CML camps provide educational enrichment opportunities disguised as PLAY during school breaks: Spring Break Camp, Summer Camp, Turkey Time Camp and Winter Wonderland Camp! Children ages 3 – 10 engage in developmentally appropriate, hands-on activities that include science, engineering, math, literacy and the arts and center around fun weekly themes. Children also spend time exploring in the CML interactives, where, through PLAY, they enhance their communication, problem solving and creativity skills. CML campers forge friendships as they work on collaborative projects and test their strengths as they tackle fun mental and physical challenges. Every day of camp delivers a set of unique experiences that keep children learning through PLAY!
Important Information
Please review the files below prior to registering for camp. You will be required to accept the 2021 CML Camp Terms and Conditions to register for camp.
2021 CML Camp Terms and Conditions – Updated January 27, 2021
2021 CML Policies & Procedures – updated May 14, 2021
Camp Policies and Procedures are subject to change. Any changes will be posted here.
updates related to COVID-19:
**READ PRIOR TO REGISTERING: At this time, CML cannot determine its general public admission policy for the spring and summer, and therefore cannot guarantee private use of the museum for camps. Several factors including the daily infection rate for the area, vaccination efforts, local government and DHEC recommendations, and staffing will be considered when determining when and at what capacity CML can open to the public during the weekdays. If there are concerns over our public admission policy, CML encourages families to wait to register for camps as the Cancellation Policy will remain in effect.**
Based on guidelines and recommendations of experts in and out of our industry, the following procedures and expectations will be implemented. For more detailed information, please refer to the above 2021 Policies and Procedures document.
- Masks and/or face shields are required for all campers.
- All campers, staff, and anyone else in the building will be in personal protective equipment (PPE).
- All campers, staff, and anyone else in the building will travel across shoe sanitizing mats and wash or sanitize their hands upon entry to the building.
- More frequent handwashing or sanitizing between activities.
- Campers will use individual sets of items instead of communal ones.
- Small groups will spread throughout the museum regularly. We will also have two classrooms to limit the number of campers in one space.
- Transparent dividers will be used on the tables whenever possible.
- We will provide ample outdoor time, weather permitting.
- Campers are asked to bring only one bag that contains their lunchbox, change of clothes, water bottle, etc. Campers are asked to leave all toys at home.
- We will continue to clean with our hospital-grade cleaner, as well as UV sanitizers. We have also doubled or even tripled the quantity on a variety of our high-touch items so that we can even more frequently rotate and sanitize them.
health & wellness policy
Campers may have their temperature taken at any time during the day if camp staff feel it is warranted. If a camper registers a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, he/she will not be able to attend camp until a written medical clearance by a physician is provided.
Families are responsible for notifying CML staff if their child or someone with whom their child has recently had close contact: (1) exhibits symptoms of the Coronavirus, including but not limited to fever, chills, cough, trouble breathing, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and/or new loss of taste or smell; (2) tests positive for the Coronavirus, has been diagnosed by a medical professional as having the Coronavirus, or is awaiting test results for the Coronavirus; or (3) is exposed to a confirmed outbreak of the Coronavirus or a person who has tested positive for the Coronavirus; or (4) has traveled internationally or to a highly impacted area within the United States within the last 14 days. Children meeting any of these criteria should not attend camp and will be sent home immediately and no refund or credit will be given.
For the health and well-being of all, a child with other contagious illnesses within 24 hours of the camp date may NOT attend camp. Contagious illnesses include a cold, cough, sore throat, excessively runny nose, fever, chills, conjunctivitis (pink eye), diarrhea or vomiting. Should a child exhibit any symptoms of a contagious illness, CML Staff will call the child’s contacts to have the child picked up from camp.
Camp Counselors
All CML Camp Counselors receive training in positive behavior management techniques, Darkness to Light Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and First Aid/CPR.
All counselors and volunteers over the age of 16 undergo a criminal background check and National Sex Offender Registry check.
