Oregon Sea Grant hosts a number of summer day camps for youth 8 to 18 years old with themes that range from marine technology to marine mammals. Campers interact with researchers and learn about the marine environment through hands-on programs and field trips.
Day Camps at HMSC
Oregon Sea Grant Marine Education annually offers summer day camps at Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) located in Newport, Oregon. Each summer, we provide students (ages 8-18) with fun, interactive, field-based learning activities. Day camps will be held July through mid-August on Monday through Thursday, 9 am - 3 pm. The cost is $195 per camper. Registration includes all instructional materials and a camp T-shirt; however, lunches are not included.
Summer 2025 day camp themes and dates are listed below and registration opens January 6, 2025 at noon. Due to popular demand for the youngest age groups, we will be offering two camps for ages 8-10 and 11-12. The camp curriculum for each age group will be the same; therefore, please prioritize and register for one camp. Important Note: All payments for summer day camps are due during the time of registration. If you need to cancel your registration, please notify the Marine Education Coordinator. You may cancel by June 15th for a full refund. Registrations are not refundable after June 16th. Limited exceptions will be granted on a case by case basis.
Summer 2025 Day Camp Themes
Camp Dates: July 7-10, 2025
Registration opens January 6th
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of field ecology! Campers will explore diverse coastal environments, including tidepools, forests, and dunes, while learning hands-on techniques used by ecologists. Over the course of the camp, participants will design and conduct their own field experiments, practice data collection and analysis, and experience the challenges and rewards of fieldwork.
Camp Dates: July 14-17
Registration opens January 6th
Engage in the process of science by conducting field investigations in estuarine and tide pool habitats. Campers will learn scientific methods from guest researchers and employ those methods as they travel to different coastal habitats to explore the adaptations and ecological interactions of unique coastal flora and fauna.
Camp #1 Dates: July 21-24
Camp #2 Dates: August 4-7
Due to popular demand, we are offering two date options for ages 11-12 years. Please prioritize and register for one camp. Registration opens January 6th.
Dive into the fascinating world of marine food webs! Campers will explore the intricate relationships between ocean organisms as we journey through trophic levels—from microscopic plankton to apex predators. Each day builds on the last, starting small with plankton and invertebrates, then moving up to fish, birds, and beyond. Through hands-on activities, games, and real-world observations, campers will gain a deeper understanding of how each species relies on and impacts the others in this dynamic web of life.
Camp #1 Dates: July 28-31
Camp #2 Dates: August 11-14
Due to popular demand, we are offering two date options for ages 8-10 years. Please prioritize and register for one camp. Registration opens January 6th.
Uncover the hidden mysteries of cephalopods in this hands-on, exploratory camp. Learn about these masters of disguise, from octopuses, squid, cuttlefish and nautiluses, as they each have their own fascinating techniques for survival in the ocean. Through chats with experts and lots of visual creativity, we will dive deep and reveal the true magic of this intriguing class of animals.
Day Camp Highlights
Explore coastal and marine habitats through field trips
Learn firsthand about the marine environment and the amazing diversity of life found there
Conduct experiments in the field and in wet labs
Learn about scientific techniques and current research
Interact with researchers and other experts