What are the dates and rates for AstroCamp Idyllwild summer sessions. How can families save on tuition through referrals and multi-session rewards. What payment plans are available for camp registration. What is the cancellation policy for AstroCamp sessions.
AstroCamp Idyllwild: Summer 2024 Sessions and Tuition
AstroCamp in Idyllwild, California offers an exhilarating mountain adventure science summer camp experience for youth. For Summer 2024, the camp provides various session options catering to different age groups and interests:
One-Week Sessions (Ages 8-13)
- Session #1: June 15 – June 21
- Session #2: June 22 – June 28
- Regular Tuition: $2,400
- Early Bird Tuition (ending 1/31/2024): $2,275
Two-Week Sessions (Ages 12-17)
- Session #1: June 30 – July 12
- Session #2: July 14 – July 26
- Regular Tuition: $3,850
- Early Bird Tuition (ending 1/31/2024): $3,700
Geek Week – AstroCamp Specialty Camp (Ages 10-17)
- Session #1: July 28 – August 3
- Session #2: August 4 – August 10
- Regular Tuition: $2,400
- Early Bird Tuition (ending 1/31/2024): $2,275
To secure a spot at AstroCamp, a $300 non-refundable deposit is required for each camper. This deposit is crucial in the enrollment process and should be considered when planning for the summer adventure.
Exclusive Savings Opportunities for AstroCamp Families
AstroCamp offers several ways for families to save on tuition, making the extraordinary summer experience more accessible:
Refer a Friend Program
Does your child have a friend who would enjoy AstroCamp. By referring them, you can earn $100 towards your child’s tuition, while the referred child receives $50 off their tuition. This program not only helps reduce costs but also allows campers to share the experience with friends.
Multi-Session Rewards
For those who can’t get enough of AstroCamp, signing up for additional sessions comes with perks. Campers receive a $100 discount on each session beyond their first, starting from the second registered session. This discount extends to Catalina Sea Camp, AstroCamp’s sister program, offering even more opportunities for summer adventures.
Sibling Discount
Families sending multiple children to AstroCamp can benefit from a $100 discount for each additional sibling who registers. This discount is automatically applied to the account, making it easier for families to plan their summer activities.
Flexible Payment Plans for Camp Registration
Understanding that summer camp is a significant investment, AstroCamp provides flexible payment options to suit different financial situations:
Plan 1: Full Payment at Enrollment
Families opting to pay the full amount upfront receive a 3% discount if paid before October 31st. This option is ideal for those who prefer to handle the payment in one go and want to take advantage of the early payment discount.
Plan 2: Three Installments Option
Available for enrollments before January 31st, this plan offers two variations:
- Option A (enrolled prior to October 31st):
- Payment 1: 25% of balance due by October 31st
- Payment 2: 25% of balance due by January 31st
- Payment 3: 50% of balance due by April 30th
- Option B (enrolled between November 1st and January 31st):
- Payment 1: 30% of balance due by January 31st
- Payment 2: 30% of balance due by March 31st
- Payment 3: 40% of balance due by April 30th
Plan 3: Equal Monthly Payments
For registrations after January 31st, families can choose to pay in full or opt for equal monthly installments. The balance is divided into equal payments due on the 1st of each month, providing a manageable payment schedule.
It’s important to note that full payment must be received by May 1st to secure the enrollment. Registrations after May 1st require full payment at the time of enrollment.
Understanding AstroCamp’s Cancellation and Refund Policies
While planning for summer camp is exciting, it’s crucial to understand the cancellation and refund policies:
Camp-Initiated Cancellations
AstroCamp reserves the right to cancel sessions due to low enrollment or modify camper numbers based on health guidelines and safety considerations. In such cases, the camp will attempt to reschedule affected campers to new sessions. If rescheduling isn’t possible, families can choose an alternate session, receive credit for future summers, or get a full refund.
