Camp FAQs
General Information
What ages is camp for?
Camp is designed for children ages 7-10 year olds. (Child’s age as of June 22, 2026)
Where is camp located?
Camp takes place at the Life Lab Garden, Classroom, located in Santa Cruz, on the UCSC Farm. Drop off and pick up directions will be emailed to you prior to the start of camp.
What are the camp hours?
Camp runs from 9 am -3 pm. Optional aftercare is available from 3 pm-5 pm (limited spots).
How many weeks can I sign up for?
Each kid can sign up for up to two weeks. Please keep in mind that the activities and curriculum will be the same in each session.
Registration & Pricing
How do I register?
Registration is completed online through our website at https://www.lifelab.org/camp.
When does registration close?
Registration closes 2 weeks prior to the start of camp.
The session I am interested in is full. Do you have a waitlist?
Yes. Join the waitlist here: https://forms.gle/CqizHFwCbnqiAE1g6
I wanted to add After Care but there are no more spaces. Do you have a waitlist?
Yes. Join the waitlist here: https://forms.gle/CqizHFwCbnqiAE1g6
What is the cost of camp?
The full cost of camp tuition for one session (one week) is $525. We have a sliding scale for combined household incomes under $60k (see question below). Early bird pricing is available until March 16th.
Are scholarships or financial aid available?
We offer sliding scale pricing based on combined, annual household income. To make camp accessible to more families, we have 12 reduced-fee spots in each session. If you’re unsure, this amount can be found on Federal Income Tax Form 1040, Line 9.
$0-$60,000 Combined, Annual Household Income: $50.00
$60,001-$130,000 Combined, Annual Household Income: $275.00
$130,001 or More Combined, Annual Household Income: $525.00
What is your cancellation or refund policy?
Cancellations made 4 or more weeks before the first day of the program will be refunded 50%. No refund within 4 weeks of the first day of the program. Please email admin@lifelab.org to cancel.
I would like to change sessions. Is that possible?
You can change sessions as long as there is a spot available on the new date you want.
If you’d like to change to an earlier session than what you’re signed up for, please let us know with at least 2 weeks notice.
If you’d like to change to a later session, we’ll need to know at least 4 weeks in advance to be able to fill spots.
We appreciate as much notice as possible for these switches. Please email admin@lifelab.org with your request.
I have registered in the past. Do I have to do the whole process again?
Yes. You’ll need to register to be added to any camp session. If you already have an account and are logged in, some of your information will be saved automatically.
I am having trouble registering. What should I do?
Try clearing your web browser cookies. If that does not work or if you need assistance, please email admin@lifelab.org or call (831)200-3703.
Daily Camp Experience
What will campers do each day?
Campers will participate in hands-on activities such as making popsicles, caring for the chickens, making fresh snacks from the garden, exploring the farm and trying summer fruits and veggies, and much more, with plenty of time for outdoor play, creativity, and exploration.
What should campers bring?
Please send campers with:
Lunch and snacks
Refillable and leak-proof water bottle
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Sun protection like hat and sunscreen. We suggest applying sunscreen before arriving at camp too
Jacket or sweatshirt if morning is cool
Please label your child's items to make it easier to get them all home again. Thanks!
What should campers NOT bring?
Please leave toys, electronics, and valuables at home. An emergency cell phone is okay as long as it stays in the backpack.
Can I request my child to be in the same group as their friends?
We do our best to accommodate camper group requests, but please know it is not always possible as we need to balance age and gender across our groups. We take group requests on the registration form.
Health & Safety
What is the staff-to-camper ratio?
We maintain a low ratio of approximately 8 campers per staff member.
Are staff trained?
All camp staff go through a comprehensive training and are background-checked.
What if my child gets sick or injured?
Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately in the event of illness or injury. Staff are also trained in First Aid and CPR.
Weather & Outdoor Time
What happens if the weather is bad?
Camp runs rain or shine. Activities will be adapted for sheltered spaces as needed.
Will campers be outside every day?
Yes! This is an outdoor day camp. Kids spend the days outside engaging with nature, exploring the farm and doing different activities. We have different shaded areas in the garden.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Who is allowed to pick up my child?
Only authorized adults listed in your registration form may pick up campers.
What if I’m running late?
Please contact us as soon as possible at (831)200-3703.
Do I need to purchase a parking permit to drop-off and pick-up?
You don’t need a permit just for dropping off and picking up campers. If you wish to park and leave your car, please park at a meter or purchase a permit at the kiosk near the base of campus.
Communication
How will camp communicate with families?
Families will receive important updates via email and/or text. A detailed welcome email will be sent before camp begins.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please email admin@lifelab.org or call (831)200-3703.