Grades 6-8 Camp Descriptions
Astronomy Camp
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Join us at Camp Hancock as we search the sky for galaxies, nebulae and planets through a telescope. At night, we’ll observe sparkling star clusters, distant galaxies and the rings of Saturn. During the day, we’ll design moon landers, discuss the possibility of extra-terrestrial life and conquer gravity on the climbing wall. Viewing opportunities are weather-dependent, but in central Oregon clear skies are the norm.
Broken Top Backpack
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Backpack into the Cascades to explore geologic forces and alpine ecosystems. We’ll circumnavigate Broken Top, a 300,000-year-old volcano near the Three Sisters. We will also learn about and practice low-impact camping techniques, wilderness survival skills, and how to navigate using a map and compass. Recommended for campers 12 years and older who are in good physical condition.
Desert Documentary Explorers
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This five-day program will give students an introduction to the techniques and tools used in outdoor documentary film-making. Students will spend their time working with video and sound equipment to learn what makes a good shot for an outdoor film. Campers will use the knowledge they learn to create short films, as well as hike, explore and sing songs around the campfire.
| Date |
Location |
Member/Nonmember |
| June 24-28 |
Camp Hancock |
$565/$615 |
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Island Ecology
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Spend 10 amazing days on San Juan Island learning about diverse island ecosystems, and terrestrial and marine wildlife. We’ll hike, explore tide pools, visit historic locations, take a day trip to Orcas Island and collaborate with the National Park Service to learn about ongoing land restoration projects.
| Date |
Location |
Member/Nonmember |
June 24- July 3
(Mon thru following Wed) |
San Juan Island |
$725/$775 |
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Lower Deschutes Rafting
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Join a whitewater adventure by rafting the majestic Deschutes River. We’ll spend our days exploring the ancient basalt lava flows exposed by eons of constant erosion, observing the wildlife of the river and running class I-III rapids. At night, we’ll camp under the stars and learn about riparian ecosystems. A brief stay at Camp Hancock will also be included. Recommended for campers 12 years and older. Rafting experience is not necessary.
| Date |
Location |
Member/Nonmember |
| July 1-5 |
Buck Hollow to Heritage Landing |
$565/$615 |
| July 22-26 |
Buck Hollow to Heritage Landing |
$565/$615 |
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Marine Wildlife
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Immerse yourself in marine science by exploring life found at every level of the ocean — from deep-sea vents to rocky tide pools. We’ll observe rookeries of pelagic birds, visit sea lions, and dissect sharks, squid and fish to understand the web of life that depends on our ocean waters. The program concludes with a visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
| Date |
Location |
Member/Nonmember |
| Aug. 5-9 |
Camp Kiwanilong |
$575/$625 |
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Mt St Helens Backpack
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Journey with OMSI staff through the Mt St Helens backcountry as we explore the Cascades’ youngest volcano and learn about the Cascade range. Campers will learn about natural history, geology, low-impact camping techniques, navigation and outdoor cooking, while exploring the breathtaking views of Mt St Helens. Recommended for campers 12 years and older who are in good physical condition.
| Date |
Location |
Member/Nonmember |
| Aug. 12-16 |
Mt St Helens |
$565/$615 |
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Olympic Coast Adventure
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Explore the Olympic Peninsula to understand the balance of elevation versus water. We’ll discover the connections between geology and adaptation in meadows carved by glaciers, valleys of temperate rainforests and tide pools, as we camp and hike on the Olympic Peninsula.
Oregon Shores
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Compare and contrast estuaries, sandy dunes and rocky tide pools as we learn about the plants and animals in the diverse habitats of the Oregon coast. We will camp in state parks near each ecosystem as we travel from Coos Bay to Newport.
Paleontology Field Study
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Learn about life in Oregon millions of years ago with an up-close look at the plant
and animal fossils found in the different units of the John Day Fossil Beds National
Monument. We’ll also swim in the John Day River, visit the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center and dig up our own 33-million-year-old specimens to bring home.
Redwoods Ecology
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The redwoods are the cornerstone species of the coastal forests in Northern California. While staying in cabins at the Wolf Creek Education Center, we’ll visit misty old growth forests, rocky beaches, and sunny meadows to investigate the connections between the health of these trees and the entire regional ecosystem.
San Juan Field Study
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Spend two weeks exploring, researching, and monitoring the diverse ecology and wildlife of this amazing island. Campers will partner with the National Park Service on cooperative research projects. Recommended for campers 12 years and older.
San Juan Wildlife Adventure
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Spend a week exploring San Juan Island’s variety of animal habitats and biodiversity. We’ll search out shorebirds and raptors, sea and land mammals, native animals, and the introduced red foxes and English rabbits. We’ll camp all week in our tent facility at San Juan Island National Historic Park.
Teen Girls Backpack
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Join an all-girl crew for a trek through the stunning alpine scenery of central Oregon’s Three Sisters Wilderness area to study volcanic geology and alpine ecology. Traverse high mountain passes, hike through glacial valleys and search for signs of elusive alpine wildlife. We’ll learn to use low-impact camping techniques and wilderness survival skills. Recommended for campers 12 years and older who are in good physical condition.
Three Sisters Backpack
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Travel along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness area and explore glacially carved lakes and moraines. Learn about the effect alpine glaciers have had on the landscape and the geology of the Cascades. We’ll also practice low-impact camping, wilderness survival skills and orienteering with a map and compass. Recommended for campers 12 years and older who are in good physical condition.
Volcanoes & Caves
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Clues to the volcanic history of the Cascades can be found above and below ground. Join us as we travel and camp at Mt St Helens and Newberry Caldera for an up-close look at how volcanoes shape our landscape. We will hike obsidian flows, lava tubes and caldera to observe the geology that formed the Pacific Northwest.
| Date |
Location |
Member/Nonmember |
| July 15-19 |
Mt St Helens &
Newberry Caldera |
$575/$625 |
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Wilderness Survival
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Safety and survival skills are essential parts of outdoor exploration. Campers will develop intermediate survival skills such as plant identification, fire-making, orienteering, animal tracking and shelter building. They’ll also learn about the arid ecology of eastern Oregon. We’ll spend the week at Camp Hancock and at least one night camping in the wilderness.
The OMSI Science Store has the perfect mix of educational and entertaining gifts, games, and gadgets. Shop in the museum or online.
