OMSI Summer Science and Adventure Camps mimic the traditional camp experience with themes of science and adventure woven throughout. Summer camp at OMSI is a remarkable blend of community and science, where campers make life-long friends and have unforgettable experiences. We are a safe and inclusive program for everyone, where people of all ages can learn and grow. If you are signed up for an overnight summer camp at Camp Hancock, this page is for you!
You Are Welcome Here
OMSI respects, values and celebrates the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. We believe that we will be successful in accomplishing our mission and vision when we seek out and respond to diversity of participation, thought and action. We will work to dismantle barriers to equity and access to the experiences OMSI provides and to create welcoming environments and conditions where all people can reach their full potential. We lead with race.
In keeping with this opening line of OMSI’s equity statement, OMSI Outdoors uses and supports inclusive pronouns. OMSI Outdoors staff will introduce themselves using their pronouns (they, she, he, etc.) and will invite all participants to do the same. Every individual will have the opportunity to be true to themselves.
Overnight Summer Camp FAQ
We are eager to answer your questions! Here are a few very common questions. Keep scrolling to find links to facility information with photos, and more specific information in the FAQ’s below.
Typically our program staff assign cabins based on gender identity and age. If your camper is attending with a friend or family member and they want to be in the same cabin, there’s a place to enter that info on the registration form. You can also reach out to us and we’ll do our best to make it happen!
We recognize that sleeping and hygiene areas can present obstacles for those who do not identify within the gender binary, and we are committed to respectfully minimizing those obstacles. Since each individual is different, please reach out if you have any specific questions or concerns.
Please do not send cell phones, tablets, or other devices.
An important part of the camp experience is for each camper to gain independence, develop greater resilience, and enjoy the unique opportunities offered by OMSI Outdoors without technological distractions. Digital cameras are OK, however we urge you not to send anything that you cannot be replaced.
We do not allow students to use personal electronic devices during the OMSI-led activities and programs. Please reach out to discuss potential accommodations, as we understand that electronic devices may be part of a behavioral management plan or family emergency procedure.
Prevention is key! Please label everything your child brings, as labeling will result in fewer lost items. OMSI is not responsible for lost articles. Any items left behind will be held at OMSI for two weeks. Call OMSI at 503-797-4000 to arrange for their return. Any unclaimed items will be donated.
We can accommodate mild to severe tree nut, peanut, egg, soy, wheat, and other food allergies.
Our kitchen is not allergen free, but promise to clean and sanitize all surfaces and kitchen equipment to avoid cross-contamination. We’re open to inquiries and problem-solving in advance. Please contact us to discuss your food concerns, and we will be happy to help ease any worries.
Absolutely! Working from information provided at the time of registration, we build menus to meet all food needs.
Typically, we create variations on the main meal cooking gluten-free pasta or vegetarian sausage to provide a similar meal for our vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free participants. We’re open to inquiries and problem-solving in advance. Please contact us to discuss your food concerns, and we will be happy to help ease any worries.
View the Camp Packets
Each packet has all the information you need to be ready for summer camp! Packing lists, check-in & pick-up information, activity highlights, and more. Camps are five days (M-F) unless otherwise noted.
*Great for beginners!
**Some experience is recommended
***Experience may be helpful, but is not required
High Desert Adventure Rookie Camp (3-day) 2-3 & 4-5*
entering 2nd – 3rd / 4th-5th Grade
Wednesday – Friday, July 5-7, 2023
High Desert Adventure 4-5*
entering 4th – 5th Grade
Monday – Friday, June 26-30, 2023
Monday – Friday, July 10-14, 2023
Monday – Friday, July 17-21, 2023
Monday – Friday, August 21-25, 2023
High Desert Adventure 6-8
entering 6th – 8th Grade
Monday – Friday, June 26-30, 2023
Monday – Friday, July 24-28, 2023
Monday – Friday, August 21-25, 2023
Junior Survival
entering 2nd – 3rd Grade
Monday – Friday, July 31 – August 4, 2023
Desert Survival
entering 4th – 5th Grade
Monday – Friday, July 31-August 4, 2023
Wilderness Survival
entering 6th – 8th Grade
Monday – Friday, July 31 – August 4, 2023
Junior Paleontology
entering 2nd – 3rd Grade
Monday – Friday, August 7-11, 2023
Fossils and Geology
entering 4th – 5th Grade
Monday – Friday, August 7-11, 2023
Paleontology Field Study
entering 6th – 8th Grade
Monday – Friday, August 7-11, 2023
Junior Astronomers
entering 2nd – 3rd Grade
Monday – Friday, August 14-18, 2023
“My daughter came back from fossils and geology camp and shared lots of fossil knowledge with us. When she talks about fossils, her eyes glow with confidence!”
– OMSI Parent
Stargazers
entering 4th – 5th Grade
Monday – Friday, August 14-18, 2023
Galaxy Adventurers
entering 6th – 8th Grade
Monday – Friday, August 14-18, 2023
Master Astronomers***
entering 9th – 12th Grade
Monday – Friday, August 14-18, 2023
Rock Cycle Bike Camp**
entering 6th – 8th Grade
Monday – Friday, July 10-14, 2023
Monday – Friday, July 17-21, 2023
Rookie Rafting*
entering 4th – 5th Grade
Monday – Friday, July 10-14, 2023
Monday – Friday, July 17-21, 2023
Lower Deschutes Rafting***
entering 6th – 8th Grade
Monday – Friday, July 10-14, 2023
Monday – Friday, July 17-21, 2023
“One thing my child told me…he learned to be himself & not to try to act cool to make friends. That just being himself was cool. Although I tell him that, hearing it from camp counselors made him believe it!”
– OMSI Parent
Visiting for a different program?
Summer at Camp Gray
Are you going to Summer Camp at Camp Gray? We operate similar programs, but life at the coast is a bit different!
Backpacking Camps
Are you headed out on a backpacking trip with OMSI? Those travel trips operate a little different from our camp-based programs.
Outdoor School at Camp Hancock
Looking for information about Camp Hancock’s outdoor school? Some things are similar in the school year, but not everything!