Registration is Open!
Join us for another year of Spark! Camps at the Michigan Science Center.
Kids will be inspired to discover new concepts in a safe and engaging environment.
Let us put your camper at the center of science this summer!
Join us for another exciting year of Spark! Camps at the Michigan Science Center. Campers will explore Mi-Sci’s 220+ interactive exhibits, engage in immersive theater experiences, and investigate fascinating science phenomena through hands-on activities and experiments.
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Camp Registration
- Week 1: June 23 – June 27 | Engineering Extravaganza
Design, build and test just like engineers do! Campers will learn about a variety of engineering fields through hands-on projects and activities. - Week 2: June 30 – July 3 (Short Week) | Press (A) to Start
Games are everywhere – and we rely on physics, math and psychology to understand them. From video games, to sports, to board games – all competitors are welcome to play!
- Week 3: July 7 – July 11 | Calling All Extraterrestrials
Is there life beyond Earth? What exactly does life need to exist? Find out by exploring the galaxy and looking for alien life forms from Mars to the Milky Way!
- Week 4: July 14 – July 18 | Chemistry Quest
Colors! Explosions! Slime! Chemistry makes up the world all around us and campers will learn how to amaze their friends with this week of chemical reactions.
- Week 5: July 21 – July 25 | Welcome to Hyperspace!
Explore the solar system and beyond right here from Earth. Young aerospace engineers will prepare for flight to other planets, moons and galaxies – it’s all within reach at Mi-Sci!
- Week 6: July 28 – August 1 | Ecology Academy
Ecologists find nature everywhere they go – even in a city! Campers will explore wildlife in Mi-Sci’s own backyard, from the present day and back to pre-historic life in Michigan.
- Week 7: August 4 – August 8 | Creativity Design Lab
Science is art. Art is science. Campers will put their creativity to work to make masterpieces using chemistry, physics, and more!
- Week 8: August 11 – August 15 | Invention Adventure
Inventors and engineers use play to help them problem-solve their ideas—and so will Spark!Campers. Each day, campers will practice tinkering skills as they encounter and overcome new invention challenges.
Sponsors of Science Program
Sponsors of Science offers varying grant scholarships and is specifically designed to support schools and community groups serving low income, Title One students and children. Each allocation can cover up to 100 percent of a group’s field trip visit to Mi-Sci.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Camper Readiness Guide
Group Assignment & Classroom
Lunch, Snacks & Drinks
Registration Form
Covid & Illness
General Questions
What ages are included in summer camp?
- Mi-Sci has camp sections designed for four age levels. Age levels are defined by the grade your camper will enter in the fall. Our lesson plans are written to target specific ages. Older camp groups have more advanced material with a heavier focus on technology and week-long projects.
- Children should be enrolled in the grade level they will be entering in the Fall.
- Children not ready to attend full Kindergarten in the fall (under 5 years old) should not register for camp.
- Classes are grouped according to the following grade levels: K-1, 2-3, 4-5.
- Not sure if your child is ready for camp? Take a look at our camper readiness tab in this FAQ.
Are you offering camps for 6th-8th graders this year?
- No, we’re not offering camps for 6th-8th graders this year. However, your middle schooler can still get involved at Mi-Sci through programs like STEMinista and the Explainer’s Project! Check out our Youth Programs page for more information.
What time does camp start? What time does camp end?
- Camp sessions are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Morning drop-off is from 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (unless you registered for Before Care). Lunch is not provided or available for purchase on-site.
- *On the Monday of each camp week, check-in will be allowed for all campers starting at 8:30 to allow enough time to complete any outstanding registration requirements.
Can campers arrive early or stay late?
- Mi-Sci provides Before and After Care services for an additional fee. Before Care begins at 9:00 am. After Care ends at 5:30 pm.
- Before and After Care are sold by the week. The price is the same if your child is present for one day or all five days of their camp week.
- You do not have to sign up for both care options. They are $25 per camper, per week, per time period.
- Example: Before care, no after care for one child = $25 for the week. Before and after care for two children = $100 for the week.
My camper has a dentist appointment. What do I do for late arrival or early departure?
- Campers may be checked in or out any time except between 12:30-1:30 pm each day while our group is at recess. Go to the camp sign in desk and call for the Camp Lead. Camp staff will come to you to check in or check out your campers during the camp day.
- Mi-Sci is a large museum. Campers and staff may not be in their classrooms when you arrive. It may take several minutes for camp staff to reach the entrance or collect your children and their belongings.
Can my camper switch camps?
- We want to make sure your camper has a fun and successful camp. When you register, you are reserving that spot for your camper. We are unable to change camp registrations mid-week. Campers may be switched to an open camp before camp begins according to the Refund Policy.
- Camp registration closes the week prior to the start of the camp. Changes are subject to availability and may not be possible once registration has closed.
