Greensboro Science Center

2022 Summer Camps

Discover a world of adventure at the GSC Summer Camps for ages 4-12. Build robots, meet an animal up close, explore fun spaces, think like a spy, taste yummy science and get icky and sticky. Our aquarium, museum and zoo are full of seemingly endless opportunities - all on one campus!

Registration is now open!

Registration is required. Full camp fees are due at time of registration. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. You must be a current GSC member at the time of registration to receive the member price. Memberships may be purchased or renewed separately online or by calling 336-288-3769, ext. 1324.

Refunds (minus a $15 processing fee per participant per camp) for cancellations will be issued, provided the GSC is notified at least 14 days in advance. A service charge of $10 per participant per class will be charged for changes.

The GSC reserves the right to cancel a camp due to insufficient enrollment. We will make this determination one week prior to the beginning of the camp. Should this occur, you will receive notification and a full refund. Limited financial assistance may be available. Contact Courtenay Vass at 336-288-3769 ext.1389 for details.

Registration Fees

Session	GSC Member	Non-Member
AM (9am - 1pm)	$160	$200
PM (1pm - 3pm)	$80	$100
DAY (9am - 3pm)	$250	$300
HOL (9am - 3pm)	$200	$250
Extended Day (3pm - 5pm)	$40/week	$40/week

Camp Health Form

Camp Behavior Contract

All camps except PM camps will include a supervised lunch period from 12 - 12:45pm. Click here for details.
Please provide a nut-free snack for your child.

Summer camp registration tips:

Once all the camps load, make sure you filter by age. This is located on the left side of the page.
If using a credit card for payment, please check the box that says "Store this card for future use". This way we can add camps, lunch bunch or extended day without asking for your credit card information. This site is secure and only the credit card type along with the last four digits will be displayed if saved.
Animal Care Camp for ages 10-12 is a popular camp. We recommend registering for this camp first and then checking out. Afterwards you can go back to sign up for other camps. If you have taken this camp in a previous summer, please allow others to sign up this summer.
Registration is first come, first served. Camps traditionally fill quickly. *GSC members are able to register early and receive a discounted fee. Not a GSC member? Join today!

Opportunities for Rising 9th - 12th Graders!

Duke Energy Aquatic Ecosystems Workshop

Rising 9th - 12th graders are invited to join us for a week of field-based study designed specifically for teens!

We invite rising 9-12th grade students interested in a career in ecology, biology, chemistry and conservation to grab your waders and gloves as we explore our world and study the animals and water chemistry that tells us about our ecosystem’s healthiness. Understanding water quality means understanding how water chemistry and biological specimens help us interpret the health of an ecosystem. Using scientific water chemistry techniques and various biological sampling methods including minnow traps, emergence traps, dip nets and leaf litter kits we will study the biological and chemical makeup of our waterways. From sampling sites at the GSC to sites across the Piedmont, we will take the techniques learned and apply them to a variety of habitats. Not only will participants gain knowledge of science and research techniques they can use in their science careers, data collected will contribute to a long-term study of ecosystem health at the GSC.

Pack a bag lunch and water each day along with sunscreen, bug spray and a sun hat. Dress for outdoor work; closed-toed shoes and long pants are a must.

In order to participate in this program, students must submit a completed application. We encourage applicants to apply for need-based scholarships through the Science Center to make it accessible for all. Applications must be turned in by June 10. After this date we cannot guarantee consideration.

June 20 – 24, 2022, 9am - 2pm
The week’s fee is $100; scholarships are available.

Questions? Please email lzarecky@greensboroscience.org.

Science Exploration Summer Camp Descriptions

Science Exploration Camps: Ages 4 - 5

Kitchen Chemistry

Mix and measure your way through experiments that foam, ooze and even explode (a little!). You’ll also be able to eat your work as we see how chemistry is a part of recipes. We’ll send home a science “cookbook” of experiments to repeat in your kitchen.

June 6 - 10; 9am – 1pm
July 11 - 15; 9am – 1pm

Storybook Science

Discover the science behind our favorite stories. Gravity has a lot to do with Humpty Dumpty’s great fall and one of the Three Little Pigs knew that a brick house would withstand all the huffing and puffing. We’ll conduct experiments to test the science behind our favorite stories – and meet a few animals along the way.

June 13 - 17; 9am – 1pm
July 18 - 22; 9am – 1pm

Infinity and Beyond

It’s a space race for our young astronauts. We’ll embark on a mission to study the moon and stars and see the sun in a whole new light as we go solar. Create star viewers, discover the planets in our solar system and visit our OmniSphere Theater for “nighttime” sky viewing.

