FAQ
Camp – General FAQ
Girls in Engineering’s summer camp is a non-residential day camp on the University of California, Berkeley campus.
This summer, camp will be held at the Seeley G. Mudd Hall Building on the Pacific School of Religion Campus, at 1798 Scenic Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94709. While Mudd Hall will be our “home base”, daily activities will take place at various locations around campus.
In the event we are unable to safely bring participants to campus, we may choose to offer programming virtually.
Students interested in attending a Girls in Engineering camp must submit an application. The application process is competitive and only a limited number of students will be selected for each camp session or program offering. Typically, 1 out of 2 applicants are accepted. Summer applications open in mid to late-January.
Admissions decisions are emailed out on or about April 15 and shortly thereafter, a Welcome Packet with Registration information and payment instructions, will be emailed to admitted candidates.
Campers:
Students of all gender identities who live in the San Francisco Bay Area and will be entering
Students of all gender identities are eligible to apply if they fulfill the following criteria at the time of the application:
• they live in the San Francisco Bay Area
• they will be entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade (or homeschool equivalent) in the fall
Join our mailing list to be notified when the camper application opens.
Counselors in Training:
Students of all gender identities are eligible to apply if they fulfill the following criteria at the time of the application:
- they live in the San Francisco Bay Area
- they will be entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the fall
Join our mailing list to be notified when the camper application opens.
No, only students who live in the San Francisco Bay Area are eligible to apply.
In the event that we offer camp virtually, we may choose to open the application to students outside the San Francisco Bay Area.
Yes, if students have participated in the past, they may apply again to the program.
The fee for our 2022 camps will be $600. However, participants whose families demonstrate financial need will attend camp for free. Please see the Scholarship tab on the Be a Camper page for more information.
Accepted students are expected to attend the entire week-long session for which they are selected. Beyond that, participants are expected to bring excitement to learn, an open mind, a great attitude, and a desire to make new friends!
At this time, we do not run programs for high school students, but look forward to offering events and opportunities for high school students soon. In the meantime, students currently in 9th, 10th, 11th (rising 10th, 11th, and 12th) grade can apply to be volunteers for the Girls in Engineering camps. (There is no camp fee for volunteers.)
Join our mailing list to stay informed about new programs and volunteer opportunities.
Please see the Contact page of this website for more information on how to connect with Girls in Engineering.
Camp – Application Process FAQ
Students interested in attending a Girls in Engineering camp must submit an application. The application process is competitive and only a limited number of students will be selected for each camp session or program offering. Typically, 1 out of 2 applicants are accepted. Summer applications open in mid or late- January.
Admissions decisions are emailed out on or about April 15 and shortly thereafter, a Welcome Packet with Registration information and payment instructions, will be emailed to admitted candidates.
Admission decisions will be made by April 15 and you will be notified by email.
On the application, your child may request to be placed in the same session as their friend. Because there are many criteria affecting session placement, we cannot guarantee that we can grant the request but we do take it under advisement.
However, we do attempt to place siblings into the same camp session, if preferred.
Camp fills up quickly. We do our very best to assign campers to their first or second preferred choice for camp sessions. As a small team, we have limited bandwidth to field session change requests. If you have extenuating circumstances, please email gie@berkeley.edu to see if a change is possible.
The fee for the 2022 camps is $600, but if your family demonstrates financial need, camp will be free. Please see the Scholarship tab on the Be a Camper page for more information.
No, we do not ask for proof when your child is applying. You only need to indicate your financial need when responding to the camp fee question in the application. However, we reserve the right to request this documentation at a later date.
No, there is no application fee.
If your child is admitted into a session that they can no longer attend, you can request that they be placed on the waitlist for another session (or multiple other sessions). If a spot opens up in a session your child is waitlisted for, we will email you.
Yes, we think they will! Our camp participants generally come from at least 60 different schools, so most campers will not know anyone in their session. As a result, most participants are very excited to make new friends. Additionally, we integrate a number of ice breaker activities and games into our program to help the campers feel comfortable and have fun with their campmates. Our high school volunteers are also a wonderful asset, as they help to organize games and encourage participation.
Camp – Registration Process FAQ (Admitted Students ONLY)
Admission decisions will be sent via email by April 15, 2022. The email will list the camp session to which your child has been admitted and any scholarship awards, as well as next steps.
Registering Your Child(ren)
On April 18, 2022, the parent/guardian listed on the child’s application will receive an email from CampDoc, our online registration portal. You must confirm their spot by registering for camp. Follow your unique CampDoc link to complete your family profile, including:
- Participant(s) information
- Health record(s)
- Session registration + add-ons
- Dismissal options
- Waivers, consents, and releases
Extended Care Option (Add-on)
Extended morning care (drop-off as early as 8:30am) and afternoon care (pick-up as late as 5:30pm) and activities. The cost is $75.
