For Students Entering Grades 1–6

Summer Camps
at The Lawrence
Summer 2025

Welcome. We are excited to have you join us this summer for science camps in-person at The Lawrence!

We have prepared a fantastic lineup of camp offerings! See camps by grade in the sections below to learn more and register. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

A student and an adult are holding up a model bridge that they have built.

Registration now open for Members. Sales to the general public will open January 2nd.

Summer Camps
2025

Entering Grade 1

A child displays the toy that he has built during Summer Camp

Toy Builders

What makes a toy fun to play with? In this camp, young scientists will investigate what makes toys and simple machines do what they do.

Sessions Offered:
Session 1: June 2–13, 2025
Session 3: June 30-July 11, 2025
Session 5: August 4–August 15, 2025

Two students wear the astronaut helmets they have created during Summer Camp

Moon Explorers

What does it take to land a human on the moon? What supplies do they need once they get there? In this out-of-this-world camp, participants will design, plan, and execute a mock exploration mission to the Moon.

Sessions Offered:
Session 2: June 16–27, 2025
(Holiday Exclusion June 19)
Session 4: July 21–August 1, 2025

Entering Grade 2

Two campers and a camp leader are holding up model planets as they make a model of the solar system.

Journey to Jupiter

What if you looked up at the night sky and saw four moons instead of just one? That’s what you would see from the surface of Jupiter! In this camp, your young astronomer will design a spacecraft that can launch through Earth’s atmosphere and land on and explore one of Jupiter’s moons.

Sessions Offered:
Session 1: June 2–13, 2025
Session 3: June 30-July 11, 2025 (Holiday Exclusion July 4)
Session 5: August 4–August 15, 2025

A child works on constructing a project during the Arcade Makers Summer Camp

Arcade Makers

Are you ready to “level up” and set a high score? In this camp, participants will design and build classic, hand-powered, arcade games such as pinball and skee ball.

Sessions Offered:
Session 2: June 16–27, 2025
(Holiday Exclusion June 19)
Session 4: July 21–August 1, 2025

Entering Grades
3 & 4

Four students work together on a project during Summer Camp

Creative Contraptions

Rather than simply turning a page with your finger, wouldn’t it be way more fun to knock over a line of dominoes, which causes a ball to roll… that turns on a hair dryer… that blows a hammer… that taps a board… that triggers a catapult… that launches a ball… that hits a piece of rubber hanging over the page… that turns the page?

Sessions Offered:
Session 1: June 2–13, 2025
Session 3: June 30-July 11, 2025 (Holiday Exclusion July 4)
Session 5: August 4–August 15, 2025

A camper is creating an asteroid during the Asteroid Adventure Summer Camp.

Asteroid Adventures

Asteroid science has never been more exciting! In this camp, your young astronomer will journey through our Solar System, exploring the asteroid belt and investigating specific asteroids.

Sessions Offered:
Session 2: June 16–27, 2025
(Holiday Exclusion June 19)
Session 4: July 21–August 1, 2025

Entering Grades
5 & 6

A student conducts a science experiment during Summer Camp

Surviving on Mars

What supplies would you bring with you on a trip to Mars, our most habitable neighboring planet? In this camp, young explorers will “blast off” into cutting-edge science and plan for the first human trip to “the red planet.”

Sessions Offered:
Session 1: June 2–13, 2025
Session 3: June 30-July 11, 2025 (Holiday Exclusion July 4)
Session 5: August 4–August 15, 2025

A camper is writing down observations about a turtle that he is observing.

Animal Scientists

Have you ever wondered why squirrels hide their food rather than eating what they find right away? In this camp, your young biologist will explore the process and power of creative scientific investigation.

Sessions Offered:
Session 2: June 16–27, 2025
(Holiday Exclusion June 19)
Session 4: July 21–August 1, 2025

Camp Info

Registration for Members begins December 17! As part of their benefits, Members can register before the general public.

Read More

At The Lawrence, we are committed to quality programming. We know you have many choices, and we appreciate and value that you consider The Lawrence a prime learning place for your child. Here are a few ways our camps are a cut above the rest:

  • We offer high levels of individual attention and have small class sizes. The staff-camper ratio is low with 22 or fewer spots in each camp.
  • We engage learners by making all of our content hands-on and project-based and start with an inquiry-based approach. 
  • We inspire interest in STEM fields by offering access to various science disciplines and science center exhibits, such as the brand new Planetarium, Outdoor Nature Lab, live animal explorations, a 3D Theater, and much more.

