Science

Science Camp

The Foundation of Discovery

Welcome to the Science Camps at Cal Poly Pomona!!! The science camps have undergone an upgrade, infusing camp exercises with activities used in the college curriculum. Guided by the Next Generation Science Standards, campers will take on Cal Poly Pomona's motto of "Learn by Doing" Science Camp is designed to provide a wealth of fun and to engage campers in learning & science at an early age. Science Camp activities are based on exercises and projects that include team challenges, general arts & crafts, as well as captivating activities in the sciences. Areas that we cover in our camp activities include biology, food science, chemistry, astronomy, forensics, physics and engineering. Campers will build projects, learn teamwork, learn from worksheets & handouts, and discover how science works.

Ages

The Science Camp is designed for children 8-12 years old.

Session Dates and Pricing

The Computer Camps have seven sessions (weeks) available. Camp times are from 9:00am – 4:00pm, with extended care occurring from 7:30-9am and 4:00-5:15pm.

Our camps are tuition-for-service programs based on confirmed enrollments and secured deposits.  As an option to Full Payment, a non-refundable/non-transferable ($100) deposit, per session per child, is payable at the time of registration to hold your child's place in our program . However, FULL PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN THE MONDAY START OF CAMP. Families enrolling in Computer camps are encouraged to advantage of the Early Bronco Discount and register by April 1, 2024. Extended care, daily lunch, an afternoon snack, and a downloadable group photo are included in the price.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 30 days before start date of your session will be refunded in full.  Cancellations made less than 30 days will be refunded only if your space is filled by a wait-listed camper, otherwise no refund on the tuition price can be given.

Refunds are not available for vacations, special events, illnesses of three or fewer days, or other personal commitments that prevent attendance. A refund may be available for extended illness of four or more consecutive program days. A doctor’s note and written note from the parent or guardian explaining the situation must be received within seven days from the first day of absence.

Daily Science Schedule and Program

Facilities

The main Discovery Camp rooms are housed in the Science Building on the Cal Poly Pomona campus. These rooms are wide open to allow for group activities, contain large flat tables for project development, and video projection systems. The camp rooms are decorated each year to reflect the camp theme, chosen by the camp counselors.

Campers may spend time in the Rain Bird BioTrek Education Center. Biotrek is comprised of the indoor rainforest learning center, the ethnobotany garden and the Mesozoic garden. Campers will learn about tropical rainforests, the animals that call the rainforests home, the Mesozoic era that saw dinosaurs roaming the earth and the different ecosystems of California. Biotrek is also home to iguanas, turtles, frogs and our campus cayman.

Also available to Science campers is the Cal Poly Pomona Petting Farm. At the farm, we'll get to spend time with sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits and miniature horses. Campers will learn about the physiology of the animals, care and diet, as well as ask farm employees everything they want to know about the animals at Cal Poly Pomona.

The University Quad, between the College of Science and the Campus Center (lunch area), is a wide open area with green grass and lush trees. The University Quad is the perfect area for light outdoor activities. The large trees offer plenty of shade and campers are always kept well hydrated by the camp counselors.

What To Bring

For your camper to have the best experience at the Science Camp, it is important that s/he receive a good night’s sleep. It is also extremely important that your camper have a hearty meal for breakfast in order to participate in camp activities in a spirited and lively manner. We want your child to gain the most out of their journey into camp activities, science and fun!

We recommend that campers dress in comfortable clothing that takes into account the high temperatures of summer in the Pomona area. Please insure that your camper arrives with the following:

• Tennis shoes for light walking to Center Pointe for lunch
• Refillable Water Bottle

Lunch

Cal Poly Pomona has an amazing, new dining commons! Lunch meals are provided by the  Center Pointe Dining Common, which serves our student population year-round. Whether your camper is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose intolerant or simply wants a healthy, balanced diet, Center Pointe will fulfill her/his needs with many tasty options. Registration forms contain areas to identify special dietary needs.

Extended Care (included in price)

Discovery Camp staff appreciates that families operate on different schedules. We therefore offer an Extended Care program to best serve the daily schedule of families. For families that cannot drop-off their campers just before 9:00am or pick up their campers at 4:00pm, our counselors involve the campers in board games, reading and team activities during Morning Care (7:30–9:00am) and Evening Care (4:00–5:15pm) programs. Counselors are not available for Extended Care before 7:30am. If a camper has not been picked-up by 5:15pm, the Discovery Camp staff charges $1/minute for extended care in order to cover facility and salary costs.

For more information, email the Discovery Camps at  discovery@cpp.edu.