Day Camp FAQs

Summer Day Camp Frequently Asked Questions

On the first day of camp, please come to the front door of the Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center. You should arrive a few minutes early to check in. After check in, marine educators will show you where the wet labs are located for pick-up and drop-off the rest of the week. Campers can only be released at the end of the day to an approved adult as noted by a parent or guardian on the registration form.

Summer Day Camp runs Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Session dates can be found on the Day Camp page.

Each camper should bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and snacks every day. There are not refrigerators available to store lunches, and some days lunch will be offsite. Also, campers should bring boots and shoes that can get wet/muddy, rain gear, a change of clothes and a towel. Of course, campers should bring a camera or notebook to document all the fun times!

The Hatfield Marine Science Center is located in Newport, Oregon, on the south side of Yaquina Bay. A public Visitor Center with touch tanks and interactive exhibits highlighting research, unique wet labs full of cool critters, and access to the Yaquina Bay and its diverse ecosystems make this a great place to explore and learn! Hours and directions

Only parents with disabled children who require special assistance are allowed to attend our regular camps.

Several of the field trips are to the coastline but campers are not allowed in the water, except when seining. All in- or over-water activities will be conducted using personal flotation devices (PFD).

At the end of each camp week, parents/guardians will be invited to arrive early to attend poster presentations. Campers will then receive their certificate of completion, followed by time for campers to show their families the wet labs. Photos of the camp will be available throughout the week.

Camp registration fees are nonrefundable.

Each Day Camp has a maximum group of 20 campers to 3 staff members.

Summer Day Camps are located in beautiful Newport, Oregon, a family vacation destination. Campers come from all over. Some have come from as far away as Taiwan and Germany to attend Summer Day Camps! Many campers come year after year. Our marine educators come from a variety of backgrounds, and all have a love of teaching and lifelong learning.