GoSciTech - Residential Frequently Asked Questions

We make learning STEM the best part of summer.

Sending a student to camp is a big (fun) deal. Here are answers to common questions.

Please read the Student Handbook for more details about living at GSSM.  The PDF can be found here: 2024 Student Handbook.
How do I apply for GoSciTech - Residential?

Just complete the online application (parents only, please) and submit the student's most recent first semester report card. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until courses are full. 

Pro Tip: Classes fill quickly when the application opens in March. So do not wait!

If you are not able to complete an online application, call us at 843-383-3958 and we'll send you a paper application that you can mail or fax back to us.

Where can I find the Summer Camp Student Handbook?

The handbook has it all and is updated every year when applications open. Click here (pdf) to view the latest version.

How many classes can I take?

Great question! You can sign up for one course per week, but we offer more than one week of camp. Students often have more than one favorite and sign up for multiple weeks. However, students do need to be picked up on Friday and brought back on Sunday if doing consecutive weeks.

Do courses fill up?

They do, and the most popular ones can fill up quickly. You'll select your first choice, and we'll do everything we can to get you in. If that class is full, we'll put you into your second choice. If the first choice opens later, we'll try to get you in.

What is a typical day like?

On Monday, you'll get up after a good night's sleep and eat breakfast in the dining hall.

Your class starts at 9:00am sharp and lasts until lunch time.

After lunch, you'll be in class until 4:30pm.

Dinner and evening activities are from 5:00-10:30pm. 

After a full day, you'll be ready for lights-out at 10pm.

The rest of the week works much the same way.

How much does it cost?

Each course has its own fee, and most classes cost between $830-$1200 which includes room, board, course materials, and out-of-class activities.

We don't want family finances to be a barrier to coming to GoSciTech - Residential, so financial aid is available. 

Tell me about financial aid.

A limited amount of need-based financial aid is available to South Carolina residents and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

To request financial assistance, just fill out the financial assistance section on the GoSciTech application and provide the requested proof of income. Proof of income is the first two pages of your 2022 or 2023 1040 tax return (black out any Social Security Numbers). Please make sure the 1040 submitted is claiming the student(s) who are requesting aid.

When is the payment deadline?
WeekCamp DatesPayment deadline
1June 16-21May 24
2June 23-28May 31
3July 7-12June 14
Where will I live during camp?

You will live in GSSM's residence halls on campus. Each room has two beds, a sink, and a bathroom shared with your next-door neighbor. Boys live on the boys' halls with male live-in staff, and girls live on the girls' halls with female live-in staff. 

Can I request a roommate?

Sure! If you know someone who is coming to camp, then the two of you will just list each other as desired roommates on your application.

When is Check-In / Check-Out?

Campers check in starting at 2pm on the Sunday that your camp starts. Check-In ends at 4pm so that we can get camp started!

On Friday, your class will be a part of our closing ceremony, and your family is invited to come see what you did. It starts at 4:00pm, and Check-Out begins immediately afterwards. The building closes at 5:30pm.

If I sign up for camps in consecutive weeks, do I have to move out?

Yes! You will pack up all of your belongings, clean your room, and leave campus with all your stuff after the closing ceremony. We will clean all of the rooms and have things ready for you to move back in on Sunday.

Are there laundry facilities available?

Laundry facilities are not available for the summer so make sure to bring enough clothes for the week. If a student has an emergency and needs to wash something, they can contact the RLC on duty and we will help them out.

Can I bring my electronics?

Sure, but go easy on it. The best parts of camp are the classes and hanging out with people who share your interest in science stuff. If you spend all your time on screens, you'll miss out!

Phones, laptops, and portable games (we're looking at you, Switch) are never welcome in classrooms.

By the way, we can't guarantee the security of the gear your bring, and we don't guarantee that it will work with our campus network.

Refunds and Cancellations

Program fee refunds must be requested in writing before May 15, 2024. If a class is cancelled for any reason, students will be given the option to transfer to another available class or receive a full refund of all tuition paid. All inquiries should be directed to Susan Engelhardt, program director.

Mobile Phones

We know that parents and students value the ability to be able to call each other at a moment's notice. Although we do not prohibit mobile phones, usage during any instructional or assembly time is strictly prohibited, unless otherwise approved by the instructor or camp director. Please see our Discipline Codes in the Student Handbook (pdf) for more information regarding the misuse of mobile phones.

Parents are responsible for setting clear guidelines for mobile phone use with their students. GSSM is not responsible for phone or text content, usage or phone bills incurred while attending any GoSciTech activity, including loaning phones to friends or placing calls after lights out.

Prescription Medication & Over-the-Counter Medication

Prescribed Medication
All medications must be registered and kept in the nurses’ office.

We highly recommend that medications taken by your child during the regular school year (ADD, ADHD, antidepressants, etc.) be given during the summer camp due to its intense academic rigor.  

Permission for Administration of Prescription Medication form must be signed by a physician and submitted at camp check-in with each prescription drug that the student brings before the nurse can give any medications to campers. Medications should be in original containers and inside a Ziploc bag along with clear instructions for administration. Bring these medications to camp check-in to turn them over to the nurse.

Note: Medications are not to be transferred between students. Improper use of prescription and non-prescription drugs is a major infraction and will result in dismissal from camp. All medications must be in the ORIGINAL LABELED CONTAINER.

Over-the-Counter medications (non-prescription)
Please DO NOT bring any type of over-the counter (OTC) medications unless absolutely necessary. Generic equivalent OTC medications such as Tylenol and Advil (generically known as acetaminophen and ibuprofen), Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, Claritin, Benadryl, and Dayquil will be available to students in the nurse’s office. Medications must be approved by parent/guardian before the nurse can give any medications to students.  

If you're having trouble with the application

Having trouble using the online application or joining our mailing list? We've found that families have had success trying these suggestions:

  1. Use another browser. We've had very good luck with Chrome and Firefox.
  2. A firewall or other device at work or school may block the application website. Try accessing the application from your home or other personal network.
  3. Some phones and tablets are not compatible with the application website. Try accessing the application from a laptop or desktop computer.
  4. If the above do not work, feel free to give us a call at 843-383-3958. We'll help you figure things out.
Contact the GoSciTech Staff

Susan Engelhardt, Outreach Director of Summer Programs
843.307.9775

Melissa Hoffman, Outreach Program Coordinator - Team Lead
843.383.3958

To ensure the safety of our campers and families, all staff working with students complete a South Carolina Law Enforcement (SLED) background check.

Other Important Contact Information:
Main GSSM phone number: 843.383.3900
GSSM Center for Science Education & Outreach: 843.383.3958
GSSM Security: 843.992.0377

Send mail to your camper!

Campers love to get care packages! Address them to:

SCGSSM - GoSciTech
Your camper's name
401 Railroad Avenue
Hartsville, SC 29550

We cannot guarantee forwarding for mail that is delivered to a camper after they have left camp.

Deadlines

Financial aid deadline: April 15, 2024.

Application deadline: May 15, 2024.