A: The grade level listed for each summer camp refers to the grade a camper will enter in Fall 2013. For spring break camp, the grade level listed refers to the camper's current grade. Activities are planned for specific grades, and campers will benefit from being with their own grade level. Please note: children must be a minimum age of 6 and a maximum age of 18 to attend 2nd–12th grade camps.
A: Transportation is provided from Portland for 2nd–12th grade camps and is an important part of the getting-acquainted process. In most cases, buses leave OMSI at 7:30 a.m. on Monday and arrive back to OMSI at 5:00 p.m. Friday. Programs that differ from these departure and arrival times will be noted in the confirmation packet. If necessary, parents can drop their children off at camp or meet the bus at designated places en route by making arrangements in advance. Your confirmation packet will contain an alternate transportation form that must be completed and faxed to Program Sales and Registration prior to camp (fax: 503 239 7800). For family and adult camps, you will be responsible for providing your own transportation to camp.
A: OMSI Science Camps are accredited by the American Camp Association. All staff go through an extensive interview and reference check process. Criminal background checks are performed on every employee and volunteer, which includes a review of the national sex offenders registry and a fingerprint check against the national database and the databases of seven western states.
A: All of our instructors have a minimum of 48 hours of program-specific training. They also have 80 hours of Wilderness First Responder training and certification, possess lifeguard certification, and commercial driver licenses with passenger endorsements.
A: A 1:7 staff to student ratio will be adhered to while your child is at camp.
A: A limited health insurance policy covering all participants is provided by OMSI and is included in the total cost of the program.
A: Food is provided for all OMSI camps. Professional cooks and kitchen staff design and set menus that support nutrition and health. Vegetarian options are always available, and special dietary concerns, such as lactose intolerance or food allergies, are accommodated with advance notice. OMSI staff is not responsible for campers’ dietary choices while at camp. On occasion, participants will provide and prepare their own meals as they relate to specific program activities.
A: OMSI’s camps are designed to be highly educational, as well as active and fun. We will provide a certificate for successful completion of the science camp program that lists the number of hours of instruction provided. This letter can be submitted to the camper’s school, along with the course syllabus from the confirmation packet, to request school credit. Please check with your school regarding their credit policy.
A: We ask that you do not call your child at camp, nor encourage him or her to call you. This often increases homesickness. In most cases, our counselors are able to interest the child in the exciting activities at camp and the homesickness disappears. You can send mail to most camps, however, it is wise to mail it the day before your child leaves home to ensure it arrives during the camp week. Camp addresses will be included in your confirmation packet. Mail with a return address and first class postage that arrives after the child has left will be returned. Please do not mail money or snacks. Campers in San Juan Islands, Redwoods, and traveling programs are not able to receive mail.
A: Lost and found items with names and phone numbers will be held at OMSI for two weeks following each camp. Please label all gear with participant’s name and phone number. Please call 503.797.4545 immediately after camp to arrange for their return. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity after two weeks. We are not responsible for lost or stolen property.
A: If your child is ill please do not send them to camp. Please call the registration office at 503.797.4661 to let them know your child will not be arriving for departure.
Drop–in rates
A: Yes. Submit a financial aid application and registration form accompanied by 1) a letter of interest from the applicant, 2) a letter of recommendation from a teacher or adult mentor, and 3) a $75 deposit per camp. All applications must be submitted at least one month prior to start of camp.
| For more information: | Call: 503.797.4661 | Email: info@omsi.edu |
The OMSI Science Store has the perfect mix of educational and entertaining gifts, games, and gadgets. Shop in the museum or online.
