Practice locating star clusters and galaxies with a telescope, then take your new skills to one of the largest and most popular astronomy events in the country: Oregon Star Party. We will camp out for at least two nights at the event under the crystal-clear skies of central Oregon. Viewing opportunities are weather-dependent, but in central Oregon clear skies are the norm. 

Course Syllabus & Packing List (PDF)

Date Location Member/Nonmember Aug. 5-10 (Mon. thru Sat.)  Camp Hancock $565/$615

In this backpacking adventure in the Canadian Rockies, we’ll hike in alpine meadows; marvel at majestic and craggy peaks that tower above blue-green glacial lakes; and look for signs of bear, bighorn sheep and moose. Campers should be in excellent physical condition and have previous backpacking experience. Campers will need a passport to cross the border into Canada. 

Date Location Member/Nonmember Jul. 29-Aug. 9 (Mon. thru following Fri.) Banff National Park, Canada  $825/$875

Spend the week with our rafting instructors on the beautiful Grande Ronde River in northeastern Oregon. We’ll spend our days learning and practicing rafting skills, scanning for bald eagles and running class I-III rapids. In the evening, we’ll work together to set up camp and prepare meals as a group. Rafting experience is helpful, but not required.

Course Syllabus & Packing List (PDF)

Date Location Member/Nonmember June 24-29 (Mon. thru Sat.) Minam to Troy $575/$625 July 8-13 (Mon. thru Sat.)  Minam to Troy $575/$625

Become a survivalist while rafting the breathtaking Grande Ronde River in northeastern Oregon. Learn how to identify wild, edible plants growing on the banks, tie knots, find safe drinking water, build weather shelters and enjoy the excitement of running class I-III rapids. Rafting experience is not necessary.

Date Location Member/Nonmember July 15-20 (Mon. thru Sat.)  Minam to Troy $575/$625

Join us on a naturalist’s adventure as we study reptiles and amphibians found in eastern Oregon. Working with the National Park Service, we’ll conduct field-based research to discover key information that will be used by park ecologists. We’ll also explore the canyons near Camp Hancock, swim in the John Day River and enjoy songs around the campfire at night.

Gain the skills and judgment needed to lead a group safely through outdoor activities. Campers will participate in training designed to foster leadership skills and will work together to plan a weekend campout. The program features an emphasis on coastal ecosystems.

Course Syllabus & Packing List (PDF)

Date Location Member/Nonmember Aug. 12-23 (Mon. thru following Fri.) Camp Kiwanilong $825/$875

Join OMSI naturalists as we visit the Cascades’ most-active volcano: Mt St Helens. Campers will stay at the newly remodeled Coldwater Science and Learning Center as they work side by side with scientists conducting research on Mt St Helens. Campers will get a firsthand look at how this area has been changing since the 1980 eruption. The data collected will be used to deepen the understanding of the environment’s response to an eruption.

Date Location Member/Nonmember July 15-26 (Mon. thru following Fri.)  Mt St Helens $825/$875

Travel across the Pacific Northwest as tour guides for exchange students from Japan. Visit the John Day Fossil Beds, Crater Lake and the California Redwoods, while hiking, camping and making international friendships along the way. Ambassadors must be mature, friendly and helpful, plus enjoy outdoor activities and have an interest in other cultures. 

Date Location Member/Nonmember July 21-Aug. 3 (Sun. thru following Sat.)  Camp Hancock, Redwood National & State Parks   $825/$875

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. 

Date Location Member/Nonmember Aug. 19-23  Central Oregon Coast $575/$625

Find out if you have what it takes to be a paleontologist by exploring the fossil beds of eastern Oregon. We’ll search for undiscovered plant and animal specimens of the early- to mid-Cenozoic era, learn techniques of how to unearth and prepare fossil samples, and work with real paleontologists to unlock the secrets of Oregon’s incredible past.

Course Syllabus & Packing List (PDF)

Date Location Member/Nonmember July 8-19 (Mon. thru following Fri.) Camp Hancock $825/$875

Work with a team to create a documentary. OMSI’s partnership with NW Documentary is your chance to film on location, interview an expert, record a narration and edit it all to make a short film. Stay in the cabins at Wolf Creek Education Center and premiere the films for our friends in the Redwood National and State Parks.

Date Location Member/Nonmember July 8-19 (Mon. thru following Fri.)  Redwood National & State Parks $900/$950

Spend a two-week island getaway researching and monitoring the ecosystems of San Juan Island with OMSI naturalists. We’ll camp in our tent facility at San Juan Island National Historic Park and work closely with the National Park Service on cooperative projects. Each camper will participate in small teams to choose a topic, design an experiment and conduct their own observational research project. This program includes a 1-day excursion to Orcas Island.

Course Syllabus & Packing List (PDF)

Date Location Member/Nonmember Aug 5-Aug. 16 (Mon. thru following Fri.) San Juan Island $825/$875

Clues to the volcanic history of the Cascades are found both 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 shaped the Pacific Northwest.

Date Location Member/Nonmember July 29-Aug 2 Mt St Helens & Newberry Caldera $575/$625

Backpack into the Wallowa Mountains, known as “the Alps of Oregon.” Practice modern orienteering, learn to use minimum-impact camping techniques, and explore the cultural and natural history of the area. This trip is an amazing opportunity for anyone interested in both natural history and wilderness skills. Participants should be in good physical condition and backpacking experience is recommended, but not required.

Date Location Member/Nonmember Aug. 12-17 (Mon. thru Sat.)  Eagle Cap Wilderness $565/$615