Explore Camps FAQ

Q: Is this an overnight camp?
A: No. Explore Camp is a day camp that runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. most days. Housing is not available on-site at the attraction. You can view area housing options.

Q: Does my Explore Camp registration include entrance to the Ark?
A: No. Explore Day registration does not include admission to the Ark. You may purchase tickets online or on the day of the event at the ticketing booth.

Q: Can I observe camp while my child is attending?
A: Due to the popularity of the program and classroom size, we are unfortunately not able to accommodate observers.

Q: Am I required to attend the camp with my child?
A: No. An adult is not required to register and attend Explore Camp with a child.

Q: Can my child ride the bus from the parking lot to the Ark Encounter by themselves?
A: No. An adult must accompany all Explore campers to the classroom, sign them in, and sign them out at the end of the day.

Q: We traveled from out of town for our child to attend Explore Camp. What can I do during the day while my child is in camp?
A: Many people enjoy touring the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter and visiting other attractions in the area. You are permitted to stay on the Ark Encounter property and visit the gardens, zoo, and Answers Center, but you will not be admitted inside the Ark without an Ark Encounter attraction ticket.

Q: What is the camp cancellation policy?
A: Cancellations requested more than six weeks before the camp date will receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee per camper. We are unable to refund registrations less than six weeks before the date of the camp for which you are registered. To cancel your registration, please contact us.

Q: Registration on the website is closed. Can you put me on the waiting list? Will you open additional seats for a sold-out Explore Camp?
A: As we receive so few cancellations, we have not found a need to create a waiting list. Due to classroom size, we are unable to open additional seats for Explore Camp.

Q: Is lunch provided?
A: Yes. A boxed lunch is provided. You will select your boxed lunch option during check out.

Q: Can I bring my own lunch?
A: No. Due to Ark Encounter policy, outside food may not be brought on the property.

Q: How is Explore Camp structured?
A: Each day is topic specific (2022 topics include botany, physical science, forensics, zoology, and dinosaurs) and consists of four interactive sessions and a lunch break. Each session includes a hands-on lab, project, activity, or scavenger hunt to assist the children in applying or reviewing what they have learned. Children will be assigned a team for the week with at least one leader per group to assist and guide them throughout their activities.

Q: Explore Camp encompasses a wide range of ages (11 - 18). How do you challenge the older students while keeping the younger students engaged?
A: All students receive the same instruction but are given varying degrees of assistance during the hands-on portions of the day. Older students are often given an additional challenge or are encouraged to take the assignment to the next level.

Q: How are the children grouped during Explore Camp? Can my children of different ages stay together?
A: Children are all in the same classroom and grouped in teams by age, which allows us to academically challenge each group appropriately. However, there is often some overlap. While we cannot guarantee they will be together, we do our best to accommodate the request. In situations where there is a large age gap, the older child will be grouped with the younger child.

Q: My child has attended multiple Explore Days during the school year. Will he receive new information during camp?
A: Yes. While there will be similarities in content from year to year for repeating topics, Explore Camp curriculums are on a four-year rotation, giving students a look at a different facet of that year’s topics.