Medical Cancellations
Cancellations due to illness or injury before camp require a physician’s letter to receive a tuition refund, minus the non-refundable deposit. This policy ensures that families are not penalized for unforeseen medical circumstances while maintaining the camp’s operational integrity.
Non-Medical Cancellations
For cancellations not related to medical reasons, a cancellation fee applies in addition to the non-refundable deposit. The fee structure is as follows:
- Before February 1st: $100 Processing Fee + Non-refundable Deposit
- February 1st to April 30th: $200 Processing Fee + Non-refundable Deposit
- May 1st to May 14th: 25% of tuition forfeited
These policies are designed to balance the needs of families with the camp’s operational requirements, ensuring fairness and flexibility in the registration process.
The AstroCamp Experience: More Than Just a Summer Camp
AstroCamp in Idyllwild, California, offers more than just a typical summer camp experience. It’s a unique blend of science, adventure, and personal growth set against the backdrop of the stunning San Jacinto Mountains. But what makes AstroCamp stand out from other summer programs?
Immersive Science Education
At the core of AstroCamp’s philosophy is hands-on, experiential learning. Campers engage in a variety of scientific activities that go beyond textbook knowledge. They might find themselves:
- Building and launching their own rockets
- Observing celestial bodies through high-powered telescopes
- Conducting experiments in state-of-the-art laboratories
- Exploring principles of physics through interactive challenges
These activities are designed to spark curiosity and foster a deep love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Outdoor Adventure and Personal Growth
While science is a key component, AstroCamp also emphasizes outdoor adventure and personal development. Campers participate in activities such as:
- Rock climbing and rappelling
- Hiking through scenic mountain trails
- Team-building exercises and leadership challenges
- Night sky observation sessions
These experiences not only provide physical challenges but also help campers develop self-confidence, teamwork skills, and a sense of environmental stewardship.
Specialized Programs for Different Interests
Recognizing that every camper has unique interests, AstroCamp offers specialized programs like the Geek Week sessions. These focus on specific areas of science and technology, allowing campers to delve deeper into subjects they’re passionate about. How does Geek Week differ from regular sessions? It offers:
- More intensive STEM-focused activities
- Advanced projects and experiments
- Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology
- Interactions with guest speakers and experts in various scientific fields
Preparing for AstroCamp: Essential Information for Parents and Campers
Sending a child to summer camp requires preparation. Here’s what parents and campers need to know to ensure a smooth AstroCamp experience:
Packing Essentials
Given the diverse activities at AstroCamp, proper packing is crucial. Key items to include are:
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for both indoor and outdoor activities
- Sturdy shoes for hiking and climbing
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Toiletries and personal care items
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Water bottle and daypack
- Any necessary medications (to be reported to camp staff)
A detailed packing list is typically provided to registered campers well in advance of the session start date.
Health and Safety Protocols
AstroCamp prioritizes the health and safety of all participants. What measures are in place to ensure camper well-being?
- On-site medical staff available 24/7
- Comprehensive health screening upon arrival
- Strict adherence to food allergy and dietary restrictions
- Regular cleaning and sanitization of facilities
- Trained staff certified in first aid and emergency response
Parents are required to complete detailed health forms prior to the camp session, ensuring staff are prepared to meet each camper’s individual needs.
Communication During Camp
While AstroCamp encourages independence, staying connected with family is important. How can parents keep in touch with their campers?
- Regular updates and photos posted on a secure online platform
- Scheduled times for phone calls or video chats (varies by session length)
- Traditional mail service for sending and receiving letters
- Emergency contact information provided for urgent situations
The camp’s communication policy balances the need for parental peace of mind with the goal of fostering camper independence and immersion in the camp experience.
The Long-Term Impact of AstroCamp: Beyond the Summer Experience
While AstroCamp provides an unforgettable summer adventure, its impact extends far beyond the camp session. How does the AstroCamp experience influence campers’ lives long after they’ve returned home?
