Summer Camp 2023 Registration open now

NEW LOCATION! MORE WEEKS!

Wonder Why Science is hosting four weeks of summer camp July 10-Aug. 4 for kids entering K-4th grade. For 2023, an additional camp assistant role has been added for 5th and 6th grade campers who are looking to help younger kids and assist with activities. Some parts of camp are multi-age, while for others we will break up into smaller groups by age (roughly grades K-1st, and 2nd-4th). Experienced teachers lead the groups, with assistants and CITs (7th-9th grade) helping. The day begins with theme-based science exploration, building, and experimenting, with breaks for movement games and snack. Free play and outdoor science exploration are an important part of the day and will take place at nearby parks. The day begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm. It will be located in downtown South Orange at the Episcopal Church of St. Andrew and Holy Communion at 160 South Orange Avenue, South Orange. (Click address for map)

Philosophy

At Wonder Why Science, we celebrate each child’s curiosity, strive to design curriculum around kids’ questions, and help support joy and creativity while exploring science together.  Camp is directed by Science Sarah, a twenty year veteran Pre-K and Elementary teacher specializing in science education.  Each week has a different science theme, and all weeks embrace hands-on exploration, observation, asking questions, and creating experiments. Kids don’t just follow directions, or watch demonstrations, they DO real science to answer questions they are wondering about.  This is science education the way it was meant to be! 

Cost

The cost of camp is $460 per week.  This covers quality, often certified teachers, and all the exciting science materials we will be enjoying together. You can choose to pay in full or a 50% deposit at registration and the rest by May 1st.

Discounts and Financial Need

If you are in need of financial assistance, please send an email with a brief explanation. We want to make it possible for anyone to attend who would like to!

One discount per family:

-Sibling discounts are available for 10% off (available at checkout)

- BRING-A-FRIEND discount! 15% refund sent to you when you email a name of a friend who signs up for the first time.

CIT (Counselor-in Training) Program is available for rising 6th-9th graders. Cost is 50% of regular camp tuition. Email wonderwhysci@gmail.com to apply.

Masks will be required when Covid-19 rates are high in our area, wearing a mask is always an option and will be supported by teachers. Lunch will usually be held outside in good weather.

Cancellation POlicy

Camp is refundable until May 1st,  less a $50 processing fee. After May 1st, we can offer a credit for 1 year, IF we can fill the spot, otherwise camp is nonrefundable. 

Themes and Dates for 2023!

July 10-14th, 2023: Junior Veterinarian

Is your child curious about animals and what it is like to be a veterinarian? This week we will use the lens of veterinary science to learn about different groups of animals, their adaptations, and anatomies. Campers will learn how to care for the health of various types of animals as well as basic medical interventions.  Dramatic play (for younger kids) and simulations (for older kids) will help campers to experience what it is like to care for animals in the role of veterinarian.  

Grade: K-4th, Camp assistants: 5th-6th Grade

July 17th-21st, 2023: Amazing Human Body

Does your child love to build and create? This week focuses on challenges that require campers to design and build structures, objects, and vehicles using different materials (many of them upcycled) for different purposes. Campers will become familiar with the design process, as well as concepts such as balance, strength of materials, and weight, as they use their creativity and have fun!Grades K-4th. Groups will be flexibly created in age bands of K-1, and 2-4th. 5th and 6th graders may register as a camp assistant. (see separate listing).

Grade: K-4th, Camp assistants: 5th-6th Grade

July 31st-Aug. 4th: Ocean Science