Was not particularly impressed with these camps. My son tried two last summer. One was better than the other but neither were great. Did not seem to really use the resources of the museums surprisingly. Zoo camp is much better done.

Anonymous wrote:Update from the OP: I called at 9A and after 15 minutes of being on hold, I was able to register by phone. The website seemed to be coming back up, but if you want to register, the only way I've every been able to get through on the first day is by phone.
And my sons have enjoyed the camps. The man who teaches the Soldiers and Dioramas is very good, and they get history and some time at the museum.

Bumping this, as I think my history/art loving son might like these camps. Any other reviews? This would be a for a rising 6th grader.

PSA: Waitlists for the rising-K-age camps are starting to move. We just got called for one today and gave up our WL spot for all of them (child will be attending another camp).

So there are *tons* of spots open in Smithsonian summer camp. I guess the bugs in website limited people and folks could still register. Sadly doesn't work with our availability.

Are they generally good camps?

Why do people continue to sign up for these camps if the CS is so bad?

The camps are definitely fun, but my son said that the other camps that we signed him up for that are less competitive to get into were "the same amount of fun." The Smithsonian camps seem more educational to me, and I like that, but until my son shows a preference for them, I'm not going to deal with the sign up hassle again.

Anonymous wrote:Why do people continue to sign up for these camps if the CS is so bad?

Don't know, but saying "Smithsonian" gets some moms excited.

Update from the OP: I called at 9A and after 15 minutes of being on hold, I was able to register by phone. The website seemed to be coming back up, but if you want to register, the only way I've every been able to get through on the first day is by phone.
And my sons have enjoyed the camps. The man who teaches the Soldiers and Dioramas is very good, and they get history and some time at the museum.

Why do people continue to sign up for these camps if the CS is so bad?

Our experience at the camp mirrored our terrible experience with registering. Worst scam ever. Our child only spent 1/2 hour the entire time in the actual museums.

Registering for this camp is always a nightmare, but today they hit a new low. I cannot even sign into my account! What is wrong with these people????? Why can't they get a website that works????? And notice how the brochure says you can sign up by phone but does not give a phone number? Ridiculous. A shame the camps are so popular so that they can get away with this incredibly poor customer service.
Good luck to anyone trying to register today.