SPICE Science Camp
Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, & Quantum Science, 240 Willamette Hall, 1274 University of Oregon, 1274 University of Oregon, OR 97403-1274
About
SPICE Science Camp offers hands on experimentation, a science scavenger hunt where campers collect data and solve the puzzle, and activities that teach the scientific method with paper airplanes and the mystery box. Campers take part in the Amazing Science Race, forensic investigation using fingerprints, hair and fiber, blood, geology, and paleontology, and learn how scientists solve mysteries with geology, chemistry, and archaeology. The camp also includes learning about simple and complex machines, computer programming, building maker projects such as BEAM bots, e-textiles, and interactive automata, as well as bottle rockets, a laser maze, light and waves, dry ice bubbles, interrogation activities, and a Cemetery Day dedicated to decomposition and lifecycle.
• Ages: 11–14 years old
• Schedule: Two-week sessions with Session 1 from July 7–18 and Session 2 from July 28–August 8; SPICE camp is designed to be experienced for the full two weeks
• Price: Camp tuition is $800 for the full two-week camp; scholarships are available and awarded on a need basis, and tuition can be paid by check, cash, or through an e-commerce site
SPICE Science Camp is part of the SPICE Program, which started in 2008 as the Optical Science Discovery Camp, and since 2009 more than 450 girls have attended SPICE camps. Demand for camp led to offering two sessions in the summer of 2016, and in 2022 a total of 120 girls attended across two sessions. The mission of SPICE is to collaborate in creating a learning environment where girls can thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by enhancing the science experiences of middle and high school girls through mentoring, early hands-on research experience, role models, access to information and equipment, and building a community of young scientists. SPICE provides three cohort-based summer camps in science, where girls join the program the summer following 5th or 6th grade and attend three progressive camps, and SPICE offers three unique summer camps for girls entering 6th–8th grades, with all rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who identify as girls in Lane County eligible and students from underrepresented groups strongly encouraged to apply. SPICE camp is designed to yield maximum benefit to girls, with preference given to girls, transgender, and non-binary applicants, and SPICE creates an environment where girls and non-binary students can share the joys of hands on science.
The SPICE Program is no longer affiliated with the University of Oregon and is transitioning to a non-profit organization, and SPICE programs are rooted in high-quality research on how to support the development of strong science identities, with SPICE administrators conducting research on the effects of the program that campers can choose to participate in. SPICE provides three cohort-based summer camps in science, and many SPICE alumni return as Junior Minions, assisting with activity set up, chaperoning girls, and assisting camp leaders, while former campers who volunteer with SPICE are eligible to participate in the Junior Minion leadership program. SPICE camp is designed to be experienced for the full two weeks and cannot be pro-rated for missed days, and SPICE does not share contact information and will not send irrelevant emails, only information about SPICE and science opportunities from programs and partners.
SPICE Camp 2025 registration opens on January 10th, with returning participants from previous years guaranteed a spot if the application is received by March 15, and new applicants added to a waitlist and accepted on a first come, first served basis after the registration deadline for returning campers. Returning and new campers can expect to receive an enrollment survey beginning April 1st, and payment is due two weeks prior to the start of camp (June 23 for Session 1 and July 14 for Session 2). As camps fill up, applicants may be offered positions in a different camp in order to serve as many girls as possible.
SPICE is supported by funding from the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences, the University of Oregon Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, the Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science, Oregon Community Foundations grant, and a donation from the Rosaria P. Haugland Foundation. SPICE is also funded by support from the Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science, small outreach awards from organizations like the International Photonics Society (SPIE) and Mitosciences, and donations from individuals and non-profit groups like the Lane County Chapter of the American Association of University Women. Past partners have included the South Eugene Robotics Team, Team Duckling, Nearby Nature, the Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science, and the Eugene Science Center, and for boys who are interested in a similar experience, SPICE recommends camps from the Eugene Science Center, Nearby Nature, and the Boys and Girls Clubs. SPICE presents a yearly crowdfunding opportunity through the University of Oregon, and all donations to the campaign go toward camp scholarships; in 2024 SPICE awarded over $8000 in scholarships, supporting 28 girls to attend, including 12 full cost scholarships that included wraparound care.
Last updated December 28, 2025.
• Ages: 11–14 years old
• Schedule: Two-week sessions with Session 1 from July 7–18 and Session 2 from July 28–August 8; SPICE camp is designed to be experienced for the full two weeks
• Price: Camp tuition is $800 for the full two-week camp; scholarships are available and awarded on a need basis, and tuition can be paid by check, cash, or through an e-commerce site
SPICE Science Camp is part of the SPICE Program, which started in 2008 as the Optical Science Discovery Camp, and since 2009 more than 450 girls have attended SPICE camps. Demand for camp led to offering two sessions in the summer of 2016, and in 2022 a total of 120 girls attended across two sessions. The mission of SPICE is to collaborate in creating a learning environment where girls can thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by enhancing the science experiences of middle and high school girls through mentoring, early hands-on research experience, role models, access to information and equipment, and building a community of young scientists. SPICE provides three cohort-based summer camps in science, where girls join the program the summer following 5th or 6th grade and attend three progressive camps, and SPICE offers three unique summer camps for girls entering 6th–8th grades, with all rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who identify as girls in Lane County eligible and students from underrepresented groups strongly encouraged to apply. SPICE camp is designed to yield maximum benefit to girls, with preference given to girls, transgender, and non-binary applicants, and SPICE creates an environment where girls and non-binary students can share the joys of hands on science.
The SPICE Program is no longer affiliated with the University of Oregon and is transitioning to a non-profit organization, and SPICE programs are rooted in high-quality research on how to support the development of strong science identities, with SPICE administrators conducting research on the effects of the program that campers can choose to participate in. SPICE provides three cohort-based summer camps in science, and many SPICE alumni return as Junior Minions, assisting with activity set up, chaperoning girls, and assisting camp leaders, while former campers who volunteer with SPICE are eligible to participate in the Junior Minion leadership program. SPICE camp is designed to be experienced for the full two weeks and cannot be pro-rated for missed days, and SPICE does not share contact information and will not send irrelevant emails, only information about SPICE and science opportunities from programs and partners.
SPICE Camp 2025 registration opens on January 10th, with returning participants from previous years guaranteed a spot if the application is received by March 15, and new applicants added to a waitlist and accepted on a first come, first served basis after the registration deadline for returning campers. Returning and new campers can expect to receive an enrollment survey beginning April 1st, and payment is due two weeks prior to the start of camp (June 23 for Session 1 and July 14 for Session 2). As camps fill up, applicants may be offered positions in a different camp in order to serve as many girls as possible.
SPICE is supported by funding from the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences, the University of Oregon Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, the Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science, Oregon Community Foundations grant, and a donation from the Rosaria P. Haugland Foundation. SPICE is also funded by support from the Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science, small outreach awards from organizations like the International Photonics Society (SPIE) and Mitosciences, and donations from individuals and non-profit groups like the Lane County Chapter of the American Association of University Women. Past partners have included the South Eugene Robotics Team, Team Duckling, Nearby Nature, the Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science, and the Eugene Science Center, and for boys who are interested in a similar experience, SPICE recommends camps from the Eugene Science Center, Nearby Nature, and the Boys and Girls Clubs. SPICE presents a yearly crowdfunding opportunity through the University of Oregon, and all donations to the campaign go toward camp scholarships; in 2024 SPICE awarded over $8000 in scholarships, supporting 28 girls to attend, including 12 full cost scholarships that included wraparound care.
Last updated December 28, 2025.
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