Frequently Asked Questions

Ages

Which age group should we request for a child with a summer birthday?

Campers must be the appropriate age on the date the selected camp begins.

For example:

• A child who turns 6 before June 3, 2024 may register for any age 6-7 camp.
• A child who turns 6 in July may register for any age 6-7 camp after their birthday in July.
• A child who turns 6 after August 19, 2024 is not eligible to register for any age 6-7 camps.

Why do you use ages, rather than grade levels, to determine eligibility for camp?

As a non-school institution with year-round programs, age is the most appropriate way for the museums to plan programs. All activities are learner-centered and designed to appeal to a range of abilities and prior knowledge. Safety guidelines for use of art and science tools and equipment are developed in an age-appropriate manner, so adherence to camp age brackets is also an important safety consideration.

My child is still toilet training. Is this an appropriate setting for my child?

In determining if your child is ready to experience the fun of summer camp at Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, consider their level of independence in toileting, wiping, and changing clothes. Museum staff members are not permitted to assist campers in toileting, wiping, or changing clothes. Regular bathroom breaks are scheduled, and campers of all ages are encouraged to bring a change of clothes.

What age range is “high school” as a camps category?

Incoming freshman through rising senior high school students are eligible for high school camps.

Environment

Are your teachers qualified?

Yes, experienced educators with all necessary clearances teach Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History camps.

How many teachers do you have per camp?

The camper-to-teacher ratio varies based on age of campers and complexity of activities in each camp. Camps average about 8–10 children per instructor. Additional adult, teen, and college-aged assistants help at each camp.

How do your camps facilitate restroom breaks?

Regular bathroom breaks are scheduled, and (whenever possible) campers utilize restrooms reserved for their use. Camp staff are not permitted to enter restrooms while they are in use by campers.

What’s your security like?

Security is a major priority. Summer camps at Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History work closely with Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh security professionals to ensure that our policies, procedures, and practices promote the safety of campers, museum visitors, exhibits, and collections at all times.

• Parents/guardians must sign children in and out at drop-off and pick-up. No child is released without identification of an authorized person. Identification must be presented every day.
• If an injury or other emergency occurs, the emergency contact specified on the camper safety form will be contacted.

Do the kids get to go outside?

Most camps combine structured indoor and outdoor activities with supervised free time. Weather permitting, campers have daily outdoor recess. A detailed list of outdoor activities can be provided on the first day of camp.

Do you provide snacks?

• Snacks are not provided for camps or pre-camp.
• Snacks are provided during half-day camps, Hi-Fives! camps, and post-camp care. Parents may also send snacks from home for these programs.
• Camp-provided snacks generally consist of fruit, crackers, pretzels, water, etc.

• Snacks are not provided.

Is lunch provided? Do the kids have recess?

Full-day campers must bring a packed lunch every day; we encourage reusable containers. Parents/guardians are not permitted to sign out campers for lunch. Weather permitting, children eat lunch outside on picnic tables, under shade trees, or on the grass lawn. Refrigeration and microwaves are not available for lunches.

• Full-day camps: Half-hour lunch period and half-hour recess period. Campers provide their own lunch. Snacks are not provided.
• Half-day camps: Snacks are provided. Parents may also send snacks from home. Camp-provided snacks generally consist of fruit, crackers, pretzels, water, etc.
• Hi-Fives! camps: Half-hour lunch period and half-hour recess period. Campers provide their own lunch. Snacks are provided. Parents may also send snacks from home. Camp-provided snacks generally consist of fruit, crackers, pretzels, water, etc.
• Campers do not have access to vending machines. Campers are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles marked with their names.
• Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries.
• Campers are not permitted to share food with other campers due to dietary/medical restrictions.
• You will be notified if camp activities involve food; otherwise, the designated lunch time is the only break for food during camp.
• Students enrolled in a full-day high school Youth Art Studio Summer program will have a 30–60 minute lunch break depending on the program. Lunch breaks are unsupervised. Students may pack a lunch or purchase food on or off-site.

• Pack a hearty lunch! The kids work hard all day. We encourage sustainable practices; the use of reusable or recyclable containers is appreciated. Children should bring refillable water bottles marked with their names.
• No snacks are provided.
• Campers are not permitted to share food with other campers due to dietary/medical restrictions.
• Weather permitting, children eat lunch outside on picnic tables, under shade trees, or on the grass lawn. Children have 15–20 minutes of recess after lunch.
• You will be notified if camp activities involve food; otherwise, the designated lunch time is the only break for food during camp.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility at Carnegie Museums

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh summer camps celebrate differences of race, gender, orientation, ability, national origin, religion, appearance, and more. We firmly believe that we are strengthened by the unique qualities, backgrounds, and experiences each camper, staff member, and volunteer brings to our community. This approach fosters a sense of belonging—enabling everyone to feel valued, respected, and free to be their authentic selves. By centering our values of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, we create an enhanced camp experience that reflects the richness of the world around us.