Tax Information
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry Tax ID # is 57-1014498.
Registration
CML uses Active Network to host its camp registration. Using this platform has many benefits for families, including payment plans, registration protection, and account access to view existing registrations and receipts. Active charges a 6.25% fee for their services.
After registering online, you will receive an automatically generated email confirming receipt of your registration. An additional confirmation with camp details and forms will be emailed the Wednesday before camp starts. A car tag will be available for download via the confirmation email.
To register for Turkey Time Camp, click here.
To register for Winter Wonderland Camp, click here.
See below for full camp details.
member and ticket bundle holder discount
We offer special rates for current CML Members and BundleGIVE ticket holders. To receive the discounted rate, current CML Members and BundleGIVE ticket holders must identify their membership or ticket bundle level when registering and enter the appropriate discount code. Memberships and ticket bundles will be confirmed with our system. If you do not have a membership or BundleGIVE tickets, the discount will be removed and the difference will be added to the balance due. To purchase a BundleGIVE ticket bundle, please visit https://explorecml.org/ticket-
Full Day Campers: Lunch
CML provides mid-morning and late-afternoon snacks. Full Day Campers must bring a lunch that is NUT FREE (no peanuts or tree nuts). Acceptable peanut butter substitutions include soybutter and Sunbutter. Lunches may be ordered from and delivered to CML by FoodforThoughtCharleston.com.
Young Campers
While CML accepts campers starting at age 3, young campers must be preschool-ready. Campers are expected to respond to their name, follow two-step directions, and stay with the counselor and their assigned group. It is important to remember that there are no refunds or credits given if a child is asked to leave camp due to unacceptable behavior.
Camp Details and Unique Benefits
- Children are grouped according to age and in groups of 6 – 8 campers. Junior Campers are ages 3 – 6 and Senior Campers are ages 7 – 10.
- Children participate in morning and afternoon hands-on activities that center around the weekly theme as well as explore the Museum interactives each day.
- CML’s camp arrival and dismissal is easy for parents!
- All children attending camp must be fully independent in the bathroom.
- CML Members and BundleGIVE ticket holders receive discounts on camp registration.
Payment Plan Policy
If selecting a payment plan, a deposit is due with registration and the remaining balance is due two weeks before the camp start date. Each camp session will have its own payment due date.
Cancellation Policy
Except when Registration Protection is purchased, cancellations made two weeks or more prior to the first day of camp are eligible for a CML credit. Any cancellation after this time will result in a loss of the entire amount paid. As a nonprofit, these costs have been allocated towards materials and staffing for the program. Please keep in mind as long as there is availability, you may switch programs up to one week prior to the beginning of the originally registered program. CML Credit may be applied for on-site CML activities including programs, admissions, and parties.
CML Day Camp Details
CML Day Camp Dates
(coincides with CCSD’s e-Learning days)
Monday, February 22
Monday, March 15
Friday, April 30
Monday, May 17
CML Day Camp Times
Full Day: 9 am – 4 pm
Half Day – Morning: 9 am – 12:30 pm
Half Day – Afternoon: 12:30 pm – 4 pm
CML Day Camp
Children ages 3 – 10 are invited to PLAY with hands-on experiences that promote the arts and sciences at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s Camp! Campers participate in CML educator-led activities in the morning and afternoon and have time to PLAY in the Museum exhibits. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Full Day campers will bring a nut-free lunch. Please note camp hours are 9am-4pm. Half Day camp is an option.
Pricing
1-Day Pricing
Full Day
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $63.00
Non-Member: $70.00
Half Day
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $45.00
Non-Member: $50.00
Registration
CML uses Active Network to host its camp registration. Using this platform has many benefits for families, including payment plans, registration protection, and account access to view existing registrations and receipts. Active charges a 6.25% fee for their services.
After registering online, you will receive an automatically generated email confirming receipt of your registration. An additional confirmation with camp details and forms will be emailed the Wednesday before camp starts. A car tag will be available for download via the confirmation email.
