NOAA Science Camp – Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a day camp or an overnight camp?
- NOAA Science Camp is a day camp that runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during weekdays.
Who can attend the NOAA Science Camp?
- Any youth entering the 7th or 8th grade level in the fall. Campers come from public, private and home schools with varying levels of science background. NOAA Science Camp draws a diverse crowd of campers, some of whom travel considerable distances to spend the week at Sand Point. There are campers who commute from the immediate Seattle area; others travel from outlying Seattle areas like Bainbridge and Vashon Islands, Olympia and Tacoma, Mukilteo and Everett, to Bothell and communities east of Lake Washington or even further – from Moses Lake! Long distance campers have come from as far as Oregon, British Columbia and New Mexico!
Is there lodging for long-distance campers to stay in Seattle?
- No, unfortunately NOAA Science Camp is not able to provide lodging. Most campers that are from out of state or too far to commute for the week elect to stay with relatives or friends in the Seattle area.
My child is VERY interested and excels in science, but is not entering the 7th or 8th grades this coming fall. Can he or she enroll in NOAA Science Camp?
- Unfortunately, no. The camp program is aligned with grade-specific learning objectives in science. To participate, campers must be within this specific grade range.
What kind of activities are offered at the camp?
- There is a daily schedule that includes large and small groups. For the science sessions, campers participate in their small groups for better hands-on experience. Large group activities tend to be reserved for learning games and outdoor activities. Non-science activities generally are outdoors and range from teams of tug-of-war to water balloon toss when there’s hot weather.
How are the kids supervised? Are NOAA scientists involved in the camp?
- The first day they are assigned to a group of 10-15 campers with an experienced middle school Camp Educator as a group leader and with assistance from a HS or undergraduate aged Camp Assistant. There are Camp staff in attendance every day that include the Director, Coordinator, NOAA and WSGP liaisons and multiple volunteer NOAA staff. Science activities are introduced by Camp Educators and led by NOAA scientists with specialties in multiple disciplines of science. NOAA scientists and staff volunteer their time to camp annually and enjoy meeting the campers.
- NOAA Science Camp Educators and Aides are dynamic individuals with experience in teaching youth in formal and informal settings. Both participate in multi-day staff trainings, where they work with NOAA scientists and Washington Sea Grant employees to ensure safe, educational and fun experiences for campers. All staff must be certified in CPR and Emergency First Aid.
What do I do if I misplaced my registration or scholarship forms?
- Fortunately, the forms are posted on line. Please click on the link to the FORMS page, where you can download and print the forms from your computer. If you are unable to do this, please contact noaacamp@u.washington.edu to receive the forms via mail.
Can my child register with a friend?
- Yes, and make sure to write in the friend’s name when registering online. We will do our best to group your child with his or her friend. However, if your child is registering with more than one friend, please respect the decision of the Camp Director who must ensure that the camp is well integrated and balanced for the week’s activities.