South Slough Reserve Science Camps

South Slough Reserve Science Camps offer hands-on investigation, exploration, art, nature-based games and songs, and nature observation. Campers take part in focused exploration, experimentation, history, and using data to examine the estuary through classroom activities, hands-on learning, and creativity. Activities include exploring nature through observation, science and art, hands-on activities and games around the South Slough Visitor Center and trails, trips to locations near the Reserve, and spending days in and around the estuary, beaches, upland forests, and other parts of the surrounding watershed.

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: One-day Spring Break Science Days on March 25 or 26, 2026 from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, plus four-day summer camps by grade level running between June 23 and August 14, generally starting between 9:00 AM and ending between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
• Price: $15 per child for Spring Break Science Days and $90–$110 per camper for summer camps, with fee waivers available upon request for those with expressed need

Spring Break Science Days run March 25 or 26, 2026 from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM as one-day sessions. Zoea Summer Science Camp for 1st and 2nd grades runs June 23–26 from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, Megalops Science Camp for 3rd and 4th grades runs July 7–10 from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, Instar Science Camp for 5th and 6th grades runs July 14–17, 2026 from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, Dungeness Science Camp for 7th and 8th grades runs July 28–31, 2026 from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, and Magister Science Camp for 9th–12th grades runs August 11–14 from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Camp Lottery sign-ups open March 21 and close April 3, with registration for those receiving camp spaces open April 4–18. Kids bring lunch and water to the various camps while snacks are provided, and cancellations and refunds follow specific dates for each camp session.

The mission of South Slough Reserve Science Camps is to invite kids of all ages to explore the outside world through investigation, exploration, art, and fun, with programs that are hands-on, interactive, and planned to fit campers’ abilities and interests according to their grade level in school. Camps for younger kids include nature-based games and songs, exploration, and play, while camps for older children use focused exploration, experimentation, history, and data to examine the estuary. The high school level camp includes local research and careers, hands-on, real-world experience in coastal research and stewardship, and on-going research, monitoring, and stewardship projects to introduce campers to diverse careers in marine science, natural resources, and the environment, and the camp aims to expand opportunities in science and natural resources for high school students.

Camps are led by Reserve experts with years of experience in science education, supported by high school and college interns with an interest in environmental science and education. Campers spend days immersed in fieldwork and activities carried out by the National Estuarine Research Reserve system and other coastal partners in Oregon. Available programs change depending on the age of the campers, the season, and the year. Camp fees help with snacks, travel, supplies, tools, t-shirts, and education intern stipends.

Last updated December 28, 2025.