1. Can my child be in a group with their friend during camp?
We always accommodate special requests for groups. However, for some camps, students have a better experience when grouped with other campers in their own grade levels. For instance, our math teachers use the Washington state standards to write questions for students to compete in speed tests. If your camper is in the wrong group they may not have fun with this challenge. Also some students write slower because they have less experience writing. This can mean that they miss some of the lesson because other kids are finished faster.
Our goal is for students to have fun and learn. Sometimes it is difficult to know which option will lead to success for both of those ideas!
2. What is your Refund Policy?
We know that plans change and emergencies occur!
Mini Camp Refunds: If your camper is unable to attend and you have emailed wisecamps@gmail.com at least 7 days prior to the start of this event, you will be issued a full refund (less the PayPal fees). If your camper is unable to attend and you have emailed wisecamps@gmail.com between 6 to 1 day prior to the start of your camp, you will be issued a 50% refund (less the PayPal fees). No refunds will be given when you notify us within 24 hours of the start of this event.
Summer Camp Refunds: If your camper is unable to attend and you have emailed wisecamps@gmail.com at least 42 days prior to the start of your camp, you will be issued a full refund (less the PayPal fees). If your camper is unable to attend and you have emailed wisecamps@gmail.com between 41 and 21 days prior to the start of your camp, you will be issued a 50% refund (less the PayPal fees). No refunds will be given when you notify us within 20 days of the start of your camp.
We always allow parents to retain a credit in the amount of any unrefunded portions of their camp fees. The only part that can’t be carried forward nor refunded are the PayPal fees. This is a small percentage of the total that is not refundable to us once a purchase has been completed. If a family is attending more than one camp we reserve the right to refund the PayPal fees if the family is only cancelling a portion of their camp experience at Wise!
*Please note that all refunds due to discounts, promotions, or cancellations must be processed manually and take up to 5 business days to complete.
*If Wise Camps cancels the camp, then registrations will be refunded in full (less the PayPal fees) or the full amount can be carried forward for future camps.
3. I’d like to enroll in 2 weeks of camps this summer. Is it better to enroll my children in STEAM Academy week 1 and STEAM Academy week 2 or STEAM Academy week 1 and A Wise Adventure?
Our camps are unique because we have the best and most creative staff! Each station is carefully crafted to help students fall in love with STEAM subjects. Our reccomendation for students is to have studnets take Week 1 and Week 2 of STEAM Academy as it is designed to have a unique experience each week. A few stations from STEAM week 1 will also be used in A Wise Adventure. We are confident that the activities at A Wise Adventure will be unique enough to keep students attention! So either way our mission of getting students excited about math and science will be accomplished! If you have questions, please let us know!
4. I don’t have a PayPal account, do you accept other forms of payment?
We currently use PayPal as our payment processor. We chose PayPal because they allow users to pay without having a PayPal account. They will process your credit card information but not force you to create an account. You should select the button that says “Pay with Debit or Credit Card”. Then it will ask you to put in an email address. You won’t need to create an account with PayPal at this point. If this does not work for you, you can also mail a check to us. Just send an email to wisecamps@gmail.com requesting our mailing address and we will reply promptly!
5. Why do I need to create a login before registering my campers?
We have added mini camps that occur about once a month during the school year. To allow parents to sign up for multiple camps more easily we are asking parents to register, so Wise Camps can input most of the necessary information for you. You enter it once and we use it each time you sign up for a camp. This makes registration more consistent as well.
6. Is it true that my child can become CPR certified in STEAM Academy week 1 and Wise Adventure Week 2 ?
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7. Why are your camps more expensive then a sports camp or other activity based programs?
As a part of our mission we strive to hire the best teachers to teach the Wise STEAM academy and Wise Adventures stations. We aim to pay them better than the summer school pay they could get teaching in their own district. We also want their imaginations to take off! They get to teach the best lessons and best content in the summer without any standardized tests holding them back! This helps make each station unique and engaging, it also costs more money per student than a typical sports camp. If you attend a soccer camp, for example, the company running it may need to rent the field, purchase soccer balls, nets, cones and colored kits. If you attend a Wise STEAM Camp or Wise Adventure camp we have to purchase supplies to make rockets, cow eyeballs, sheep hearts, model magic clay, pens, pencils, tshirts and art supplies not to mention numerous specialized chemicals all in an effort to create plenty of hands on activities and demos! On top of that we provide a catered lunch daily.