My camper is unable to come to camp for the week we signed up. What is your refund policy?
- 15 days or more notification – Full refund
- 1-14 days notification – No refund*. Registration may be transferred to another week before camp begins, if space is available.
- *Full refund or camp transfer (if available) for documented medical necessity, major emergency or military deployment will be authorized if notified before camp begins.
- If Mi-Sci needs to cancel camp in the case of an emergency, prorated refunds will be offered.
Do campers leave the Michigan Science Center?
- Camp groups may walk to Peck Park one block from the Michigan Science Center for recess daily. Campers may also walk across the street to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) or ride a bus to offsite field trip venues on weeks where field trips relate to the camp theme. Not all grades will attend all field trips. Field trips are selected for age-appropriate groups.
- Campers who do not wish to attend an offsite field trip will need to be picked up early or dropped off late to camp on that day. Campers will not be able to stay back from field trips, since all our camp staff will be required to attend and supervise their group.
Do campers spend any time outside?
- Yes! We value learning in many different environments. Weather permitting, campers may eat in our outdoor amphitheater and spend approximately 45 minutes on the playground before or after lunch. Campers may also spend additional time working on class projects or doing hands-on lessons outside.
When is it too hot or too cold to go outside?
- At the discretion of the camp manager, if the heat index is over 95 degrees Fahrenheit, campers may remain inside. If the wind chill is under 35 degrees Fahrenheit, campers may remain inside.
- Decisions about inclement weather are made at the discretion of the Camp Manager and Director.
What should my camper bring and wear to camp?
- Lunch, packed in a leak-resistant container and labeled with the camper’s name.
- A water bottle labeled with the camper’s name.
- Clothes that can get messy. Daily projects include glue, materials that can stain, and opportunity for kids to get wet, sweaty or dirty.
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
What should my camper leave at home?
- Unless a letter or special request comes from camp staff, campers should leave at home all electronics, toys, cards and tradables. Mi-Sci is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Do you have lost and found?
- Items found in camp spaces will be brought to the camp check-in desk during the week of your child’s camp. Lunch containers and water bottles left by campers will be emptied of food and liquids by staff at the close of business each day. Any remaining items not claimed within two-weeks of the date they are found will be donated or discarded.
- Labeling your camper’s items (including clothing and food containers) is the best way to make sure they are returned to you when found.
My camper has special medical or behavioral needs. Whom do I contact?
- For any camper concerns, contact the Camp Manager. You are also able to list any special medical or behavioral needs on your camper’s registration forms. Camp Manager contact information will be shared at the time of registration.
Do you offer any scholarships or financial aid?
- Yes! Families interested in applying for our Sponsors of Science scholarships should review details and apply here.
Camper Readiness Guide
Potty trained
- Able to use the bathroom and attend to their own personal needs
No longer napping
- Children attending camp are not provided nap opportunities during the day
Able to be in a group
- Campers will be organized into classrooms and should be comfortable being in a group of children for the day
Separate from a parent or caregiver without getting overly upset
Uses Words to express needs and wants
Get dressed on their own (but may still need help with buttons, zippers, and shoelaces)
Pay attention for at least five minutes to a task an adult is leading, like listening to directions for an activity
Group Assignment & Classroom
Where are the camp classrooms?
- Camp is held in both Mi-Sci classrooms and designated classrooms located in the adjoining University Prep Science and Math Middle School (UPSM). Mi-Sci and UPSM share an entrance, which will be used as the location for camper drop-off and pick-up.
- Classrooms are assigned by grade level. Classrooms assignments will be shared after registration.
- In addition to these designated classrooms, campers will also visit Mi-Sci exhibits and theaters as they relate to the camp week theme. Campers may also spend additional time working on class projects or doing hands-on lessons outdoors.
Can siblings or friends be in the same class?
- We take any and all requests into consideration. Our camps are written to target specific ages and grade levels. If campers are more than a year apart, typically, they will be placed with campers of like age. The Camp Director has discretion over camper placement. Please make requests at least two weeks prior to your registered camp start date.
Are the lesson plans available for me to look at?
- Yes! We love to document all the amazing activities, games, and projects your campers work on throughout their time with us each day. A link will be sent to view photos from our camp by joining an online album for each week your camper is registered.
- Only campers who have a Photo Release form on file will be documented in photos and shared on our online Homeroom album. Mi-Sci camp staff will not share photos personally with campers who do not have a photo release on file.
Are photos taken at camp?
- Yes! We love to document all the amazing activities, games, and projects your campers work on throughout their time with us each day. A link will be sent to view photos from our camp by joining an online album for each week your camper is registered.
- Only campers who have a Photo Release form on file will be documented in photos and shared on our online Homeroom album. Mi-Sci camp staff will not share photos personally with campers who do not have a photo release on file.
How many campers are in each class?
