Science Camps for Kids

South Slough Reserve science camps invite kids of all ages to explore the outside world through investigation, exploration, art, and fun. Programs are hands-on, interactive, and planned to fit campers' abilities and interests according to their grade level in school.

Camps for younger kids incorporate nature-based games and songs, exploration, and play. Those for older children use focused exploration, experimentation, history, and data to examine the estuary. The high school level camp dives into local research and careers, with time for fun and socialization.

Camps are led by Reserve experts with years of experience in science education. They are supported by high school and college interns with an interest in environmental science and education.

Available programs change, depending on the age of the campers, the season, and the year. Most activities occur at the Reserve, but some experiences may take campers to other parts of the surrounding watershed.

Spring Break Science Days with South Slough Reserve

March 25th or 26th, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

We invite young scientists and nature explorers to join us for a day of spring break fun at the South Slough Reserve. We will have hands-on activities along the estuary, Reserve trails and classroom, exploring nature through observation, science and art. The activities will be the same each day. To accommodate more children, we ask that you sign a child up for just one day. Thanks for your consideration!

Kids should bring a lunch and water. Snacks are provided.

$15 per child

Fee waivers are available upon request for those with expressed need.

We appreciate cancellations by March 15 to allow time for children on the waitlist an opportunity to join. Questions or concerns? Please contact Jaime Belanger, Education Coordinator at (541) 294-0614 or jaime.c.belanger@dsl.oregon.gov

Summer Science Camps with South Slough Reserve

The Reserve uses a lottery for summer camp signups to give everyone more time, ensure campers are signed up for the correct camp and accommodate unexpected challenges with technology. The lottery will be open for two weeks. Campers who receive a spot have another two weeks to complete registration. If registration is not completed within two weeks, the camper will lose that spot and it will be offered to someone on the waitlist.

Camp Lottery sign ups will open March 21st and close April 3rd. Registration for those receiving camp spaces will be open April 4th – April 18th. After April 18th we will begin offering open spots to campers on the waitlists.

Questions or concerns? Please contact Jaime Belanger, Education Coordinator at

(541) 294-0614 or jaime.c.belanger@dsl.oregon.gov

Additional Information

Please note that camps have a minimum enrollment to operate, and a maximum enrollment based on vehicle capacity. Camp fees help with snacks, travel, supplies, tools, t-shirts, and education intern stipends.

Download Camp Forms

Activity Waiver Summer Camp.pdf

Emergency contact photo release 1 page.pdf

Zoea Summer Science Camp – 1st & 2nd grades

June 23 - 26, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Send your young explorers on 4 adventurous days of activities that immerse them in the natural world! Camps provide hands-on activities and games around the South Slough Visitor Center and trails, with occasional trips to locations near the Reserve. We focus on nature observation, exploration and creativity. Camps are designed to fit the abilities and interests of campers entering first or second grade in 2026.

Campers should bring lunch and water. Snack is provided during the day.

$90 per camper

Refunds for cancellations are possible up to June 5th, 2026.

Megalops Science Camp – 3rd & 4th grades

July 7-10, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Megalops camp is designed to satisfy the active and curious minds of third and fourth grade children. Four action-packed days will immerse the campers in the wonders of the natural world! Camps provide hands-on activities and games around the South Slough Reserve, trails and nearby areas, exploring nature through observation, science and art.

Campers should bring lunch and water, snacks are provided.

$95 per camper

Refunds for cancellations are possible up to June 20th, 2026.

Instar Science Camp – 5th & 6th grades

July 14-17, 2026, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

During Instar camp, children begin to dig deeper into science happening in the Reserve and explore beyond the Reserve to the wider coastal habitats of our region. Campers spend 4 days in and around the estuary, beaches and upland forests. Activities are intended to spark curiosity and meet the interests of kids entering 5th or 6th grade in 2026.

Campers will bring lunch, and snack is provided during the day.

$95 per camper (Fees help with snacks, supplies, crafts and camp staff)

Cancellations are possible up to August 10th. Contact Jaime about cancellations and refunds (see below).

Dungeness Science Camp – 7th-8th grades

July 28 – 31st, 2026, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This upper middle school camp is structured to broaden campers' interests in science and the environment through hands-on learning and an introduction to science and natural resource topics on the Oregon coast. Campers will spend 4 days in and around the estuary diving deeper into the unique habitats of south coast watersheds. Camps target the abilities and interest of children entering 7th & 8th grades in 2026.

Campers will bring lunch, and snack is provided during the day.

$105 per camper

Refunds for cancellations are possible up to July 10th, 2026.

Magister Science Camp – 9th-12th grades

August 11-14, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This camp provides students with hands-on, real-world experience in coastal research and stewardship. Campers will spend 4 unique days immersed in fieldwork and activities carried out by the National Estuarine Research Reserve system and other coastal partners in Oregon. We use on-going research, monitoring and stewardship projects to introduce campers to the diverse careers available in marine science, natural resources and the environment. The camp aims to expand opportunities in science and natural resources for high school students.

Campers will bring lunch and water, and snacks are provided during the day.

$110 per camper

Refunds for cancellations are possible up to July 25th, 2026.

CONTACT

Jaime Belanger
Education Program Coordinator
541-294-0614
Jaime.c.belanger@dsl.oregon.gov