Discovery Camp Program- Sign Up Now!

The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert is proud to offer quality, educational camp experiences for your child or grandchild. Camp programs are offered for ten weeks of summer, the day after the Thanksgiving holiday, two weeks at the December holiday, most inservice days for traditional schools and one week during local spring break. Our staff of well trained camp assistants offer themed educational activities, art, stories, and special projects. Camp experiences bring children together through discovery of the world we share!

All camp programs have the following framework:

• Camp is for children ages 5-9 only
• Camp is a prepaid and pre-registered program
• Camp hours are 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Campers receive one t-shirt
• Campers must bring a sack lunch & bottled water daily

Click here for downloadable form. (249KB PDF)

Below you will find the top questions most frequently asked by parents and guardians.

TOP  CAMP QUESTIONS:

Why is pre-registration required?
Experience shows that Discovery Camps fill up quickly with the maximum number of enrollment being 55 children. We cannot hold camp spots without completed registration forms and deposit payment/s. Persons who would like to placed on a waiting list can be added (without taking initial payment).

How does the “waiting list” work?
If space becomes available during the week, you will be notified in order. The camp week fees will be pro-rated for you.

How long is each camp day?
Each camp day begins at 8:30 am and ends promptly at 5:30 pm. A late fee of $10.00 applies to each child left in our care after 5:30 pm.

Do I have to sign my child in/out daily?
Yes. Each morning and afternoon your signature will be required along with your photo identification. Children should never be asked to enter alone or wait outside for pick-up.

Can someone else pick-up my child?
Only if you list them on the registration form as an authorized person. They, also, MUST show photo ID at time of pick up.

What if the designated pick-up person has no photo ID?
You/They will be asked to go to their car and get it. We are very strict on this safety issue.

Can we choose the hours we would like to attend?
There is some flexibility in the hours: 8:30-9:30 am is the usual check-in time at our main lobby desk for all camps. Our day starts in the Museum and then begins theme related projects and activities, break for lunch from 12:30-1:30 pm, additional projects and games until 3:30 pm - parent pick-up begins around 4:00 pm. We stay busy until 5:00 pm with group activities of reading, games or free play and end promptly at 5:30 pm.

Which camp is appropriate for my girl/boy?
All camp themes are equally appropriate for both boys and girls.

Is there a camp better for younger/older children?
All camps are as exciting for the younger child as they are for the older child. Children are grouped by age so Camp Assistants cover the projects and activities at an age appropriate level.

Do you provide transportation?
No.

Why does my child/ren need to wear a camp T-shirt daily?
It provides immediate recognition for safety. If they/you forget the camp shirt they will be asked to wear a loaner shirt for the day. Additional shirts can be purchased for $10.00 each. You receive ONE free camp shirt at registration. 

Who is the staff?
Camp staff is made up of a team of Camp Assistants and a Camp Director.

How do you select your staff?
They are selected for their love of teaching, their enthusiasm, leadership skills, experience and ability to work with the elementary age child

Do camp participants ever leave the campsite?
No. All activities are held here on campus. We often have guest speakers from the community come to us for enhances educational purposes.

Do they go on field trips?
Children stay at the CDMOD all week. They do not go on any field trips.

What is Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert’s camp refund policy?
A refund is only given when the CDMOD cancels the activity or program. The Museum reserves the right to cancel/reschedule programs. Credits are not given for absences. There are NO REFUNDS or switching of camp sessions. For emergencies see the Camp Director.

For furhter information  call Debi Jensen - camp enrollment at (760) 321-0602, ext. 101