June 20 - 24; 9am – 1pm
July 25 - 29; 9am – 1pm

Up Close Critters

Set out on a fantastic adventure to uncover the wonders of the animal kingdom. Play animal games, create wild crafts and get up-close to your favorite creatures in the zoo and aquarium and on nature hikes. From feathers to fur, and scales to slime, you’re going to have a WILD time becoming an animal expert.

June 27 – July 1; 9am – 1pm
August 1 - 5; 9am – 1pm

Science Exploration Camps: Ages 6 - 7

Pollinator Parade

What’s all the buzz about pollinators? We’ll learn about bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators while practicing safe ways to observe them. We’ll chat with a bee keeper, taste some local honey and tour the GSC’s new The Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center and Butterfly House.

June 6 - 10; 9am – 3pm
July 11 - 15; 9am – 3pm

Solid, Liquids and Gas, Oh My!

Matter. Does it really matter? Find out as you create elephant toothpaste, make a spoon scream and explode soda. You’ll need a lot of energy for this camp.

June 13 - 17; 9am – 3pm
July 18 - 22; 9am – 3pm

GSC Jr Vet

Calling all future veterinarians! Join us as we observe animals of the GSC from tortoises and jellyfish to meerkats and sharks. Visit with our keepers and veterinarian to learn what it takes to keep our animals healthy and happy. Examine x-rays, dissect owl pellets and make animal enrichment as we discover the world of veterinary science.

June 20 - 24; 9am – 3pm
July 25 - 29; 9am – 3pm

Icky Sticky Science

Let’s get messy as we investigate physical and chemical changes that make things pop and ooze. From making slime to meeting slimy animals, you’ll find that science can be fun and messy!

June 27 - July 1; 9am – 3pm
August 1 - 5; 9am – 3pm

Stars and Stripes

Join us for our holiday camp as we explore different areas of science. We’ll mix things up, make things move and meet a variety of animal guests. From the earth beneath your feet to the stars in the sky, we’ll explore a different area of science each day.

July 5 - 8 (4 days); 9am – 3pm

Science Exploration Camps: Ages 8 - 9

Museum Explorers

From prehistoric days to starry nights, animal adventures to electrifying events, come and sample all areas of science as we explore the Greensboro Science Center. We’ll visit our zoo and aquarium along with our non-living collections area to learn what is takes to be a curator of hundreds of natural objects and specimens. This camp is perfect for young scientists who like to dabble in everything from rocks to reptiles.

June 6 - 10; 9am – 3pm
July 11 - 15; 9am – 3pm

Scales, Feathers and Fur

They slither and slide, croak and crawl, and are lots of fun to learn about. Spend a week with some new friends as you uncover their special talents. Watch a snake feeding, feed a tortoise and learn about animals in your own backyard as you also create some awesome artwork to take home.

June 13 - 17; 9am – 3pm
July 18 - 22; 9am – 3pm

Inside Out

How do the bones and muscles in a human body compare to those in animals? We’ll learn about the skeletal and muscular systems of the human body while exploring these systems in other animal groups. Bone up on your skeleton, trick your nose and surprise your eyes as you discover how your body is an amazing machine.

June 20 - 24-; 9am – 3pm
July 25 - 29; 9am – 3pm

Farm Charm

Spend a week on the farm at the GSC. Make your own butter, build a lasagna garden, learn about pollinators and lend a hand in the barnyard. There are enough “chores” for everyone as we explore life on the farm.

June 27 - July 1; 9am – 3pm
August 1 - 5; 9am – 3pm

High Flyin’ 4th

Celebrate the holiday with science highlights this week. You’ll hang out with animals, compete in the famous egg-drop Olympics, investigate indoors and out, and try your hand at chemistry. We’ll also take in an OmniSphere Theater show and explore nearby Country Park.

July 5 - 8 (4 days); 9am – 3pm

Science Exploration Camps: Ages 10 - 12

Backyard Biologist

Ready to discover the plants and animals that call our backyards home? Each day we will focus on a different branch of study from entomology to herpetology. Campers will conduct field work and visit with native animals from North Carolina. We’ll explore nearby Country Park to look for fish and tadpole and hike some trails in search of salamanders. Grab your sneakers, hat and sunscreen as we explore the great outdoors.

