No. We set up laboratory rooms, or groups of students in such a way that students are typically separated by one grade level. Therefore, your child will be interacting with students who are relatively close in age and ability level.

Where are camps held?

All of our programs are currently held at The Pennsylvania State University main campus (University Park) located in State College, Pennsylvania.

Because we offer both resident and day options, children from other regions, states and countries attend our summer programs alongside local residents from Central Pennsylvania who attend as day participants. Many families of non-local participants choose to send their child(ren) as resident participants. Other families from outside the area opt to stay at a local hotel while their child(ren) attend the program as day participants.

What meals and refreshments are provided?

This depends on the age of your child and whether s/he is attending as a resident or day camper/commuter. Special dietary requests will be accommodated if we have prior notification. Participants will also have access to drinking fountains throughout each day.

*Children in grades 2-3. We provide a snack and cold drink in the morning and in the afternoon. Lunch is not provided: your child will need to bring a packed lunch. If s/he forgets, a vegetarian packed lunch will be provided at a cost of $8.
Children in grades 4-12, commuter. A hot and cold buffet lunch is provided in University Dining Commons, as well as an afternoon snack and cold drink.
Children in grades 4-12, residential. All meals are provided, starting with an evening meal on the Sunday before the camp begins, and ending with lunch on Friday. The camp participants and their mentors will go as a group to the dining commons where all meals are provided..

*Note: Gee Wizard Science camp will enroll campers entering 2-4 grade. Lunch is not provided for 4th graders, and all campers in this camp will need to bring a packed lunch.

What sizes are the T-shirts?

Child Small = 6-8
Child Medium = 10-12
Child Large/Adult X-small = 14-16
Adult Small = 34-36
Adult Medium = 38-40
Adult Large = 42-22
Adult X-large = 46-48
Adult 2X-large = 50-52

Why are some camps more expensive than others, even if the times of the camps are different?

Each camp price is set by the camp director after careful consideration. The prices are based strictly on the materials needed for the camp activities and experiments and on the number of people required to staff each camp. Some camps require a smaller mentor to child ratio to insure that the kids receive the first-class science experience that is the Science – U goal.

Why does Science - U no longer have junior mentors?

Traditionally, Action Potential Science Experience (now Science – U) camps were offered to children entering kindergarten through eighth grade. The junior mentor program was originally created as an opportunity for older campers to continue to participate in camps during their high school years.

For summer 2009, Science-U now has 3 summer camp offerings for high school students. Based on feedback from Penn State University faculty members who have directed camps, Science-U has decided to eliminate the junior mentor program in favor of developing age-appropriate camp experiences to educate and inspire students while preparing them to continue to participate in the camps beyond their high school years. In particular, our Science – U Leadership Academy is an excellent opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and prepare for a future in science.

With background experience as a former camper, your child may then wish to join our staff as a mentor, activity leader, or one of a variety of other Science – U positions for undergraduate and graduate students. Science – U is committed to providing an educational experience for your child from second grade to the university level (and beyond), and it is our wish that your child will grow as our program grows!

Resident campers

How old must my child be to be eligible for the residential option?

Your child must be entering 4th through 12th grade in the Fall.

Where will my children be staying and how many roommates will they have?

We offer accommodation in university residence halls.

Each child will have one or two roommates, of the same gender and the same or similar age. Typical room arrangements are doubles. However, due to university policy, if there are an odd number of camp participants your child may be assigned to a triple so that one camp participant is not assigned to a room by themselves.

Can we choose who our child's roommate will be?

Yes. We will make every effort to match preferred roommates. Please enter the name of your child's preferred roommate on the online registration form under the "Roommate Preference" section. Keep in mind that typical room arrangements are doubles.

Are the residence halls air conditioned?

Unfortunately not. We highly recommend bringing a portable fan.

What type of evening supervision and activities are provided?

Penn State requires trained resident assistants (mentors) to be assigned to all of our resident groups. These individuals are screened and required to complete formal training sessions.

Mentors will plan activities for each night of the camp with input from the participants whenever possible. Activities may include swimming, touring campus, playing games, and movies. We make every effort to have enough staff to accommodate special requests by campers. We expect participants to stay in proximity and in contact with mentors at all times.

Mentors are available to the resident participants overnight, as they reside on the same resident hall floor. However, they are only available after "lights out" for emergencies (e.g., illness). The young people in our care are responsible for remaining in their own rooms (or the restroom) after "lights out". Resident participants who do not follow the rules of the camp will be asked to leave the camp.

Will someone ensure my child gets up in the morning and attends activities on time?

Yes. Our resident assistants (mentors) will be present to make sure that all activities are conducted in groups and that all children are present and accounted for.

When do I need to drop off my child on Sunday and pick him/her up on Friday?

This depends on your child's age. Check-in begins at 6 pm. Opening Ceremony is 7 - 8:30 pm Sunday evening. Parking is free in campus parking decks.

Campers are asked to be picked up no later than 4:15 pm on Friday.

You will be emailed full details when your child's placement is confirmed.

FAQs -

Frequently Asked Questions

General questions

Resident campers

Will my child be in a class with students several years younger or older than s/he is?

Where are camps held?

What meals and refreshments are provided?

What sizes are the T-shirts?

Why are some camps more expensive than others, even if the times of the camps are different?

Why does Science - U no longer have junior mentors?

Resident campers

How old must my child be to be eligible for the residential option?

Where will my children be staying and how many roommates will they have?

Can we choose who our child's roommate will be?

Are the residence halls air conditioned?

What type of evening supervision and activities are provided?

Will someone ensure my child gets up in the morning and attends activities on time?

When do I need to drop off my child on Sunday and pick him/her up on Friday?

Other questions?