Academic and Career Inspiration
Many former AstroCamp participants report that their camp experience played a significant role in shaping their academic and career paths. The hands-on exposure to various scientific disciplines often sparks a lifelong interest in STEM fields. Some ways AstroCamp influences future academic and career choices include:
- Inspiring campers to pursue science-related majors in college
- Providing early exposure to potential career paths in astronomy, physics, and engineering
- Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to various professions
- Fostering a sense of environmental awareness that influences future life choices
Personal Growth and Life Skills
Beyond academic inspiration, AstroCamp helps develop crucial life skills that benefit campers in various aspects of their lives. These skills include:
- Enhanced self-confidence and independence
- Improved communication and teamwork abilities
- Development of leadership qualities
- Increased adaptability and resilience in facing challenges
- Greater appreciation for diversity and inclusion
These skills, honed in the unique environment of AstroCamp, often translate into success in school, personal relationships, and future professional endeavors.
Lifelong Connections and Networking
The friendships forged at AstroCamp often last well beyond the summer months. Many campers maintain connections with their peers and counselors, creating a network of like-minded individuals passionate about science and exploration. This network can provide:
- Ongoing support and encouragement in pursuing scientific interests
- Opportunities for collaboration on future projects or research
- A sense of community with shared experiences and values
- Potential internship or job opportunities through alumni connections
Some campers even return to AstroCamp as counselors or staff members, further strengthening these connections and giving back to the community that inspired them.
Innovative Curriculum: The Heart of AstroCamp’s Educational Approach
At the core of AstroCamp’s success is its innovative curriculum, which seamlessly blends scientific education with hands-on experiences. How does AstroCamp create a learning environment that’s both educational and engaging?
Interdisciplinary Approach
AstroCamp’s curriculum isn’t limited to just astronomy or space science. It incorporates various scientific disciplines, providing a well-rounded STEM experience. The interdisciplinary approach includes:
- Physics principles demonstrated through rocketry and telescopy
- Chemistry experiments that explain phenomena observed in space
- Biology lessons integrated with environmental studies of the local ecosystem
- Mathematics applied in practical, real-world scenarios
- Computer science and coding incorporated into data analysis and robotics projects
This holistic approach helps campers understand the interconnectedness of scientific fields and how they apply to real-world situations.
Project-Based Learning
AstroCamp emphasizes project-based learning, allowing campers to apply their knowledge in practical, hands-on ways. Some examples of projects campers might undertake include:
- Designing and building model Mars habitats
- Creating and programming simple robots for specific tasks
- Conducting environmental impact studies of the camp area
- Developing and testing hypotheses about astronomical phenomena
These projects not only reinforce scientific concepts but also foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.
Integration of Cutting-Edge Technology
To prepare campers for the rapidly evolving world of science and technology, AstroCamp incorporates state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies into its curriculum. This might include:
- Use of advanced telescopes and astrophotography equipment
- Access to 3D printers for prototyping and design projects
- Utilization of virtual reality tools for space exploration simulations
- Hands-on experience with scientific modeling software
By exposing campers to these technologies, AstroCamp helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world scientific practices.
Dates and Rates | AstroCamp
Enroll Now
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Summer 2024
One-Week Sessions
Ages 8-13 | Saturday to Friday
Dates | 2024 Tuition | 2024 Early Bird Tuition | |
Ending 1/31/2024 | |||
One Week Session #1 | June 15 – June 21 | $2400 | $2275 |
One Week Session #2 | June 22 – June 28 | $2400 | $2275 |
Two-Week Sessions
Ages 12-17 | Sunday to Friday
Dates | 2024 Tuition | 2024 Early Bird Tuition | |
Ending 1/31/2024 | |||
Two Week Session #1 | June 30 – July 12 | $3850 | $3700 |
Two Week Session #2 | July 14 – July 26 | $3850 | $3700 |
Geek Week – AstroCamp Specialty Camp
Ages 10-17 | Sunday to Saturday
Dates | 2024 Tuition | 2024 Early Bird Tuition | |
Ending 1/31/2024 | |||
Geek Week Session #1 | July 28 – August 3 | $2400 | $2275 |
Geek Week Session #2 | August 4 – August 10 | $2400 | $2275 |
A $300. 00 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is required to enroll each camper. Please see the details below on available payment plans and cancellation policy.
