Discovery Camps: Spring Break

How do I register my child(ren) for camp?

Registration is completed online. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The cutoff time for registrations for an upcoming week is the Friday before at 5:00 p.m. However, depending on capacity at the end of the registration period, walk-ups may be accepted on the Monday morning of the camp day. Please call in advance to see if there is space at 713-337-8458.

Do museum members get a camp registration discount?

Yes, Family membership and above will receive $15 off per camper, and Smithsonian Family Max and above will receive $25 off per camper.

Not a member yet? You can add a membership to your camp registration. You must be a member and logged in to your online membership to receive the member discount on camp registrations. This discount only applies to camp registration.

Do you offer before-care/after-care?

Yes! Before-care is available starting at 7:30 a.m. for a charge of $50/week. Aftercare is available starting at 3:30 p.m. for a charge of $75 per week and operates until 5:30 p.m. In aftercare, campers can participate in fun activities, including crafts, board games, and watching educational videos.

What does my child need to bring to camp each day?

Campers should wear shorts or jeans and comfortable closed-toe shoes. All campers should also bring a sweater or a jacket as the museum tends to be chilly. Please place the camper’s name on the tag of any jackets or sweaters. Please note that campers may use materials like clay, glue, and paint or may participate in outdoor activities, so clothes can get dirty, wet, or messy. All campers are required to bring a large spill-proof water bottle clearly labeled with the camper’s name. The bottle must be taken home each day to clean and refill, then returned with the camper each morning.

Please note that camp classes/activities may take place outdoors or involve outdoor activities. Please remember to prepare campers with hats, insect repellent, reusable water bottles, and sunscreen to protect against the hot Houston sun.

Can campers bring their toys or electronics?

We suggest that campers leave personal items, especially electronics and toys, at home. In efforts to prevent viral transmission, we kindly ask campers not to share any toys or belongings. If camp staff determines that the presence of these items is disruptive to the class, they may be confiscated and held until the end of the day.
The Health Museum makes every reasonable attempt to safeguard campers’ possessions. However, the museum will not be held responsible for the loss, destruction, or theft of any personal items (i.e., clothing, book bags or purses, toys, games, electronic devices, cellphones, or money) your child may bring to camp.

What is the camp check-in process?

Camp check-in takes place from 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at the front Guest Services Desk. For safety reasons, a parent/guardian must accompany their child(ren) to the camp check-in every morning and sign them in. Campers are not allowed to sign themselves in. On Monday Mornings – the first day of each weekly session – it is recommended that campers arrive between 8:15 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. This allows the camper to meet camp staff and parents to double-check emergency contact information and the name of those listed as authorization for release of information. Parents will be given a hanging car tag with their child’s name. This tag is to be placed on the rearview mirror at checkout. Campers will be escorted by camp staff to the camper’s designated classroom to place their backpacks in the classroom.

What is the pick-up process?

Camp pick-up takes place from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the carpool lane on the LaBranch Street side of the museum. A car tag for camper pickup will be issued on the first day of camp. For safety reasons, campers will only be released to the parent/guardian with the car hang tag and or individual(s) listed on your original registration form. Additionally, all individuals must present a photo ID every time they come to pick up a child. Once the ID has been verified, your child(ren) will be brought to you. Museum staff WILL NOT allow anyone not listed on the form to pick up a child unless specific written instructions have been provided by a parent/guardian in advance.

What if I need to pick up my child early?

If a camper will need to be picked up early, please proceed to the visitor services desk. Provide the visitor services associated with your child’s name and camp. Visitor Services will then contact the camp program and will bring your child to you for sign-out. All individuals must present a photo ID and be listed in the child’s authorized pick-up list for pick-up.

Do you provide care for children with special needs?

The Health Museum will make every possible effort to provide reasonable accommodations for the safety and enjoyment of ALL children. Parents of special needs children should contact camps@thehealthmuseum.org to discuss reasonable accommodations. Although staffing limitations may prevent some children from full participation, we will make every attempt to accommodate children with special needs in our camp programs. 

What is your behavior policy for campers?

