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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

Every day starts with a welcome and warm-up. Once campers have arrived, they head into designated program spaces for opening circles, our way of checking in and framing the day. Then, campers dive into activities like scientific explorations, investigations, and/or engineering and creating. Activities vary based on programming for the specific day. Days may include exploring the Outdoor Nature Lab, investigating Forces that Shape the Bay, or visiting other exhibits at The Lawrence.

Lunch and snack breaks are outdoors in the Outdoor Nature Lab. The lunch period begins with a designated time for eating, followed by cleanup and free time. Campers can choose between playing and using sports equipment on the grass, borrowing materials to explore the walking trails and plants, and playing board games at the picnic tables. Upon returning from lunch, campers all enjoy some downtime for socialization, board games, and other crafts and puzzles in the program space before jumping back into content.

Afternoon programming will continue scientific activities and include time in other exhibits like the 3D Theater, Outdoor Nature Lab, Animal Discovery Zone, Planetarium, or Forces that Shape the Bay. Every day concludes with a closing circle addressing content and social-emotional reflections, checking out, and building excitement for the next day.

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.

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

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. Camp drop-offs are on the Lawrence plaza and pick-ups are in the camp classrooms.

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 lhscamps@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.

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.

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.

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

New! Daily Lunch Option
Add a fresh lunch from ammatka Café to your child’s camp day! Lunch will be delivered right to their camp session and includes an entrée, fruit, a nut-free treat, and a drink. You’ll be able to share any dietary restrictions before camp begins. Please note: lunch purchases are non-refundable.

All campers should also bring two snacks and a water bottle each day. If you’re not purchasing the lunch option, please pack a well-balanced, nut-free lunch for your child to help keep all campers safe.

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. 

• All programs are refundable before April 1, 2026, 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.