Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center l Special Events

Kindergarten Camp_Session 1: June 24th – July 5th … Tell Me a Story 
COST: $1015
What makes a good story? In this first camp session we’ll explore that question, looking at the importance of storytelling in many cultures. We’ll plot out our own stories and maybe even act them out! Along the way we’ll engage our imaginations and find inspiration around the Mall to become tellers of tales. The session will culminate in our own book of stories! [Please note – SEEC will be closed on Thursday, July 4th.]



Camp Ages:
Kindergarten Camp is for rising first graders. Children should be entering first grade in the fall of 2024.

Camp Hours:
Kindergarten Camp: 7:30am – 6:00pm [Kindergarten camp day includes both before and after care.]

Lunch: Lunch will be provided Monday – Thursday just like the rest of the school year, but on Fridays, children will bring their own bagged lunch for a picnic (more details to follow on what to bring and how to get your child involved in packing their own lunch).

Splash Day: One day a week children will play in the sprinklers on the playground. Children will need to wear, or bring, a swimsuit, towel, extra change of clothes, water shoes, and a plastic bag to send wet clothes home in.

Deposits: A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration for each requested session. The deposit will be applied to the cost of the session. Deposits are non-refundable and will not be applied to other sessions.

Non-Smithsonian Fee: All families who do not have at least one parent employed by the Smithsonian will be charged a non-Smithsonian fee for each camp session. An $88.00 non-Smithsonian fee will be added to all two-week sessions.

Financial Aid: Financial aid is available for families with financial need. Families receiving financial aid for the school year will continue to receive the same level of aid through the summer.

Camp Tuition:
Current SEEC families will be charged via SEEC’s automatic debit.

Families enrolling in summer camp will pay camp tuition via check. The remaining camp fees due dates are:
Session 1: Monday, June 24
Session 2: Monday, July 8
Session 3: Monday, July 22
Session 4: Monday, August 5

Paperwork: All paperwork including a current health and dental form (signed by your physician/dentist and dated after August 16, 2023) must be submitted to SEEC by the morning of the first day of camp. Children without current health & dental forms may not attend the program until they are completed and submitted. Paperwork will be accepted anytime in May or June.

Preschool Summer Camp_Session 1: June 24th – July 5th … Dragons and Fairies and Mermaids, Oh My!
COST: $953.87
Hear ye! Hear ye! Royal subjects of the Kingdom of SEEC – news has spread of sightings of dragons, fairies, and mermaids! We are looking for brave volunteers to explore the kingdom far and wide to learn more about these mythical creatures. Once we know more about these creatures, we will work together to build an inclusive and welcoming kingdom for all creatures to live! In this session, students will work on their empathy, conflict-resolution, and friendship making skills while learning about mythical creatures and the legends that surround them. [Please note – SEEC will be closed on Thursday, July 4th.

Camp Ages:
Preschool Camp is for rising kindergartens. Children should be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024.

Camp Hours:
Preschool Camp: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm, with a maximum of 9.5 hours per day. We ask that you let us know your anticipated daily schedule (e.g. 8:00 am – 4:30 pm) so that we may properly staff the center.

Lunch: Lunch will be provided Monday – Thursday just like the rest of the school year, but on Fridays, children will bring their own bagged lunch for a picnic (more details to follow on what to bring and how to get your child involved in packing their own lunch).

Splash Day: One day a week children will play in the sprinklers on the playground. Children will need to wear, or bring, a swimsuit, towel, extra change of clothes, water shoes, and a plastic bag to send wet clothes home in.

Deposits: A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration for each requested session. The deposit will be applied to the cost of the session. Deposits are non-refundable and will not be applied to other sessions.

Non-Smithsonian Fee: All families who do not have at least one parent employed by the Smithsonian will be charged a non-Smithsonian fee for each camp session. An $88.00 non-Smithsonian fee will be added to all two-week sessions.

Financial Aid: Financial aid is available for families with financial need. Families receiving financial aid for the school year will continue to receive the same level of aid through the summer.

Camp Tuition:
Current SEEC families will be charged via SEEC’s automatic debit.

