Camps | OMSI

Camps | OMSI
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2026 Summer Registration
Registration for the 2026 Summer Camps is now Open!
Register Here
Explore the 2026 At-A-Glance Schedule
Need help?
The best way to contact us is by email at
register@omsi.edu
Our small team sees a high influx of inquiries during camp registration. During high volume times, responses may be delayed. We will respond as soon as possible to all emails in the order they are received.
For fastest response, please email us. Phone calls will take longer to receive a response. We look forward to helping you soon!
Day & Overnight Camps
OMSI camp programs take place across the region! From our
SE Water Ave Museum
, the
Oregon Zoo
, and
Tamarack Elementary School in Hillsboro
, to
Camp Gray
at the coast and the
Hancock Field Station
in the desert.
Day programs are from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday (except holidays). Overnight camps drop off at OMSI SE Water Ave Museum at 7am on Monday and pick up at 5 pm on Friday (some exceptions).
Summer Overnight Camps
OMSI offers two distinct locations for Overnight Camps in Oregon—Camp Gray at the Coast and Camp Hancock in the desert. Fill their summer with outdoor adventure! Film a documentary, learn desert survival, go rafting, backpack through stunning wilderness areas and more at our overnight camps in the desert and on the coast!
Campers come to OMSI camp bubbling with excitement, enthusiasm, and curiosity. We take a traditional summer camp approach and turn it on its head by weaving in themes of adventure, science, exploration, and community into daily life. Our experiential, concept-based style of teaching is nurturing, inspiring, and memorable. It is our goal to ensure they leave with a greater sense of confidence, independence, and knowledge. The residential camp experience can be genuinely life-changing.  We strive for an environment that ensures each child feels welcome, special, and as though they can learn and grow as individuals while forming a sense of belonging in this unique community. It is our hope that staff, parents, and campers learn something new, have fun, and discover new and long lasting friendships.
Not sure what overnight camp is right for your student?
Select the grade your student will be going into in Fall 2026
and explore the Overnight Camp options for Camp Gray and Camp Hancock!
Camp Gray
The Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray, located in the inspiring science hub of Newport, Oregon.
Learn More about Camp Gray
Tour Camp Gray
Get Ready for Summer at Camp Gray
Browse All Camp Gray Camps
Camp Hancock
Hancock Field Station, uniquely situated within the
Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
in north-central Oregon.
Learn More about Camp Hancock
Tour Camp Hancock
Get Ready for Summer at Camp Hancock
Browse All Hancock Camps
Backpacking Camps
Grab your pack and head to the trails with OMSI. This summer, we are offering three trips where you can learn about ecology in the wilderness.
Get Ready for Backpacking Camp
Backpacking Camp FAQ
Browse All Backpacking Camps
Rafting Camps
What a breathtaking view! We imagine that’s what you’ll say while rafting on the the Lower Deschutes River with OMSI.
Get Ready for Summer at Camp Hancock
Rafting Camps FAQ
Browse All Rafting Camps
Summer Day Camps
Explore forensic science, program a LEGO® robot, create animated movies, care for pets and more at our action-packed day camps and classes in the Portland metro area. Day camps start at 9:00 am and conclude at 4:00 Monday-Friday.
Select the grade your student will be going into in Fall 2026
At The Museum
Explore Summer Camp at OMSI on SE Water Avenue. Build new friendships, learn new science concepts, and have fun!
Grades K-1
Grades 2-3
Grades 4-5
Grades 6-8
All Water Ave
Select the grade your student will be going into in Fall 2026
OMSI on the West Side
OMSI in your neighborhood! Now OMSI offers our STEAM fueled summer programming at Tamarack Elementary in Hillsboro and the Oregon Zoo!
Oregon Zoo Grades 2-3
Oregon Zoo Grades 4-5
Hillsboro Grades 2-3
Hillsboro Grades 4-5
Hillsboro Grades 6-8
Select the grade your student will be going into in Fall 2026
Family Camp
Bring friends and family for a weekend at
Camp Hancock
. Enjoy OMSI hospitality, outdoor exploration and more as you soak in Oregon’s incredible high desert. Fill your days with activities led by OMSI instructors; fill your evenings with astronomy and family fun around the campfire.
Event
SOLD OUT |
Arrival: 4pm Fri, May 22, 2026 | Departure: 12pm Mon May 25, 2026
Family Camp – Memorial Day
SOLD OUT
Event
Arrival: 4pm Fri, Sept 4, 2026 | Departure: 12pm Mon Sept 7, 2026
Family Camp – Labor Day
Reserve Your Cabin!
Members save 10% on every camp purchase!
Go to
Learn More about Membership
Go to
Become a Member
Summer Financial Aid
OMSI is committed to making science-fueled fun available for all in our community. Please click below to learn more about our financial assistance programs.
Go to
Go to
Donate to Financial Access
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers! Explore frequently asked questions.

Still have a question? For fastest response, email us at
register@omsi.edu
or give us a call at (503) 797-4661.
What kinds of camps and classes does OMSI offer?
We offer day classes in the Portland Metro area, overnight camps at the coast and in the desert, and backpacking trips in the Wallowas and Three Sisters Wilderness. We also offer Family Camps over Memorial and Labor Day weekends. Camps and classes vary in length, from 4 – 12 days.
Where are camps and classes held?
OMSI camp programs take place across the region! From our
SE Water Ave Museum
, the
Oregon Zoo
, and
Tamarack Elementary School
in Hillsboro, to
Camp Gray
at the coast and the
Hancock Field Station
in the desert.
When will registration for Summer 2026 camps open?
Summer 2026:
Registration is scheduled to open on February 10, 2026 at 10am. Please visit our e-commerce website for registration:
What is the pricing for camps?
