Visiting this Summer?

Learn More About Attending Summer Camp At Camp Hancock

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.

How do I contact the camp?

Our landlines are reserved for business use and emergencies.

If you need to contact us to communicate dietary or behavioral support, you urgently need to reach your camper, or if you have any questions concerning the staff, the facilities, or the program, contact the camp directly.  Campers are not permitted to have cell phones during any  program.  

  • Camp Gray office: (541) 819-0030
  • Camp Hancock office: (541) 489-3233

One of the many benefits of sleep-away camp is the independence campers gain from being away from home and developing self-reliance in a safe, welcoming environment. To support your campers in this growth, we discourage parents/guardians from calling their campers at camp and ask that you do not encourage them to call you. Camps who are homesick seldom feel better after calling home – speaking with family usually makes homesickness worse. 

What cabin will my camper be in?

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.

Can my camper bring a cell phone or a tablet?

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.   

Can everyone share their pronouns?

We respect everyone’s right to self-identify, and we may invite you to share, however, it is never required. It is up to each individual what they want to disclose about themselves. We’re committed to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of how they identify.

What if my camper left something behind?

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.

Can you accommodate food allergies?

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.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

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.

Explore Camp

Learn more about our facilities and how we build community at Camp Hancock.  You’ll find photos of the cabins, program areas, restrooms, dining hall, and other places around camp.

Get Ready for Summer!

Follow the links below to more information about our programming

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

Monday – Wednesday, July 1-3, 2024

Junior High Desert Adventure

entering 2nd – 3rd Grade

Monday – Friday, July 15-19, 2024

High Desert Adventure 4-5*

entering 4th – 5th Grade

Monday – Friday, June 24-28, 2024

Monday – Friday, July 8-12, 2024

Monday – Friday, August 19-23, 2024

High Desert Adventure 6-8

entering 6th – 8th Grade

Monday – Friday, June 24-28, 2024

Monday – Friday, July 22-26, 2024

Monday – Friday, August 19-23, 2024

“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

Desert Documentary

entering 4th – 8th Grade

Monday – Friday, July 8-12, 2024

Junior Survival

entering 2nd – 3rd Grade

Monday – Friday, August 12-26, 2024

Desert Survival

entering 4th – 5th Grade

Monday – Friday, August 12-26, 2024

Wilderness Survival

entering 6th – 8th Grade

Monday – Friday, August 12-26, 2024

Junior Paleontology

entering 2nd – 3rd Grade

Monday – Friday, July 29 – August 2, 2024

Fossils and Geology

entering 4th – 5th Grade

Monday – Friday, July 29 – August 2, 2024

Paleontology Field Study

entering 6th – 8th Grade

Monday – Friday, July 29 – August 2, 2024

Stargazers

entering 4th – 5th Grade

Monday – Friday, August 5-9, 2024

Galaxy Adventurers

entering 6th – 8th Grade

Monday – Friday, August 5-9, 2024

Master Astronomers***

entering 9th – 12th Grade

Monday – Friday, August 5-9, 2024

Rookie Rafting*

entering 4th – 5th Grade

Monday – Friday, July 8-12, 2024

Monday – Friday, July 15-19, 2024

Lower Deschutes Rafting***

entering 6th – 8th Grade

Monday – Friday, July 8-12, 2024

Monday – Friday, July 15-19, 2024

High Desert Expedition

entering 9th – 12th Grade

Monday – Friday, June 24 – July 3, 2024

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!

Learn More

Backpacking Camps

Are you headed out on a backpacking trip with OMSI? Those travel trips operate a little different from our camp-based programs.

Learn More

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!

Learn More