Families enrolling in summer camp will pay camp tuition via check. The remaining camp fees due dates are:
Session 1: Monday, June 24
Session 2: Monday, July 8
Session 3: Monday, July 22
Session 4: Monday, August 5

Paperwork: All paperwork including a current health and dental form (signed by your physician/dentist and dated after August 16, 2023) must be submitted to SEEC by the morning of the first day of camp. Children without current health & dental forms may not attend the program until they are completed and submitted. Paperwork will be accepted anytime in May or June.

Kindergarten Camp_Session 2: July 8th – July 19th … I Like to Be Under the Sea 
COST: $1015
Join us as we dive into the deep blue sea and explore the world’s oceans!  In this session, campers will become one with the water, channeling their inner marine creature and learning all about the ocean habitat. As we explore together campers will dive to the ocean floor to learn all that’s under water & how we can protect this incredible world below the surface. It’s sure to be a splashing good time!



Camp Ages:
Kindergarten Camp is for rising first graders. Children should be entering first grade in the fall of 2024.

Camp Hours:
Kindergarten Camp: 7:30am – 6:00pm [Kindergarten camp day includes both before and after care.]

Lunch: Lunch will be provided Monday – Thursday just like the rest of the school year, but on Fridays, children will bring their own bagged lunch for a picnic (more details to follow on what to bring and how to get your child involved in packing their own lunch).

Splash Day: One day a week children will play in the sprinklers on the playground. Children will need to wear, or bring, a swimsuit, towel, extra change of clothes, water shoes, and a plastic bag to send wet clothes home in.

Deposits: A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration for each requested session. The deposit will be applied to the cost of the session. Deposits are non-refundable and will not be applied to other sessions.

Non-Smithsonian Fee: All families who do not have at least one parent employed by the Smithsonian will be charged a non-Smithsonian fee for each camp session. An $88.00 non-Smithsonian fee will be added to all two-week sessions.

Financial Aid: Financial aid is available for families with financial need. Families receiving financial aid for the school year will continue to receive the same level of aid through the summer.

Camp Tuition:
Current SEEC families will be charged via SEEC’s automatic debit.
Families enrolling in summer camp will pay camp tuition via check.

The remaining camp fees due dates are:
Session 1: Monday, June 24
Session 2: Monday, July 8
Session 3: Monday, July 22
Session 4: Monday, August 5

Paperwork: All paperwork including a current health and dental form (signed by your physician/dentist and dated after August 16, 2023) must be submitted to SEEC by the morning of the first day of camp. Children without current health & dental forms may not attend the program until they are completed and submitted. Paperwork will be accepted anytime in May or June.

Kindergarten Camp_Session 3: July 22nd – August 2nd … Movin’ & Groovin’
COST: $1015
In this third summer session our campers will really be on the go, as they explore the many ways of movin’ and groovin’! We’ll focus on creative ways we can move our body and how movement can inspire and become art.  We’ll be moving to music, exploring dance, and even using our bodies to create tableaus.  The fun will flow throughout this camp session as we bring out the creative side of movement!

Camp Ages:
Kindergarten Camp is for rising first graders. Children should be entering first grade in the fall of 2024.

Camp Hours:
Kindergarten Camp: 7:30am – 6:00pm [Kindergarten camp day includes both before and after care.]

Lunch: Lunch will be provided Monday – Thursday just like the rest of the school year, but on Fridays, children will bring their own bagged lunch for a picnic (more details to follow on what to bring and how to get your child involved in packing their own lunch).

Splash Day: One day a week children will play in the sprinklers on the playground. Children will need to wear, or bring, a swimsuit, towel, extra change of clothes, water shoes, and a plastic bag to send wet clothes home in.

Deposits: A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration for each requested session. The deposit will be applied to the cost of the session. Deposits are non-refundable and will not be applied to other sessions.

Non-Smithsonian Fee: All families who do not have at least one parent employed by the Smithsonian will be charged a non-Smithsonian fee for each camp session. An $88.00 non-Smithsonian fee will be added to all two-week sessions.

Financial Aid:Financial aid is available for families with financial need. Families receiving financial aid for the school year will continue to receive the same level of aid through the summer.

Camp Tuition:
Current SEEC families will be charged via SEEC’s automatic debit.