June 6 - 10; 9am - 3 pm
July 11 - 15; 9am - 3pm

Animal Care Camp

Join us for a variety of experiences for the true animal lover as you find out how we care for our animals. We’ll lend a hand in the zoo and aquarium each day, learn about the care of all kinds of animals, and meet animal professionals as they share their experiences with us. Dress for outdoor work; closed-toe shoes and masks are a must. If you have taken this popular camp in a previous summer, please allow others to sign up this summer.

June 13 - 17; 9am – 3pm
July 18 - 22; 9am – 3pm

Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction

Make all manner of mini munitions, from slingshots and catapults to mines and bazookas, with our safe and easy supplies. More MacGyver than mayhem, this camp teaches invention and creative contraptions.

June 20 - 24; 9am - 3 pm
July 25 - 29; 9am - 3pm

Chemical Meltdown

Watch science in action in a chemical reaction. Experiment with properties of matter as you test reactants to uncover how chemical reactions works. Discover the difference between chemical and physical reactions. Get ready to have a messy chemical meltdown.

June 27 - July 1; 9am - 3pm
August 1 - 5; 9am - 3pm

Red, White & Blue

Can’t pick a favorite science topic? This holiday week camp is for you! Be a chemist for a day, have fun with physics, enjoy awesome astronomy and explore nature. We’ll go behind-the-scenes to learn about animal care as we sample and experiment with a variety of science topics.

July 5 - 8 (4 days); 9am – 3pm

Robotics Lab Summer Camp Descriptions

Age 5: Beginner Builders

On the Move

We’re going wild with animals! We’ll travel around the globe (and our zoo) exploring the habitats of animals and find ways to transport them to our zoo and aquarium using simple machines.

June 13 - 17; 1pm - 3pm
June 27 - July 1; 1pm - 3pm
July 18 - 22; 1pm - 3pm

Fun Time Build

Our Beginner Builders will head to the build site and build trucks, cranes, and rock movers using LEGO® DUPLO® bricks to learn about wheels, levers, and pulleys.

June 20 - 24; 1pm - 3pm
July 11 - 15; 1pm - 3pm
July 25 - 29; 1pm - 3pm

Ages 6-7: Rookie Engineers

Amazing Animals

Our easy and fun introduction to robotics is themed around wild animals and the sounds and movements they make. Using LEGO® Education WeDo sets, students will learn how to program using icons, and use motors and sensors to animate the animals they build.

June 6 - 10; 9am - 3pm
June 27 - July 1; 9am - 3pm
July 18 - 22; 9am - 3pm

Engineering Fun

Using the Engineering Design Process, students will work through challenges using a variety of simple machines and best engineering practices. We will also explore computer science through icon-based coding.

June 20 - 24; 9am - 3pm
July 11 - 15; 9am - 3pm
August 1 - 5; 9am - 3pm

Ages 8-9: Intermediate Engineers

Animal Allies

Intermediate Engineers will build and program a fully autonomous robot using LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime to complete missions on a previous FIRST LEGO League (FLL) challenge mat. Campers will learn about FIRST® core values and work on teamwork and cooperation. If your student will be 10 years old by Sept. 1, 2022 this will count as the prerequisite for applying to one of the FIRST Lego League teams at GSC. Taking this camp does not guarantee a spot on a team. See our website for more information about joining a FLL team in the fall. Please choose only one session per child.

June 6 - 10; 9am - 3pm
June 27 - July 1; 9am - 3pm
July 18 - 22; 9am - 3pm

Simple Machines

Our intermediate engineers will look at how we use simple machines to create complicated things! Campers will learn about the engineering design process and use their skills to complete challenges.

June 13 - 17; 9am - 3pm
July 5 - 8 (4 days); 9am - 3pm
July 25 - 29; 9am - 3pm

Ages 10-12: Rookie Robotics

Zoo Challenge

Rookie Robotics will build and program a fully autonomous robot using LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime to complete missions on a previous FIRST LEGO League challenge mat. This camp fulfills the prerequisite for being able to apply to a GSC FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) team in the fall. Taking this camp does not guarantee a spot on a team. See our website for more information about joining a FLL team in the fall. Please choose only one session per child.

June 20 - 24; 9am - 3pm
July 11 - 15; 9am - 3pm
August 1 - 5; 9am - 3pm

Innovation Squad

Campers will have a fun time building and programming some cool LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime models. We will also create games and solutions to everyday problems using a variety of common materials and computer animation.

June 13 - 17; 9am - 3pm
July 5 - 8 (4 day); 9am - 3pm
July 25 - 29; 9am - 3pm

Add-Ons

Lunch Bunch

With the exception of afternoon camps from 1pm - 3pm, all camps (9am - 1pm and 9am - 3pm) will include a supervised lunch period from 12 - 12:45pm. Please be sure to send a drink and nut-free lunch that does not need to be refrigerated each day. Make sure your child’s lunch container is labeled with their name.

