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Home / Education
Summer Xplorations Policies & FAQ's
Policies
Cancellations, Exchanges & Refunds
- Due to the high demand for camp places, each sale will be considered final.
- Registrations are not transferable from one child to another.
- Patrons who drop a camp or wish to transfer their child from one camp to another will receive a 50% refund of the cost of the dropped camp if notification is received at least 10 business days before camp starts.
- There are no refunds for camps dropped less than 10 business days before camp begins.
- In order to receive a 50% refund, patrons must contact the Education Department in writing (fax, mail or e-mail) no later than 10 business days prior to the first day of camp at:
Xplorations
Houston Museum of Natural Science
One Hermann Circle Drive
Houston TX 77030-1799
OR fax to: 713-639-4681
OR email xplorations@hmns.org
Please note: The Museum reserves the right to cancel camps that do not meet minimum enrollment. If a camp is canceled by the Museum, patrons will receive a full refund.
Safety procedures
For your child’s safety all campers MUST be escorted to and from their camp room by a parent or guardian and signed in and out EVERY DAY. While we realize that leaving your contact information each day may not always be convenient, in the event of an emergency we wish to have the most recent contact information for you.
Special Needs and Medications
We are happy to accommodate children with special needs but in order for us to be able to help your child have an enjoyable experience at camp, we ask that you notify the Camp Manager of your child’s needs prior to your child’s first day of camp. Please notify us of any allergies, accessibility concerns, behavioral, psychological or emotional conditions or other special needs. Please call 713-639-4651 to speak with the Camp Manager.
The Museum is NOT responsible for administering medication to children. Consult a pediatrician about altering the child’s dosage so that medication can be administered outside of camp hours.
While we hope to offer these camps to as wide a range of children as possible, it is not possible for us to offer one-on-one care. In the case of food severe allergies, it is not possible for us to monitor what other children bring into camp.
Lunch
Campers ages 6 - 12 are supervised in their camp room while they eat lunch. Campers may bring a lunch or pre-order a meal to be delivered by McDonalds.
McDonalds orders must be placed in person at McDonalds in the Museum on Mondays before 10:15 a.m. McDonalds lunch order forms are available or at McDonalds in the HMNS Grand Hall. Campers are not permitted to purchase a meal during supervised lunchtime.
Parking
Teachers will distribute garage parking passes with the parent information letter on the first day of camp. Please be aware that the garage fills quickly at camp start and end times. We advise you to carpool or arrive early if you plan to use the Museum garage. Other parking options include two-hour free parking in the Houston Garden Center, three-hour free parking in front of the Museum and in the lot by the Sam Houston statue. There is also metered street parking, or nearby parking garages for a fee. The closest METRORail stop is Museum District by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
How can I be sure to get the camps I want?
The best way is to become an upper level member (Voyager or above) and register online during priority registration. Click to purchase, renew or upgrade a membership online.
How can I find out which camps are filled?
Check camp availability on the HMNS Web site. Once a day before 9:00 a.m., the Museum computer system updates the availability of all camps. If a camp sells out during the day, you will not be able to purchase it, even though the computer indicates that spots are available. We do not offer a wating list.
What is the best way to register a carpool so that all children have classes on the same week?
Register online the same day in the early morning. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that all children will get the camps they want.
May I register my gifted child for an older age group?
No, we strictly enforce age requirements. Your child must be the correct age or entering the grade level of the camp as of the first day of camp.
Why are five-year-olds offered only a half day camp?
In our experience, two hours is appropriate for this age group in our active, hands-on camps. Five-year-olds will not be allowed into 6-7-year-old camps in order to stay all day. Before and After Camps are not available for five-year-olds.
I just need Before or After Camp for one day. Can I do that?
Yes, but we require you to pay for the entire week.
Getting to Camp
How do I get to the Museum?
You can find directions online by clicking or by calling 713-639-4601.
How should my child dress for camp?
In comfortable clothes that may get messy. For safety, we recommend closed-toe shoes. Campers may also need a sweater in case the camp room is cool.
Camp Day
What are the qualifications of your teachers and assistants?
The majority of our teachers are certified school teachers, others are science professionals. The majority of our teaching assistants are former campers and former participants in our youth volunteer program.
How are campers supervised?
Parents or guardians are required to physically sign campers in and out of camp, and to provide emergency contact information every day. Campers are supervised at all times and are escorted on restroom breaks.
May parents stay in the classroom?
No. If you feel that your child is unable to remain in camp without you, it may be best to wait a year before you send him/her to camp. Our week-long camps are supervised by education professionals and aim to promote independent learning and socialization.
What are the behavior expectations for campers?
Camper expectations are posted in each room and are emphasized throughout the week. In the event of a severe behavior problem, we will call you to pick up your child. At our discretion, your child may be allowed to return to camp the following day.
Who can I contact during the day if I need to leave an emergency message concerning my child?
Please call the Education Office at 713-639-4651 or 713-639-4625 and a staff member will deliver your message to the appropriate person.
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