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:

• We offer high levels of individual attention and staff support for learners by keeping the staff-camper ratio low and limiting the spots in each grade band to no more than 22.
• 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.

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.

• All programs are refundable before April 30th, 2023, at midnight. If you cancel before that time in writing, you will receive a full refund. After that, there will be no refund for canceling a program.
• You may transfer to another session (providing that space is available) if we receive your request in writing four weeks before your camp start date. Camps are not transferable to another child. 

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 Summer Camps will not be requiring proof of Covid Vaccinations to attend camp this year.

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