Home > Camp Program > Camp FAQs
Q:
Who Are the People Behind Emagination STEM Camps?
Our staff of college students, graduates, and teachers have extensive histories and experience working with children and technology. In addition to Technology Counselors, each campus has a Leadership Team made up of a Director, Assistant Director, and Program Coordinator. Our average staff-to-camper ratio is 1:7.
Camp staffers are subjected to a rigorous hiring process. This includes a pre-employment application, multiple interviews, reference checks, and background checks. Prior to session start, all staff are required to attend onsite skills training in subjects such as Teaching, Child Safety & Behavior, Team Building, and Policies & Procedures.
Q:
How Do Emagination STEM Camps Differ From Other Summer Camps?
For starters, we are so much more than a tech or computer camp! Our mission is to: Educate, Entertain, and Help Develop Healthy Kids and Teens. We do this by blending tech-based learning with fun summer activities that result in a well-rounded program and happy campers. STEM-based learning is our primary focus. However, we believe that camp is a time for building long-lasting friendships in a safe place with like-minded individuals — away from the stressors of home and school.
In addition to real-world tech, design and engineering skills, we believe the social bonds, team building, creativity, problem-solving, trust cultivation, and relationship management are the real gems that Emagination campers gain over each summer session.
Arts and crafts, counselor-in-training programs, and offline games among dorm mates are among the activities that promote that unique summer camp experience. We believe group recreation and creative play help develop healthy, balanced children and young adults, which is why traditional camp activities have been the foundation of our programs for over 40 years.
In addition, Emagination champions each camper's unique interests and goals by providing choice and variety. Our campers personalize their summer session program and schedule by choosing 2-4 courses (depending on session length) from 25 STEM-based options.
In place of online tutorials often found at other tech camps, we offer a professionally-developed curriculum presented by carefully selected Technology Counselors. Our counselors engage campers and present material with up-to-date, real-world experience. We believe our hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding and confidence in the material, and builds rapport with the camper's counselors and peers.
Q:
Is Full Payment Required to Register?
A minimum $250 deposit is due upon registration for a 2-week session. Session balances must be paid in full by May 15th. After May 15th, all applicants for summer camp sessions and workshops are required to pay the full tuition at the time of registration.
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Early Bird and Winter Special registrants must complete tuition payments prior to February 28th.
Q:
Is a placement test required prior to registering for tech courses?
No. Classes are available for all ages and skill levels. If you are concerned about a camper's ability or skill level, give us a call to discuss your goals and summer camp plans.
Q:
What if a camper decides that the course they chose is not a good fit?
Changed your mind about a program or course? No problem! You will have until the end of the first day of classes to make a change to your course schedule.
Q:
Are Mac or PC computers provided?
Emagination provides each camper with a PC computer for workshops and tech courses. One computer per camper is provided for all workshops.
Q:
May campers bring personal computers or mobile devices from home?
Yes. Campers are allowed to use mobile devices outside the workshop or classroom. Overnight campers often bring personal laptops for free time or evening use, but this is not a requirement.
Please be aware that Emagination STEM Camps is not responsible for any personal devices that are lost, damaged, or stolen.
Q:
What should I expect for housing & roommates?
Overnight campers and staff live in college dorms with Wi-Fi, shared lounges, and video games. Campers are paired with a roommate that is the same age and gender. Campers may submit a request for a specific roommate via email, or at the time of registration. In most cases, this causes no problem, and we are happy to accommodate.
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT
Air-conditioned, suite-style dorms with 2 bedrooms. Each suite sleeps 2 campers per bedroom with a shared, private bathroom.
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Mercer University, Atlanta Campus
Atlanta, GA
Air-conditioned, apartment-style dorms with 2 - 4 bedrooms. Each bedroom sleeps 1 - 2 campers per bedroom, 2 private bathrooms per apartment.
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Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest, IL
Air-conditioned, traditional-style dorms with shared, hallway bathrooms. The majority of rooms sleep 2 campers; however, rooms that accommodate 3 and 4 campers are also available.