Good behavior is a key component of a successful summer camp experience. In order to provide all campers with a safe and fun-filled camp experience, it is important that all campers exhibit proper behavior and self-control. Campers are expected to respect their instructors, staff, and fellow campers at all times. Inappropriate, disruptive, and/or violent behavior while at camp will not be tolerated. Examples of inappropriate behavior include, but are not limited to, hitting, fighting, name-calling, foul language, arguing, reckless endangerment, disrespectful actions, and stealing.

The Health Museum reserves the right, upon notification of parents, to dismiss any student during any sessions for conduct that is deemed detrimental to the well-being of other students and staff or to the overall operation of the camp. No refund/credit will be issued if your child is dismissed.

My child has certain allergies; how do I ensure the camp program is aware?

We ask all parents who have children with allergies to complete an Allergy Care Plan, which will be included with your Registration Confirmation. The Allergy Care Plan allows parents to detail the types of allergies, steps to prevent reactions from occurring, signs to help identify when a reaction is occurring, and the course of action to take. The Allergy Care Plan will be reviewed with the instructor and teaching aide and kept in the class binder, which always stays with the class.

Are lunches or snacks provided at the camp?

Campers need to bring their own lunch. Snacks will be provided at the end of the camp day and during aftercare. Campers may bring their snacks from home. Snacks will vary, so please be sure to list any food allergies on your child(ren)’s camp registration form(s). All classes have a 30-minute lunch break each day. Campers must bring a nonperishable lunch each day that does not require refrigeration or a microwave.

Please place each camper’s name on his or her lunch box/bag so that it is easily identifiable. Campers with specific dietary needs or food allergies are encouraged to notify The Health Museum in their registration form and/or bring their snacks. We aim to be a nut-free camp and ask all campers to be considerate of other campers’ possible food allergies.

What is your restroom policy?

There will be set opportunities, for example, after snack and lunch, for campers to use the restroom. However, they will be able to use the restroom whenever needed.

What is the absence policy?

If your child(ren) will not be able to attend camp on a specific day during a session for which he/she is registered, please notify the Assistant Director of Programs as soon as possible by calling 713-337-8458 or emailing camps@thehealthmuseum.org in advance. Absences may not be “made up” by having your child(ren) attend another camp on a different day, nor will you receive a refund/credit for any missed days. Please see our health and illness policy below for more information on absences related to illness.

In case of an emergency, who do I contact?

If you need to reach camp staff or your child during the day, please call 713-337-8458 or 713-521-1515 X138 for an immediate answer. The person at the extension will help get you in contact with the appropriate camp staff.

Who do I contact if I’m experiencing issues at the camp?

Please notify Kennethia Rideaux, Assistant Director of Program, at 713-337-8458 or camps@thehealthmuseum.org..

We want your child to have an enjoyable and rewarding summer. With your help, we can ensure that all campers are at ease and comfortable. The Health Museum reserves the right, upon notification of parents, to dismiss any student during any session for conduct that is deemed detrimental to the well-being of other students and staff, or to the overall operation of the camp.

What happens in the event of an emergency at the museum?

The museum and the camp program have an emergency action plan that is part of the safety training for all staff. This training includes what to do in the event of a fire, severe weather, a missing child/parent, and more. All camp instructors, staff, and volunteers will complete this training prior to the first week of camp and will be refreshed as needed. In case of an emergency, the priority will be the safety of all the campers. Once the camper(s) are safe and the Emergency Action Plan procedure is followed, parents will be notified as quickly as possible using the emergency contact information provided for each camper at registration.

In the event of a medical emergency, museum staff will contact emergency medical personnel and will then contact the child’s parent or guardian. Based on the medical personnel’s assessment, your child may be transported to a local hospital to receive further medical attention.

What happens in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm?

In the event that Harris County is under Tropical Storm or Hurricane warnings, parents will be notified via email or phone whether camp sessions will be canceled.

How do you store the camper’s medication?

We do not store any medication at the camp. Museum staff are not able to administer any medication to campers; please do not send medication with your child. If a child is required to carry an EPIPen, a copy of the prescription will need to be provided to the museum, and the child will be responsible for bringing and taking home their EPIPen daily.

