Camp-Ins FAQ

How do we register?
Each group is registered by a group liaison. That's the person who contacts Liberty Science Center with the initial registration, submits all registration materials, and is responsible for group payments, group behavior and the dissemination of all information to group members.

What if I don’t know how many people will be attending?
The minimum group size is 30. When making reservations, make a “best guess” of the group size by subtracting 10 percent from all possible participants. It is easier to add spaces than cancel extra reservations later. If your numbers are low, consider inviting others to join you. For example, a Scout troop could invite other troops to participate.

Can we add additional campers or chaperones once we have registered?
Based on space availability, we can increase a reservation size until two weeks before the Camp-In. Once it has been increased, you will not be permitted to decrease it again. Payment for additional spaces is due when the reservation is increased. To avoid confusion, group additions or deletions must come from the group liaison.

Can I reserve my Camp-In over the phone?
Camp-Ins are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to reserve your Camp-In over the phone, please be prepared to remit a 25 percent non-refundable, non-transferable deposit within 10 days of making the reservation. Once the reservation is made, it cannot be cancelled.

How much does it cost?
The cost is $55 per person.

What is the minimum group size?
The minimum group size is 30 people.

What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 1,200 people.

What are the ages/grade levels for Camp-Ins?
Camp-Ins are for campers in grades 1-8 (6-13 years old).

What is the required chaperone-to-child ratio?
The required chaperone-to-child ratio is one adult to every five children (1:5). The ratio of adults to children can be higher if required by your organization.

What time does check-in start?
Check-in begins at 6:00 pm.

Where do we check-in?
Please check in at the Box Office as soon as you arrive. We ask that participants not wait until the entire group assembles – we want you start exploring right away!

What do we receive at check-in?
Adults receive wristbands for themselves and the campers for whom they are responsible. They also receive a registration pack with information about where they are sleeping and storing their gear, the evening’s schedule, chaperone guidelines and nighttime rules.

What is the evening schedule?
Click here to see a sample. Your actual schedule may vary.

Will my group all be scheduled for the same activities?
The welcome show is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and while your entire group may not be at the same show, you will still have plenty of time to interact during the evening. You will be assigned to the same sleeping area and will be together for snacks, a presentation in the IMAX® Dome Theater and breakfast. The morning theater show schedule is based on your evening arrival time.

Which meals are included?
Liberty Science Center provides a snack and a light continental breakfast. There are three options for dinner:

• Eat before you arrive.
• Pack a bagged dinner and eat before you come to check in.
• Purchase a light meal in Café Skylines which will be open from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

What if someone needs to leave early?
The group’s liaison is responsible for letting the Camp-In office know if someone is planning to leave early and the person must be signed out at the Welcome Desk. If the person is a minor, the liaison must be present at the Welcome Desk to verify that the child is leaving with the correct person. The person picking up the minor must have valid identification (e.g., driver’s license). Adults must sign out of the building and the liaison is responsible for making sure there is proper chaperone coverage for the group at all times. Once a party leaves, they will not be able to return.

What if someone needs to arrive late?
The liaison is responsible for informing the Camp-In office that someone is arriving late. We will register anyone on the roster until 10:00 pm.

What if I have Liberty Science Center Members in my group?
Member discounts do not apply to the Camp-In program.

Where do I park?
Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. Vehicles that arrive before 3:00 pm will be charged to park ($5.00/car and $10.00/bus). There is no charge for overnight parking.

What If my group is arriving by bus?
If you are arriving by bus, please let us know when you register. When your bus arrives on the night of your Camp-In, our staff will greet and check you in right on the bus. All program materials will be handed out to chaperones and campers at that time.

I have food allergies; can I bring my own snack and breakfast?
Anyone with food allergies is requested to let us know in the special needs section of the registration form. Liaisons should indicate on their registration form if there are any individuals in the group with food allergies. Guests with food allergies may bring their own food. Refrigeration is available upon request.

What if it snows on the date of our Camp-In?
Camp-Ins will be automatically cancelled if Liberty Science Center closes during the day due to inclement weather. Decisions about Camp-In closures will be made by noon. Liberty Science Center will make the final decision regarding cancellations; however, we will make an effort to solicit input from group liaisons. Once a decision is made, we will contact the group liaison, post the decision on the website and change the Camp-In voicemail.

