CampTh (1)

Northwest Kansas Travel CampsWe’re Bringing Camps Back to Northwest Kansas!

Through the generous funding of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, your child can be part of the Exploration Place Brickmania Agricultural Science and Animal Care camp! At this camp your child will partner with 3 to 4 children about their age to complete fun engineering challenges and science activities with LEGOs® and other tools, including:

  • Building and coding a robotic vehicle to achieve an agricultural task
  • Exploring the work of animal care
  • Planning and building a rural town with electricity and vehicles
  • Designing a LEGO farm
  • Building their own moving animal to take home

Camp locations are being selected. Check back after March 18 to see where the camps will be located. 

25 Sites in NW Kansas

Ages 7 -12

9 am - 4 pm Daily

$75 Per Camper

Register Now!

Limited spots are available at each site. Registration coming soon!

If the camp that you are wanting is sold out, join the waitlist.

Scholarships

If your camper is eligible for free or reduced lunch, SNAP benefits or share about another barrier to attending, we encourage you to apply. Registration coming soon!

Camp Schedule

Camp Schedule

*New for 2024*

To give parents flexible childcare options, before and after-care are available to all campers for no additional fee and with no additional paperwork. Drop your camper off as early as 7:30 am and pick up by 5:30 pm. The core camp activities will happen between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Additional fees will only be charged if you pick up your camper past the 5:30 pm cut off (see FAQs for details).

Get Ready for Camp

Get Ready for Camp

What to do:

  • Complete your paperwork before the first day! Check your email, click the link and complete all the required paperwork for your child’s camp before check-in on day one.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather and activities. We will play outdoors and get messy!

What to bring:

  • Pack a lunch in a leak-resistant container with an ice pack if perishables are included. The lunch box and all items inside the lunch bag should labeled with the camper’s name.
  • Bring a water bottle labeled with the camper’s name.
  • No need to include snacks. We provide a healthy morning and afternoon snack for all campers.
  • Exploration Place Summer Camps are peanut and tree-nut free. Please do not pack nuts or nut butters in lunches.
Refund Policy

Refund Policy

We offer a full refund of your camp fee if you inform us at least two weeks (14 days) before the camp starts. In case of medical necessity, a major emergency, or military deployment any time before the camp begins, a full refund will be provided. If you decide to cancel 1 to 13 days before the camp, we are unable to refund your fee, but we are happy to transfer your registration to an available camp on a different date.

Contact Info

Contact Info

If you have questions about summer camps with Exploration Place, you may contact Bentley Richert at (316) 660-0650 or contact us online.

Contact Us

Three of my boys attended the camp in Salina and loved it! They all talk about it and want to go to Exploration Place in Wichita to visit Nicole! Thanks for having this camp.

My 9 year old daughter absolutely enjoyed going to this camp! I thought 9:00-4:00 would be a long day, but it wasn't long enough for her. Looking forward to it next year!

My daughters both LOVED this camp. They came home each day raving about what they had built. It challenged them and was such a positive experience.

The Lego camp was amazing. Our son loved every minute of it. Was so thrilled to have the opportunity for something like this in Western Kansas.

My boys loved the camp and it made them motivate to play with Legos again. Also, it help them with steam: they were thinking how can the car go far? How can I make this higher, etc… we loved it!!!!

Camp FAQs

General Questions
  • What ages are included in Summer Camp and Edventure camps?

    Children are divided into groups based on age so the activities are can be done in an age-appropriate manner.

    Ages for Summer Camp at Exploration Place

    • 6 – 8 Year old groups
    • 9 – 10 Year old groups
    • 11 – 13 Year old groups

    Ages for School’s Out Edventures at Exploration Place

    • 6 – 8 Year old groups
    • 9 – 10 Year old groups

    Ages for Exploration Place Travel Camps

    • 6 – 12 year old groups

    Children are divided into small groups of 2-4 and the STEM activities are adjusted based on the age of each group.

  • What is the cancellation policy?