Preparation

How do I know my child is fully registered for camp?

Once payment has been received by Program Registration, registering adults will receive a confirmation e-mail including a personalized link to the online Carnegie Institute Programs Permission Form. Individual links are provided for each camper. Separate forms must be filled out for each individual child attending our camp program; a single form cannot be submitted to cover multiple siblings.

If you make camp purchases in multiple transactions, you may need to submit a new Carnegie Institute Programs Permission Form for each individual transaction.

What should my child bring for camp?

• All materials are provided unless otherwise specified.
• Campers participate in a range of indoor and outdoor activities that may involve paint, markers, glue, mud, grass, and other fun items. Please dress your camper accordingly.
• Galleries and classrooms are air conditioned and may be chilly, so a sweatshirt or sweater is recommended.
• Sturdy shoes are a must. Flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs are not permitted.

• Each child is assigned a cubby for personal items. Please be sure to label all items clearly. Items you might store in your child’s cubby include a change of clothes and shoes, a rain slicker, sweater or light jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, and bottle of water (preferably refillable).
• We spend most of the day outside, rain or shine, and camp activities include hikes through forests and meadows. Sunscreen is a must; sunscreen should be applied before camp begins each day as camp staff may not apply it for the child. Closed shoes, such as sneakers, are required. Flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs are not permitted.
• Camps include investigations of a stream called Powdermill Run. The water level is low, and no swimming is required. Children may wear bathing suits under their camp clothes. Send a complete change of clothes for stream day, including sturdy shoes. You will be notified in advance of stream day when it will take place.

Should my child bring a phone or other device to camp?

We strongly discourage campers from bringing their phones or electronic devices to camp. While we understand that these items may be a necessity, if any personal items become a distraction, staff will confiscate personal property and return it to parents/guardians at the end of the day. The museums are not responsible for lost items. Campers may prefer to leave these items at home.

May I attend camp with my child?

Our goal is for campers to participate in activities independently and with their peers. If you have concerns about your child’s level of comfort or independence, please indicate your concerns at the time of registration, and our staff will contact you to discuss your child’s needs.

Many of our campers have parents who are unable to stay for camp. In order to provide the best experience for all of our campers, we invite parents and guardians who wish to remain onsite during a camper’s program to enjoy Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History for free while their children attend camp. Regular parking rates apply beyond the hour-long drop-off/pick-up period.

At Powdermill, the trails, nature center exhibitions, and parking are always free.

Do you provide transportation or bus passes to camps?

No travel to or from camp is provided by the museums. Parents/guardians are responsible for drop-off and pick-up during scheduled periods.

There is no public transportation between Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History and Powdermill Nature Reserve. Parents registering for Powdermill camps are responsible for daily transportation to and from Powdermill Nature Reserve in Rector, Pennsylvania.

Some full-day camps may include field trips to Laurel Caverns, Powdermill Nature Reserve, or elsewhere. Transportation for these trips is included in the total camp fee.

What are the drop-off and pick-up policies?

Parking at the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Enter the museum parking lot at the intersection of Forbes Avenue and South Craig Street. You will be directed to the designated drop-off or pick-up area. Visitor Services Staff will be available to assist you. On the first day of camp, parents/guardians will receive a pass from the Visitors Services staff at the gate allowing for up to one hour of free parking for camp drop-off, and one hour for pick-up. Beyond one hour, standard parking rates apply in full.

Parking at Powdermill Nature Reserve

Parking at Powdermill Nature Reserve is always free.

Sign-In/Sign-Out

Parents/guardians or other authorized adults must sign campers in and out every day. Campers ages 11 and older may sign themselves in/out of camp if so indicated on the Carnegie Institute Programs Permission Form. Students enrolled in a high school Youth Art Studio Summer program are automatically self sign-in/out.  Anyone authorized to pick up a camper will be required to present identification every day.

• Full-day camps including Hi-Fives! sign-in: 8:45–9:15 a.m. /Sign-out: 3 p.m.
• Half-day (morning) sign-in: 8:45-9:15 a.m. / Sign-out: 11:30 a.m.
• Half-day (afternoon) sign-in: 12:45-1:15 p.m. / Sign-out: 3:30 p.m.

Registering adults will receive e-mail communication in advance of each camp experience outlining what specific procedures they should expect for sign-in/sign-out during their camp week(s).