Families enrolling in summer camp will pay camp tuition via check. The remaining camp fees due dates are:
Session 1: Monday, June 24
Session 2: Monday, July 8
Session 3: Monday, July 22
Session 4: Monday, August 5

Paperwork: All paperwork including a current health and dental form (signed by your physician/dentist and dated after August 16, 2023) must be submitted to SEEC by the morning of the first day of camp. Children without current health & dental forms may not attend the program until they are completed and submitted. Paperwork will be accepted anytime in May or June.

Preschool Summer Camp_Session 3: July 22nd – August 2nd ... SEEC Summer Olympics!
COST: $953.87
It’s time for the 2024 SEEC Summer Olympics! Like the countries of the world, we’ll come together to learn about Olympic traditions and their historical significance, explore the different sporting events, and celebrate athletes from around the globe. We’ll dive deep into determination, run with the concept of perseverance, and jump into the idea of teamwork. Let the games begin!

Camp Ages:
Preschool Camp is for rising kindergartens. Children should be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024.

Camp Hours:
Preschool Camp: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm, with a maximum of 9.5 hours per day. We ask that you let us know your anticipated daily schedule (e.g. 8:00 am – 4:30 pm) so that we may properly staff the center.

Lunch: Lunch will be provided Monday – Thursday just like the rest of the school year, but on Fridays, children will bring their own bagged lunch for a picnic (more details to follow on what to bring and how to get your child involved in packing their own lunch).

Splash Day: One day a week children will play in the sprinklers on the playground. Children will need to wear, or bring, a swimsuit, towel, extra change of clothes, water shoes, and a plastic bag to send wet clothes home in.

Deposits: A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration for each requested session. The deposit will be applied to the cost of the session. Deposits are non-refundable and will not be applied to other sessions.

Non-Smithsonian Fee: All families who do not have at least one parent employed by the Smithsonian will be charged a non-Smithsonian fee for each camp session. An $88.00 non-Smithsonian fee will be added to all two-week sessions.

Financial Aid: Financial aid is available for families with financial need. Families receiving financial aid for the school year will continue to receive the same level of aid through the summer.

Camp Tuition:
Current SEEC families will be charged via SEEC’s automatic debit.

Families enrolling in summer camp will pay camp tuition via check. The remaining camp fees due dates are:
Session 1: Monday, June 24
Session 2: Monday, July 8
Session 3: Monday, July 22
Session 4: Monday, August 5

Paperwork: All paperwork including a current health and dental form (signed by your physician/dentist and dated after August 16, 2023) must be submitted to SEEC by the morning of the first day of camp. Children without current health & dental forms may not attend the program until they are completed and submitted. Paperwork will be accepted anytime in May or June.

Kindergarten Camp_Session 4: August 5th – August 16th … Transform Yourself!
COST: $1015
As we close out our last summer session, we’re thinking about transformation, both literally and figuratively! In this session, we’ll embark on a journey that includes Autobots & Decepticons as we learn more about robotics. Our exploration will include both real & pretend, and we’ll become engineers imagining and building our own creations. We’ll focus on how they can change into something new, just as our campers will, as they head off to a new grade and new school!



Camp Ages:
Kindergarten Camp is for rising first graders.Children should be entering first grade in the fall of 2024.

Camp Hours:
Kindergarten Camp: 7:30am – 6:00pm [Kindergarten camp day includes both before and after care.]

Lunch: Lunch will be provided Monday – Thursday just like the rest of the school year, but on Fridays, children will bring their own bagged lunch for a picnic (more details to follow on what to bring and how to get your child involved in packing their own lunch).

Splash Day: One day a week children will play in the sprinklers on the playground. Children will need to wear, or bring, a swimsuit, towel, extra change of clothes, water shoes, and a plastic bag to send wet clothes home in.

Deposits: A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration for each requested session. The deposit will be applied to the cost of the session. Deposits are non-refundable and will not be applied to other sessions.

Non-Smithsonian Fee: All families who do not have at least one parent employed by the Smithsonian will be charged a non-Smithsonian fee for each camp session. An $88.00 non-Smithsonian fee will be added to all two-week sessions.

Financial Aid: Financial aid is available for families with financial need. Families receiving financial aid for the school year will continue to receive the same level of aid through the summer.

Camp Tuition:
Current SEEC families will be charged via SEEC’s automatic debit.

