Techno Science Supersite: Camps
Break out of your routine and get out of your parents' hair. Find the perfect camp that focuses on a variety of your favorite subjects.
All-Purpose Camps
Below is a list of camps that focus on a variety of subjects, not just computers, math, or one type of science. In fact, many of these camps include such subjects as art, literature, or physical education, to name a few.
See also our Science Camps, Math Camps, and Technology Camps.
Adventures in Learning
This adventuresome program combines stimulating academic and social opportunities in a fun-filled, 10-day experience by exposing participants to exciting and sophisticated areas not usually available during the regular school year. The program is for gifted, talented, and high-ability youth who are interested in fast-paced, challenging opportunities.
Ages: 5th - 6th Grade
Contact: Email Amy Nafshun or call: 541-737-2403
Awesome Academics
Awesome Academic Adventures at Willamette University Salem's very own Willamette University is sponsoring an amazing, stupendous, colossal extravaganza of mammoth proportions for students entering grades 1–8. Each week of camp follows a different theme with fun activities in science and the arts. From bird-watching to printmaking to rocketry, the sky really is the limit. Classes are taught by enthusiastic recent MAT graduates. Camp runs from 9am-3pm. Session start July 9.
Ages: 1st - 8th Grade
Contact: Email Gaelen McAllister or call: (503) 370-6513
Education Soaring Summer Program
Here's a great program for capable, motivated students in the Portland and Vancouver areas to take up to three classes a day in a variety of interesting classes such as Chemistry, Robotics, Bridge Construction, Algebra, Geometry, Digital Movie-Making and Website Design. Education Soaring offers accelerated learning with intellectual peers in a nurturing social setting.
Ages: K - 8th Grade
Contact: Email kfosback@educationsoaring.com or phone 503-253-3486
Expeditions
This exciting program provides gifted, talented and high-ability youth in Grades 3-4 with a two-week, half-day educational experience. Students are introduced to a variety of engaging and intriguing subjects in an enjoyable and nurturing environment.
Ages: 3rd & 4th Grade
Contact: Email Carol Brown or call: (541) 737-2670
OES Summer Programs
OES has fun-filled day camp programs for kids of all ages (even adults). With passionate and knowledgeable teachers, state of the art technology, and a beautiful campus, how could they go wrong? Some of the classes include Legos ®, digital filmmaking, science and nature, Chess Odyssey, and web design. For more information, check out the programs below:
- Wonder for Pre-K: For children ages 4-5
- Summer Explorers: For children entering Kindergarten
- Summer Discovery: For children entering first through sixth grade
- Academics: For grades K through 12 (note the many offerings in Math, Science, & Technology
- Challenge Workshops: For grades 5 through adults
Ages: Grade Pre-K – Adults
Contact: Email the webmaster or call 503-768-3145 or 503-416-9249
Outside the Box
This outstanding program enables gifted, talented and high-ability youth to pursue topics of interest through a unique combination of in-depth, challenging academic explorations and social interaction with intellectual peers. Program participants can anticipate excitement, discovery and challenge in the program's offerings, which are designed specifically to address their interests and abilities.
Ages: 7th & 8th Grade (for Gifted Talented and Creative Learners)
Contact: Email Josefine Fleetwood or call: (541) 737-3735
Portland Wiz Kids Camps
Who doesn't want to take a trip to the planet Mars (or the planet Zak, for that matter)? Who doesn't want to design a roller coaster or the next great toy or painting robot? There's something for anyone who loves to tinker, create, or imagine at one of the many Whiz Kids camps held around the city of Portland.
Ages: 1st - 8th Grade
Contact: visit the Portland Wiz Kids Contact Page
Saturday Academy Camps
Where would we be without Saturday Academy? Well, for one, we would be short by ten—yes, you heard me right—ten camps. From the miniature world of nanotechnology to the expanse of Puget Sound, Saturday Academy explores the widest range of scientific exploration. Don't take our word on it. Just take a look at some of the following camps they offer:
- Animal Camp: Visit a farm, the zoo, and wildlife center to observe animal behavior
- AWESEM Camp: Girls! Visit labs, scientists, and engineers, and explore life as a woman scientist
- Dragonfly Science Camp: Be prepared to think, act and breathe like a real scientist because we are about to undertake a huge amount of exciting learning in our week. This class is for girls only.
- Engineering Camp: Explore just about every form of engineering imaginable through labs, workshops, tests, visits, and more
- Math in Summer: Hot Numbers: explore math through games, history, stories, art, building projects, math debates and even some math flicks
- Nanotechnology: conduct experiments and visit research labs and businesses that are big in the way they think small
- Oceanography Camp: Spend a week experiencing first hand the latest in ocean science technology
- Science Excursions: Go to the best lab of all: the great outdoors, and study Ape Caves, Mt. Hood, the Coast, and more
- Super Science Academy: Here you get the choice between studying physics and chemistry or biology, paleontology and earth science while conducting experiments
- Marine Campout: San Juan Island Adventure: You'll enjoy exploring one of the most beautiful spots in the country through camping, hiking, kayaking, and whale and river otter watching
SKIES (Spirited Kids in Engineering and Science)
Those in grades 1-5 can explore the wonders of chemistry, physics, math, life science, ecology, and engineering in a fun and interactive environment! Those enrolled in the SKIES program will also enjoy organized physical activity, such as capture the flag or soccer. The SKIES program runs through KidSpirit under the instruction of the OSU College of Engineering. (SKIES is offered through collaboration by the School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Precollege Programs, and KidSpirit.)
