Question 1

How do I register?

Accepted Answer

Families should first create an account on our registration site - Amilia. Once your account is set up, add your children as members of your household before registering them for select workshops. Be sure to select the correct age group (Sprouts for Preschool/PreK children and Jr. Scientists for Kindergarten and up).

Question 2

When does registration close?

Accepted Answer

Registration will remain open until 3pm the day before each holiday workshop, with the exception of Monday holiday workshops, in which registration closes at 3pm on the Friday before. Families can contact SMLI at info@smli.org to inquire about potential spots over the weekend for Monday workshops. SMLI cannot guarantee that spots will be available.

Question 3

What if I need to change or cancel my child's registration?

Accepted Answer

Changes to workshop dates made less than 2 weeks of a scheduled program are subject to a $10 admin fee per registration/per child. Cancellations made more than 2 weeks before a workshop date: full refund minus a $25 admin fee Cancellations made less than 2 weeks before a workshop date: full credit, minus a $25 admin feeAny cancellations made on the day of a scheduled workshop are not eligible for refunds or credits, except in the case of emergency situations. These situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis by SMLI

Question 4

How are children grouped?

Accepted Answer

Children are grouped based on their current grade. Our two main groups are:SMLI SPROUTS - Preschool/PreK Students. Minimum 4 years old. SMLI JR. SCIENTISTS - Kindergarten and Up. Children in this section are split into 2-3 groups based on registration numbers. Sample grouping breakdown - Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd, 3rd & up.

Question 5

My children are in different grades, can they be in the same group?

Accepted Answer

Activities in our holiday workshops are specifically designed to fit each age group. As such, SMLI does not recommend children with large age differences being grouped together. All holiday workshop participants do get shared recess together each day.

Question 6

Do I need to pack a lunch or snack for my child?

Accepted Answer

All children should arrive with a packed lunch. Lunches are not stored in the fridge. The Sprouts groups & Jr. Scientists Kindergarten groups have a short snack break in the second half of the day. SMLI's snack shop is available for participants to purchase snack. Prices range from $1.00-$3.00, cash only. *Families that have camper cash cards can use their remaining balance. SMLI is transitioning out the camper cash card system in the 2026-2027 school year.

Question 7

What does a typical day look like?

Accepted Answer

SAMPLE SPROUTS HOLIDAY WORKSHOP SCHEDULESAMPLE JR. SCIENTISTS HOLIDAY WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Question 8

How does drop-off and pick-up work?

Accepted Answer

SMLI SPROUTS: Classroom is located in the Learning Cottage. Parents/guardians should use the Visitor Entrance, and park in the visitor lot.Drop-off begins at 9:45am. Parents/guardians should walk their child over the Learning Cottage to check-in their child. Pick-up begins at 2:45pm. Parents/guardians should pick up their child at the Learning Cottage. JR. SCIENTISTS:Classrooms are located in Norwood House (main house on top of the hill). Parents/guardians should use the Bus Entrance for both drop-off & pick-up.Drop-off begins at 9:45am. A staff member will be at the top of the drop-off line and will assist with checking in your child and getting them out of the car. Pick-up begins at 2:45pm. SMLI staff will assist children with getting into their car & buckling up. All parents/guardians should remain in their cars during both drop-off & pick-up. Bus entrance gate opens approximately 15 minutes before drop-off & pick-up. No cars are permitted to wait in front of the closed gate.

Question 9

My child has never been to a drop off program, are SMLI's holiday workshop a good fit for them?

Accepted Answer

Although SMLI's programs and activities are designed to fit children as young as 4 years old, it's important to understand that SMLI is not a childcare facility. Holiday workshops are best suited for children who have already been enrolled in full day/drop-off programs for some time. Families should see our holiday workshops as a source of enrichment, not as an introduction to drop-off programming.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

UPCOMING HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

Holiday Workshop FAQ