Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers!

  • Science Kids is a science-education, field-based program designed to get kids outdoors, where great science learning happens. We have been offering classes as a nonprofit in the Sheridan area since 2009. Students explore and learn about the ecosystems they are a part of, through hands-on activities. Classes are offered to children ages 6 – 8, 9 – 12, and 12 – 14.

    Science Kids also partners with location organizations to offer science programming to families, often free of charge.

  • Yes! Science Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Wyoming, and donations made to us are tax-deductible (Tax ID: 83-0249242) Support what we do, and donate here, right through our website!

  • Science Kids has insurance for the program itself, our instructors, an auto insurance policy on the bus, and insurance for each driver.

  • Science Kids has a great team! We seek out people who not only love science and the subjects they teach but also love teaching kids in outdoor, open spaces. Our bus drivers are over the age of 25, and our educators have extensive training in their fields of study. At least one staff member per class has been trained in First Aid and CPR.

  • ​Science Kids’ student/teacher ratio for summer classes never exceeds 6:1, and our summer class sizes are capped at 12 students. Typically, there are three staff members per class for our 6 to 8 year old classes and two staff members for our 9 to 14 year old classes.

  • ​Students load onto the bus each morning, and after a day of exploring and learning, are returned to that same pick-up location after class. Our Sheridan Campus classes typically meet at the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library in Sheridan, WY. Classes in Buffalo, WY, meet at the Bomber Mountain Civic Center in Buffalo, WY.

  • Our learning places are usually within a 20-30 minute drive on private properties, private ranches, and public lands.

  • ​Our classes ride in style! We have fifteen-passenger school buses that pick students up at a central location in town, and return them to that same location after class. Parents/guardians are required to get their students to and from the bus. Leave the rest of the driving to us.

    NOTE: Special events and community events are generally not served by our buses.

  • Most summer classes are usually Monday – Thursday from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. A few have longer hours to accommodate more advanced class material, or longer bus rides to great locations.

    Be sure to check the course description for specific details.

  • Summer classes cost anywhere between $40 and $135, which is an hourly cost of $5.75 to $7.50 for quality outdoor science education, with experienced, enthusiastic staff.

    Scholarships are available.

  • Payment is due at the time of registration.

  • Our preferred method is to use the online registration process. Your registration is processed immediately, and a confirmation is instantly e-mailed to you. If you need assistance, we are happy to help and are just a call (307-429-2767) or email away info@science-kids.org

  • Science Kids is always here to answer your questions and concerns, and to have you share your ideas with us! Please email info@science-kids.org or call 307-429-2767, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Once enrolled in a class, we will communicate with you through email with a reminder and instructions the week before your student's class starts.

  • For a speedy registration experience, have ready:

    Class title(s) your student is interested in taking this year.

    Complete contact information for you, and names and phone numbers for emergency contacts and those allowed to pick up your student.

    Physician’s name and contact information.

    Important medical information for your student.

    A form of payment.

  • Yes. Scholarships are available for those needing financial support. Apply anytime right here! Applications received and approved before registration opens may be eligible for early-bird registration. Applications will be reviewed, and applicants rapidly notified by email if the scholarship has been awarded.

  • Classes sell out quickly. Register as soon as possible to ensure your student gets a spot in their preferred classes. If a class is full, you may add your student to the waitlist. You will not be charged to be on this waitlist and will be notified immediately if a spot opens in the class. If we find a spot for a wait-listed student, payment in full is due to secure your student’s seat.

  • Yes, as long as your student has completed kindergarten or the equivalent. Science Kids expects students to be familiar with riding a school bus, understand group dynamics, and be able to interact well with other kids. If you have additional questions, please contact Science Kids (info@science-kids.org; 307-429-2767)

  • We will happily accommodate your child in any way we can. We will need to discuss each on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safety of your child.

  • 1. Enough water for the day, a snack, AND a lunch.

    2. Clothes that can get a bit dirty, as well as extra clothes for rain or chilly weather.

    3. Closed-toe shoes that can get wet and muddy.

    4. Brimmed hat and sunscreen.

    5. Insect repellent if you'd like.

    6. Cell phones are allowed, as long as they stay tucked away.

    7. No other electronics, money, or precious valuables, please.

  • ​Medication may be placed in a student’s backpack, but Science Kids must be informed at the time of registration or as soon as possible. The staff is not allowed to give medicine without having written instructions and a properly labeled bottle. Medication administered during Science Kids class will be logged on an incident report sheet. Please speak with Science Kids before the first day of your student's class to communicate any needs, instructions, or if you have any special concerns.

  • ​Cancellation Policy: If cancellation is necessary, please immediately contact Science Kids (info@science-kids.org; 307-429-2767). We aim to fill every seat on the bus for every class every day! If you know you will not be attending, please let us know as soon as possible so we can do our best to recruit a new student. An empty seat on our bus makes us sad.

    Science Kids must have the parent name, student name, class title, class dates, and reason for cancellation. To process any refund, a request must be received by the refund deadlines referrenced below. In addition, a processing fee of $30 will be deducted from all refund amounts.

    • One month or more before the start date of class: Full refund minus processing fee.

    • 14-30 days notice before the start date of class: 75% refund minus processing fee.

    • 7-13 days notice before the start date of class: 50% refund minus processing fee.

    • Within one week of class: No refund

  • Our goal is to keep our students, staff, and community safe by reducing the spread of COVID-19. Science Kids is following the Orders and Guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Wyoming Department of Health for Educational Institutions, as well as those outlined locally by Sheridan County School District 2. Upon registering for a class, parents/guardians will be asked to sign a consent form agreeing to comply with current guidelines.

  • ​No, the state of Wyoming does not require summer camps to be licensed.

More burning questions?