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.
The Reserve will use a lottery for summer camp sign ups in 2025.The lottery system is designed to give everyone more time, ensure campers are being signed up for the correct camp and allow a person to enter more than one child’s information before spaces fill.
Lottery Sign-up for Summer Science Camps will be open March 21 – April 4, 2025. Click the link below or scan the QR code to access the sign up form. (Please note that the form will not accept responses until 3/21/2025)
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.
Zoea Summer Science Camp – K & 1st grade
June 24 - 27, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Based on the grade level campers will be entering in FALL 2025.
Send your young explorers on 4 adventurous days of activities that immerse them in the natural world! Camps provide hands-on activities around the South Slough Visitor Center and trails, with a focus on nature observation and exploration. Camps are designed to fit the abilities and interests of campers entering Kindergarten and 1st grade.
$90 per camper
Megalops Science Camp – 2nd & 3rd grades
July 8-11, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Based on the grade level campers will be entering in FALL 2025.
Send your young explorers on 4 adventurous days of activities that immerse them in the natural world! Camps provide hands-on activities around the South Slough Reserve, trails and nearby areas, exploring nature through observation, science and art.
$95 per camper
Instar Science Camp – 4th-5th grades
July 22-25, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Based on the grade level campers will be entering in FALL 2025.
During Instar camp, children begin to dig deeper into science happening in the Reserve and explore beyond the Reserve to the other coastal habitats of our region. Campers spend 4 days in and around the estuary, beaches and upland forests.
$100 per camper
Dungeness Science Camp – 6th-8th grades
August 5-8, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Based on the grade level campers will be entering in FALL 2025.
Our middle school camp is structured to broaden campers' interests in science and the environment through hands-on activities and an introduction to how research is applied on the Oregon coast. Campers will spend 4 days in and around the estuary diving deeper into the unique habitats of the Coos watershed.
$105 per camper
Magister Science Camp – 9th-12th grades
August 12-15, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Based on the grade level campers will be entering in FALL 2025.
This camp provides hands-on, real-world experience with coastal research and stewardship. Campers will spend 4 unique days immersed in fieldwork and activities carried out by the National Estuarine Research Reserve system. 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.
$110 per camper