Summer camp programs are organized into two-week sessions for campers to explore content more deeply, build a better sense of community among their peers, and thoroughly enjoy all the science center offers. Sessions run June 2 through August 15, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., except for national holidays. Please note there is no camp on Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19) and Independence Day (Friday, July 4).

Please note: UC Berkeley and The Lawrence Hall of Science are subject to the restrictions and/or guidance of public health authorities and the University’s policies and practices regarding COVID-19. Our first priority will be the health of the communities we serve. Although the camps are planned at this time, COVID health guidelines could affect our summer programs, up to and including cancellation.

Session 1: June 2–13, 2025

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthPrice
1Toy Builders2 weeks$1450.00
2Journey to Jupiter2 weeks$1450.00
3 & 4Creative Contraptions2 weeks$1450.00
5 & 6Surviving on Mars2 weeks$1450.00

Session 2: June 16–27, 2025 (Holiday Exclusion June 19)

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthPrice
1Moon Explorers2 weeks$1450.00
2Arcade Makers2 weeks$1450.00
3 & 4Asteroid Adventures2 weeks$1450.00
5 & 6Animal Scientists2 weeks$1450.00

Session 3: June 30-July 11, 2025 (Holiday Exclusion July 4)

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthPrice
1Toy Builders2 weeks$1450.00
2Journey to Jupiter2 weeks$1450.00
3 & 4Creative Contraptions2 weeks$1450.00
5 & 6Surviving on Mars2 weeks$1450.00

Session 4: July 21–August 1, 2025

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthPrice
1Moon Explorers2 weeks$1450.00
2Arcade Makers2 weeks$1450.00
3 & 4Asteroid Adventures2 weeks$1450.00
5 & 6Animal Scientists2 weeks$1450.00

Session 5: August 4–August 15, 2025

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthPrice
1Toy Builders2 weeks$1450.00
2Journey to Jupiter2 weeks$1450.00
3 & 4Creative Contraptions2 weeks$1450.00
5 & 6Surviving on Mars2 weeks$1450.00

Important Dates

December 17, 2024

Financial aid applications are open to Non-Members and Members

December 17, 2024

Registration is open to Members

January 5, 2025

Last day of Member-only registration

January 6, 2025

Registration is open to the public

April 1, 2025

Last day to cancel for a refund

June 2, 2025

Camps Begin

June 2–13, 2025

Session 1

June 16–27, 2025

Session 2

June 30-July 11, 2025

Session 3

July 14–18, 2025

Summer Camp Hiatus

July 21–August 1, 2025

Session 4

August 4–August 15, 2025

Session 5

August 15, 2025

Camps End

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

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

We use CampDoc, an electronic health record system, to securely collect participant information. CampDoc is designed to protect your child’s privacy while alerting us to details such as allergies, medical needs, and other matters that might affect your child’s participation in activities. The information you provide will help us to support your children safely. We also appreciate further information, which can be sent to lhscamps@berkeley.edu.

Where can I sign up for the waitlist?

There is no waitlist this year. Rather, you can opt-in to be alerted when seats are available for a specific grade band by filling out this form. Everyone who opts in will be alerted via email and can register for open seats on a first-come first-served basis.

Can I register my child for just one week of in-person camp?

Unfortunately, for participants entering grades 1–6, that’s not possible. We have determined that the two-week cycle provides an optimal opportunity for community-building among participants, as well as for effective science learning and inspiration.

Can I register my child up for a different grade band?

For multiple reasons, we do not recommend that participants register for programs designed for grade levels other than their own.

Can my child and their friend be in the same group for the session?

If your camper is in either Entering 1 or 3/4, you may request a friend group via a form that will be accessible in both the confirmation email and welcome email. Please fill out this form as soon as possible. 

There will only be one group for Entering 2 and Entering 5/6, so if your child and their friends are in either of these grade bands, they will automatically be in the same group for the two-week session. 

If you have additional questions, please feel free to email the Registration Department at lhsreg@berkeley.edu

What is a day of camp like for my child?

Will The Lawrence be open to the public during camp time?

The Lawrence Hall of Science is open to the general public, and hours are subject to change. Please be advised that parents and guardians are not permitted to be inside the building while the science center is closed.

Are the counselors trained in First Aid?

Yes, our adult Summer Camp staff are First Aid (EpiPen included) trained and CPR certified.

When and where do I drop off and pick up my child?

Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may drop off your child as early as 8:55 a.m. and must pick them up at 4:00 p.m. each day. The drop-off location will be identified in a welcome email the week before camp starts.

