Discovery Day Camp programming serves students who have finished K-8th grades. UNSM provides care only for children who are: toilet trained, can abide by the rules and expectations outlined in these policies and given by camp staff, and can function effectively in a setting with one adult to every 10 children.

It is mandatory that parents list on the registration form at the time of registration or the youth activity safety policy if their child has any special needs that need accommodation or consideration. Providing this at registration allows us to meet those accommodations, if possible. Failure to notify staff may result in us being unable to accommodate your child’s needs. All information listed will only be shared with appropriate UNSM staff.

UNSM Discovery Day Camp does not discriminate based upon any protected status in our admission policies. 

Half-Day Camps: Drop-off is between 8:00-9:00am and pick-up is between 12:00-1:00pm. 
Full-Day Camps: Drop-off is between 8:00-9:00am and pick-up is between 4:00-5:00pm. 

• Meet in front of Morrill Hall at the mammoth statue each day
• A parent/guardian must sign the child in and out each day
  • Photo ID is required for the adult picking up the camper. Only authorized adults listed on the registration form will be allowed to pick up the camper.
• Museum Address & Parking
  • 645 N 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68588 (14th & Vine St.)
  • Parking is available in the center of the stadium loop in front of the building for summer camps. Access the center lot by entering the north side of the loop at 14th & Vine St. Parking is available in museum-designated stalls on the East side of Morrill Hall for spring and fall break camps. 

Late Drop-Off: If you know you are going to drop your camper off after 9:00 a.m. please call the Extended Learning Coordinator at 402-472-3823 or the front desk at 402-472-6784 (on Mondays when the museum is CLOSED, please call the ELC). Once you arrive, please check in at the front desk and the visitor service staff will notify camp staff that your camper has arrived (Tuesdays-Fridays).

Late Pick-up Fees: If you are going to be late to check-out, please call the Extended Learning Coordinator at 402-472-3823 or the front desk at 402-472-6784 (on Mondays when the museum is CLOSED, please call the ELC). All campers are to be picked up by 1:00 p.m. (half-day camps) or 5:00 p.m. (full-day camps). Families will be charged for late pick-up at a rate of $15.00 per child/10 minutes late. After the first $15, $1.00 will be added to the late fee for each additional minute per child. *The clock on the mobile device of the primary lead educator is the clock to be used for calculating the late fee.

The museum may take photos during the camp and activities for purposes of internal and external communications and/or promotions. A photo release statement is included with registration, allowing you to opt in or out of having your child photographed.

Camp space is limited, and all camp registrations are considered final. Refunds or partial refunds will not be issued for any no-shows or missed days. The University of Nebraska State Museum reserves the right to cancel camps due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, in which participants will be notified and full refund will be issued.

• One snack (half-day camps) or two snacks (full-day camps) will be provided each day (i.e. granola bars, pretzels, fruit snacks, crackers, etc.). 
• If your child has any food allergies, please list them on the medical form provided. You may be asked to provide an appropriate snack if needed. 
• Campers need to come with a peanut-free sack lunch (refrigeration or microwave are not provided). 
• Please ensure kids eat a healthy breakfast before camp so they are ready for fun and learning. 
• Campers are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle each day of camp.

Campers should wear comfortable clothing and shoes for exploring and walking both indoors and outside. Close-toed tennis shoes are highly recommended. Additionally, some activities may be messy, so please dress accordingly.

What to Bring:

• Backpack 
• Reusable, filled water bottle 
• Sack lunch for full day camps (see section on food) 
• Apply sunscreen before camp and bring a hat (camps will take place both inside and outside of the Museum)

Please do NOT Bring:

• Spending money (the Museum store may be visited after camp with a parent or guardian) 
• Extra snacks (unless needed for dietary reasons) or drinks (other than a water bottle) 
• Cell phones or other electronic devices (these items can become a distraction and easily lost or broken) 
  • In the event of an emergency, parents/guardians may contact the Discovery Day Camp Director or the Museum Front Desk.

Camps are held rain or shine. Instructors and museum staff are trained in evacuation and safety procedures regarding severe weather.

Please notify education staff of any health or behavioral information that may impact their camp experience so we can make appropriate accommodations. If medication of any type (over the counter or prescription) is required, it must be stored with and administered by UNSM Education staff. Campers are not allowed to carry any medications with them. Medication must be in its original container. Medical information is requested in our waivers and supplemental information documents to be read and signed by the parent/guardian before the start of camp.

If your child becomes sick during camp, you will be notified and asked to pick them up early. If your child is ill before camp, we ask that you keep them at home for the health and safety of other campers and museum staff. This includes contagious illnesses such as having a temperature higher than 100°, vomiting, diarrhea, or other bodily discharge. If a bathroom accident occurs, parents will be asked to take their camper home. Campers may return to day camp programming when they can participate in daily activities and are symptom free without medication for at least 24 hours.

In the event of an emergency or accident involving your child, you will be notified by staff, following notification to the appropriate emergency personnel. All museum education staff are certified in Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED and have been trained in emergency procedures for the museum.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has implemented a Youth Activity Safety Policy to provide a safe environment for youths participating in Nebraska sponsored activities, clinics, or conferences. Our policy includes safe interaction guidelines as well as background and sex registry checks for Activity Workers. This policy will help to protect youth from potential misconduct incidents and provide a safe, educational, and enjoyable activity/program experience. The full Youth Activity Safety Policy is provided in our waivers and supplemental information documents to be read and signed by the parent/guardian before the start of camp.