Brian Crandall of Mad Science helps out

It depends on the camp, and on the child's personality. If you are registering for a gifted-and-talented-style camp, then you should expect the camper to be able to focus and learn. And many children benefit from a more serious type of experience.

Mad Science runs an enrichment-style camp, and is more recreational. All the activities are clustered around a specific theme - but the kids are making things to take home, playing themed games, and getting exposed to science concepts in a variety of more casual ways.