Camping at the at the Science Museum is a memorable event. But before the fun starts, you may have some questions. Does my camper need a chaperone? What do chaperones do? How do we prepare for Camp-Out? Dinosaur or space pajamas? The below FAQs answer all those questions ... except the last one because that's on you!
Curiosity Camp Out costs $55 per person for members and $65 per person for non-members, including chaperones. When purchasing tickets online, you will pay by credit card. If you would like to pay by cash, you can do so at Guest Services. Camps often sell out, so we recommend purchasing your tickets early.
The only way to reserve a space in the event is to pay in full for each camper/chaperone.
Camp-Out activities are designed for campers age 8–14, but anyone older than 7 may attend.
Please ensure any campers who are attending the event are comfortable sleeping away from home.
This particular camp is designed for campers 8 and older. Activities will not be suitable for younger campers. Older siblings are welcome to attend with the understanding that the activities are designed for 8–14 year olds.
No matter their age, the important part is any camper who is attending the event should be comfortable sleeping away from home.
There are no minimum or maximum group sizes. Your group must follow the chaperone guidelines (one chaperone for every four campers) based on the number of campers in your group.
One campsite will be provided for every 6 guests.
Yes, but your camper will need to have an adult chaperone. If your camper is joining another group, you will need to include that information at registration.
We will do our best to keep groups together. If groups are larger than 25 campers, they will be separated to accommodate the space size. If groups want to sleep next to each other, they will need to make those arrangements. The Science Museum can't guarantee campsites.
We cannot guarantee different groups will be in the same activities together unless the reservations are made as one group. Please indicate in the appropriate section of the registration if you have a particular group request and we will try to accommodate as much as we are able to.
You may bring as many as you want. The minimum is one chaperone for every four campers.
Chaperones must stay with and supervise campers during the Camp Out. They should keep track of the camper’s or group’s property and make sure campers are respectful to other groups when it is quiet time/lights out. Chaperones are responsible for helping campers pack up their tent Sunday morning.
As long as all additions are made one week before the first day of the Camp Out and we aren’t at capacity, more campers/chaperones can be added. To reduce confusion, we accept additions only from the group leader.
All campers must have a chaperone who stays with them the entire event. If you are a chaperone and you cannot stay the night, you are welcome to leave the event early but all campers you are chaperoning must also leave with you. You may not exit and return to the Camp Out.
During the event, all campers and chaperones will be sleeping outside behind the Science Museum building in the grassy area beside the Dewey Gottwald Center. It provides plenty of space for participants to spread out. There will be restroom access inside the Science Museum all night. Campers and participants are required to bring their own bedding, tent and sleeping supplies. All campers will sleep outdoors all night unless the weather is unsafe.
Campers should wear comfortable, layered clothing. Please keep in mind there are no facilities for bathing or changing clothes. Because this is an outside event, campers should dress for the weather. All campers will sleep outdoors all night unless the weather is unsafe.
After you register, you will receive a confirmation packet that includes a document to help you get ready for Camp Out. Read through the document carefully and feel free to reach out with any questions. Most importantly, be sure to complete the required forms and bring them with you the night of the event.
Dinner is not provided. An evening snack as well as breakfast are included. Breakfast will be provided from 6:45–7:30 a.m. and will include assorted muffins, yogurt, fruit, juices and coffee. Chaperones must make their own arrangements for campers with special dietary needs.
Camp Out programs are not designed to fulfill badge requirements; however, some activities may qualify. It’s best to speak with your Scout leader after the event.
We encourage campers to stay for the entire event to get the most out of the Camp Out. If a camper needs to arrive late, please note that the doors to the Science Museum lock after normal operating hours and a chaperone from the group should be waiting at the door for the camper and their guardian. If a camper needs to leave early, a chaperone from the group should wait with the camper by the door until their adult arrives. Campers and chaperones may not leave the Science Museum property and return during Camp Out.
Camp Out ends at 9 a.m. and all participants must vacate the Science Museum at this time to allow us to prepare for regular operating hours. If a camper or chaperone would like to return to the Science Museum at 9:30 a.m. when we open, they are welcome to do so and pay regular Science Museum admission prices.
Because Camps are popular and often sell out, if your group or camper must cancel their reservation, we require notice four weeks prior to the first day of the event in order to provide a refund. If you cancel your reservation after that time, we can provide a 50% refund until one week before the event. If you cancel your reservation within one week (seven days) of the event, we cannot provide a refund, but you are welcome to substitute another camper or chaperone within your group if needed.