Families enrolling in summer camp will pay camp tuition via check. The remaining camp fees due dates are:
Session 1: Monday, June 24
Session 2: Monday, July 8
Session 3: Monday, July 22
Session 4: Monday, August 5

Paperwork: All paperwork including a current health and dental form (signed by your physician/dentist and dated after August 16, 2023) must be submitted to SEEC by the morning of the first day of camp. Children without current health & dental forms may not attend the program until they are completed and submitted. Paperwork will be accepted anytime in May or June.

Preschool Summer Camp_Session 4: August 5th – August 16th … Pirates, Ahoy!
COST: $953.87
Ahoy, landlubbers! Are you ready for a pirate adventure? During this session, we will follow an ancient map filled with clues to discover buried treasure. But first, we must assemble a crew. Are you ready to join the SEEC pirate team? Come sail away this summer on an adventure filled with mythical creatures and team building fun!

Camp Ages:
Preschool Camp is for rising kindergartens. Children should be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024.

Camp Hours:
Preschool Camp: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm, with a maximum of 9.5 hours per day. We ask that you let us know your anticipated daily schedule (e.g. 8:00 am – 4:30 pm) so that we may properly staff the center.

Lunch: Lunch will be provided Monday – Thursday just like the rest of the school year, but on Fridays, children will bring their own bagged lunch for a picnic (more details to follow on what to bring and how to get your child involved in packing their own lunch).

Splash Day: One day a week children will play in the sprinklers on the playground. Children will need to wear, or bring, a swimsuit, towel, extra change of clothes, water shoes, and a plastic bag to send wet clothes home in.

Deposits: A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration for each requested session. The deposit will be applied to the cost of the session. Deposits are non-refundable and will not be applied to other sessions.

Non-Smithsonian Fee: All families who do not have at least one parent employed by the Smithsonian will be charged a non-Smithsonian fee for each camp session. An $88.00 non-Smithsonian fee will be added to all two-week sessions.

Financial Aid: Financial aid is available for families with financial need. Families receiving financial aid for the school year will continue to receive the same level of aid through the summer.

Camp Tuition:
Current SEEC families will be charged via SEEC’s automatic debit.

Families enrolling in summer camp will pay camp tuition via check. The remaining camp fees due dates are:
Session 1: Monday, June 24
Session 2: Monday, July 8
Session 3: Monday, July 22
Session 4: Monday, August 5

Paperwork: All paperwork including a current health and dental form (signed by your physician/dentist and dated after August 16, 2023) must be submitted to SEEC by the morning of the first day of camp. Children without current health & dental forms may not attend the program until they are completed and submitted. Paperwork will be accepted anytime in May or June.

Smithsonian Early Explorers

The Smithsonian Early Explorers (SEE) program builds on 25 years of experience Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center educators have in using museums and community resources to enrich the lives of young children and provide a positive foundation for life-long learning experiences.

Basic Information

Smithsonian Early Explorers

The Smithsonian Early Explorers (SEE) program builds on 25 years of experience Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center educators have in using museums and community resources to enrich the lives of young children and provide a positive foundation for life-long learning experiences.

Basic Information

This application is for families applying for 2024-2025 school year, and missed the March 1st lottery deadline. Please visit our website https://seecstories.com/ or email SEEC-Enrollment@si.edu for more information. Applications will be classified first by date of birth and second by parent employment. SEEC’s enrollment lottery began on March 1st. Post lottery applications will be added to the bottom of the category your application falls into.

The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center is a museum-based school with classrooms located in the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History. SEEC offers a year-round program for young children, ages eight weeks through six years. Morning activities for the school include classroom experiences and museum or community visits which take the children outside the center.

SEEC has as its highest priority the provision of an outstanding educational program in a nurturing environment. The school fosters the total social, emotional, aesthetic, intellectual, and physical growth of the child by using the unique resources of the Smithsonian Institution and its surrounding community in Washington, DC to challenge children. Children are offered educational experiences tailored to their individual developmental levels and SEEC welcomes children with special needs. Each classroom is led by professionally trained educators who provide new challenges, while encouraging each child to grow at their own pace. The program encourages children to think, reason, question, and experiment, while fostering a positive self-concept.

Application Fee Pay Scale Based on Annual Household Income:
$75.00: Over $60,000.00
$50.00: Between $30,000.00 - $60,000.00 
$25.00: Under $30,000.00