Extended Day

Extended Day sessions are a relaxing way to end a day of exciting science adventure. We’ll have a supervised room and provide museum/zoo explorations, games, books, and our favorite science movies during this unstructured period. Extended Days are offered as a service to meet your family’s busy schedules. Pick up your child any time before 5pm. Register for Extended Day as an option with all-day or afternoon camps.

FAQs

What if I want to move my child up an age group?

Our policy does not allow children to move up an age group. This has to do with maturity and social abilities. Please register according to your child’s age by the start of camp.

What if I have to cancel or switch camps?

Due to our online registration system, Active Network, there are costs involved in which we cannot offer a full refund. Refunds for cancellations will be made, provided the GSC is notified at least 14 days in advance. A processing fee of $15, per participant per camp will be charged for cancellations and $10, per participant per camp will be charged for changes.

What happens if there is insufficient enrollment in a camp?

We reserve the right to cancel a camp due to low enrollment. We will make this determination one week prior to the beginning of camp. Should this occur, you will receive notification and a full refund.

Are scholarship available?

Limited financial assistance may be available. Contact Courtenay Vass at cvass@greensboroscience.org for details.

Can I register more than one child at a time?

Camp participants are registered for camp individually. Additional camp participants can register before finalization of payment is made on the Review cart & check out page. **Note: Completing the entire registration process, including payment, will set up your Active Network account. If you decide to add additional camp participants, some of the information will be populated into your new registration form.

When will my payment be due and what forms of payment do you accept?

Payment in full is required to complete the registration process. Online registration will accept MasterCard and VISA. Please do not drop off checks or cash at the GSC.

Is there a waiting list for full camps? How do I add my child’s name to the waiting list?

Yes! We have waiting lists for all of our camps that are full. There is no cost to be added to the waiting list, and you can add your child’s name to as many waiting lists as you are interested in.

You will need to register online for a wait list: Submit the online registration information even if the camp is full. A payment will not be requested. When a spot becomes available in a camp, families will be contacted in sequential order from the wait list. The open camp spot will be held for 24 hours. The spot may be accepted or turned down. Once an open spot has been accepted, the payment will be due to finalize registration for the camp.

When will I receive confirmation?

Your confirmation will be emailed to you upon submitting the online registration. The confirmation email, along with additional camp information, will be sent to the email address under which you set up your Active Network account.

What is the teacher to camper ratio?

There are up to 12 campers per general science camp and 8 campers per Robotics camp. Camps have one Teacher, one Teacher Assistant and one volunteer.

Who are the camp teachers?

Our teachers are energetic, responsible and dependable with an enthusiasm for science and children. Teachers are college graduates or are currently enrolled in college. Many have either formal or informal teaching backgrounds. All teachers, assistants and volunteers are required to pass a criminal background check and attend training prior to working with campers.

Will I receive any additional information after completing registration?

Yes. Additional information about the summer camp, arrival, departure, and forms that may require your signature will be emailed to you the week before your camp. Forms will be emailed to the email address you used to set up your Active Network account.

What are the lunch options?

New this summer, with the exception of afternoon camps from 1pm - 3pm, all camps (9am - 1pm and 9am - 3pm) will include a supervised lunch period from 12 - 12:45pm. Please be sure to send a drink and nut-free lunch that does not need to be refrigerated each day. Make sure your child’s lunch container is labeled with their name. Cold beverages are available from the lunchroom vending machines but we encourage reusable bottles. Lunch Bunch is supervised by GSC staff. Children in morning camps will be readied for pickup at the car line afterwards.

Is there a snack break during camp?

Camps that last three hours or longer have a snack time. Please provide a nut-free snack and a reusable bottle of water for your child.

Why are the GSC camps nut-free?

In response to the growing number of severe nut allergies, and for the safety of all children who attend our camps, the GSC adopted this policy. Please read all ingredients carefully when providing lunch and snacks for camp; this includes foods that have peanuts, peanut flour, peanut oil, almonds, filberts, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nut, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. Thank you for your consideration and support in keeping children with food allergies safe.

Is there an afternoon extended day option?

Extended Day is from 3 - 5pm. Extended Day sessions are a relaxing way to end a day of exciting science adventure. We’ll have a supervised room and provide museum/zoo explorations, games, crafts, books, and our favorite science movies during this unstructured period. Extended Days are offered as a service to meet your family’s busy schedule. Pick up your child any time before 5:00 pm. Register for Extended Day as an option with all day and afternoon camps. Extended Day is not offered the first of camp. Extended Day is $40/week.

