getting sunburn and spending too much time in the sun. How much time is spent out in direct sun and what is your policy on applying sunscreen?
A: We go to great lengths to ensure that children have adequate time protected from the summer heat and sun. We bring in over 1400 square feet of luxury party tents, pop-up tents, and umbrellas for the children to place their bags and eat lunch. The only time children have to be directly in the sun is during playground and water play time on the inflatable slip-n-slide. We highly recommend children come to camp with an adequate layer of sunscreen on and wearing a hat or visor for extra protection. Some parents even pack an extra t-shirt so that their child can do water play with their shirt over their swimsuit, and have a dry one to change into afterwards. No programs in the state of California are allowed to apply sunscreen to children anymore. We always have plenty on hand and children are allowed to reapply as often as needed, however, we do follow these state regulations and do not apply sunscreen ourselves.
Q: My child is not really into sports that much. How do you handle this situation?
A: This year, we have switched to a new format that allows campers to choose their morning electives from three choices: sewing/crafts/jewelry design; "KNEX Club" Engineering Time; or a Multi-Sports camp time...allowing for the opportunity to customize your child's camp experience.
Q: Why is it that science is only done for the last half of the day? Do you have a camp available that is only science?
A: We take pride in offering a program that is a unique combination of many different things. There are plenty of science-only or sports-only camps available in our county. We find that most children prefer variety and do not want to spend all day, every day, doing or learning the same thing. In addition, we have added a brand new “Paleontology Pit” hour to each of our science programs, providing an additional hour of science and the opportunity to experience the field of paleontology with each week of camps as well. The kids just love the fact that they enjoy six different activities daily and have a blast in the process!
Q: I noticed that you added a new camp elective feature. Can my child switch around on a daily basis…say one day in sports and the next in crafts…or do they need to stay in the elective selected?
A: Due to staffing, materials, and the continuity of the camp day, all campers must remain in the elective chosen upon registration for the duration of the camp week.
