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GENERAL INFORMATION
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ABOUT US
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What is our philosophy?
Our programs are designed so that participants can engage in fun and
interesting building projects that are creative, challenging and age
appropriate. Our goal is to have participants learn how to do some
amazing things; designing and building with constructives such as LEGO, Robotics & KNEX -- all in a supportive and fun
atmosphere. |
How long have we been offering programs? We began offering
programs in 2003. Each year, we design new programs and
program themes. We continue to add programs and locations each year,
thanks to the positive results we receive from participants and parents.
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What's the camper: staff ratio?
Our maximum participant to staff ratio is 8:1 for younger
participants, ages 3-5), 10:1 for participants (ages 6:8), and 12:1
for participants (ages 9-12) or older. In addition, we often have participant
assistants or CITs who
provide additional support for the campers.
Do you have
year round programming? Yes, we offer programs year round
through enrichment, after school, summer, vacation and Saturday
programming. In addition we hold events and competitions. |
Who
are the instructors?
Instructors are adults who have a great interest and ability working
with participants in an exciting way. They are LEGO, Robotics & KNEX Maniacs who
bring an enthusiasm to working with kids and creative building. Some are current
school teachers or involved in university programs, pursuing
secondary degrees in education or educational technology. Others
have professional backgrounds using computer applications. Many
instructors teach programs for us in our year-round programs or have
taught programs in previous summers. In addition, all instructors go
through training, a background screening process as well as reference checks.
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Will
there be adult supervision throughout the day? Yes! Our carefully selected and screened staff supervise
the participants throughout the day; in programs, as well as breaks,
transitional times and during lunch.
Does each participant have their own
constructives to
work with? Yes, each participant has access to hundreds of LEGO,
KNEX,
Technic and other manipulatives to build projects. We do not
just assemble a kit. Our programs encourage kids to design and build
projects of their own imagination. So many times kids will come into
a program and say that they know all about building and
ask for the directions. We challenge them to design and create with
unlimited model parts and Technic pieces. Staff provides
assistance, instruction, sample projects, challenge projects and
theme based outlines for the kids to work from. The exciting part of
GreenApple Campus is that each program will create a unique set of
projects. |
PROGRAMS
What do participants do in each program?
For complete descriptions of each program, click on the Programs
link. Generally each program is based on
a theme such as Chicago Cities or Forts & Castles etc. This theme drives
both the individual projects as well as the cooperative group
projects that the participants work on. We do not make kits.
Instead the child’s creativity and imagination are stimulated with
interactive project based learning. So many times kids will come into a program
and say that they know all about building and ask for the
directions. We challenge them to design and create with unlimited
bricks, building and Technic pieces. Staff provides assistance,
instruction, sample projects, challenge projects and theme based
outlines for the kids to work from. The exciting part of GreenApple
Campus is that each program will create a unique set of projects. |
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How
are the programs structured?
Each program has a particular theme, such as Space, Forts & Castles, Cities,
Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Treasure Seekers, Amusement Parks,
Sports Parks, Robotics and Inventions. Within each program, there are
sequential skills which participants learn and apply to master the
building concept through fun activities and then regroup to learn
the next sequential skill. Participants have flexibility in
creativity and design in a highly interactive project oriented
setting. Participants work individually, in small groups and
cooperatively on projects. |
Do
participants take home their projects?
Unfortunately not. Participants do have access to pictures taken of our
projects, receive a certificate of achievement and Tshirt.
The projects constructed in programs are cooperative. BigBuilds are too
large to take home. Parents are also invited to take
pictures.
Camper Behavior:
In consideration of all of our program participants,
GreenApple Campus reserves the right to discontinue participation
without refund for disruptive behavior by participants as defined by
GreenApple Campus staff. |
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Do
you serve a snack?
No - please be considerate of food allergies if a snack is used at a
GreenApple program. We request no peanut based snacks in
consideration of campers with food allergies. |
What if a program needs to be cancelled due to low enrollment?
In the unlikely event that a program needs to be cancelled, we will
provide a full refund of tuition or allow a transfer to another
GreenApple program, if space is available. |
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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
Cancellation Policy:
GreenApple
does not provide refunds for cancelled programs unless that program
is cancelled by GreenApple. A parent may request a transfer to
a like program taking place in the same program season if that program is not listed as full and by
permission of GreenApple. A transfer request must be submitted by
email at least three (3) weeks prior to the start of the changed
program. The email address is
info@greenapplecamps.com
with transfer request in the subject line.
A reprocessing fee of $10.00 will be charged to reprocess declined
credit card payments.
What is your privacy policy?
GreenApple Campus does not share any personal information, including
email addresses, with third parties interested in contacting you or
collecting information about you. In addition, we DO NOT sell,
give or trade personal information we collect from online, phone or
mail-in registrations.
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What about the age ranges - will my child be too young or too old
compared with the rest of the program?
Since most programs have 2-3 adult instructors, we will often divide
the participants so that they are grouped by age. In this way, one
or more instructors will work with the younger participants, while
another works with the older ones in the program. The initial theme
base projects are the same for all participants; the older
participants' work, may have more details, enhancements, and extras.
In addition kids work in small groups and contribute to a larger
cooperative project. We have found that contributing to the larger
cooperative building project is often where the kids get the most
satisfaction. For example they build a farm or airport in the
younger groups and a Chicago city block or Moon Base in the older
programs, Amusement Park in Coney Island.
Will friends be together if they both sign up for the same
program? Yes, participants are all in the same area or set of rooms.
Friends can choose to work with each other. |
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Do you provide family discounts? Yes, we provide a $10 per
program
week discount
to the second child. We also provide a $10 discount
for the second program that a participant registers for.
Discounts cannot be combined. Contact us for
specific discount questions. |
What if my child is right at the age break for the program?
We create curriculum that works best with the recommended age
ranges. However, we look to parents to decide where their child will
be most comfortable and have the best experience. If GA staff
find that content is too challenging or not appropriate for your
child we may make a recommendation to change. |
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How
can I register?
You can register online at the online registration link, or by
mail using the by mail registration link. For more information
contact 877.735.4550. |
Gift Certificates
Gift
Certificates are available for purchase by check or credit card.
Contact our offices to make a purchase. The gift certificate can be
used towards the registration of programs that are not listed as
full. A Gift Certificate can be redeemed via the phone or mail and
processed as a check. |
| Health Forms:
What if my child needs an Epi-pen
or inhaler at a GreenApple program?
If your child requires an
Epi-pen or inhaler at a GreenApple program you are required to
complete the (2) health forms provided at the Health Forms link and
either mail those forms to our office or bring a completed copy to
check-in prior to the start of your GreenApple program. |
Check-In and
Check-Out
GreenApple program participants must
be checked in and checked out by signature at the start and
conclusion of each GreenApple program by a parent or authorized
adult. Unsupervised participants are not the responsibility of
GreenApple, it's employees or host agents, public or private where
GreenApple programs are held. Parents bear full responsibility
before commencement of a GreenApple program and at its conclusion
for participant action and behavior. |