If you have questions, please contact our summer camp director at [email protected].
AstroCamp Referral & Multi-Session Rewards
Refer a Friend
If your child has a friend who would like to attend summer science camp, refer them to us! If the child signs up, you receive $100 per referral toward your child’s tuition and the child you referred receives $50 toward their tuition. Once you are registered, if you have a friend who wants to attend, please contact our summer camp registrar at [email protected] and we will be happy to assist you and apply your savings.
Multi-Session Rewards
Enjoy AstroCamp longer! Sign-up for additional sessions at AstroCamp, or our sister program, Catalina Sea Camp, and receive $100 OFF per session starting with your camper’s 2nd registered session. Discount applies to individual campers attending multiple sessions.
Sibling Discount
Save $100 on each additional sibling who registers for any of our programs. Simply sign up and the discount will automatically apply to your account.
Camp Registration Payment Information
A $300.00 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is required to enroll each camper. Full payment MUST be received by May 1st for camp, or the enrollment is subject to cancellation without notice and without refund. All camp families enrolling before May 1st will choose a structured payment plan (unless paid in full). These payment plan options are detailed below:
Plan 1: Full Payment At Time of Enrollment
This option entitles you to a 3% discount prior to October 31st.
Plan 2: Three Installments Option
*Not available for enrollments after January 31st.
- Option A – (enrolled prior to October 31st)
- Payment 1 = 25% of balance, due on or before October 31st
- Payment 2 = 25% of balance, due on or before January 31st
- Payment 3 = 50% of balance, due on or before April 30th
- Option B – (enrolled between November 1st and January 31st)
- Payment 1 = 30% of balance, due on or before January 31st
- Payment 2 = 30% of balance, due on or before March 31st
- Payment 3 = 40% of balance, due on or before April 30th
Plan 3: Equal Monthly Payments
*Anyone registered after January 31st can choose to pay in full or this option.
The balance will be split into equal monthly installments based on the date of enrollment, due on the 1st of each month.
All camp families enrolling after May 1st will be required to pay the entire payment at the time of enrollment.
There will be a $30 charge for any check returned for any reason. Checks and returned check charges may be submitted electronically.
We reserve the right to increase the cost of any camp session by no more than $150 per camper at any time, in order to meet demands placed on us by regulatory or government bodies. If you are unable to meet this additional cost, you may receive a full refund or credit toward any future summers.
Cancellations, Refunds, and Reorganization
AstroCamp reserves the right to cancel any camp session due to low enrollment, change camper numbers, session numbers, etc. based on health guidelines and camp safety. If a camp session is canceled or modified, AstroCamp will attempt to reschedule the camper to a new session. If no new session is available, campers may select an alternate session, credit toward any future summer or camp session, or receive a full refund.
Cancellations due to illness or injury before camp require a letter from the camper’s physician in order to receive a refund of tuition (less the non-refundable deposit).
Cancellations for non-medical reasons will result in a cancellation fee in addition to the non-refundable deposit, based upon the date of cancellation. These dates are as follows:
- Cancellations before February 1st = $100 Processing Fee + Non-refundable Deposit
- Cancellations February 1st to April 30th = $200 Processing Fee + Non-refundable Deposit
- Cancellations from May onwards will result in the surrender of tuition amounts as follows
- Between May 1st and May 14th – 25% of full tuition.
- Between May 15th and May 31st – 50% of full tuition.
- After June 1st – 100% of full tuition.
