Camp MBG Frequently Asked Questions

What are the times, dates, and prices?
Please go back to the 2009 Summer Programs for Youth page and review the information for each program.

How do I register?
Download, print, and complete a registration form. Mailing information is included on this form. You can also register for programs at the main Garden by phone, please call: (314)577-9506.

What are the overall goals of Camp MBG?
Camp MBG is part of the Garden’s Youth & Family Programs, which all share the same following objectives:

• To relate the significance of plants and the environment to our daily lives.
• To provide educational opportunities for children of all ages, abilities, learning styles and socioeconomic status.
• To offer fun and educational interactions between and among visitors, staff and volunteers.
• To provide opportunities that incorporate open-ended inquiry and action components.
• To promote an interdisciplinary approach to understanding connections between our local natural resources and our cultural history.

What is the daily schedule like?
Each day will be slightly different and the order of activities is somewhat weather dependent. Parents will receive a schedule for each week on the first day of camp.

This is an example of a typical full day camp:

What if my child has allergies?
Please list your child’s allergies on the Medical Information Form. If your child requires allergy medication, please complete a Medication Permission form (link) and send the medication with your child. If your child has food allergies or other dietary restrictions, the MBG staff will plan snacks accordingly. However, you are also welcome to send a snack with your child each day. If your child’s allergies are severe, please contact the MBG Supervisor of Youth & Family Programs prior to the program (314)577-5134.

Is Camp MBG appropriate for children with special needs?
Yes, Camp MBG is suitable for all abilities. The MBG Education staff will work with parents and guardians to provide appropriate accommodations and assistance for all abilities. Camp MBG maintains an average 1 to 5 staff to camper ratio. If your child requires more attention than this or needs one-on-one assistance, please contact the MBG Supervisor of Youth & Family Programs prior to the program (314)577-5134.

Can I attend Camp MBG with my child?
This is discouraged for most campers. However, exceptions are made in the following situations:

• If your child is participating in Gotta Grow (for ages 4–5 years old), parents and guardians are welcome to stay for all or part of the program.
• If your child requires more than the average 1 to 5 staff to camper ratio or needs one-on-one assistance. Please contact the MBG Supervisor of Youth & Family Programs prior to the program (314)577-5134.

Who is the Camp MBG staff?
In 2009, all camps will be staffed by Jessica Kester and Kelly Wehrheim (see below for further information) and one additional MBG Education Staff member. Parents will receive complete staff information on the first day of the program.

Jessica Kester, Supervisor of Youth & Family Programs
Jessica joined the Garden’s Education staff in 2004. She has conducted science and nature-based programs with children for almost ten years. Jessica has an undergraduate degree in Biology and Ecology and a Master’s in Environmental Management. Jessica teaches Little Sprouts (ages 2–3) and Garden Buds (ages 4–5) and supervises the other Youth & Family Programs offered by the Garden (including Strollerobics, Oaks & Acorns, Great Green Adventures, the Power of Plants Contest, and special event programming).

Kelly Wehrheim, Instructor – Youth & Family Programs
Kelly joined the Garden’s Education staff last spring after working at Land Between The Lakes in Kentucky for nearly 10 years. Kelly’s undergraduate degree is in Forestry. She teaches Great Green Adventures and Oaks & Acorns and prepares programs for the Garden’s special events.

What is the staff to student ratio?
Camp MBG maintains a 1 to 5 staff to camper ratio.

How can I be sure my child will be safe while participating in Camp MBG?
The Camp MBG staff plans activities that are safe and within the abilities of our participants. However, we are also prepared for accidents. The camp staff is certified in First Aid and CPR. The staff carries a complete first aid kit at all times and a cell phone that allows immediate communication with Garden Security Staff and emergency services.

What should my child wear each day?
Please choose clothes that are appropriate for outdoor play and art projects. Children will be sitting on the ground, planting, painting, and other activities that could damage their clothing. Children should where comfortable shoes for walking, flip-flops are not recommended. Camp T-shirts (provided on the first day of the program) are recommended, but not required.

What does my child need to bring to camp?
For all programs:

• Extra Clothes: Please bring a change of clothes for your child on the first day (in a bag labeled with their name). We will keep these for the remainder of the program.
• Water Bottle: Please send a re-usable water bottle with your child everyday.
• Optional: sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, hat

For full-day programs:

• Lunch: Please send a healthy lunch for your child. Refrigeration and microwaves are not available. Go Green: Reduce waste by sending your child’s lunch in reusable containers!

Why will my child need to bring extra clothing?
On hot days, we make take a quick break in the fountains. Usually we spend enough time outside afterwards to dry off. However, it is helpful to have extra clothes, if needed.

What if it rains or is too hot for regular activities?
In the case of inclement weather, we will do indoor activities. We will spend time in the classrooms and indoor Garden spaces (i.e. The Climatron, Temperate House, or Linnean House).

Are scholarships available?
Yes, need-based scholarships are available. Interested parents/guardians must complete a Need-based Scholarship Form. Please call (314)577-9506 to request a form.