Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my son have to be to attend BEST Camp?

Generally, he has to be in 7th or 8th grade when applying to camp (the current school year). We sometimes make exceptions based on availability.

Is this a residential camp? Are accommodations available?

BEST is a non-residential day camp. We do not provide accommodations, but we can provide suggestions to families traveling to Nashville for a week of camp.

How many campers are there per session?

We try to cap the number of campers at 25. This gives the camp a staff to camper ratio of about 1:5. At this number, more individual attention can be given to each camper.

Who runs the camp?

The daily camp activities are led by the camp teachers and 1 or 2 science undergraduate or graduate students. Occasionally, there are faculty and staff members at Vanderbilt that work with the campers for a specific project or for a specific demonstration.

Is there financial aid available?

There is limited financial aid available for families needing assistance. Please submit a financial aid request form along with a completed registration form (a check is not necessary).

Is there a similar camp for girls in middle school?

Yes! Check out the Girls And Science (GAS) Camp.

Is there before- or after-care available?

Unfortunately, there is no pre- or post-camp care available at this time.

Are there any academic requirements for the camp?

There are no academic requirements for the camp. We do, however, ask for a signature from the potential camper's science teacher on the application form.

What are the differences between the sessions?

Sessions I and II are the same and are intended for those who have not attended the camp in the past. Activities are planned to capture campers' attention and to enhance their enjoyment of science.