You might see kids at some camps on a water break relaxing on a bench during the down time, not at Wise, campers are entertained at our daily carnival consisting of fun creative games where campers can win tickets to spend on prizes at the end of the week! Campers at a Wise camp are never bored!
8. What does a typical day at wise camps look like?
Students start their day by picking up their Wise Camps lanyard. Then they are greeted by their group leaders. These high school volunteers are trained to help students throughout the day to get the most out of their camp experience! They also move campers from one station to the next. They have a group sign and wagon to help student move their fun creations and experiments from station to station.
9. I’m having trouble registering, any tips?
The first step is to get registered with the our website. This means you will create a user id and password to retain your camper information in our system. We do this to make it easier for you to come in the future! Please visit the “create camper profile” on our website. Or go to www.wisecamps.com/register-2
After creating a login you will need to verify your email address. This helps us cut down on spammers and bots. Then return to our website and log in to register for a camp! Just visit any of the “Join a Camp Today!” links or go to www.wisecamps.com/campregistration/
Each step of the way be sure to fill in every field. Some of the fields rely on certain values in order to display new options! If you have any further difficulties please email wisecamps@gmail.com and our registration experts can help you get your campers registered!
10. Emergency Preparedness FAQ
How does WISE Camps prepare for emergencies?
The safety of our campers is our highest priority. WISE Camps maintains emergency procedures for a variety of situations, including medical emergencies, fire evacuations, severe weather, earthquakes, lockdowns, and community safety concerns. Staff members receive emergency training, and campers participate in age-appropriate safety drills during camp.
How will I be notified if there is an emergency?
If an emergency affects camp operations or requires parent action, camp directors will communicate with families as soon as it is safe to do so. Our first priority is ensuring the safety and accountability of all campers and staff. Once everyone is safe and accounted for, parents will receive information about the situation and any necessary next steps.
What happens during a fire alarm or evacuation?
Campers and staff will evacuate the building using established evacuation routes and proceed to a designated assembly area. Staff members carry emergency information and attendance rosters to ensure every camper is accounted for. Families will be contacted if an evacuation requires early pickup or relocation.
What happens during an earthquake?
If an earthquake occurs, campers and staff will follow established earthquake safety procedures. Those indoors will take protective actions, while those outdoors will move to safe open areas away from hazards. After the shaking stops, staff will account for all campers and follow emergency response procedures.
What happens if there is a lockdown or community safety concern?
WISE Camps follows established safety protocols for situations that require us to remain inside the building or restrict access to campus. Staff receive training on these procedures and will guide campers to appropriate safe locations. Parents will be informed as soon as it is safe and practical to communicate.
How are medical emergencies handled?
Our staff are trained to respond to medical situations and will contact emergency services when necessary. Parents or guardians will be notified whenever a significant injury, illness, or medical concern occurs. Incident reports are completed and documented for situations that require follow-up.
What if my child has allergies or requires emergency medication?
Families should provide all necessary emergency medications, such as EpiPens or rescue inhalers, before camp begins. Emergency medications are kept with trained staff and are accessible throughout the camp day. Please ensure all medication forms are completed accurately and include current medical information.
Can camp staff administer medication?
For medications that must be given during the camp day, arrangements must be made with camp administration. Camp Directors or Assistant Directors are the only staff members authorized to administer camper medications. Additional information will be provided during registration and camp orientation.
What if my child has a medical condition, allergy, or special health concern?
Please include all relevant medical information during registration and on any required medical forms. Sharing this information helps us prepare appropriately and provide the safest possible environment for your child.
How will camper pickup work after an emergency?
If an emergency requires reunification with families, parents or authorized pickup individuals will be directed to a designated pickup location. Identification may be required before a camper is released to ensure the safety of all children.
Will campers practice emergency drills?
Yes. Campers participate in brief, age-appropriate safety drills so they know what to do in an emergency. These drills are designed to be educational, calm, and reassuring.
How are staff trained for emergencies?
Camp Directors receive detailed emergency procedure training. Staff members receive training on emergency response procedures, communication protocols, camper accountability, and their specific responsibilities during an emergency.
Where can I direct questions about camp safety?
If you have questions about emergency procedures, medical accommodations, or camp safety practices, please contact the WISE Camps administrative team before your camper's session begins. We are happy to discuss any concerns and help families feel prepared for a safe camp experience.