- AM Extended Care 8:30am – 8:50am
- PM Extended Care 4:30pm – 5:30pm
You can register for extended care at any time through the first day of a camp session.
Scholarship Awards
Scholarship awards will be included in your profile and will be automatically deducted from the balance owed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email gie@berkeley.edu.
Families may sign up for a Payment Plan in CampDoc at the time of registration. All payment plans require an initial 50% payment of the camp fees upfront (non-refundable deposit) and remaining balance of 50% at a later date. Deadline to take advantage of the Camp Payment Plan is Friday, May 13, 2022. Payment plan cancellations are subject to the Camp Withdrawal policy.
Payment Plans are non-transferable from one camp registration to another.
For questions about Payment Plans, please email us at gie@berkeley.edu. We’re here to help you.
Camp Cancellations
- Camp sessions may be canceled due to public health epidemics or pandemics, natural disasters, public safety restrictions, and other unforeseen circumstances. Full refund available.
- Camp sessions may be canceled if minimum enrollment is not met. Full refund available.
- If a camp day or session is canceled due to weather and no make-up class is offered, a refund will be provided. No refunds are offered for weather-related concerns if the program is running as scheduled.
Other than providing the refunds described, Girls in Engineering is not responsible or liable for any losses arising out of such cancellation of Summer Camps and will not provide any other compensation.
Refunds will be made directly to the credit card or original form of payment that was used in the purchase; there is no action needed by the customer to receive a refund. All refunds will be completed within 15 days of the customer being notified.
Camp Withdrawals and Refunds
Please request a withdrawal through our registration software, CampDoc, or by emailing gie@berkeley.edu
Refunds will be processed as detailed below and may be offered in the original form of payment (credit applied to CampDoc account).
- 90 – 61 days prior to the first day of the camp session – Withdrawal requests received 90 – 61 days prior to the first day of the camp session for any camp purchases (camp session, extended care) are subject to a 25% withdrawal fee (percent of program price, per person, per item), regardless of the initial purchase date.
- 60 – 31 days prior to the first day of the camp session – Withdrawal requests received 60 – 31 days prior to the first day of the camp session for any camp purchases (camp session, extended care) are subject to a 50% withdrawal fee (percent of program price, per person, per item), regardless of the initial purchase date.
- 30 – 0 days prior to the first day of the camp session – Withdrawal requests received 30 – 0 days prior to the first day of the camp session for any camp purchases (camp session, extended care) will not be eligible for refund or credit.
Questions? Email us at gie@berkeley.edu.
Vaccine Requirements
All admitted students must be up-to-date with their immunizations in accordance with the below-listed immunization schedule in order to attend Girls in Engineering Summer Camp. Admitted students who do not meet this requirement will have their registration voided. Refunds will be subject to GiE’s Withdrawal policies. GiE requires that updated immunization records be uploaded into your child(ren)’s CampDoc profile at the time of registration.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
In accordance with University of California Policy, all youth program and camp participants (K-12 student age) who are eligible for vaccination outside of clinical trials are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination (vaccination card, photo copy of vaccination card, or electronic vaccination card) will be required at the time of registration/program enrollment. Proof of vaccination may be requested on the first day of a youth program or camp for admission to a facility where youth programs and camps operate.
An approved exception to COVID-19 vaccination may be made based on a Medical Exemption, Disability, or Religious Exemption*.
*These exceptions to COVID-19 vaccination are defined in the University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
How do you show proof of vaccination?