    We offer a full refund of your camp fee if you inform us at least two weeks before the camp starts. In case of medical necessity, a major emergency, or military deployment any time before the camp begins, a full refund will be provided. If you decide to cancel 1 to 13 days before the camp, we are unable to refund your fee, but we are happy to transfer your registration to an available camp on a different date.

  • What is a typical camp day like? Is this the right camp for my child?

    Exploration Place camps are somewhat like school with 16 to 36 children and 2 to 4 counselors. The days are filled with fun hands-on STEM activities. Children do these activities as groups of 2 to 4 just like engineers and scientists.

    • You will have the clearest insight into your child’s comfort and capabilities. Trust your judgment on whether this setting will suit them.
    • We can’t offer refunds after camp has started.
    • Exploration Place camps are open to any child who has completed Kindergarten and is 6 years old.
    • We offer reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities. To request such, please reach out to our Camp Manager at (316) 660-0650.
  • What is the daily camp schedule?
    • Check-in: 7:30 am 9:00 am
    • Camp activities are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
    • Check-out: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

    *New for 2024*

    To give parents flexible childcare options during Summer Camp and School’s Out Edventures, before and after care are available to all campers for no additional fee and with no additional paperwork. Drop your camper off as early as 7:30 am and pick up by 5:30 pm. The core camp activities will happen between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Additional fees will only be charged if you pick up your camper past the 5:30 pm cut off (see FAQs for details).

  • Why did you eliminate the fees for before and after care?

    From the parent survey, we learned that parents and caregivers needed flexibility to drop off  children between 7:30 and 9:00 am and pick up between 4:00 and 5:30 pm. We heard you and have structured the program so that all campers have access to these benefits. Thank you for those who participated in the survey and helped us improve the program for all!

  • Can I drop off my child before 7:30 am or pick them up after 5:30 pm?

    Unfortunately, we cannot accept children before 7:30 am or care for them after 5:30 pm. Parents who pick up children after 5:30 pm should expect to pay additional fees. If a parent consistently picks up children after 5:30 pm, the child will not be permitted to return to camp.

  • Late arrivals (after 9:00 am) and early pickups (before 4:00 pm)

    Late arrivals (after 9:00 am) and early pickups (before 4:00 pm) are allowed. Please go to the front desk and ask for camp assistance.

  • What do campers do from 7:30 - 9:00 am and 4:00 - 5:30 pm?

    Campers enjoy supervised free play, crafts and games before and after camp. They are cared for by Exploration Place camp staff before the camp day begins. The core camp activities will happen between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

  • Do campers leave Exploration Place?

    This year, we expect construction to begin outside for the new outdoor amphitheater and destination playground. This means, we will be asking parents to sign permission slips for children to play outside at a partner site. Camp groups may also walk to the Keeper of the Plains adjacent to Exploration Place. Parents, must sign the field trip forms in CampDoc if they want to allow their children to play outside off the Exploration Place grounds.

  • What if I have concerns about safety during construction?

    All construction zones will be completely fenced off at all times to camp staff and campers as well as to the public.

  • Do campers spend any time outside?

    Yes! Weather permitting. If the heat index is 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or the wind chill temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit campers remain inside. Please dress appropriately for the weather so your child can enjoy playing outside.

  • What should my camper bring and wear to camp?
    • Lunch, packed in a leak-resistant container and labeled with the camper’s name
    • A water bottle labeled with the camper’s name
    • Clothes that can get messy. Daily projects include glue, materials that can stain and opportunities for kids to get wet, sweaty or dirty.
    • Closed-toe shoes
    • • If the weather is cool or cold, bring a jacket. We play outside.

    Exploration Place Camps are peanut and tree-nut free. We ask that parents do not pack these items in camper lunches to avoid any allergies.

  • What should my camper leave at home?