What is your toilet training policy?

Children registered for GSC summer camps must be toilet trained and able to use the toilet independently. The GSC will not diaper children. All campers are escorted to restrooms by camp staff.

What is the GSC’s Tax ID number?

Tax ID # 56-0885727

Week	Session	Ages 4 - 5	Ages 6 - 7	Ages 8 - 9	Ages 10 - 12
June 6 - 10	AM	EC1: Kitchen Chemistry
	DAY		A1: Pollinator Parade	B1: Museum Explorers	C1: Backyard Biologist
June 13 - 17	AM	EC2: Storybook Science
	DAY		A2: Solid, Liquids and Gas, Oh My!	B2: Scales, Feathers and Fur	C2: Animal Care Camp
June 20 - 24	AM	EC3: Infinity and Beyond
	DAY		A3: GSC Jr Vet	B3: Inside Out	C3: Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction
June 27 - July 1	AM	EC4: Up Close Critters
	DAY		A4: Icky Sticky Science	B4: Farm Charm	C4: Chemical Meltdown
July 5 - 8	HOL		A5: Stars and Stripes	B5: High Flyin’ 4th	C5: Red, White & Blue
July 11 - 15	AM	EC6: Kitchen Chemistry
	DAY		A6: Pollinator Parade	B6: Museum Explorers	C6: Backyard Biologist
July 18 - 22	AM	EC7: Storybook Science
	DAY		A7: Solid, Liquids and Gas, Oh My!	B7: Scales, Feathers and Fur	C7: Animal Care Camp
July 25 - 29	AM	EC8: Infinity and Beyond
	DAY		A8: GSC Jr Vet	B8: Inside Out	C8: Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction
August 1 - 5	AM	EC9: Up Close Critters
	DAY		A9: Icky Sticky Science	B9: Farm Charm	C9: Chemical Meltdown

Week	Session	Age 5	Ages 6 - 7	Ages 8 - 9	Ages 10 - 12
June 6 - 10	DAY		RE1: Amazing Animals	IE1: Animal Allies
June 13 - 17	PM	BB2: On the Move
	DAY			IE2: Simple Machines	RR2: Innovation Squad
June 20 - 24	PM	BB3: Fun Time Build
	DAY		RE3: Engineering Fun		RR3: Zoo Challenge
June 27 - July 1	PM	BB4: On the Move
	DAY		RE4: Amazing Animals	IE4: Animal Allies
July 5 - 8	HOL			IE5: Simple Machines	RR5: Innovation Squad
July 11 - 15	PM	BB6: Fun Time Build
	DAY		RE6: Engineering Fun		RR6: Zoo Challenge
July 18 - 22	PM	BB7: On the Move
	DAY		RE7: Amazing Animals	IE7: Animal Allies
July 25 - 29	PM	BB8: Fun Time Build
	DAY			IE8: Simple Machines	RR8: Innovation Squad
August 1 - 5	DAY		RE9: Engineering Fun		RR9: Zoo Challenge

2022 Summer Camps

Registration Fees

Opportunities for Rising 9th - 12th Graders!

Duke Energy Aquatic Ecosystems Workshop

Science Exploration Summer Camps at a Glance

Robotics Lab Summer Camps at a Glance

Science Exploration Summer Camp Descriptions

Science Exploration Camps: Ages 4 - 5

Kitchen Chemistry

Storybook Science

Infinity and Beyond

Up Close Critters

Science Exploration Camps: Ages 6 - 7

Pollinator Parade

Solid, Liquids and Gas, Oh My!

GSC Jr Vet

Icky Sticky Science

Stars and Stripes

Science Exploration Camps: Ages 8 - 9

Museum Explorers

Scales, Feathers and Fur

Inside Out

Farm Charm

High Flyin’ 4th

Science Exploration Camps: Ages 10 - 12

Backyard Biologist

Animal Care Camp

Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction

Chemical Meltdown

Red, White & Blue

Robotics Lab Summer Camp Descriptions

Age 5: Beginner Builders

On the Move

Fun Time Build

Ages 6-7: Rookie Engineers

Amazing Animals

Engineering Fun

Ages 8-9: Intermediate Engineers

Animal Allies

Simple Machines

Ages 10-12: Rookie Robotics

Zoo Challenge

Innovation Squad

Add-Ons

Lunch Bunch

Extended Day

Contact Us

FAQs