- Our classes are capped at 20-30 students, depending on the grade level. Each classroom will have at least one camp educator per ten students enrolled in the clas assigned to their group each week.
Do campers explore the galleries?
- Yes! Each day, campers have the opportunity to visit our exhibit galleries. Campers will rotate to visit different exhibit areas throughout the week.
Do campers go to the theaters every week?
- Campers visit Mi-Sci’s various theaters when it applies to the week’s theme. For example, during “Space Week”, campers would see a show in the Planetarium.
Lunch, Snacks & Drinks
Does my camper need to bring a lunch?
- Yes, campers should bring a lunch labeled with their names, cold pack/silverware if needed, and water bottle or beverage. Microwaves and refrigerators are not available for camper use.
Can campers purchase lunch at camp?
- No, camp staff are not available to take campers to purchase lunch or snacks.
Can I bring a lunch to my camper mid-day?
- Please send your camper in with everything they will need that day, including lunch. We understand that sometimes things are forgotten, and in those cases, arrangements for lunches to be dropped off can be made by contacting the Camp Manager.
Can I eat with my camper?
- Unfortunately, due to space limitations, we are not able to have parents meet their camper for lunch. We are also unable to facilitate pick-up and return for an off site lunch.
Does my camper need to bring a snack?
- Campers are provided one snack each day. Snacks are usually animal crackers, fruit snacks, or something similar. You are welcome to send an alternative snack with your camper. If your camper has any food allergies, please share that on the registration forms provided before the start of camp.
Can my camper bring a water bottle?
- Yes! We recommend sending your camper with a water bottle labeled with your camper’s name. Mi-Sci has water fountains throughout the museum and outside our classrooms.
Where do campers eat lunch?
- Camp lunch is located in our group dining space or in our outdoor amphitheater.
Can my camper share their lunch with a friend?
- Campers must eat the lunch they are provided. No trades or sharing are allowed.
What about allergies?
- If your camper has any food allergies, please note the information on the registration forms provided before the start of camp. Students will be provided an allergy friendly table for lunch, and offered snacks will be carefully selected to avoid allergens. It is important to make sure that your student knows what to ask and be aware of in terms of their allergies. We cannot guarantee that other campers will not have items in their own lunches that may contain these allergens. In the case of a serious allergy, please ensure that camp staff are aware so we can take the appropriate precautions for your child.
Registration Form
Do I have to agree to the Photo Release?
- The photo release consent is optional. If you choose not to consent to the photo release, your camper may be removed from certain activities where picture/videography is taking place to prevent your camper from being included in the picture. You will be asked to verify the photo release form at Monday check-in.
Do I have to fill out the registration form?
- Yes, a camper registration form is required to be on file before you can check in your camper. One form is required for EACH camper, as it contains important information including emergency contacts, health information, and allergies. You must fill out the form prior to camp. You cannot leave your camper in our care if we do not have a completed registration form on file for them.
- We know it is time-consuming, but we appreciate your cooperation.
- If you have any questions, please contact camps@mi-sci.org
My camper takes a medication. Who do I tell?
- List all medication on the camper registration forms ahead of camp. Be sure to explain what time(s) medicines should be taken. If medication requires refrigeration, please alert camp staff at check-in. Campers must be able to self-administer all medications. Accommodations will be made for certain seizure or allergy (Epi-Pen) medications.
- If you have any questions, please contact camps@mi-sci.org.
Do I have to fill out forms for every week of camp?
- Yes, each week and each child will require a form. We recommend saving your responses so that they can easily be copy pasted into subsequent forms or allowing your browser to save content entered into the form fields so you may select it again later.
Can my camper check-in or check-out without an adult?
- Campers must be checked in AND out by an adult each day of camp. A photo ID matching the name listed on your camper’s registration sheet is required at pick up. Pickup without photo ID will not be allowed, so please inform all authorized adults who may be doing pickup.
- Campers will only be released to adults listed in their registration forms. If you need to add an authorized adult for pickup, please speak with staff at drop-off or send an email to camps@mi-sci.org with that adult’s name as it appears on their photo ID.
Covid & Illness
My child has symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19. What do I need to do?
- Please keep your camper at home. Contact the Camp Manager as soon as possible to explain the situation and to discuss exposure protocols.
My child is sick, but I don’t think its COVID related.
- Please keep your camper at home. Campers may not return until they have been fever-free and symptom-free for over 24 hours without medication. Campers showing symptoms of contagious illness at camp will be sent home immediately.
My child requires medication for a condition that is not contagious. What do I need to do?
- List all medication on the camper registration forms ahead of camp. Be sure to explain what time(s) medicines should be taken. If medication requires refrigeration, please alert camp staff at check-in. Campers must be able to self-administer all medications.
- Accommodations will be made for certain seizure or allergy (Epi-Pen) medications.