Camp Registration and FAQs
Information Needed When Registering
- Camper's full name and date of birth
- Parent/legal guardian's full name and contact information
- Membership number (if applicable)
Camp Policies
- Camper Age Policy
Enroll the camper according to their age by the start of camp. Our programs are designed for the specified age groupings, and we want to ensure the camper has the best experience possible.
Should a camper be registered for the wrong age grouping, we reserve the right to cancel your registration or provide you with an alternate camp, if available .
- Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Cancellation Fee $50/camper Rescheduling Fee $25/camper Camps are refundable until seven (7) days prior to the start of that camp, less a cancellation fee. There will be no refunds within one (1) week of the camp.
There is a rescheduling fee for each instance of rescheduling a camp. You can reschedule a camp up to seven (7) days before the start of your original camp, if a spot is available. If you reschedule within seven (7) days of the start of your original camp, you are responsible for paying the full amount for the camp spot vacated, in addition to the camp spot you have rescheduled to.
Should a camp have insufficient enrollment, it will be canceled four (4) weeks prior to the scheduled start date. In this event, a full refund will be made, or an opportunity to enroll in another camp—space permitting—will be provided.
- Camper Forms & Waivers
We use CampDoc™ to securely collect all electronic camp waivers and health history records. Within a few weeks of registering for camp, you will receive an email notification from CampDoc™ with instructions on how to log in to their site and complete the required forms for the camper. Providing camper health history information may only be completed by the parent or legal guardian of the camper.
Forms must be completed online at least one (1) week before the first day of camp, but we recommend completing the forms soon as you receive the email. Allow at least 30 minutes to complete the forms. Your camper's spot is not secure until you have completed the CampDoc™ forms.
- Immunization Policy
All campers must be fully immunized to participate in camp (Polio, DTaP, Hep B, MMR, and Varicella).
The COVID-19 vaccination is the only immunization that is not currently required. If the camper has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, you will need to upload a “Declination of COVID-19 Vaccination” form. A link to the form will be available through CampDoc™.
Camp FAQs
- What is your camp philosophy?
Our camps and camp environments are designed to support inclusive and collaborative learning, promote exploration and discovery, and empower campers to reach their full potential.
- Who are the camp staff?
Our camp staff are full-time and part-time employees. They receive multiple trainings throughout the year including inclusion training, lifeguard training, and CPR/first aid certification. There will always be a minimum of two camp staff present with the group.
- What should campers bring with them?
All campers will need to bring 2 snacks, water, and sunscreen every day. Birch Aquarium does not provide food.
Campers participating in full-day camps will also need to bring a lunch every day. Birch Aquarium does not have the ability to refrigerate or microwave food.
Campers participating in off-site beach camps will also need to bring a swimsuit, hat, water/beach shoes, and towel. Wetsuits, fins, snorkels, and surf/boogie boards are provided.
- How much time will campers spend outside vs. inside?
Time spent outside vs. inside depends on the camp program.
For on-site camps, approximately 2/3 of the day is spent within Birch Aquarium classrooms and throughout aquarium exhibits. Outdoor time is spent at a designated outdoor eating/play area.
Off-site beach camps take place mostly, if not entirely, outdoors.
- What activities will campers participate in?
All campers will participate in developmentally and socially appropriate activities.
Depending on the camp program, activities will vary and may include visits to Birch Aquarium and Scripps Institution of Oceanography exhibit and research spaces, art projects, science experiments, animal encounters, games, stories, and water sports.
- Can parents/guardians join campers in camp activities?
We strive to maintain a fun, safe, age-appropriate setting for campers to play and interact with their peers. To preserve this setting, only campers and camp staff are allowed in the classrooms and outdoor camp space.
- What does 'waitlist' mean?
'Waitlist' means that we are currently full for that session. You are welcome to sign up for the waitlist, but a spot will only open up if someone else cancels their camp registration. If a spot opens up, our scheduling staff will contact waitlisted registrants in the order they signed up.
For more information on programs and registration, please contact our Education Programs Scheduling Department via email at birchaquariumprogram@ucsd.edu or you can reach us by phone Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 858-534-7336