To register for CML Day Camps, click here.
Spring Break Camp Details
CML Spring Break Camp Dates
April 5 – 9, 2021
CML Spring Break Camp Times
Full Day: 9 am – 4 pm
Half Day – Morning: 9 am – 12:30 pm
Half Day – Afternoon: 12:30 pm – 4 pm
Extended Care: 8 am – 9 am or 4 pm – 5 pm
CML Spring Break Camp
Children ages 3 – 10 are invited to PLAY with hands-on experiences that promote the arts and sciences at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s Spring Break Camp! Some of our many activities include science experiments with Peeps, Easter Egg Launchers, and building The Perfect Nest! April showers are no match for our Umbrella Design Challenge! Every day has different activities so your child can learn through PLAY all spring break long! Campers will also enjoy PLAY and special camp activities in the Museum exhibits.
Pricing
1-Day Pricing*
Full Day
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $63.00
Non-Member: $70.00
Half Day
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $45.00
Non-Member: $50.00
*Register for all 5 days and receive a 15% discount on tuition.
Extended Care
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $9/hour
Non-Member: $10/hour
Sibling discount of 25% off for the second sibling is available when registering at least two children for Full-Week Camp.
Registration
CML uses Active Network to host its camp registration. Using this platform has many benefits for families, including payment plans, registration protection, and account access to view existing registrations and receipts. Active charges a 6.25% fee for their services.
After registering online, you will receive an automatically generated email confirming receipt of your registration. An additional confirmation with camp details and forms will be emailed the Wednesday before camp starts. A car tag will be available for download via the confirmation email.
To register for Spring Break Camp, click here.
summer camp details
Summer Camp Dates
June 1-4, 2021 (4 day)
June 7-11, 2021
June 14-18, 2021
June 21-25, 2021
June 28-July 2, 2021
July 5-9, 2021
July 12-16, 2021
July 19-23, 2021
July 26-30, 2021
August 2-6, 2021
August 9-13, 2021
Summer Camp Times
Full Day: 9am – 4pm
Morning: 9am – 12:30pm
Afternoon: 12:30pm – 4pm
AM Extended Care: 8am – 9am
PM Extended Care: 4pm – 5pm
This summer, CML offers a variety of camps for ages 3 -10 that will spark the imagination and stimulate curiosity in all children. At CML, because we know all children are capable, creative, and full of promise, we are committed to challenging children’s imaginations and potential through our camps. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) concepts are woven into all camp themes.
Camp Orientation
**Required for parents or guardians of younger campers that have not attended camp previously.**
Younger children who have not experienced a classroom setting prior and/or have not attended camp previously and their caregivers are required to attend a camp orientation session. Camp orientation will be held Thursday, May 27th from 5pm to 7pm. Please feel free to drop in between the hours of 5 pm and 7pm to meet the education staff, tour the Museum and ask any questions you may have prior to the start of summer camp.
pricing
Weekly Camp Pricing
Full Day (9am – 4pm)
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $267.75
Non-Member: $297.50
Morning (9am – 12:30pm) or Afternoon (12:30pm – 4pm)
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $191.25
Non-Member: $212.50
4-Day Camps
Full Day (9am – 4pm)
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $214.2
Non-Member: $238
Morning (9am – 12:30pm) or Afternoon (12:30pm – 4pm)
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $153
Non-Member: $170
Extended Care Options Pricing
Member or BundleGIVE Holder AM (8am – 9am): $40.50 per week
Member or BundleGIVE Holder PM (4pm – 5pm): $40.50 per week
Member or BundleGIVE Holder AM & PM (8am – 9pm & 4pm – 5pm): $72 per week
Non-Member AM (8am – 9pm): $45 per week
Non-Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $45 per week
Non-Member AM & PM (8am – 9pm & 4pm – 5pm): $80 per week
4-Day Camp Extended Care Pricing
*Sibling Discount of 25% off sibling ONLY if they are both signed up for the full week.
extended care options
Per Week
Extended Care Pricing:
Member AM (8am – 9am): $40.50
Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $40.50
Member AM and PM (8am – 9am & 4pm – 5pm): $72
Non-Member AM (8am – 9am): $45
Non-Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $45
Non-Member AM and PM (8am – 9am & 4pm – 5pm): $80
weekly themes
June 1 - 4 (4-day): Picture Book STEM
Have a blast exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts inspired by our favorite picture books! Activities are developmentally appropriate for different age groups.
