Outdoor School

Camp Gray and Camp Hancock

SPRING 2025: Registration Now Open

OMSI Outdoor School is the perfect opportunity to get your class out in nature in-line with current science standards. Our full-service program is specifically designed for students in grades 4 through 8, but participants of all grade levels are welcome.

Program Highlights

OMSI program staff will work with you to create an experience tailored to your students’ interests and your teaching goals.

All-inclusive outdoor school

NGSS Standards Aligned

Small Group Instruction

Rustic and Well-Equipped

Delicious Home-Cooked Meals

20+ Unique Programs to Pick From

Locations

OMSI offers two distinct locations for Outdoor School in Oregon—Camp Gray at the Coast and Camp Hancock in the desert.

Camp Gray

The Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray, located in the inspiring science hub of Newport, Oregon, is the home of our longstanding coastal education programs. Nestled between the expansive dunes of South Beach and Yaquina Bay, there are numerous opportunities to explore the wide range of ecosystems on the Oregon Coast. On a walk straight from the cabin door to the beach, students can investigate the connections between ocean currents, geology, and ecological adaptation to better understand the web of life that depends on our one worldwide ocean.

Camp Hancock

Hancock Field Station, uniquely situated within the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in north-central Oregon, has access to one of the world’s most significant fossil sites, nearby canyons, archaeology sites, and the John Day River. In the nearby sedimentary rock formations, the fossil record unlocks the geological history and evolution of life and climate in Oregon. Juniper-sage grasslands provide excellent locations to study arid lands ecology. Clear night skies in late fall and early spring provide the opportunity for astronomy programming.

Outdoor School for All

Our Philosophy

We believe everyone deserves the chance to be outdoors and learn new things in an inclusive way. OMSI Outdoors is commited working internally and with external partners make the changes needed to our site and program outdoor school is for everyone.

Financial Access

OMSI is committed to making science-fueled fun available for all in our community. Please inquire about our financial assistance programs for school and community programs. Please also explore the link below to Oregon State University Extension Outdoor Service School program for information about accessing state funding for outdoor school.

Camp Accessibility

Our goal is to provide a safe and inclusive program for everyone. Support can range from adaptive gear such as an all-terrain or beach access wheelchairs or personnel such as an ASL translator. We work with school districts and the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program to support full participation in our programs.

Need Help Planning?

We know what it takes to coordinate groups of students—we’ve been doing it for years! Contact us to find answers and resources for painless planning.

Girl with magnifying glass.