The Lawrence Hall of Science
The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.
Wednesday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Closed December 24 & 25
We’ll bring our science programs to you.
We partner with school districts to support science learning. We offer district-wide elementary, middle, and high school programs, either virtually or in-person.
We collaborate with a range of partners to innovate in science education. Together, we go further.
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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 or camps by session in the sections below to learn more and register. For financial aid, please fill out our financial aid application. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Camps By Grade
Camps By Session
Important Dates
Financial Aid
A Day in the Life of Camp
FAQ
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. Offered Sessions 1, 3, 5
Offered Sessions 1, 3, 5
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.Offered Sessions 2, 4
Offered Sessions 2, 4
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.Offered Sessions 1, 3, 5
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.Offered Sessions 2, 4
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?Offered Sessions 1, 3, 5
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.Offered Sessions 2, 4
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.”Offered Sessions 1, 3, 5
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.Offered Sessions 2, 4
The Teen Internship Program is a great opportunity for teens in high school who have a passion for science and enjoy working with youth.
Teen Internship Program
Explore a career in science and conduct research at UC Berkeley in our Teen Research Programs.
Teen Research Programs
Are you interested in environmental science and have a passion for addressing climate change?
Climate Ambassadors
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 has to offer. Sessions run June 5 through August 11, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., except for national holidays. Please note there is no camp on Juneteenth (Monday, June 19) and Independence Day (Tuesday, July 4).
Financial aid applications and camp registration open now!
Registration is open to Members
Begin notification of financial aid awardees
Last day of Member-only registration
Registration is open to the general public
Financial aid applications close at 11:59 p.m.
Last day to cancel to receive a refund
Camps begin
Camps end
The Lawrence provides camp access to youth of all backgrounds. Our financial assistance program centers on equity—removing barriers, enhancing opportunity, and broadening participation in science. If your camper needs financial aid to participate, please submit a Financial Aid Application here. We will email our decision and provide registration instructions. Awardees are notified on an ongoing basis. The last chance to submit a Financial Aid application is January 29, 2023.
The Financial Aid application has closed. Awardees will be notified beginning January 6th.
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 as a prime learning place for your child. Here are a few ways that our camps are a cut above the rest:
For participants entering grades 1–6, unfortunately, 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.
We use CampDoc, an electronic health record system, to securely collect information about participants. 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. If you would like to discuss your child’s needs before camp, we would be happy to set up a conversation to discuss how we can best support them during their time at camp.
Most grade bands have only one group per session. This means that if your child and their friend are in the same grade band (to see the groupings of grades, please see the camps registration page), they will automatically stay in the same group for the duration of the two-week session.
We may open another section for the grade band based on registration demands. If you would like to make sure your camper is in with their friends, email the Registration Team 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.
Drop off is between 8:55 and 9:10 AM on the plaza. An adult must be present to check in your camper. Please follow the signs to check in with the appropriate group.
Pick Up is between 3:50 and 4:00 PM in the classrooms. Please follow the signs and directions given by staff to find the correct classroom, and form a line where instructed to do so. A parent and/or legal guardian must be present and must show valid ID to sign out.
Please note: Only adults on your camper’s authorized pickup list will be permitted to sign your camper out. To add adults to this list, please email the registration department at lhsreg@berkeley.edu.
After signing out your child, you may stay in the museum and explore our exhibits!
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 you can provide (such as your child’s full name, what grade they are in, who will be picking up your child, and what day/time they will be picked up). You may also call The Lawrence at (510) 642-5134 and leave a message (staff check phone messages beginning at 10:00 a.m.). In addition, you may confirm an early pickup the day of 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 with the name and phone number of the person who will pick up your child. If you know what day(s) this adult will pick up your camper, please include this in the email.
Unfortunately no, we are not offering Extended Day. There is no drop-off before 8:55 a.m. and no pickup after 4:00 p.m.
No, this year, we are focusing on the entering grade 1–6 bands. We will not be able to 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
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.
Yes. The Teen Internship Program is a great paid summer opportunity for high schoolers who have a passion for science and enjoy working with youth. Also, the Teen Research Programs offer a captivating opportunity to do science with real UC Berkeley experts and get a fascinating glimpse into a career as a scientist.
Beginning in 2016, the State of California has required that up-to-date immunization and tetanus records be submitted to The Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley for each registered camper attending in-person camps. Proof of immunization is not required for online camps.
For in-person camps, the proof of up-to-date immunization and tetanus documentation, as well as a completed health form in English, are required and must be submitted for each registered child, at least 3 weeks before the child’s first day of camp. Failure to provide proof of immunization will result in cancellation of camp enrollment, and no refund will be given.
To make this process quick and easy, we’ve enlisted the help of CampDoc.com— the leading electronic health and record system for camps. After you register for camp, you will receive an email from CampDoc.com with instructions on how to complete your child’s medical information. For the immunization record, a physician’s or a school’s immunization record is acceptable. Please add register@campdoc.com as a “safe sender,” to avoid accidental delivery to junk and spam folders.
The Lawrence Summer Camps will not be requiring proof of Covid Vaccinations to attend camp this year.
Due to rising costs, we, unfortunately, had to eliminate discounts to Members. Instead, Members now receive priority registration for the camps and dates they want 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 to our Membership page. 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 questions related to registration, 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 all our programs’ costs as educational not child care.
The educational programs fall into the category “Educational, learning or study skills services” 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.
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.
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.
Become a Lawrence Hall of Science member to receive priority registration for camps! Registration for members begins December 13!
Membership
“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.”
Parent of Camper
“High-level and FUN STEM programming. Relatable staff and educators.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Kind and welcoming instructors who truly love what they are doing. A quality educational program. Convenient timings. What’s not to love?”
You can give the gift of science camp this summer! Your donation—of any amount—will help fund a camper in our community whose family cannot afford camp.
Donate Now
As part of their benefits, members can register before the general public does. Registration for members begins December 13!
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.
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