Camp Discovery FAQ

A: The Discovery is closely monitoring news regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) in our region so that we can respond quickly to any changes in recommendations and direction. For more information about what The Discovery is doing to address coronavirus concerns, click here.

A: Kindergarten camps run from 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00 to 4:00pm each day. Kindergarten campers registered for morning and afternoon sessions will remain at the museum during the lunch hour. All other camps run from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Before care is available starting at 8:00am, and after care runs until 5:30pm.

A: Weekly schedules are given out on Monday morning so that you can see what your child will be doing throughout the week.

A: All of the Lead Educators are certified teachers, experts in their craft, or have a strong background in child development. Our assistant educators are made up of dedicated young adults who have a passion for education and have previous experience working with children.

A: Campers should wear the Camp Discovery t-shirt provided each day. Campers should wear close-toed shoes or close-toed sandals with straps as they will be active throughout camp. Lunches are sometimes eaten outside, so wear a sunscreen and/or a hat.

A: All of the camps have designated museum time throughout the week to explore the galleries and exhibits.

A: We invite family members to visit for “show and tell” on the last day of camp each week, starting at 3:30pm.

A: Snacks will no longer be provided. Any edible activities have been removed from camp curriculum. Drinking fountains throughout the museum have been turned off, however we have the ability to fill water bottles for campers if needed.  

• All camp families are asked to provide two snacks, a lunch, and a water bottle for camp participants.

A: Please mark your camper’s items with their first and last name so they can be returned if lost. Lost camp items are held in the After Care location until the end of camp. Any remaining items then go to museum-wide lost and found.

A: If your child will be absent, please let us know by calling 775-398-5956 or 775-398-5954.

A: You will walk your camper into the museum to the designated room for camp each morning and sign them in.

A: If your child is not in after care, you will pick up your camper in the same room where you dropped them off, after checking in at the admissions desk. For camp pick-up please remember to bring a valid photo ID as we will ask for proof of identity at time of pick-up. For campers in after care, please see the following questions.

A: Please check in with the front desk staff and they will call the after care instructors to find out where your child is. You will then be directed to your camper’s location. Remember you will need to have a valid photo ID and your name will need to be on the authorized pick-up list for your camper.

A: Please go to the Discovery Portal on the parking lot side of the building and ring the doorbell. An educator will come to the door to let you in. Please have your photo ID ready as the educator will not be able to let you into the building without verifying your identity first.

A: While we strive to remember faces, it is important that we send children home with the correct parents/caregivers. We check ID as a security measure to make sure that only authorized persons pick up campers.

A: Yes, please let us know in the morning if someone other than the person(s) listed on your registration form will pick up your child.

A: A fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged for late pick-ups. If you are going to be late, please call 775-398-5956 or 775-398-5954. We will keep your camper safe and supervised until you arrive.

A: If you need to make any changes to your Camp Discovery registration, please call us at 775-398-5954, email camps@nvdm.org, or visit the museum’s admissions desk.

A: The Discovery has a no refund cancelation policy.

A: There is a $20 fee to transfer between camps. If you need to transfer from one camp to another, from one week to another, or make any changes to your Camp Discovery registration, please call 775-398-5954 or email camps@nvdm.org. Please note, you can only transfer to camps that still have space available.