Can I drop off my child late/ pick my child up early? (For medical appointments, etc.)

Yes, you can pick up your child before 4:00 p.m. or drop them off after 9:00 a.m. if needed. To properly notify staff, please email lhsreg@berkeley.edu with as much information as possible (such as your child’s full name, what grade they are in, who will pick up your child, and what day/time they will be picked up). In addition, you may confirm an early pickup the same day with the staff member who checks in your child in the morning.

Because we have no aftercare available, we ask that you are at The Lawrence and ready to sign out your camper at 4:00 p.m. Consistent late pick-ups may result in your camper being excused from the program.

Can someone else pick my child up from camp?

Yes. If the adult picking up your child is not someone previously listed as an approved pickup person, please email lhsreg@berkeley.edu to receive the appropriate form.

Can I sign my child up for Extended Day?

Unfortunately no, we are not offering Extended Day Care. There is no drop-off before 8:55 a.m. and no pickup after 4:00 p.m.

Are there any kindergarten camps?

No, we are focusing on the entering grade 1–6 bands this year. We cannot accommodate children below these grade bands in camp.

Is there an orientation for camp?

Before starting camp, you will receive an email including a pre-recorded orientation video. This video will cover important information regarding the requirements and details of attending camp. If you have any questions that are not answered in the video or here on the FAQ page, please send an email to lhsreg@berkeley.edu

Is food provided?

No, we do not provide any food. You must provide two snacks and a lunch for your child every day. For the safety of others, we ask that you not include any foods containing nuts or peanuts.

Why is there a week of no camp in the middle of summer?

This year, we implemented a mid-summer hiatus to give our wonderful staff a much-deserved break. The break will allow us to prioritize our staff’s well-being and increase the quality and consistency of our programming. 

Registration Q&A

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

  • All programs are refundable before April 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm. If you cancel before that time in writing by sending an email to lhsreg@berkeley.edu, you will receive a full refund. After that, there will be no refund for canceling a program.
  • You may transfer the same child to another session of equal value up to one month before the start of either the session you are transferring out of or the session you are transferring into, whichever is the earliest date. Purchases are not transferable to another person. Reference the purchase confirmation email message you will receive after your purchase for more details.

I am a Member of The Lawrence, so why am I not seeing the Members price?

Due to rising costs, we eliminated discounts for Members. Instead, Members now receive priority registration for the camps and dates ahead of general public registration. If you have questions regarding Membership, please email us at thelawrencemembers@berkeley.edu. To purchase or renew a Membership, please go here. Thank you for your support.

Do I get a discount for multiple children or multiple sessions?

No, we do not offer discounts for multiple children or multiple sessions.

Why does the 9-day camp during holiday weeks have the same price as the 10-day session?

We plan to provide the same activities and use identical materials in the 10-day and 9-day camps. So there is no significant difference in costs.

What if I still have a question? 

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

What if the camp I signed up for is under-enrolled?

If a program does not reach its minimum enrollment, you will be notified at least five days before the starting date, and your tuition will be fully refunded.

Are The Lawrence camps considered child care and reimbursable through my FSA account?

The University has identified our programs’ costs as educational, not child care. 

The educational programs fall into the “Educational, learning or study skills services” category and are not considered reimbursable expenses. Any decision to submit the camp costs for child-dependent care should be made in consultation with your accountant or employer.

What information should I know regarding COVID-19 policies?

Our team continues to track COVID-19 developments and adjust our program accordingly. We will post updates regarding COVID-19 restrictions as conditions change.

The Lawrence will not be issuing refunds for COVID-related absences.

Camps at The Lawrence

“The staff at LHS camp are amazing…They listened for feedback and shared little stories about the kids’ days. Couldn’t be happier with such a magnificent team.”

Sunstones at The Lawrence

Parent of Camper

“High-level and FUN STEM programming. Relatable staff and educators.”

Children playing on the DNA sculpture at the Lawrence

Parent of Camper

“My son loved it. He was sad when it ended. Every day he came home happy and excited to talk about the day’s activities.”

Two children and a staff member are working together during a science activity.

Parent of Camper

“I knew she had an excellent day every day when she came home bubbling with facts that she learned that day and stories about what happened at LHS. Thanks for creating such an amazing environment for learning. I wished all students would be able to experience some of what she did during her time at LHS.”

The Lawrence Hall of Science

Parent of Camper

“Kind and welcoming instructors who truly love what they are doing. A quality educational program. Convenient timings. What’s not to love?”

Children playing on Pheena the Whale

Parent of Camper

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