What should I bring for a Camp-In?
Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, blanket and minimal toiletries. All gear should be packed in clear plastic bags with the group name printed on the bag. Chaperones are asked to bring flashlights for campers. Campers are not permitted to bring flashlights.

What items should we leave at home?
We highly suggest that no one bring electronics or items of value. These items take away from the full experience of Liberty Science Center and have the tendency to get lost. Also, we do not suggest bringing large sums of money.

May I bring an air mattress?
Air mattresses are not permitted unless you have a medical condition. If this is the case, please indicate it on the Group Advisory Form and attach supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s note) to the form. Due to fire regulations, all other air mattresses will not be permitted.

May I change into my pajamas?
We do not permit the changing of clothing during a Camp-In. Please wear comfortable clothing that you can sleep in. Tops and bottoms must be worn at all times. Lingerie is not permitted.

How do I dress for a Camp-In?
We suggest dressing in layers, as the building temperature fluctuates during the night. Comfortable walking shoes are also suggested – there is a lot to see!

Where do we sleep?
Campers and chaperones sleep on the actual exhibit floors. Groups are assigned to a sleeping space based on their group size. Campers and chaperones are expected to sleep in the assigned space.

Can’t we sleep anywhere we want in the building?
For your safety, sleeping areas are assigned so they do not block emergency passageways, doors or telephones. We are subject to random fire marshal inspections and if these areas are blocked by campers, the marshal can cancel the Camp-In.

Can I plug something in overnight?
If someone in your group needs to have something plugged in the entire night (e.g. a medical device), please indicate this on the Group Advisory Form. We will make our best effort to accommodate these requests.

Where do I store my gear?
All gear will be stored in the building on the floor where you will be sleeping. Gear must be stored until it is time to begin setting up campsites.

Can we wander and explore Liberty Science Center all night?
No. Exhibits will be shut down from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am, and campers must remain at their campsites with their chaperones the entire night. Children are not permitted to wander through the building at night.

Is the building handicap accessible?
Yes. Liberty Science Center is a handicap accessible facility. If you have group members with special needs, please indicate this on the Group Advisory Form.

Will I see all of Liberty Science Center?
There will be lots of time available to explore the building and the exhibits, but we cannot guarantee that you will see everything during the night. Also, we cannot guarantee that all exhibits will be available during your Camp-In.

Can we stay the next day?
Yes. You are welcome to remain in the building the entire next day.

Am I required to attend the Leader Orientation?
No. While it is not required, attending the leader orientation will help you and your group have a fabulous experience at Liberty Science Center’s Camp-In. You’ll find out about sleeping locations, gear storage, snack and breakfast plans, IMAX® Dome Theater presentations, an overview of our Scout programming, and more.

Will we get a patch?
Yes, as you go into breakfast, a staff person will hand you a patch providing campers with free admission to the exhibit floors through September 1, 2008. The discount can not be applied to adult entrance, online purchase of exhibit tickets or if the camper returns with an organized youth group.

What time do the lights go off/on?
Lights out begins at 11:30 pm. The lights go back on beginning at 6:30 am. It takes a full 30 minutes to get all of the lights off and then on again.

How dark will it get?
Due to safety regulations, the building will not get completely dark. If you require complete darkness, we recommend using a sleeping mask.

What is the night-time temperature in the building?
The building is set to 68 degrees. This may feel warm when you are exploring and colder when you are sleeping. We suggest you wear layers for comfort.

Is first aid available?
Basic first aid will be available on the night of your Camp-In; however, it is recommended that each group include someone familiar with first aid. If more then a Band-Aid is required, our first aid team will contact the Jersey City Medical Center, located less than five minutes from our building.

Can I go to my car during the evening?
We suggest bringing everything you need when you initially enter the building for your Camp-In. If you need to leave the building at any time, please notify an Overnight Staff member or security guard at the Welcome Desk.

Is there a Lost and Found?
Lost and Found is located at the Welcome Desk. If the item you lost can not be found at the Welcome Desk, please leave your contact information.

Will the store be open?
The store will be open in the morning after your Camp-In.

How many staff members will be staying overnight?
There will be three to four Overnight Camp-In staff, three to four building security guards, and a building engineer onsite.