Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Online Science Discovery Camps

General Q&A

Q: What does the online program look like? How is it different from in-person programs?

A: Our online programs bring many of the key elements of in-person instruction to the virtual learning world: staff engagement, attention, a low staff-to-camper ratio, serious science, hands-on fun, and engagement with other participants. 

Q: Who are the online instructors?

A: The online instructors are museum educators from The Lawrence, assisted by seasonal hires. We maintain a low staff ratio of 1:6, which facilitates ample engagement with participants. 

Q: My child’s needs are unique. How do I communicate that with the staff in advance?

A: If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Joanna, Director of Camp and Youth Programs, at lhscamps@berkeley.edu.

Materials Q&A

Q: The program starts next week. What should I do if I still have not received the material box from The Lawrence?

A: Our shipping timeline ensures that the materials box should arrive by 1 week (7 days) before your program. If you have not received materials by the end of the day one week before your program, please contact us, and we will work with you to remedy the situation.

Q: How will I know if all the materials have arrived?

A: When you open the materials box, please review its enclosed packing list to make sure that all the contents are present. If something is missing or arrives broken, please let us know by the Monday before your program, and we will work with you to remedy the situation. 

Q: How do I go about collecting the items that are not shipped in the materials box from The Lawrence?

A: Please refer to the corresponding program description, as each program is different.

Q: Will my child need help handling the materials?

A: While all programs are designed to be age-appropriate, some programs may require limited help from an adult to check the packing list and to help set up materials. Please note that children younger than the age range of the program should never handle program materials. Parents are required to be onsite while children are participating in the program. If you still have questions regarding program materials, please email lhscamps@berkeley.edu. 

Registration Q&A

Q: How do I register for this program?

A:

1. To register for Online Camps and Classes, go to our Registration page.
   • If you purchased our Online Summer Discovery Camps or After School Science Online classes in 2020, you already have an account. Use the email associated with your account and the password you created.
   • If you are a Member and this is the first time you have logged into our new system, use the email address associated with your membership and click on “Reset Password.” If you don’t remember the email address you gave us when you joined, please email lhsreg@berkeley.edu and we will let you know the email address associated with your account. Please do not create a new account!
   • If you are not a Member and have not purchased anything from us in the past 12 months, please create a new account.
   • If you would like to purchase a membership, please go here.
2. During the registration process we will ask for the email address that you will use to log in to a REGISTERED ZOOM ACCOUNT, which is required in order for your child to participate in our classes. We will use this same email address for communicating with you about Online Camps and Classes. This must be the email address of a parent/guardian/adult, and not of the participant (child). We will not communicate with minors directly. Note: UC Berkeley now requires all participants in a program to sign in to a Zoom account. You may use your existing Zoom account, or you can set up a free account here.
3. During the registration process, we will ask for an address to be used for shipping the class materials. It does not need to be the same as the address on your account. Please make sure the address you provide is where you want the materials shipped.
4. If you have any questions related to program registration, please email: lhsreg@berkeley.edu.

Q: Can I cancel or transfer a program I am already registered for?

A:

1. All programs are nonrefundable 3 weeks before the start of camp. If you cancel before that time, you will receive a full refund. 
2. You may transfer to another session (if space is available) if we receive your request in writing 3 weeks before your camp start date. 
3. If you are unable to attend the program after the cancellation deadline, the materials are yours to keep, but unfortunately there will be no refund.

Q: Can more than one participant sit at the computer?

A: Each participant must be registered, paid for, and signed off with waivers even if at a single site. We welcome multiple participants per household, and each registrant will receive their own materials kit.

Q: I am a Member of The Lawrence, so why am I not seeing the Member’s price?

A: If you have a current membership, please be sure to log in using the email address associated with your membership. If you are not sure which email address is affiliated with your membership, or if your membership is current and you are logged in and still not seeing the Member price, please email us at lhsreg@berkeley.edu.

To purchase or renew a membership, please visit our Membership page. 

Q: What if I have other questions related to registering for programs that are not addressed here?

A: If you still have any other questions related to registration, please email: lhsreg@berkeley.edu

Zoom Q&A

Q: What is Zoom and how does it work?

A: For those unfamiliar with Zoom, the following link may be helpful:

https://zoom.us/docs/en-us/covid19.html

Please remember to use the email address you provided during registration to log onto Zoom. Our programs also require the use of a password for extra security. If you have any other issues, please send us an email (lhscamps@berkeley.edu) and we will be happy to help.

Q: I have not received any of my Zoom link information for programs.

A: Make sure you are checking the same email account you used to register. Also check your spam folder. If you still can’t find the information, send us an email at lhsreg@berkeley.edu and we will send another email with the Zoom link information.

Q: Do I use the same link that I used for the “meet & greet” sent to us ahead of the start date? Also, can I get the correct Zoom link for today?

A: There will be only one link for the entire program. Please email lhsreg@berkeley.edu if you are having trouble with the link, including program details: name of child, program day, hour, and title.