Operation beat the heat!
The program will take place in various areas of the Museum’s complex at 800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004. Throughout the week “recruits” will go on missions to various complexes surrounding the Museum. The week will also include special visits to the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museums, and the FBI National Headquarters.
Children must be 10 to 13 years old.
The Museum runs two separate weeks (Monday through Friday) of camp. The programming for each week does not change, so please only register your child for one week of camp. Week 1 will take place from July 29-August 2, 2013 and week 2 will take place from August 5-9, 2013. Daily check-in is from 8:30 to 9:00 AM every day. Activities will begin promptly at 9:00 AM and will end promptly at 3:00 PM every day.
The price per participant is $445. International Spy Museum Inner Circle members receive a discounted price of $435. Please note that the program cost is non-refundable.
All participants should enter through the designated entrance on 9th Street, around the corner from the Museum entrance on F Street. We will provide curbside pick-up and drop-off service at the corner of F Street and 9th Street throughout the week. On the first day of camp all campers must be escorted by an adult to registration. For details about directions and parking please visit our Getting Here page.
No. The Museum will not check-in campers earlier than 8:30 AM. Camp staff is dismissed shortly after 3:00 PM, so parents are expected to make pick-up arrangements that are no later than 3:15 PM.
You should dress comfortably for activities both inside the Museum and outdoor missions. The Museum can get chilly so campers may want to bring a long sleeved shirt or sweatshirt for indoor activities. Campers should bring a packed lunch every day. We do not have a microwave or refrigerator available for camp so please pack appropriate meal items. Also please don’t forget your sense of adventure!
Campers should leave all portable electronics at home (including radios, ipods, and handheld games). Cell phones are permissible but must be silenced from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Cameras are not permitted—photography is not allowed in the Museum exhibitions. Candy, gum, and food other than lunch should be left at home. Also please leave all valuables at home. The International Spy Museum is not responsible for any lost or stolen items or money.
Campers are responsible for bringing their own lunch each day. A healthy snack will be provided at approximately 10:30 AM every day. There will be a nut-free option for those with allergies (please indicate all allergies on medical forms).
Yes. The International Spy Museum has a team of dedicated adult “training officers” (aka camp counselors) who typically have education or museum degrees. The International Spy Museum requires that all staff and contract educators pass a background check before being employed. One training officer is assigned to every group of 7-8 children, and accompanies them at all times during Spy Camp. The camp also has three to four additional Museum staff who are responsible for directing the camp as well as assisting parents and campers with activities throughout the week. Additional campers will be assisted throughout Operation Beat the Heat by specialists including real spies, scientists, and officers from the intelligence field.
The Museum staff cannot dispense any medications (including sun block) without the completed consent form. If your child has a medical condition that may require self-medication (insulin, etc) please inform camp staff so that we can safely monitor your child throughout the week.
Yes, they can be placed on the same team or separate teams when requested. Teams usually consist of 7-8 children and are a mix of boys and girls who are grouped by age.
Required paperwork must be filled out properly in order to purchase a ticket. The information you will need includes:
*If the child is not a US citizens please provide their passport number.
We require payment by credit card or debit card. Credit cards are typically processed within 48 hours of submission. The program fee is non-refundable. A space cannot be reserved without full payment. An electronically signed media, liability release, and medical form will be required.
*Please note that activities listed are subject to change.
**We will be outside most of this day – sunscreen, hats, comfy shoes are imperative – also you might need a backpack. Lunches should be fully disposable. If it’s raining we will switch this day with Wednesday’s activities.
If we did not answer all of your questions, please feel free to call us at 202-654-0933.