    Unless a letter or special request comes from camp staff, campers should leave the following items at home:

    • Electronics, such as any internet-enabled device (phones, watches, iPads)
    • Gaming devices
    • Toys
    • Cards and tradables or collectible items

    If a child brings any of the above items, they will be asked to keep them in their backpacks for the duration of camp and before- and after-care hours. Exploration Place is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

  • My camper has special medical or behavioral needs. Whom do I contact?

    For any camper concerns, contact the Camp Director. There may be special forms that will need to be completed. You may reach the Camp Director at (316) 660-0650 or contact us online.

  • How do I reach the Camp Director?

    You can chat with the Camp Director at check-in or check-out. If you need to reach him during the camp day, please call (316) 660-0650.

Behavior Guidance and Parent Information
  • What are the behavior guidance and discipline policies for camp?

    Exploration Place’s philosophy of discipline is based on respect for each participant’s self-worth, sensible behavior boundaries with age-appropriate consequences and encouraging youth to manage their own behavior.

    All participants are expected to show respect for themselves and others; consideration for their own and others’ property; and to participate in the group activities.

    As you prepare for your child to attend camp, please read the Parent Information and Policies.

    If you have concerns about the quality of care, policies, or procedures, please contact the Senior Director of Education at (316) 660-0612.

Group Assignment and Classroom Questions
  • What is a typical camp day like? Is this the right camp for my child?

    Exploration Place camps are somewhat like school with 16 to 36 children and 2 to 4 counselors. The days are filled with fun hands-on STEM activities. Children do these activities as groups of 2 to 4 just like engineers and scientists.

    • You will have the clearest insight into your child’s comfort and capabilities. Trust your judgment on whether this setting will suit them.
    • We can’t offer refunds after camp has started.
    • Exploration Place camps are open to any child who has completed Kindergarten and is 6 years old.
    • We offer reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities. To request such, please reach out to our Camp Manager at (316) 660-0650.
  • What do I do if I need to speak to my camper’s group leader?

    Camp counselors and leaders are available during check-in and check-out. Other arrangements may be made to speak with a camp director if these times do not work. Parents are also encouraged to share any problems with the assistant camp director or the camp director via phone, email or in-person at any time during normal business hours. Email us at [email protected] or leave a message at (316) 660-0650.

  • Can siblings be in the same group?

    We take all requests into consideration. Our lesson plans are targeted to a specific age; if siblings or friends are the same age, they may be in the same group. The camp director has discretion over camper placement.

    Please make requests at least two weeks prior to your registered camp start date.

  • Are the activity plans available for me to look at?

    Lesson plans are proprietary. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact the Camp Director with any concerns (316) 660-0650.

  • How many campers are in each room or group?

    Onsite camp groups each have 15-30 students. Each camp group is guided by 2-3 counselors. Additional staff float between rooms to support camper STEM and play activities, restroom runs, and brain breaks for children who need them.

  • Do campers go to the exhibits?

    Campers who attend camp at Exploration Place have scheduled time in the exhibits throughout the week.

  • Do campers go to the Dome and Live Science Shows?

    Campers who attend camp at Exploration Place go to Dome movies or Live Science Show when it applies to the week’s theme.

Lunch, Snacks and Drink Questions
  • Does my camper need to bring a lunch?

    Yes, campers should bring a lunch labeled with their names in a leak-proof container (no paper sacks), silverware if needed, with an ice pack. Microwaves are available as needed.

    Exploration Place Camps are peanut and tree-nut free. We ask that parents do not pack these items in camper lunches to avoid any allergies.

  • Can campers get lunch at the Snack Bar?

    No, lunch staff are not available to take campers to the Snack Bar.

  • Can I bring my camper a lunch?

    Yes, check with an Exploration Place staff member at check-in to confirm your camper’s lunch time. You are welcome to check out your camper for lunch, drop off lunch at the front desk or bring lunch to eat with your camper.

  • What if my child has food allergies?

    Exploration Place Camps are peanut and tree-nut free. We ask parents not to pack these items in lunches. If your camper has any food allergies, please share this with a staff member at check-in and add the information into CampDoc.

Registration Form Questions
COVID and Illness Questions