Frequently Asked Questions…

What ages/grades are the camps designed for?

Spark Your Imagination Summer Camp is intended for children entering grades 4, 5, 6, or 7 (ages 9-12) in the fall.

What are the session dates?

The daily sessions are one week (Monday-Friday) in length and run as follows:

  • Session 1 June 24-28

  • Session 2 July 8-12

  • Session 3 July 22-26

  • Camp 2.0 August 12-16

Can we sign up for more than one session?

Each session will cover the same topics, so students are encouraged to sign up for only one week. Camp 2.0 is reserved for returning campers only.

How many campers will be in each session?

The sessions are strictly limited to ten campers, except for Camp 2.0 which will be limited to 15 campers. This permits the close educator attention that maximizes the benefits to students.

Could more than one of our family members attend the same session?

Of course! But we must have a registration form and waiver for each child so we ask that you sign them up separately. We realize that this requires re-inputting a great deal of information. We apologize and thank you for your patience.

Do the campers stay overnight?

No. They are dropped off and picked up each day.

If I live close to Hearthstone, can I arrange for my student to walk or bike to/from camp?

Yes, but please come to camp with your student on the first day, if possible, and notify Lauren in advance. Bikes may be stored safely on our back porch or bike rack.

What is the daily schedule?

Each session meets daily at Hearthstone from 9 am - 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The tentative daily schedule is as follows:

• 9:00 Student Drop Off
• 9-9:30 Icebreakers
• 9:30-10:30 Educational Programming
• 10:30-11 Snack and Bathroom Break
• 11-12 Educational Programming
• 12-12:30 Lunch Time (Outside on the grounds, weather permitting)
• 12:30-2 Experiments and Interactive Activities
• 2-2:30 Snack and Bathroom Break
• 2:30-3:30 Educational Programming
• 3:30 Student Pick Up

Where does the camp take place?

Instruction will take place mostly indoors in the lower-level “Hydro Room,” though breaks will take place mostly outdoors on Hearthstone’s lawn. However, the entire museum will be available for experiential learning. Sessions may also take place outside when weathers permits. A field trip to Vulcan Park, which is located two blocks away from the museum on the riverfront, is also planned. Lunches will take advantage of the shade under Hearthstone’s mature trees on the grounds whenever possible.

What is the cost?

The total cost per session is $200 per student.

Does this cost include all materials for the activities?

Yes. The cost includes all materials for the activities. Everything will be provided by the museum.

Are lunches and snacks provided?

No. Daily lunches and snacks will not be provided by Hearthstone; please pack food and a water bottle each day. Students will have access to a microwave, fridge, restroom, and water.

Is financial aid available for students to cover session costs and lunches and/or snacks?

Hearthstone is dedicated to making its educational opportunities, including the Spark Your Imagination Summer Camps, available to everyone in our community regardless of economic strata. If your student/family would like to be considered for financial aid (which will not be known to other campers and their families) to cover both tuition and light lunch/snacks, please contact Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder at gschroeder@hearthstonemuseum.org.

How should campers dress?

Campers should be comfortable whether inside or outside so dressing in layers is highly recommended. A t-shirt and sweatshirt or sweater would be a good combination. Please note that the activities can get a little messy so clothes may become stained. Closed shoes like gym shoes are required. No sandals or flip-flops please.

Is Hearthstone an allergen-free environment?

No. Hearthstone CANNOT ensure an allergen-free environment and is NOT a nut-free camp. Further, the museum is a restored 142-year-old residence and does not offer a controlled environmental relative to air-borne allergens like pollen or dust.

Is there air-conditioning?

As a historic building on the National Register of Historic Places, Hearthstone is NOT air-conditioned. However, the Lower Level is a beautifully designed space that offers cool temperatures year-round.

Is there a waiver?

Yes. The standard waiver language, which all families must agree to as part of the registration process, reads as follows:

  • I confirm that any needed medications will be administered prior to camp starting or after camp finishes each day. Hearthstone employees are not allowed to administer any medication.

  • In case of emergency, I authorize Hearthstone Historic House Museum staff to obtain medication or medical attention for my child if unable to reach parent or legal guardian stated on registration form in a timely manner.

  • I hereby release and agree to hold harmless Hearthstone Historic House Museum or its employees against any and all losses, liabilities, expenses, and causes of action for personal injury or death of my child.

  • I confirm permission for my child to leave Hearthstone Historic House Museum grounds with the Museum Educator. Students may walk to Vulcan Heritage Park.

  • I confirm that if my child or child’s family is exposed to COVID-19 or tests positive for COVID-19, I will notify the Museum Educator and my child will stay home from camp.

  • Waiver of Liability is for all activities involved with our camps. Students are voluntarily participating in camps and release from all liability and promise not to sue Hearthstone Historic House Museum and its employees from any and all claims resulting in any physical or psychological injury, illness, damages, or economic or emotional loss students may suffer because of participation in the camps including travel to, from, and during the camp. As the participating student is under 18, their legal guardian is required to consent with these terms for the participating student. Registration for a camp session constitutes acceptance of this waiver of liability.

Do staff have first aid training?

Both Lauren (Museum Educator) and George (Executive Director) have completed the requirements for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED conducted by the American Red Cross. This certification expires in April 2025.

How do we register for a session?

Registration is easy and is done entirely on-line. This includes the waiver signing and payment.

What is the museum’s refund policy?

Hearthstone has a no refund policy for all of its tours and events. However, the museum would be glad to work with families where unusual circumstances prevent registered students from attending their session of choice.

Who can I contact for additional information?

For additional information, please contact:
Lauren Kelly
lkelly@hearthstonemuseum.org