June 7 - 11: Tiny Tinkerers, Might Makers
Inspired by Caine’s Arcade, campers use real tools such as hammers and screwdrivers (with adult supervision) to take apart toys and equipment. Campers then reuse the materials to design and build fun, inventive contraptions in this engineering and tinkering camp. Campers will also utilize BrightLab maker equipment. Activities are developmentally appropriate and different each week.
June 14 – 18: Mission STEMpossible I
DooDash the Dragon is missing! Campers must find clues and use their problem-solving skills and creativity to complete science, technology, engineering, and math challenges to find and rescue DooDash! Activities are developmentally appropriate for different age groups.
June 21 – 25: Heroes Camp
It’s time to find your superpower! Campers will become the heroes of their own story while designing their own hero and outfit. They will use STEM skills to create contraptions and gadgets to take on crime and save their city. Campers will then code robots to pilot their superhero vehicles and solve riddles to save Doo Dash. Activities are developmentally appropriate for different age groups.
June 28 – July 2: Catch ‘Em All Camp
Oh, no! Team Rocket plans to capture DooDash the Dragon! But there are “pocket monsters” throughout the Museum that can help protect DooDash. Gotta catch ‘em all! Campers will capture the helpful monsters, create their own trading cards, and train the monsters to protect DooDash! This camp infuses science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) with a popular trading card game.
July 5 – 9: Padawan & Jedi Training
Strong with you, the force is! Brave Padawans will build droids and complete challenges that are out of this world to become powerful Jedi in this camp. Costumes are encouraged!
July 12 - 16: Mini Masterpieces
Michelangelo is SO five centuries ago! This year, we will explore the works of living, local artists! Campers will get the chance to meet (and create!) with several Charleston-based artists who use found and recycled materials to create new pieces of art!
Activities are developmentally appropriate for different age groups.
July 19 – 23: Kid Coders
Campers are introduced to the basic skills of coding, such as sequencing, pattern recognition and if/then conditional logic using developmentally appropriate materials and equipment. Older campers learn to code using Scratch. Activities are developmentally appropriate for different age groups.
July 26-30: Harry Potter
Muggles are invited to explore the wizarding world! Make your own wand, attend classes in potions, charms, and alchemy, and go on a horcrux scavenger hunt. Activities are developmentally appropriate for different age groups.
Aug 2 – 6: Tiny Tinkerers, Mighty Makers II
Inspired by Caine’s Arcade, campers use real tools such as hammers and screwdrivers (with adult supervision) to take apart toys and equipment. Campers then reuse the materials to design and build fun, inventive contraptions in this engineering and tinkering camp. Campers will also utilize BrightLab maker equipment. Activities are developmentally appropriate and different each week. Attendance in the first week is not necessary to attend the second week of Tiny Tinkerers, Mighty Makers camp.
Aug 9 – 13: Adventures Across Time
Roads? Where we’re going, we won’t need roads! Join our team of courageous time travelers to build a time machine! Together we will explore Paleolithic art, ancient feats of engineering, pirate transportation technology, the future of robotics, and more!
registration
At CML, our goal is to spark the imagination and stimulate curiosity in our community’s youngest citizens of all backgrounds. Please consider a CML Camp Scholarship donation so that we can shine brighter and farther – ensuring that all of our children and families have the opportunity to experience the power of play and see themselves as capable, creative and full of promise.