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Bentley University
Waltham, MA
Air-conditioned, traditional-style dorms with shared, hallway bathrooms. The majority of rooms sleep 2 campers; however, rooms that accommodate 3 and 4 campers are also available.
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Rosemont College
Rosemont, PA
Air-conditioned, traditional-style dorms house 2 to 4 campers with shared bathrooms.
Q:
What are the choices for people with special diets or food allergies?
Buffet-style meals are served at the campus dining halls. On all campuses, a variety of choices are available for gourmands and picky eaters alike. The campus dining facilities often include stations for salad and pasta, burgers and made-to-order sandwiches, soups, and a variety of yummy desserts.
Vegetarian, vegan, or halal meals and special dietary needs may be accommodated. Just let us know your preference prior to session start by sending an email to camp@emagination.com, or calling 877-248-0206. Make sure to include the camper's full name, phone number, and session dates when submitting an emailed menu request.
Q:
How are weekends for Overnight campers spent?
Our multi-week Overnight campers do not attend courses Saturday or Sunday. Weekends are filled with fun, games, activities, and a little R&R.
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Super Saturday & Movie Night >
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Q:
Can campers change their Session Start dates?
We understand that summer plans are often not finalized when it's time to register for camp. Campers have up to 2 weeks (based on availability) prior to the session start date to make a change to their schedule at no additional cost. Please contact us at your earliest convenience to change summer camp selections.
Q:
Is financial aid available?
Yes, we offer financial assistance for prospective campers. Please complete the Financial Assistance Application to get started, or give us a call during business hours.
Q:
Are medical exams & vaccinations required?
Each state has different requirements; however, upon registration all campers will be required to complete a Medical Health Form. Emagination staff are required to be vaccinated for Covid prevention. Protocols are subject to change as we approach the camp season.
Campers in MA & CT must submit physical and vaccination records.
Q:
What provisions are in place for medical emergencies or injuries?
The Camp Director and Assistant Director are First Aid and CPR certified. All locations are within 3 miles of a hospital. Detailed information will be provided in the Emagination Parent Manual.
Q:
How do I leave a review for the camp or a camp counselor?
At the end of every summer, our campers take a survey about their experience. Parents are also given a survey to give us feedback to help us improve our services. Alumni who would like to drop us a line may do so via our Contact form.
Q:
What is your cancellation & refund policy?
Cancellations must be received in writing 45 days prior to the first day of the camp session. Approved cancellations will be refunded the tuition payment less than the $200 administration fee. Cancellations received within 45 calendar days of camp, but not less than 14 calendar days prior to the first day of camp, you will receive a camp account credit for all monies paid, less the $200 administrative fee. Cancellations received within 14 calendar days of camp will receive a camp account credit equal to 50% of the monies paid for camp, less a $200 administrative fee. All prior year camp account credits expire August 31 (unless otherwise noted), and are transferable to immediate family members only.
Refunds and/or credits will not be awarded to campers who leave a session after camp starts. In the event that a regional or governmental entity decision results in the need to cancel a session or leave a session early, Emagination STEM Camps reserves the right to
cancel or consolidate a session.
In the event that we cancel a session prior to the official start date, registrants will be refunded all monies paid to Emagination STEM Camps for the canceled session.
Tuition paid with camp account credits from a previous year are not eligible for a monetary refund. Credit refunds will be added to the family’s camp account balance for future use.
Q:
How do camp counselors & staff address online or in-person bullying?
Our campers come back year after year because they feel comfortable among our counselors and camp community. Our goal is for every camper to successfully complete each camp session; however, the Emagination STEM Camps staff reserves the sole discretion to send any camper home without refund if he or she violates the spirit, or the letter, of the ESC Community Expectations, or who otherwise endangers the character and integrity of fellow campers, staff, or campus property. Full details are outlined in the Parent Manual. We encourage all parents to review these guidelines with their child prior to the first day of camp. Read our Honor Code >
Q:
Are Emagination campuses handicap accessible? Can the camp accommodate special needs campers?
All campus locations are handicap accessible. If a prospective camper has special needs, please contact us to have a conversation about special accommodations, assistance, or camper aides.