I need the NatureLab's TIN/EIN for my taxes?

the NatureLab TIN/EIN is 47-4253471.

Does the NatureLab send an annual statement?

We will provide a statement upon request. Please email tnlsteam@gmail.com.

I just signed up for a program. What are my next steps?

We take your registration info, add it to our roster for the program you've purchased and then follow-up with an email.

Where can I find more information about the program?

If you have outstanding questions, feel free to email tnlsteam@gmail.com or text/call 301-814-9213. We also have scheduled a rolling series of weekend open labs to stop by and meet us, talk with us, or draw.

How many kids will be in my child's group?

We staff our mixed-age programs for children at a maximum of 1 staff person for every eight children. Frequently, however, our ratios are closer to 1:6 and we do staff at that level with our younger children.

What if my child needs accommodations or special considerations?

We are always open to accommodations and design our programs to meet each child at their individual level.  

What will my child's daily schedule be like?

This is our general schedule for a day at camp: 

• 8:45-9:20am Drop-off and morning drawing
• 9:20-10:00am Project introduction and First Project
• 10:00 Morning Snack
• 10:30-12:00pm Preliminary project investigations
• 12:00pm Lunch and game play
• 1:00-3:00pm Analysis; Design; Drawing; Making; Research: Documentation!
• 3:15pm Afternoon Snack
• 3:30-4:00pm Presentations; Review; Clean-up
• 4:00 Pick-up (or After Program Hours)

What does my child need to bring to camp?

Your child should have a backpack or bag that is comfortable for them to carry with a water bottle, lunch, and change of clothes. Stuffed animal friends and toys should stay safely at home!

Is there aftercare?

We offer aftercare for almost all of our programs, which is available under a separate purchase. The rate is $20 a day, and you can register here. 

What if I need to pick my child up early during the camp day?

 You should email tnlsteam@gmail.com ahead of time, and when picking up your child, you can text Leslie or one of our counselors to determine our location, whether at the Nature Lab, at the park, or out on a walk! 

How do I know if my child is ready for summer with the NatureLab?

We have lots of opportunities for kids of many different skill sets, abilities, and developmental stages. However, in order to fully enjoy their day at camp, your child should be able able to bathroom independently, walk up and down a flight of stairs, and walk about twenty minutes away and back. If you have any questions or concerns about any of these, please don't hesitate to reach out!

What if my child has medication or allergies?

One of our staff members will be assigned to oversee any medication or emergency allergy dispensation. If your child requires medication (for example, allergies requiring an epi-pen), please also prepare and submit this MMA form. If your child has need of an asthma action plan, please also prepare and submit this form. 

Why does my child have to wear a mask?

Masking is the best way to make our programs safe and accessible for immunocompromised and disabled individuals. It is also a great way for us to keep our labbies and staff members as healthy as possible and prevents community spread of transmissible diseases. We revisit our masking policy every few weeks in order to determine its necessity.

When should I keep my sick child home?

If your child has symptoms that would make them uncomfortable in a group setting - upset stomach, a sore throat impacting speech, headache - please keep them home. Similarly, if they develop symptoms that impact their ability to enjoy their time at the NatureLab, we will reach out as soon as possible.

What if my child tests positive for COVID-19? 

If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please let us know so that we can inform families of a possible exposure. According to CDC guidelines, please keep your child home until five days have passed or they are symptom-free, whichever is longer.

How do you deal with air quality alerts?

We monitor the air quality through airnow.gov. If the air quality rises above 100 (orange alert), we will reduce outdoor activity and mask while outside. If it rises above 150 (red alert), we will spend as much time inside as possible.

What time should I pick my child up from aftercare?

Aftercare runs until 6:30. We usually work on projects between 4:45 and 5:30.

What should my child bring to aftercare?

As with any of our programs, your child should have a water bottle, extra masks, comfortable shoes, and rain gear, if appropriate. We will provide a snack.

How do I find the NatureLab group?

If we're out and about and you can't find us, please feel free to contact Leslie at 301-814-9213 or Oliver at 240-678-9972.

Where is Studio 2.0?

You can access Studio 2.0 through the back entrance to Ace Hardware or through our main NatureLab location.