Any changes in registration (program, session, cancellation, flights, etc. ) MUST be made in writing and sent by email, mail, or fax. Verbal changes and cancellations will NOT be accepted.
YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO PURCHASE TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE THROUGH PROGRAM PROTECTOR. This is a separate, third-party company not affiliated with, Guided Discoveries, Inc. Please note, your only opportunity to purchase this protection is at the time of enrollment.
We reserve the right to reorganize and restructure our summer camp programs at any time to meet demands placed on us by regulatory or government bodies. This includes, but is not limited to; reorganization of cabin groups, restructuring of the day-to-day program, reducing the number of campers per session (resulting in some campers being moved sessions or refunded), changing policies for campers and families, and canceling any transport options provided by us (airport pick-up/drop-off).
Have a Question About AstroCamp?
Our team of experienced professionals is ready to make this your camper’s best summer yet!
We are here to answer any questions you have.
Business Phone | 909-625-6194 |
Fax | 909.625.7305 |
[email protected] | |
Office Hours | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM PST (closed for lunch 12:30 – 1:00) |
AstroCamp California – Guided Discoveries
Location: Idyllwild, California
Creating Unique Opportunities For Self-Discovery
AstroCamp summer camp is a Guided Discoveries program that is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children through unique opportunities for discovery. From ages 8-17, campers are able to explore the wonders of the night sky, broaden their knowledge of the physical sciences, experience thrilling mountain adventures, and develop as individuals in a supportive camp community.
Visit AstroCamp Site
80
acre facility surrounded by pine, oak, and manzanita
30+
years of unique summer camp experiences
14,430+
campers served since 1979
One-Week Sessions
Ages 8-13
Campers will learn, grow, and have fun participating in AstroCamp’s most popular core science labs and outdoor adventure activities as well as choose their own adventure from our unique staff-created electives.
Two-Week Sessions
Ages 12-17
Our two-week program is filled with summer camp activities uniquely tailored around your camper and their interests. Prior to arrival, each camper chooses from more than 40 science, mountain adventure, and traditional camp activities to design their own schedule. With the guidance and encouragement of our team, they will explore the outer limits of their comfort zones through our summer science camp hands-on activities, learn new skills, tap into their hidden talents, and gain leadership experience.
Geek Week Specialty Session
Ages 10-17
Campers joining Geek Week will have the opportunity to dive deeper into some of the most popular creative-based activities at AstroCamp. Join our epic week-long journey of specialized hands-on activities, passionate instructors, and one-of-a-kind electives.
Stories of Discovery
Year after year, campers return to the AstroCamp summer program and share their stories of how their experience at camp made a positive difference in their lives.
I kept coming back to AstroCamp because of the community building and the friendships I’ve made along the way. It’s one of the few places where I feel at home and I can be the person I want to be. AstroCamp is not a location, it’s the people who work tirelessly to make it all happen, and without the hardworking staff I don’t think I would have attended for almost a decade.
17-year-old camper
AstroCamp provides me a home away from home; it allows me to be my most authentic self surrounded by campers I know and love. AstroCamp is a constant throughout my life – a place I can always hold on to and look forward to throughout the year. At camp, I have made some of my closest friends, explored some of my passions such as ceramics, ax-throwing, and geocaching, and created memories to cherish. The powerful sense of family and community keeps me coming back, and each summer I get to see the same faces of campers and counselors as I have for many years past. I am so grateful to have spent my summers an AstroCamper and will forever hold this special place close to my heart.
16-year-old camper
What I love about AstroCamp is it is a small camp of awesome nerds. It is really inclusive of kids from different backgrounds and different abilities and identities and is a nurturing and welcoming community where we all get to escape and detox from our phones. At AstroCamp I’ve learned a bunch of new things, including ASL, blacksmithing, Dungeons & Dragons, and photography.
14-year-old camper
In a challenging year, AstroCamp succeeded in serving:
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