2026 Summer camps will range in price from $550 to $2,260. Cost is dependent on the type and duration of camp. Exact pricing for each camp is available on our e-commerce website, at the following link:
What grade levels should I look at?
OMSI Summer Camp grade levels are listed for the grade your child will be entering in the 2026 – 2027 school year.
Campers are not permitted to enroll outside of their appropriate grade levels.
Want to speed up your registration process?
Update or create your camper profile ahead of February 10th to have a smooth registration process by following
these instructions
. Everyone,
even those with returning campers
, must update their profiles so we have the
most up-to-date information for your child’s health and safety
I’m not a member and want to become one to receive a discount. How do I ensure I get my discount when I register?
Add a membership to your cart
after adding your summer camp to your cart
and your discount will automatically be added.
Note:
If you purchase a membership on our ticketing site then go to the camps page your membership may not be available right away. It is better to add to your cart during the camp purchase.
My membership is expiring, how do I ensure I get my discount when I register?
Add your membership renewal to your cart
after adding your summer camp to your cart
and your discount will automatically be added. You must use the same email that you have your membership under.
Note:
If you purchase a membership renewal on our ticketing site then go to the camps page your membership may not be available right away. It is better to add to your cart during the camp purchase.
I’m a member but my discount isn’t reflected in my cart. What should I do?
Shoot us an email! We can be reached at register@omsi.edu. OMSI can offer retroactive membership discounts via a refund to the original card as long as your membership is active or renewed within 24 hours. Please include your order number in the body of the email.
What is the cancellation policy?
OMSI has different cancellation policies for Spring, Summer Camps and Classes, and Family Camps.
2026 Spring Classes:
Requests for withdrawal from camp must be made by the student’s primary contact at least 11 days  prior to the camp start date to receive a full or partial refund minus the $50 non-refundable deposit.
Cancel
March 5, 2026,
or earlier:100% refund minus the $50 non-refundable deposit.
Cancel from
March 6, 2026
through 11 days before program start date: 20% refund.
Cancel 10 or fewer days prior: No refund.
To request a withdrawal, please email
register@omsi.edu
or call (503) 797-4661.
NOTE
: If minimum program enrollments are not reached or staffing needs are not met, OMSI reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or relocate camps. If this occurs, you will be notified at least two weeks before the start of the camp.
2026 Summer Camps and Classes:
Requests for withdrawal from camp must be made by the student’s primary contact at least 11 days  prior to the camp start date to receive a full or partial refund minus the $50 non-refundable deposit.
Cancel
May 31, 2026
or earlier:100% refund minus the $50 non-refundable deposit.
Cancel from
June 1, 2026
through 11 days before program start date: 20% refund.
Cancel 10 or fewer days prior to the program start date: No refund.
To request a withdrawal, please email
register@omsi.edu
or call (503) 797-4661.
NOTE
: If minimum program enrollments are not reached or staffing needs are not met, OMSI reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or relocate camps. If this occurs, you will be notified at least two weeks before the start of the camp.
2026 Memorial and Labor Day Family Camps
Reservations cancelled at least 30 days prior to arrival are eligible for a 90% refund. Reservations cancelled less than 30 day but at least 14 days prior to arrival are eligible for a 60% refund. Reservations cancelled less than 14 days prior to arrival are ineligible for refund.
All reservation transfers are subject to a $50 processing fee, and must be requested at least 14 days before the original reservation arrival date.
You are responsible for any damages to the cabin during the duration of your stay and will be invoiced for damages within 24 hours of your departure time. No refunds available after the program occurrence.
To request a withdrawal, please email
register@omsi.edu
or call (503) 797-4661.
NOTE
: If minimum program enrollments are not reached or staffing needs are not met, OMSI reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or relocate camps. If this occurs, you will be notified at least two weeks before the start of the camp.
What is the transfer policy?
Registrations are non-transferable to other participants. Registration can be changed to a different class or camp for the same participant, pending availability, for a $25 transfer fee. Requests must be made by the student’s primary contact at least 11 days prior to the program start date.
To change camps or classes for a participant, please email
register@omsi.edu
or call (503) 797-4661.
What is the timing for Day Camp pick up?
Day camps run 5 days. They begin at 9:00 am and end at 4:00 pm daily, Monday – Friday.
Who can drop-off and pick-up my camper?
All individuals picking up campers up
must:
be on the authorized pick-up list in advance
be at least 18-years-old and show government-issued ID
To update your authorized pick up list, please email
register@omsi.edu
from the primary email connected to the registration.
What is the timing for Overnight camps?
Most overnight camps begin Monday at 7:00am for check-in,
at OMSI in Portland
and conclude Friday at 5:00pm for check-out. Some exceptions include OMSI Ambassadors, Family Camps, and others. These will be noted on the registration page for each specific camp.
Does OMSI offer before care or after care?
No. Unfortunately, OMSI can not offer before care or after care.
Will you have a waitlist for sold out camps?
Yes, please use this
link to join the waitlist
Still have questions?
For fastest response, email is best. Staff monitor and respond to emails from 8:30am-5:30pm, Monday–Friday. Response times are dependent on email volume. Email us at
register@omsi.edu
You can give us a call at (503) 797-4661. When leaving a voicemail, please state your full name, the nature of your call, and a callback number. We will respond to voicemails from 8:30am-5:30pm, Monday–Friday, in the order they were received.
Work with OMSI Outdoors
Seasonal opportunities that go from spring to fall. Live, work, and play at the beautiful Oregon coast or the high desert at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. No other jobs get to be this cool!
Apply Now!
Learn more about working with OMSI Outdoors
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