Love Bug Dance | Thursday, February 13
Age Requirements
This summer full-day camp is exclusively for children aged 6–11 years. School-aged children get much more out of our camp programs with a full day to play, explore, and build.
This summer the half-day camps are exclusively for children ages 4–5 years (preschool-aged). Each camper can register for either morning or afternoon, but not both.
DCM has set age requirements to ensure that camps are tailored to the developmental stages and abilities of participants. This creates opportunities for appropriate skill-building, teamwork, and meaningful connections.
How long is each camp? How many camp sessions are in a camp week?
Each camp lasts five days; Monday – Friday
Where is Tinkering Camp held?
Tinkering Camp is held at DuPage Children’s Museum (301 N Washington St, Naperville, 60540). We have access to outdoor work space, indoor program space, as well as playtime in the Museum.
Where will the campers be located during inclement weather?
Camp will be held rain or shine. On rainy days, a greater portion of camp will be held inside the Museum. We will utilize the lower level where we have access to our labs and program rooms.
What should be worn/brought to camp?
Comfortable, slightly loose play clothing and closed toed shoes (no sandals, crocs, flip flops) should be worn to camp. Please note that your camper’s clothing will come in contact with paint, markers, grass, and mud and will experience the general wear and tear of a glorious week at summer camp.
Please bring a backpack/bag with:
Can you provide a sample schedule for a camp day?
Safety Training
Each camp session will begin with in-depth tool safety training. Proper tool handling will be monitored and reinforced throughout the camp session. Keeping children safe while using real tools involves letting them take and manage risks. Using real tools is very empowering to young children and promotes a sense of independence because it communicates that they are trusted.
What are the Walking Field Trips?
Once a week (weather permitting) we will venture off-site to have a reprieve, do some exploring, and let our wondering inform our work.
We only use Kendall Park and the open field at Washington Junior High School. These outdoor spaces are in close proximity to the Museum. Camp staff monitor the campers closely as we make our way to and from the park. At the park we separate into 3 groups/activities to ensure everyone is supervised and playing safe.
Will Campers have time to play in the Museum?
We will have plenty of time to play inside the Museum. In the event of inclement weather, we will spend more time inside, while on beautiful days we will utilize our outdoor workshop more.
Who will facilitate Tinkering Camp?
Dustin Thacker, Arts and Maker Specialist, will work with a team of staff and interns to create a welcoming, curious and dynamic camp environment. As the Arts and Maker Specialist, Dustin creates multi-disciplinary experiences that integrate art, math, and science while designing an environment that reinforces the importance of open-ended and hands-on exploration.
What do I do if someone besides a parent or guardian needs to pick up my child from camp?
If someone besides the designated parent or guardian will be picking up your child, you must fill out the parental consent form in the Registration Forms. The person who is to pick up your child must have a valid ID matching the information you provided.
What happens if I am late in picking up my child from camp?
In the event that the pick up person is late, the Museum will bill the camper’s parents $5 for the first five minutes of late time and $1 for each additional minute of late time. A counselor will remain with a child until a parent arrives. Parents are responsible for the late fee if their designated pick up person is late.
What happens if my child has an accident or injury at camp?
We will always put your child’s safety first. Should any injury occur during camp we will contact you immediately. It is important that you complete the Registration Forms as they provide valuable information to counselors about your child’s health history and any specific needs.
What are you doing in regards to the ongoing safety concerns around Covid-19?
Camp participants are asked to perform a self-assessment prior to coming to Camp each day. If your camper is experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, please stay home: