South Slough Reserve Science Camps for Kids

South Slough Reserve Science Camps for Kids offers hands-on, interactive programs where campers take part in investigation, exploration, art, nature-based games, songs, and nature observation. Activities include focused exploration, experimentation, history, use of data to examine the estuary, and exploring nature through observation, science, and art. Campers join fieldwork and hands-on activities and games around the South Slough Visitor Center and trails, spend days in and around the estuary, beaches and upland forests, and may explore beyond the Reserve to the wider coastal habitats of the region and the unique habitats of south coast watersheds.

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Four-day camps with daily sessions ranging from 9:00 AM to between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, depending on grade level
• Price: $90–$110 per camper, depending on 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 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, while camps for older children use focused exploration, experimentation, history, and data to examine the estuary. The high school level Magister Science Camp uses 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. Campers spend four unique days immersed in fieldwork and activities carried out by the National Estuarine Research Reserve system and other coastal partners in Oregon.

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. Available programs change depending on the age of the campers, the season, and the year, and each camp has 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. Refunds for cancellations are possible up to specified dates for each camp session.

For Zoea Summer Science Camp (1st and 2nd grades), campers bring lunch and water, and a snack is provided during the day. For Megalops Science Camp (3rd and 4th grades), campers bring lunch and water, and snacks are provided. For Instar Science Camp (5th and 6th grades) and Dungeness Science Camp (7th and 8th grades), campers bring lunch, and a snack is provided during the day. For Magister Science Camp (9th–12th grades), campers bring lunch and water, and snacks are provided during the day.

Last updated June 11, 2026.