Mandatory forms

A confirmation packet with mandatory forms to be completed will be sent to the parent/guardian to the email on file a week before the start of camp. All forms need to be completed and turned in on the first day of camp or emailed to camps@thehealthmuseum.org.

Are photos of the children taken during camp?

By signing your child up for camp, you authorize The Health Museum to photograph and/or videotape your child for publicity purposes. Please note that these materials will not be sold or loaned and will be used only to promote The Health Museum’s education programs. If you do not want your child to be photographed for marketing purposes, please note it on the registration form.

What is your cancellation policy?

THM reserves the right to combine or cancel classes that have not met the minimum enrollment. If THM cancels a class, payment will be fully refunded.

For special circumstances, a 75% credit or refund will be granted for written requests made 14 or more days before the first day of the camp session. A 50% credit or refund will be granted for written requests made 13 or more days before the first day of the camp session. No refunds will be granted on or after the first day of the camp session.

We are concerned with the health and well-being of all children and adults who have contact with your child throughout the day. We ask that you keep children who are potentially infectious at home. If you have any doubts in the morning about your child’s health, please keep them home. Please call the program manager by 9:00 a.m. so we can record your child’s absence.

Medical Administration

We do not store any medication at the camp. Museum staff are not able to administer any medication to campers, please do not send medication with your child. If a child must carry an epi-pen, a copy of the prescription will need to be provided to the museum, and the child will be responsible to bring and take home their epi-pen daily.

• First response includes: cold compress, band-aids, and soap & water to treat bumps and abrasions
• Sunscreen, bug repellent, and regular skin hydrating lotion will be used as needed and with parents’ permission.

Communicable & Infectious Diseases

Participants who display symptoms of communicable and/or infectious disease will not be allowed to camp. Such symptoms may include:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea in the 12 hours before the scheduled time to attend the camp
• Temperature of 100 degrees or greater
• Persistent yellow thick mucus
• An uncontrollable or persistent cough
• Pink eye that hasn’t been treated
• Strep throat which has not been treated with an antibiotic for 24 hours
• Any rash of acute onset associated with fever or symptoms of illness
• Impetigo with less than 24 hours of treatment with an antibiotic
• Head lice or scabies that have not been treated

If a child displays any of the above symptoms, we will take all steps possible to see that he or she is kept quiet and comfortable until a parent or authorized person can take him/her home. When your child has any of the above conditions, you will be required to pick them up within one hour of being notified.

The parents of all registered children will receive written notification sent home with campers should a case of an outbreak of any of the following conditions occur:

• strep throat, impetigo
• measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox
• pinworms
• head lice, scabies, pink eye, or any other highly contagious disease or virus

Staff will call parents immediately if their child:

• Bites or is bitten with a skin break
• Falls and hits their head hard
• Has an obvious mark on their head or face
• Is lethargic or hurting
• Becomes sick or develops a fever
• Is involved in an injury needing to be assessed by the local clinic
• Is involved in an injury which the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is called

Returning After Illness

A child who has had an infectious or communicable disease may return to the program in the periods listed below. The Health Museum may request a doctor’s note stating that the child presents no risk before returning to camp.

• Chickenpox: Five days after the last blister has scabbed
• Pinworm: After 48 hours of being on medication
• Strep throat: After 24 hours of being on an antibiotic
• Head lice: Signed release from a medical practitioner stating the child is free of eggs, nits, and mature lice
• Any others: Must be discussed with the Administrator/Lead teacher
• Fever free for 24 hours

Time	Activity
7:30 a.m.	Before-Care Begins
8:30 a.m.	Camp Check-in Begins
9:00 a.m.	Camp Roundup/Orientation/Rules
9:15 a.m.	Intro to Camp/Icebreaker
9:30 a.m.	Hands-on Activities in Classroom
10:15 a.m.	Restroom Break
10:30 a.m.	Hands-on Activity in Classroom
11:00 a.m.	Lunch in Classroom
11:30 a.m.	Restroom Break/Museum Exploration
12:00 p.m.	Hands-on Activities in Classroom
2:30 p.m.	Reflection and Activities Wrap-up/Cleanup
2:45 p.m.	Snack Break in Classroom
3:00 p.m.	Dismissal
3:30 p.m.	After-Care Begins