FAQ

How long has Mad Science been running summer programs?

Mad Science of Western New England is a franchise of The Mad Science Group. Our programs are created by a team of professional scientists and teachers at our head office, in Montreal, QC. Millions of children in over 160 locations, in 22 countries have enjoyed our programs. Mad Science of Western New England has been running summer programs in this area for 17 years.

What is the child to instructor ratio?

The child to instructor ratio varies depending on enrollment. We always have at least one counselor for every 15 students.

What ages are the programs designed for?

Most of our programs are designed for rising first graders to fifth graders. We also have specialty pre-K and K summer programs designed for ages 4-6. Our “Red Hot Robots”  is targeted to rising third graders to sixth graders. Call us if you have questions about the age-appropriateness of a program for your child. 

Are different aged children in the same program?

Yes and no. A few of our programs are divided by age, but, for the most part, they are not; we use a buddy system where, if required, the older children help the younger ones. Also, our low child to instructor ratio ensures that there is always plenty of help. Please see the online registration form or call us to see which programs are divided by age.

Who are the Mad Science summer program instructors?

Mad Science instructors tend to be college students pursuing an education or science degree, former/retired teachers, or teachers on summer break. Most of our instructors have worked for us in our after-school programs. All of our instructors have experience working with large groups of elementary-aged children and have undergone an extensive background check. They also receive summer-program specific training. The main characteristic of our instructors is that they all share a love of working with children and the desire to spark and nurture kids' imaginations!

Do you offer extended care?

Yes, at many of our sites. Please check with us for more information. If your child is attending a partner-hosted program, please contact them directly to secure arrangements with them

How do I register my child for a program?

Depending on the location of the program, there may be many ways to register: mail, over the phone, in person, or online. The easiest way is through our online registration system. It takes about 5 minutes and accepts Visa, MasterCard, and checks. All of our Mad Science hosted programs will be made available through our online registration system. Our partners’ registrations are often handled directly through our partners (such as the school districts, parks & rec., etc.). On occasion, we provide registration assistance to a partner-hosted program. Note: Registration requirements, start dates, end dates, and minimum group size may vary by location. Due to limited spaces in each program, we cannot reserve a space for your child until we receive your payment. If you are paying by check, we do not reserve your space until we receive the check.

How soon do I need to register to reserve a space for my child?

Some programs and dates fill very quickly, while some may have spaces available up to the start date. We recommend that you register as soon as possible, because space availability depends on how quickly everyone else signs up!

What is your refund policy?

For all registrations (i.e. our online registration system, phone-in, paper), cancellations that are communicated more than 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a refund. Cancellations that are communicated between 14 and 30 days prior to the start of the program will be given a refund, less a $50 service charge.

No refunds will be given for cancellations inside of 14 days prior to the start of the program - we often are under obligation to pay the program-facility a facility-fee at that point in time. Credit may be offered at our discretion. At any time prior to the start of a program you may transfer your registration to another child with no service charge.

If we do not get sufficient enrollment to hold the program, Mad Science will make every effort to provide alternative locations, or you will be offered the option of a full refund. Refunds that do not involve referral-rebates, multi-program/child discounts will be processed in 3-6 weeks from the scheduled program date. Those involving rebates and discounts can take longer to process.

If your child decides he or she doesn't want to continue after the first day, you may withdraw and receive a credit less a $50 service charge. However, you must call Mad Science at 413-584-7243 prior to the start of the second day to obtain a refund. After that, no refunds will be given.

Can I sign my child up for more than one program?

Yes, in fact, we encourage it. Each program is completely different so your child can enjoy them all without repeating activities. Each  year, many children initially registered for only one program. After they discovered how much they enjoyed our activities, they attempted to register for additional programs. Due to the popularity of many of our themes and weeks, several children were disappointed when the additional programs were already sold out.

Do you offer sibling or multi-program discounts?

We offer discounts for additional enrollments, and for siblings.

 

My child has attended a Mad Science program before. If he/she took a particular program, will it be the same program that he/she has taken before?

Some programs are the same as the ones that we run in after-school programs or previous summers, others are new. We have had a lot of children take a particular program again and still enjoy it the second time.

My child has taken a Mad Science program before, but I do not remember which one.

Call us and we will be happy to look it up for you.

Does Mad Science have a minimum enrollment requirement?

The minimum number of childs necessary to hold a program is 12. Mad Science tries to inform parents as soon as possible should it appear that a program will not reach its minimum enrollment. On these occasions, we will offer priority enrollment in other programs. Contact us for additional information on program cancellations.

What should my child bring/wear to program?

Mad Science provides all the equipment and materials for both the in-class activities and the take home projects. All you need to provide is a child who is ready to have fun! Children should dress comfortably for that day's weather. We ask that children not wear open toed shoes to a Mad Science program, specifically no flip-flops. Also, as we will be outside on a number of occasions, please do not dress your child in any clothes that you do not want to get dirty. You may wish to apply sunscreen or insect repellent, or send these items with your child. A hat and/or sunglasses may also be useful.

The snacks that are part of some program days are not a significant amount of food. If your child would benefit from some additional calories during the day, please pack additional snack items. We cannot guarantee that coolers or refrigeration will be accessible at our program-sites.

For full-day programs, we require parents to send a lunch and snacks. PLEASE AVOID PEANUT BASED FOODS. Please clearly mark your child's name on all items he/she brings to the program.

Medical Information about your child

Prior to actual attendance at a Mad Science full-day summer program, we require certain medical information from you regarding your child. This is to assist the program instructor with knowledge of specific considerations for your child.

You must be aware that all summer-program activities involve some risk, and, by registering for a program, there is an assumption of risk made by the participant. Mad Science is dedicated to securing safe facilities for our programs and using personnel and equipment that is designed to be safe. However, Mad Science instructors are NOT trained in provision of medical services of any kind.

By enrolling your child in a Mad Science program, you do agree to not hold Mad Science Group, its Franchisees, Agents, Representatives, Facilities, Employees, Managers, Contractors and Instructors liable for any medical emergencies or conditions your child may experience, related directly or indirectly to a program.

Mad Science T-Shirts and other items

Mad Science may offer custom designed T-shirts or Hydration stations for our childs depending on availability. After all, your Mad Science experience is not complete without a wardrobe or branded gizmo! These are FREE of cost to you and are not included in program-fees.

Are these the only locations where you will be holding your programs this summer?

Maybe not. We are in discussion with many locations to provide our Mad Science programs. Please look at our website on a regular basis as we will be updating our schedule as soon as additional locations are added. Also, if you have a particular location in mind, please bring it to our attention.

Start your own Mad Science program

If our schedule does not work with YOUR schedule then bring Mad Science to you! All you need is 12 children and a safe place to hold the program!

We may even be able to adjust the start time, length of the day, number of days, or customize our programming to exactly match your needs.

Location needs for a Mad Science program are:

• Table/desk space and a chair for each camper
• A table for the Mad Scientist's equipment
• Access to electricity and water
• The ability to darken the room
• A nearby outside area (approximately 100 ft x 100 ft)

Mad Science provides everything else! Please contact us for more details.

  

Click HERE for a description of our exciting programs. As programs are confirmed you can also view locations, prices register on-line and find contact information for 3rd party registration by clicking our "Register Now" button here or below.

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF AREA SUMMER WORKSHOPS AND SHOWS THAT ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR NEW ADDITIONS.