Day & Overnight Camps
OMSI camp programs take place across the region! From our SE Water Ave Museum, the Oregon Zoo, and Tamarack Elementary School, to Camp Gray at the coast and the Hancock Field Station in the desert. Day programs are from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday (except holidays). Overnight camps drop off at OMSI SE Water Ave Museum at 7am on Monday and pick up at 5 pm on Friday (some exceptions).
OMSI Family Camp
Join us for Family Camp Labor Day weekend!
Summer Overnight Camps
OMSI offers two distinct locations for Overnight Camps in Oregon—Camp Gray at the Coast and Camp Hancock in the desert. Fill their summer with outdoor adventure! Film a documentary, learn desert survival, go rafting, backpack through stunning wilderness areas and more at our overnight camps in the desert and on the coast!
Campers come to OMSI camp bubbling with excitement, enthusiasm, and curiosity. We take a traditional summer camp approach and turn it on its head by weaving in themes of adventure, science, exploration, and community into daily life. Our experiential, concept-based style of teaching is nurturing, inspiring, and memorable.   It is our goal to ensure they leave with a greater sense of confidence, independence, and knowledge. The residential camp experience can be genuinely life-changing. We strive for an environment that ensures each child feels welcome, special, and as though they can learn and grow as individuals while forming a sense of belonging in this unique community. It is our hope that staff, parents, and campers learn something new, have fun, and discover new and long lasting friendships.
Not sure what overnight camp is right for your student? Select the grade your student will be going into in the fall and explore the Overnight Camp options for Camp Gray and Camp Hancock!
Camp Gray
The Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray, located in the inspiring science hub of Newport, Oregon.
Camp Hancock
Hancock Field Station, uniquely situated within the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in north-central Oregon.
Backpacking Camps
Grab your pack and head to the trails with OMSI. This summer, we are offering three trips where you can learn about ecology in the wilderness.
Rafting Camps
What a breathtaking view! We imagine that’s what you’ll say while rafting on the Lower Deschutes River with OMSI.
Summer Day Camps
Explore forensic science, program a LEGO® robot, create animated movies, pilot a drone, care for exotic pets and more at our action-packed day camps and classes in the Portland metro area.
Work with OMSI Outdoors
Seasonal opportunities that go from spring to fall. Live, work, and play at the beautiful Oregon coast or the high desert at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. No other jobs get to be this cool!
Special Member Discounts
Members save on every camp purchase!
Summer Financial Aid
OMSI is committed to making science-fueled fun available for all in our community. Unfortunately, our application window for financial aid for summer 2025 has now closed. Information for summer 2026 coming in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers! Explore frequently asked questions. Still have a question? Email us at register@omsi.edu or give us a call at (503) 797-4661.
Summer 2026: Registration is scheduled to open in February 2026. More information coming later this winter!
Information coming this winter! Exact pricing for each camp will be available on our e-commerce website on registration day, at the following link: https://secure.omsi.edu/camps-and-classes
OMSI Summer Camp grade levels are listed for the grade your child will be entering in Fall 2026. Campers are not permitted to enroll outside of their appropriate grade levels.Â
Add a membership to your cart after adding your summer camp to your cart and your discount will automatically be added. Note: If you purchase a membership on our ticketing site then go to the camps page your membership may not be available right away. It is better to add to your cart during the camp purchase.
Two options, you can call us at (503) 797-4661 and we can help over the phone. If you can’t reach us by phone in a timely manner and are worried about a session selling out, OMSI can offer retroactive membership discounts via a refund to the original card as long as your membership is active or renewed within 24 hours.
2026 Day and Overnight Camp Cancellations/Refunds:
Requests for withdrawal from camp must be made by the student’s primary contact at least 11 days  prior to the camp start date to receive a full or partial refund minus the $50 non-refundable deposit.
- Cancel May 31, 2026 or earlier:100% refund minus the $50 non-refundable deposit.
- Cancel from June 1, 2026 through 11 days before program start date: 20% refund.
- Cancel 10 or fewer days prior: No refund.
To request a withdrawal, please email register@omsi.edu or call (503) 797-4661.
NOTE: If minimum program enrollments are not reached or staffing needs are not met, OMSI reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or relocate day/overnight camps. If this occurs, you will be notified at least two weeks before the start of the camp.
Memorial Day & Labor Day Family Camp Weekend Cancellation/Refunds:
Reservations cancelled at least 30 days prior to arrival are eligible for a 90% refund. Reservations cancelled less than 30 day but at least 14 days prior to arrival are eligible for a 60% refund. Reservations cancelled less than 14 days prior to arrival are ineligible for refund.
All reservation transfers are subject to a $50 processing fee, and must be requested at least 14 days before the original reservation arrival date.
You are responsible for any damages to the cabin during the duration of your stay and will be invoiced for damages within 24 hours of your departure time. No refunds available after the program occurrence.
Registration Transfers:
Transfers can be requested by the student’s primary contact at least 11 days prior to the program start date for a $25 transfer fee.
To request a transfer, please email register@omsi.edu or call (503) 797-4661. Please note that registrations are non-transferable between participants.
Day Camps begin at 9:00 am and end at 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
All individuals picking up campers up must be on the authorized pick up list in advance and must be 18-years-old and show ID. To update your authorized pick up list please email register@omsi.edu from the primary email connected to the registration.
Most overnight camps begin Monday at 7:00 AM drop off, at OMSI, Portland and conclude Friday at 5:00 PM. Some exceptions include OMSI Ambassadors, Family Camps, and others will be noted on the registration page.
No. Unfortunately, OMSI can not offer before care or after care.
Yes, we will! Stay tuned for more information.