Ages: 1st - 5th Grade
Contact: Email Karen Swanger or call 541-737-KIDS (5437)
Southern Oregon University Youth Programs
Southern Oregon University must really like kids because they have more programs going on than just about any other university. They sponsor enrichment camps, workshops, assemblies, competitions, college courses for high schoolers, and more. Their camps, all called Academy, are enrichment camps that offer classes in science and other subjects, and as you can see, they all reach different audiences. Check out the ones listed below to find what you're looking for:
- Academia Latina: Hang out and interact with other Latino students from throughout Southern Oregon while being challenged by creative, imaginative instructors and activities.
- Academy: Get to know other talented and gifted students as you are challenged by a large range of classes, events, and activities.
- Kids's College: Kids ages 9 through 13 are welcome to take one or more great classes at the Kids' College at Southern Oregon University. Some of the courses you might be interested in are: Lego Robotics, Animation, CSI, Under the sea Robotics, Wildlife Biology, and Hydroponics
- Native American Youth Academy ("KONAWAY NIKA TILLICUM"): Spend time with tribal elders and Native American teachers during classes, lectures, and outdoor presentations.
Contact: Nicole Norris or call 541-552-8256
There are other science related programs other than camps, it would be worth your time to explore the website on your own.
Ages: 4th - 12th Grade
Contact: Email Carol Jensen or call: (541) 552-6326
Summer Chess Camps
If you don't know the difference between a rook and a knight or you're the next Bobby Fischer, you'll love joining a summer chess camp. Camps range from novice, to intermediate, to advanced. You'll get to study chess and its strategies, and you'll get lots of opportunities for practice and competitions.
Ages: 7 - 19 years old
Contact: Chess Master Pete Prochaska (503) 504-5756,
Tony Hann (503) 880-0581 or email camps@chessodyssey.com
Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)
You'll never be bored at this camp at the University of Oregon. It's aimed at students who want and can handle a challenge. The Summer Enrichment Program has classes in all subject areas, not just science. It's jam-packed with all kinds of classes like "Ecosystems of the Willamette Valley," "It's Not Easy Being Green: A lab class about plant cells, genetics and photosynthesis," or "Introduction to Calculus." [note: these are just a sample of previous year's classes to show you the types of classes offered]. There are also many other fun activities, events and get-togethers like swimming, canoeing, arts & crafts.
Ages: 6th - 10th Grade
Contact: Email sep@uoregon.edu or call: Cheryl Hunter, Program Coordinator, at (541) 346-1405
Summer Science Camps
If you're in Southern Oregon, you must check out one or more summer science camps through Science Works Hands-on museum. Take a one-week morning or afternoon session, or take both morning and afternoon sessions.
Ages: 4 - 14 years old
Contact: Email or call 541 482-6767.
Super Summer Program
Have I mentioned how boring your summer would be without a camp like this one? I have? Well, it's still true. How can a camp with Super in its name go wrong? It can't. Just look at some of the activities you may find yourself doing: making rockets and comets, eating space food, solving mysteries using math, flying paper airplanes, balloons, kites, boomerangs, and your first rocket. Who knows what you might be doing?
Ages: K - 5th Grade
Contact: Email supers@oregon.uoregon.edu or call Jody Barlow: (541) 346-1400
Upcoming Events
Now through September 13th, 2009 CSI: The Experience
All summer long you can visit OMSI's latest interactive exhibit. CSI: The Experience highlights the process of scientific inquiry and real investigation techniques used to solve crimes. From DNA and firearms analysis to forensic anthropology and toxicology—sciences vital to unraveling the mysteries of crime scene investigation—visitors will be immersed in hands-on science in an exciting multi-media environment.
July 17–19, 2009 da Vinci Days
Join us for a da Vinci-style weekend at the crossroads of art, science, and technology. There's music, entertainment, creative contests, exhibits, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Science & Technology at the Fairs
You might think fairs are just about livestock, games, and candy, but did you know science and technology are featured in several fairs throughout the summer? Check them out below:
July 30 – Aug. 2 Washington County Fair's Mad Science on the Rock and Blues Stage
Come and shake it up with the Mad Scientist as you learn all about the amazing attributes of water while focusing on the importance of conserving this precious resource!
August 18 – 23 OMSI Hands-on Science
OMSI knows how to spice up a fair with hands-on science exhibits and exciting science demonstrations. Be sure to check it out at the fair.
August 28 – Sep. 7 Oregon State Fair's Sustainable Energy Center
The 2008 Oregon State Fair will feature a new science and technology venue dedicated to the topics of sustainability and renewable energy designed to educate and entertain.

