Camps

Each day we typically do a group discussion and icebreaker game in the morning, followed by a mid-morning snack. Weather permitting, we go outside for lunch and free-play. All Burke camps involve scavenger hunts, lots of crafts, and analysis of real museum artifacts/specimens. More details on your camp will be included in your welcome letter.

The Burke provides scholarship funding on an as needed basis to those who qualify. We recommend applying early using our scholarship summer camp form. Families with campers enrolled in the National School Lunch Program, foster care, or receiving government assistance are encouraged to apply.

Aftercare is available for full day camps at a discounted rate of $15 per day if done with your registration. Aftercare requested after your registration is submitted is billed at a rate of $30 per day.  Day of aftercare is billed at a rate of $40 per day.

Half-day camps do not offer aftercare at this time.

Please send your child with a morning snack, a substantial lunch (full day camps only), sun protection, any needed medications, and comfortable layered clothing. Always send a water bottle as we will be outside. You may also bring self-regulation tools (book, fidgets) and safe/non-violent lunch toys (Frisbee, baseball glove, etc.). Please remember that foods and products containing nuts are not allowed.

Your Welcome Letter includes a parking pass. This pass will allow you to temporarily park in the University of Washington N1, which is adjacent to our building. more information about parking, please visit our Directions + Parking page.

In order to ensure that we have enough spaces available to serve the intended audience of each camp, we must maintain our grade requirements. This also ensures that our camp activities and staff-to-camper ratios are appropriate, and that our campers are able to work well together. We have found that campers have a significantly better experience when they are with students in their own grade levels.

Only legal parents or guardians may register a camper for liability and safety reasons. If you have questions, please call us at 206.543.5591.

Check out runs for 15 minutes after your camp ends. Check-out will take place in front of the East Classroom in the Lower Lobby of the Burke Museum. For aftercare check-out, please see the Admission Desk in the Main Lobby. Anyone picking up a camper must show photo ID and be on the list of approved contacts provided during registration. Please let staff know A.S.A.P if you have an emergency or are unable to pick-up your camper within the 15-minute check-out window.

The following fees apply to late pick-up without prior arrangements:

For half-day camps:

• $25 fee starting at 12:20 pm
• An additional $3 per minute fee will begin to accrue at 12:45 pm
• UWPD will be contacted if approved parents/guardians are unable to be contacted.
• Failure to pick camper up on time may result in dismissal from the program without refund.

For full-day camps:

• $40 fee starting at 3:20 pm
• An additional $3 per minute fee will begin to accrue at 5:00 pm
• UWPD will be contacted if approved parents/guardians are unable to be contacted.
• Failure to pick camper up on time may result in dismissal from the program without refund.

Yes! If a camp is full a wait list button will be located on the camp description page. Parents/guardians will be contacted on a first come first serve basis as spots open up. Payments cannot be made in advance for those on the waitlist

Yes! Your camper may attend for part of the week, but refunds or discounts are not offered. Please let us know in advance if your camper is unable to attend for the full duration.

To ensure the safety of youth in our care, only trained Burke personnel are allowed to supervise youth during camp hours. Guardians are welcome to interact with their camper and socialize with other guardians during the check-in and check-out period. Exceptions are made to caregivers and professional medical personnel with advance notice.