Camp Discovery FAQ

Everything you’ll need to know about attending camp at The Discovery. If you don’t find the answer you were looking for here, feel free to e-mail camps@nvdm.org or call 775-398-5942.

Q: What is the museum doing to address coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns?

A: The Discovery is closely monitoring updates regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) in our region so that we can respond quickly to any changes in recommendations and direction. For current COVID-19 mitigation efforts related to Camp Discovery, please visit our Camp Discovery COVID-19 FAQ.
What grade level camp should I register my child to?

A: The Discovery shifted it’s camp age requirement to provide a better camp experience for the campers in summer. Please register your camper for the grade level they will complete in the 2021-2022 school year.
Q: How long does camp run each day?

A: For Spring break camps, 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.
For Summer break camps, all camps run from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Before care is available starting at 8:00am, and after care runs until 5:30pm.
Q: What do kids do during camp at The Discovery?

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

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.
Q: What should my child wear to camp at The Discovery?

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.
Q: Will campers have time in the museum?

A: All of the camps have designated museum time throughout the week to explore the galleries and exhibits.
Q: Are lunch and snacks provided?

A: All camp families are asked to provide two snacks, a lunch, and a water bottle for camp participants. Water fountains and water bottle filling stations are available throughout the museum.
Q: What happens if my camper loses something?

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.
Q: What should I do if my camper will be absent?

A: If your child will be absent, please let us know by calling Doug Carrion at 775-398-5942 or Kevin Perez at 775-398-5901.
Q: Where do I drop off my camper?

A: You will walk your camper into the museum to the designated room for camp each morning and sign them in. On Monday, please check-in at the Admissions Desk before heading back into the museum.
Q: Where do I pick up my camper?

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.
Q: How do I pick up my child from after care while the museum is open?

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.
Q: How do I pick up my child when the museum is closed?

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.
Q: Why do I have to show my photo ID every day?

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.
Q: Can I add people to the authorized pick-up list?

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.
Q: What if I am late to pick up my camper?

A: A fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged for late pick-ups. If you are going to be late, please call 775-398-5942 or 775-398-5901. We will keep your camper safe and supervised until you arrive.
Q: I need to add before care/after care. How do I do that?

A: If you need to make any changes to your Camp Discovery registration, please call us at 775-398-5942, email camps@nvdm.org, or visit the museum’s admissions desk.
Q: What is the cancelation policy?

A: The Discovery has a no refund cancelation policy.
Q: What if I need to transfer camps?

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 775-398-5942 or email camps@nvdm.org. Please note, you can only transfer to camps that still have space available.