Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the grade level of campers?
- When a student has completed fifth grade he/she is eligible to apply for Fun with DNA, the first of the summer camp series. We offer courses through grade 12 and higher.
- My child is extremely bright and advanced for his/her age. Can he/she be enrolled in a higher level camp than his/her grade level?
- The majority of our campers are very intelligent and camp levels are structured accordingly. For this reason, we do not make exceptions.
- Can my child enroll in more than one camp this summer?
- Please read the list of camp prerequisites and grade levels (under Schedule & Quick Reference at left). In some cases, your child will be eligible to take two different camps during the same summer.
- I enrolled online and did not receive confirmation of enrollment or payment.
- Confirmations are automatically generated and sent to the email address you entered during registration. Please confirm that you have entered the correct address.
- How will I be notified that my child has been accepted into the camp of choice?
- After receipt of your application and payment, and after the deadline date, you will receive a confirmation email with all pertinent camp information.
- How do I switch a camp date?
- New feature added in 2009; you will be able to switch camp dates online, within the My Account section of this site. Once you have registered your child for a camp, there will be a choice under the Completed Applications section to CHANGE CAMPS. You may switch dates up to three weeks prior to the start of the camp.
- What is the summer camp cancellation policy?
- You may only change or cancel an application up to three weeks prior to camp start date. All cancellation requests for paid applications must be in writing (email or letter*) and signed by parent or guardian. To be eligible for a refund, cancellation requests must be received by the Dolan DNA Learning Center three weeks prior to the session start date - no exceptions. You will receive confirmation of your cancellation. After June 1st, a $75.00 administrative fee will be deducted from each refund.
*To request cancellation by email, write to dnalc-camps@cshl.edu and include camper's name, camp, camp date, and unique four character code in the email. Send printed letters to Dolan DNA Learning Center – Summer Camps, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724. - When will I receive my refund after cancellation?
- If you paid by check: We will issue a check (less $75 if your request is after June 1st), which you should receive 4 to 6 weeks after your request.
If you paid using PayPal: The DNALC can issue refunds directly to your credit card if it has been less than 60 days since your payment. Please allow 2-4 business days for processing PayPal refunds. If it has been more than 60 days since your payment we will issue a check. - As an employee of the NS-LIJ Health System, am I eligible for a discount?
- A discount is available to children of NS-LIJ Health System employees attending a camp at the DNA Learning Center West location in Lake Success. The discount does not extend to grandchildren, nieces, nephews etc.
- As an employee of the NS-LIJ Health System how do I apply for a discount?
- Once you have completed an application, pay for the camp in full, either by check or PayPal. If you have indicated that you are a NS-LIJ employee, there will be a link on the My Account page to request a discount. You will be required to enter your department and employee identification number. DNALC staff will then verify your employment and your My Account page will be updated with the status of your request.
- When will I receive my discount?
- Eligible NS-LIJ Health System employees will receive their refund checks 4 to 6 weeks after employment is verified.
- As a Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory employee, am I eligible for a discount?
- Yes. A discount is available to children of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory employees attending a camp at the Dolan DNA Learning Center in Cold Spring Harbor. The discount does not extend to grandchildren, nieces, nephews etc. You will receive payment instruction in the Labwide announcement when enrollment begins.
- Who do I notify if my child will be absent?
- Please call the Dolan DNA Learning Center main office at 516-367-5170 and provide your child's name and the camp they are attending. We will notify the camp instructor.
- Can my child purchase lunch at the DNALC, DNALC West, or Harlem DNA Lab?
- Food and drinks are not available for purchase at the camp locations. You can send your child's lunch in an insulated lunch container. There is a refrigerator which is reserved for lunches that are sent in paper bags. All lunch bags/containers should be labeled with the student's name.
- Do you offer transportation or lodging?
- No, we don't offer transportation or lodging.
- When is Parent Participation Day?
- Although Parent Participation Day is usually on Friday, there are exceptions. Specific Parent Participation Day information for middle school camps will be included in the information you receive prior to the camp.