SMITHSONIAN SUMMER CAMP FAQs
1. What are the dates and times for Smithsonian Summer Camp?
3. Where are the Summer Camp sessions held?
4. How do participants get to and from camp?
5. What about lunches and snacks?
6. Who teaches the Smithsonian summer camps?
8. Is tuition assistance available?
9. What is the cancellation/refund policy?
10. How long are the camp periods?
1. What are the dates and times for Smithsonian Summer Camp?
Each camp session is one week in duration and camp is offered from June 23 - Aug 8. (There are no weeklong camps June 30 - July 4). Full-day sessions are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Half-day sessions are from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Each of the six weeks presents a different selection of sessions and offerings.
Camps are offered for young people entering K through 9th grade. High School students ages 15 and above are eligible to apply for a volunteer position as a “Youth Teacher Assistant.”
3. Where are the Summer Camp sessions held?
- Most of The Smithsonian Associates’ summer camps are in the S. Dillon Ripley Center at 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW.
- CyberAnimation takes place at the CIC-Computer Lab located in the National Museum of Natural History, 10th St and Constitution Ave., NW, on the Smithsonian Mall.
4. How do participants get to and from camp?
Participants must provide their own transportation to and from camp. There is a supervised drop-off and pick-up of campers in front of the S. Dillon Ripley Center on Jefferson Dr., S.W. with authorized adults.
Exact drop-off and pick-up location TBA in informational material sent to parents several weeks before camp sessions begin.
5. What about lunches and snacks?
Full-day campers have a supervised snack and lunchtime for which participants must provide their own non-perishable food. Half-day campers bring non-perishable snacks.
6. Who teaches the Smithsonian summer camps?
Two experienced instructors lead each summer camp session and are assisted by two high school volunteers. The camper to instructor/assistant ratio is 4 to 1.
- Half-day camps are $175 for Young Associates and $233 per week for General Admission. Half-day sessions are from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Full-day sessions range in price from $350-$360 for Young Associates and $408-$418 per week for General Admission. Full-day sessions are from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- The best deal -- the difference in price between the Young Associates and General Admission tuition is $50, the cost of a one-year family membership to TSA. Join today to enjoy a full year of benefits! Join online or call 202-633-3030.
8. Is tuition assistance available?
There are limited scholarships available to D.C. public school students with demonstrated financial need and academic references from their schools (guidance counselor, principal, teacher(s), etc.). Please ask an official at your school for the TSA Summer Camp application. Scholarship applications are distributed to schools in March.
9. What is the cancellation/refund policy?
A 75-percent refund will be issued if notification is received by the The Smithsonian Associates registration office via phone, fax, or regular mail at least four weeks before the start of the camp you are registered for. No refunds or changes will be made thereafter.
10. How long are the camp periods?
Each camp is one week in duration and camp is offered from June 23 - August 8.
To register call (202) 633-3030, weekdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET. For additional information, please call the number above or write to CustomerService@ResidentAssociates.org.