Camp-ins

What is a Camp-In?
A Camp-In at the Museum of Science is a special overnight program that inspires children to discover science in an entertaining, educational, and interactive way. A typical Camp-In includes a variety of hands-on science activities, science demonstrations, an Omni show, a late night program, and time to explore the Museum with chaperones. Camp-In Instructors facilitate fun science activities that enhance Museum exhibits.

Who can participate?
This program is available to organizations and schools serving children in grades 1 - 6.  We do not book private groups or individual children.

How do I register?
Camp-In registration is handled through organizations like Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, schools, and church and youth groups. There is a high demand for the program. Groups are booked in the spring for the upcoming year. Contact your local youth agency for registration information and Camp-In fees. Agencies may contact the Camp-In office at 617-589-0350.

What should campers bring?
Each participant should bring an indoor sleeping bag, and air mattresses are recommended for adults. The Museum is big, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  Plan to dress in layers for activities and sleeping so that you can regulate your own comfortable temperature.  Campers may wish to bring money to shop at the Museum Store.

What are the hours of a Camp-In?
Check in is 5:00-6:30 p.m.  Scheduled activities begin as early as 6:45 p.m. and conclude by 11:00 a.m. the following day.  Groups are welcome to explore the Exhibit Halls until the Museum closes.

Can I park overnight at the Museum of Science, and how much does it cost?
Yes, Camp-In participants may park on levels 2-5 of the Museum of Science garage overnight.  Camp-In participants pay a flat rate of $5.00 per car until noon; if groups stay later than 12:00 p.m., regular parking rates will apply.

Does my group enter through the main lobby?
No. Upon arrival, campers should bring their gear to the lowest level of the garage and use the Camp-In entrance.  Groups will be directed to store gear in their designated space and proceed to registration.

What if my group is arriving by bus?
Busses should pull into the Museum of Science driveway and wait for directions from a Museum staff member.

Can my group take public transportation?
Yes.  The Museum is across the street from the Science Park stop on the MBTA Green Line.  It is about a 20-minute walk from North Station (Green Line, Orange Line, Amtrak, Commuter Rail).

Is food included in the Camp-In?
An evening snack and a light breakfast are provided during the Camp-In.  Participants may purchase dinner in the Museum Café, eat before they arrive, or bring dinner with them to eat in the designated picnic area.  For more details about the Museum Café, contact camperfood@mos.org or 617-589-3180.

Will my group earn a scout badge or cover specific school curriculum?
Camp-In programming is not geared specifically to any one scout badge or school curriculum. All campers will participate in a variety of science activities.  These activities satisfy many requirements for select science, math, engineering, and technology curriculum or badges.

Where do campers sleep?
Campers sleep on the floor throughout the Museum Exhibit Halls.  Some surfaces are carpet, others are tile, and all are hard.  Air mattresses are welcome for adults.  Groups are pre assigned a sleeping space.

When is lights out?
Midnight. Since the Museum is a large facility, please be patient as we work to turn off all the lights; it may take about 20 minutes.

Does it get dark after the lights go out?
For guest safety, some lights will remain on throughout the night.  We are not able to adjust the emergency lighting during the Camp-In.

Does the Museum get cold at night?
The Museum is a very large, old building, and the temperature will vary from area to area. We recommend bringing layered clothing such as a t-shirt, shorts, and sweats, and a sleeping bag so that you can regulate your temperature to meet your comfort level.

Will the Museum store be open?
The museum store opens daily at 10:00 a.m. and offers a variety of educational, souvenir and gift items including a Camp-In T-Shirt.