Any one of the following documentation accompanied by photo ID will be accepted documentation:
- A Vaccination Card issued by the CDC or a foreign governmental jurisdiction which includes the name of the person vaccinated, the type of vaccine provided, and the date(s) the dose or doses were administered;
- A photo or copy of a Vaccination Card either as a hardcopy or stored on a phone or electronic device; or
- A personal digital COVID-19 vaccine record issued by the State of California and available by going to https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ or similar documentation issued by another state, local, or foreign governmental jurisdiction
Immunization Schedule
For a complete overview and further details, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
| Vaccine | Prior to Age 4 | Ages 4-6 | Ages 7-12 | Ages 13-17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) | Dose #1 at 2 months of age Dose #2 at 4 months of age Dose #3 at 6 months of age Dose #4 at 15 to 18 months of age | Dose #5 at 4-6 years of age | Age 11 or 12 is recommended age for single dose | Catch-up vaccination if not vaccinated at age 11-12 |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella | Dose #1 at age 12 months of age | Dose #2 at 4-6 years of age | None unless they have not had two prior doses | None unless they have not had two prior doses |
| Varicella (Chicken Pox) | Dose #1 at age 12 months of age | Dose #2 at 4-6 years of age | None unless they have not had two prior doses | None unless they have not had two prior doses |
| MMRV (alternative to separate MMR/Varicella dosing) | Dose #1 at age 12-15 months of age | Dose #2 at 4-6 years of age | None unless they have not had two prior doses | None unless they have not had two prior doses |
| Hepatitis B | Dose #1 at birth Dose #2 1-2 months Dose #3 6-18 months(Alternative schedules exist) | Additional doses not needed if immunized with 3-4 doses appropriately spaced as an infant | Additional doses not needed if immunized with 3-4 doses as an infant. If not immunized as an infant, alternative dosing schedule age 11-15 two doses Recombivax 4-6 months apart | Additional doses not needed if immunized with 3-4 doses as an infant or had two dose adolescent series at ages 11-15. |
| Polio | Dose #1 2 months Dose #2 4 months Dose #3 6-18 months | Dose #4 at age 4 Note: If dose #3 given after 4th birthday and at least 6 months from dose #2 may omit dose#4 | Needed only if not immunized previously or foreign travel to designated destinations | Needed only if not immunized previously or foreign travel to designated destinations |
COVID-19 Guidelines, Protocols, and Policies (updated 1/2022)
The health and safety of our staff, participants, and volunteers is our utmost priority. As such, our programs will adhere to the policies, protocols, and guidelines outlined by the Berkeley Public Health Department, Alameda County Public Health, CDC, Cal/OSHA, the American Camp Association, and the University of California, Berkeley. We have worked diligently to adapt our camp experience to meet or exceed these safety recommendations.
Staff, participants, volunteers, and approved visitors are required to wear protective face coverings when entering our facilities and/or participating in programs. Face coverings are to be worn for the entire time while patrons and participants are in a facility and/or participating in a program. Individuals that choose not to wear a mask will not be allowed to enter camp or participate in our program.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
In accordance with University of California Policy, all youth program and camp participants (K-12 student age) who are eligible for vaccination outside of clinical trials are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination (vaccination card, photo copy of vaccination card, or electronic vaccination card) will be required at the time of registration/program enrollment. Proof of vaccination may be requested on the first day of a youth program or camp for admission to a Rec Sports facility where youth programs and camps operate.
An approved exception to COVID-19 vaccination may be made based on a Medical Exemption, Disability, or Religious Exemption*.
*These exceptions to COVID-19 vaccination are defined in the University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
Face Coverings
Staff – All staff will be required to wear a face covering everyday when leading activities with youth, or sharing another indoor space with a coworker.
Campers – Participants are required to wear a face covering at all times, except when eating. Eating will take place outdoors with students spaced apart.
Required Physical Distancing
Staff, campers, and approved visitors will be required to physically distance by at least 3 feet while in our facilities and/or participating in programs. Please refer to the physical markers when waiting to enter our facilities. In the case where physical markers are not present, staff, participants, and approved visitors are asked to distance themselves from other participants by at least 3 feet.
Required Hand Washing & Access to Hand Sanitizer
Regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is required of all staff while at work. Hand washing with soap and water is expected by participants and patrons while participating in our facilities or participating in programs. Hand sanitizer will be readily available for staff, participants, volunteers, and approved visitors in our facilities.
Daily Cleaning
Staff will clean spaces and surfaces throughout the day including between activities. This includes cleaning tables, chairs, and other materials before and after each event, class, or program. Materials that are used for programs will be set aside to be cleaned for use. Staff will clean the bathroom throughout the day.
Stable Groups for Classes and Camps
Camp will use stable groups of participants. Groups will remain stable with a consistent camp counselor for the program period.
Modified Program Spaces
Program spaces will be modified to help campers physically distance when participating in programs. This includes designated spaces for campers indoors, adjusted spaces between seats, and or other modifications as needed. Whenever possible, windows and doors will be open to allow fresh air into program spaces.
At this time, there are no travel policies in place to participate in our programs.
Every morning, GiE will email you a reminder to complete a Daily Symptom Screening in CampDoc. Please ensure that all of your contact information, including your email address, is current in the CampDoc profiles for all of your campers. You will be required to complete a Daily Symptom Screening for each camper, every day they will be attending camp.
“The introduction of engineering at such an impressionable age creates new foundations of learning to girls.”
Anonymous, 2021 HS CIT