Summer Camp FAQs

Each day at camp is carefully planned to provide a mix of educational, recreational, and creative activities. Generally, the schedule includes:

• 8:30-9:00 AM: Drop-off and welcome activities.
• 9:00-12:00 PM: Morning sessions (hands-on lessons, STEM projects, or nature exploration).
• 12:00-12:30 PM: Lunch break.
• 12:30-3:00 PM: Afternoon sessions (arts and crafts, garden tours, or group activities).
• 3:00-3:30 PM: Reflection and pick-up.

Schedules may vary slightly based on the day's theme or weather. A complete schedule will be provided before camp.

Each week-long camp includes field trips to other Fair Park Partners, like the Dallas Children's Aquarium.

• For families needing extra flexibility, we offer optional Pre-Care starting at 8:00 AM and Post-Care until 5:30 PM. During these times, explorers can engage in supervised, low-key activities like games, reading, play, or crafts.

  Pre- and Post-Care requires additional registration and fees.

  • • Before Care Drop off 8:00-8:15 am $50
    • After Care ending at 5:30 pm $50
      • Please be aware that a $15 late pickup fee will be charged if campers are not picked up by the designated pickup time. This policy helps ensure our staff can manage their schedules effectively.

Explorers should bring:

• A refillable water bottle clearly labeled with the explorer's name.
• Sunscreen.
• A packed lunch and snack (if not participating in catered lunch).
• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that can get messy, including closed-toe shoes.
• A backpack to keep their belongings organized.
• Bug Spray.
• A Jacket if your explorer gets cold indoors.
• A change of clothes.

You can contact our Director of Education at 214-428-7472 x 1006 or [email protected]. In emergencies, our front desk team can also assist you by connecting you with the appropriate staff or camper.

• Camper Ages: Campers must meet the age requirements at the time of camp. Age exceptions cannot be made, as all activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for the specified age groups.
• Attendance: Attendance is recorded daily. If your child will be absent due to illness or other reasons, please notify us as soon as possible by phone or email.
• Timeliness: To ensure campers get the most out of their day, we expect arrivals by 9:30 AM. Late arrivals can disrupt the schedule, as staff may need to step away to assist with check-in, especially if the group is off-site visiting a Fair Park Partner. If you anticipate a late drop-off or early pick-up, please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements. Note: If the group is off-site, you may need to wait until we return to TDG grounds to drop off or pick up your child.
• Behavior Expectations: Campers are expected to follow staff instructions, show respect for their peers, and take care of TDG property. Violence of any kind will result in immediate dismissal from camp without a refund. Other disruptive behaviors will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, and TDG reserves the right to contact parents or dismiss a camper if necessary.
• Pre-Camp Communication: Before camp begins, we will send an informational email with details about pick-up, drop-off, and parking.
• Toilet Training: All campers must be fully toilet trained. This means they can independently use the restroom, including managing their clothing. Campers wearing pull-up diapers are not considered fully toilet trained and cannot attend camp.
• Health Guidelines: Please keep your child home if they have a fever of 99.9°F or higher, a rash, discharge from the eyes, ears, or nose, or any other symptoms of illness. Campers may return once they have been symptom-free for 24 hours, fever-free for 72 hours, or have been cleared by a doctor. A doctor’s note may be required to confirm clearance. Refunds cannot be provided for campers who become ill during camp.

We maintain a 1:10 counselor-to-camper ratio, with a maximum of 20-25 campers per session. This ensures individualized attention and a safe experience for all participants.

Camps with fewer than five registered students may be subject to cancellation. If this occurs, we will notify families in advance and work with you to explore alternative options or issue a refund.

Yes, we offer a waitlist for sold-out camps. If a spot becomes available, families on the waitlist will be notified in the order they joined. If the camp you want is sold out, please email [email protected] to reserve a spot on the waitlist.

• Camp Fee: The camp fee must be paid in full at least two weeks before the first day of camp. Enrollment is not confirmed until payment is received.
• Minimum Enrollment: Camps require a minimum of five registered children per session to proceed. Camps with fewer than five registered students may be subject to cancellation. If this occurs, we will notify families in advance and work with you to explore alternative options or issue a refund.
• Cancellations: Texas Discovery Gardens reserves the right to cancel a camp up to one week before its start date if necessary. In such cases, families will be contacted directly, and a full refund will be issued.
• Refund Policy: Refunds, minus a processing fee, are available up to two weeks before the camp start date. Refunds will not be issued after camp has begun unless Texas Discovery Gardens cancels the camp. In certain cases, TDG vouchers for other programs or events may be offered as an alternative.
• Program Changes: TDG reserves the right to modify or cancel any program as needed. If your program is canceled, you will receive a full refund and be notified directly.
• Illness: Sick campers should stay home. You will be contacted for pickup if your camper becomes ill during camp.

• Behavior: Campers who disrupt the experience for others may be dismissed without a refund.

Safety is our top priority. Our emergency plan includes:

• Trained Staff: All staff are CPR and First Aid certified.
• Emergency Contacts: Parents must provide up-to-date emergency contact information.
• Evacuation Plan: We have a clear evacuation and shelter-in-place protocol for weather or safety emergencies.
• Medical Emergencies: Staff are equipped to handle minor injuries and will contact parents and emergency services for serious incidents.

• Assumption of Responsibility:
  Your child’s participation in the camp activities is voluntary, and you accept any potential risks involved. You also agree not to hold TDG legally responsible for any injuries or property damage/loss that might occur during the camp.
• Emergency Medical Authorization:
  In case of a medical emergency requiring immediate action, you give TDG staff and volunteers permission to obtain professional medical treatment for your child. This could include calling 911 or arranging transportation to a nearby medical facility.
• Ambulance Transportation Costs:
  You agree to take responsibility for any costs associated with emergency transportation (like an ambulance) and medical treatment if your child requires it. TDG does not cover these costs.
• Minor First Aid Consent:
  TDG staff can provide minor first aid treatment (e.g., cleaning a scrape or applying a bandage) for your child in case of a small injury. This is intended to address minor issues until you can be informed or more advanced care is available if needed.