Late Pick-up Policy

• Full-day campers ages 6-13 who have not been picked up by 15 minutes after scheduled sign-out will be enrolled in post-camp. Parent/guardian will be charged the full weekly post-camp fee of $110 per child and may utilize post-camp care for the remainder of the week.
• Post-camp is not available for children under age 6. Half-day and Hi-Fives! campers will be charged $20 for every 15 minutes late.
• Program Registration will reach out as soon as possible to complete payment of all late pick-up fees or post-camp care fees. These fees must be paid within three business days. If payment of late pick-up fees or post-camp care fees is not received within three business days, you will receive an invoice with an additional $15 late fee.
• You may call Program Registration at 412.622.3288 or e-mail programregistration@carnegiemuseums.org with questions or to submit payment.
• Please see the Carnegie Institute Programs Permission Form for complete information about late fees and procedures.

Pre- and Post-Camp Care

• Pre-camp and post-camp are available at Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History in Oakland for enrolled campers. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
• Registration is for the entire week; care is not available on a day-to-day basis.
• Campers must be picked up from post-camp by 5:30 p.m. or late pick-up fees will be charged. Late pick-up fees are $20 for every 15 minutes late. Campers must be signed in and out of pre-camp and post-camp each day. Anyone picking up a camper will be required to present identification.
• A light snack is provided in post-camp, but parents may also send extra snacks and drinks for registered campers.
• Pre-camp and post-camp are only available for campers ages 6-13.

Times and Fees*

Pre-camp: 7:30–9 a.m. – $40/week
Post-camp: 3–5:30 p.m. – $110/week

Medical

If my child needs medication, can camp staff administer it?

Staff may not dispense medications. If medication must be taken during camp, arrangements must be made for an adult to come and dispense medication. If an adult is unable to come and dispense medication, you must complete a Consent for Self-Administration of Medication form allowing your camper to carry and administer their own medication. Contact Program Registration at least one week in advance of camp.

The following applies for campers with epinephrine prescription medication:

• Museum staff are not permitted to store or carry epinephrine for campers.
• Children who must carry epinephrine are permitted to bring and use epinephrine on themselves in the event of an emergency.
• If a child cannot administer the medication to themself, appropriately trained Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh staff may administer the child’s epinephrine auto injector, provided that the child’s parent/guardian has previously provided permission via the Epinephrine Autoinjector Policy and Consent Form.
• If an epinephrine auto injector is administered, 911 and the parent/guardian of the camper will be notified immediately.

Does your camp address accessibility?

The museums welcome all visitors. We work to assist visitors in obtaining reasonable and appropriate accommodations and in supporting equal access to services, programs, and activities. Interpreters and guides can be provided for deaf and blind children. Free participation is provided to TSS/aides for children with autism or physical or behavioral challenges. Please note that requests for accommodations should be made at least two weeks prior to your program by contacting visitorservices@carnegiemuseums.org. For specific questions about wheelchairs, strollers, or other programmatic or equipment needs, see Visitor Services at the museum information desk, or e-mail visitorservices@carnegiemuseums.org, or call 412.622.3131. The four Carnegie Museums are committed to keeping their websites compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We welcome any feedback on how to improve our sites’ accessibility for all users, and we strive to develop websites that are accessible to all.

How do you handle food distribution for children with food allergies?

Please list your child’s food allergies on the Carnegie Institute Programs Permission Form, including any special accommodations your child may require because of the allergy.

The following accommodations are provided for campers with food allergies if specifically noted on the medical form:

• Special seating areas are provided for campers with allergies. Tabletops are sanitized prior to each lunch seating to minimize the chances of a camper coming into contact with residue from previous lunch times.
• Snacks and camp activities are carefully designed with common food allergies in mind.

• Children with food allergies are seated in a different outside location. Campers are grouped so as not to isolate any children.

What public health procedures are in place?

We’re following all recommendations by the PA Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Campers will be expected to adhere to the public health guidance and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh procedures in place during the time of their camp.

Registration

What is the cancellation policy?

• If you cancel your registration at least 14 days before the camp/workshop start date, you will receive a refund equal to the cost of the camp less a $25 service fee per child, per camp.
• Withdrawals made less than 14 days in advance will not receive a refund.
• If your child is unable to attend camp due to a Covid-19 exposure or diagnosis, immediately contact Program Registration at programregistration@carnegiemuseums.org or by phone at 412.622.3288 to discuss available options.
• Refunds are made using original payment method. Credit card refunds are processed upon notice of withdrawal and may take up to one week to credit your account. Check refunds may take up to four weeks for processing.
• The museums reserve the right to cancel programs due to insufficient enrollment. In this case, a full refund is given.