Camps

Where Curiosity Meets Fun


ScienceWorks camps give young scientists a chance to explore, create, and discover when school is out. With hands-on activities and a focus on curiosity, campers dive into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), make friends, and build new skills in a fun, supportive setting.

Our experienced educators support diverse learning styles, including ADHD and other learning differences. With individualized attention and inclusive methods, we create a space where all campers feel empowered to explore and thrive.
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Summer Camp Scholarships Now Available


Thanks to the generosity of AllCare Health, ScienceWorks is now able to offer summer camp scholarships. At this time, each child is eligible for one scholarship, which covers one week of camp.


Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to families who qualify for any food assistance program (WIC, EBT, SNAP, etc.) or the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). We’re also proud to offer scholarships to families of school teachers and staff.



To apply, simply fill out the application form. If approved, you’ll receive a discount code to use during registration. While we can’t guarantee your first-choice camp will be available, we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferences. Thanks for your understanding!

Application
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Upcoming Camps

All camp prices include a $50 non-refundable deposit.

Find our camp F.A.Q. below

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Summer Camp:

Counselor-in-Training

August 18 - 22
Ages: 13 - 15
10 AM to 2 PM

This summer, ScienceWorks is launching an exciting Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for youth ages 13 - 15! CITs will develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while assisting camp instructors with activities, crafts, and games. They’ll receive hands-on training and mentorship from senior staff, gaining real-world experience and confidence. This is a fantastic opportunity for responsible, energetic young people to make a difference and develop valuable skills while having fun. Don’t miss your chance to grow, lead, and inspire at ScienceWorks this summer!


Registration Closed

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Summer Camp:

STEAM Storytelling

August 11 - 15
Ages: 6 - 12
9 AM to 3 PM

Unleash your creativity at STEAM Storytelling Camp! Explore the science behind fairy tales through fun activities like building castles and designing armor, investigating invisible ink and creating treasure maps. Learn about transparency with shadow puppets, and experiment with DIY disguises to explore how appearance communicates identity. Perfect for young storytellers and curious minds!


Registration Closed

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Summer Camp:

Junkyard Orchestra

August 18 - 22
Ages: 6 - 12
9 AM to 3 PM

Get ready to make music out of…junk! At Junkyard Orchestra Camp, campers dive into the science of sound and the engineering behind musical instruments. Activities include crafting zithers and shoebox guitars, and investigating how materials like wood and string affect sound production. Explore acoustics and discover how our ears interpret different sounds. By the end of the week, campers will showcase their creations in a final concert for family and friends.


Registration Closed

When school is out, camp is in!

Fall Camp Registrations Now Open

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Spooktacular Science

October 10
9 AM to 3 PM
Grades K - 5

Get ready for a frightfully fun adventure at our Spooktacular Science Camp! Your curiosity will meet creepy fun with chemistry explosions and experiments, floating phantoms, DNA extraction, and spooky slime. Come for the spooks, stay for the science!



Register Here
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SpellWorks Academy

October 13
9 AM to 3 PM
Grades K - 5

Step into a world where spells are real, potions bubble, and magic is everywhere! At SpellWorks Academy Camp you will spend an enchanting day making wands and potions, unleashing the power of invisible ink, creating your own spells, and becoming a magical creature creator. Ready for a spellbinding day? Join the SpellWorks Academy and let the magic begin!



Register Here
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Dinovember

November 11
9 AM to 3 PM
Grades K - 5

Travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs at Dinovember Camp. Put on your paleontologist hat as you step into the world of these ancient giants with hands-on activities that will leave you roaring with excitement! Spend the day exploring dinosaur footprints, digging for fossils, creating dino-armor, and mixing up mud slime. Get ready to dig up some prehistoric fun!

Register Here

Camp Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is camp?

    • During most Ashland School District holidays between September and April
    • Every week of summer, starting the first full week after Ashland School District dismissal and ending the last full week of August before school starts
    • Camps are held from 9 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday
  • Where is camp?

    ScienceWorks camps are located at the museum —  1500 E. Main Street in Ashland, OR. At the museum, your child will be in a classroom setting as well as a public museum setting.


    We may go outside if weather is pleasant. Your child will have access to the museum exhibits as part of their camp experience.

  • How much does summer camp cost?

    • $330/camper (Non-member price) 
    • $295/camper (Museum member price) 
    • Some camps vary in price due to fewer days or extra opportunities like Ashland Aerial Arts classes during our Flying Inventions week
  • Can you tell me more about the age groups?

    • Beginner Group is for kids who have completed kindergarten, ages 6-7.
    • Intermediate Group is ages 8-9.
    • Advanced Group is ages 10-12.
  • What is your cancelation policy?

    Camp Cancelation by ScienceWorks:

    We may cancel camps or programs if fewer than 5 campers are registered two weeks prior to the start date. If a cancelation occurs, you will receive a full refund.


    Cancelation by Families:

    If you need to cancel your registration, please do so at least two weeks before the camp start date to receive a full refund, minus a $50 non-refundable deposit. Cancelations made after this deadline are not eligible for a refund.

  • What should my child bring to camp?

    • Lunch, 2 snacks, and a water bottle
    • Comfortable clothing that can get wet or messy 
    • Closed-toe shoes they can run in
    • Do not bring money, phones, toys, weapons, or valuable items
    • Please apply sunscreen to your campers before arriving at camp
  • What are your policies for pollution and smoke?

    ScienceWorks follows Oregon Health Authority guidance and uses PurpleAir sensors to make decisions about outdoor activities in the event of smoke.


    To track our indoor and outdoor air quality, visit map.purpleair.com and search for our address: 1500 E. Main Street. You’ll see two indoor sensors and one outdoor sensor. ScienceWorks staff check these throughout the day to make the best possible decisions.


    We use HEPA air filters in every classroom and air scrubbers in our main hall to help maintain high indoor air quality.


    Students will be permitted to eat and play outside unless the air quality index (AQI) reaches 101 or above (orange/ unhealthy for sensitive groups). Students with asthma or other sensitivities will have alternative indoor options available.


    If you have specific concerns for your child, please list them on the Camp Registration form and/or contact the Education Team directly at education@scienceworks.org.

  • What are your hygiene practices?

    Campers wash their hands before using shared materials, before eating, and after using the bathroom. Hand sanitizer is readily available in classrooms and museum spaces, and campers are encouraged to use it regularly. Museum spaces, shared tools, and equipment are sanitized frequently.


    Campers whose caregivers wish them to wear a face mask are welcome to do so. In those cases, we recommend packing an extra mask in case it’s needed.


    ScienceWorks follows recommended best practices to support campers’ social development and opportunities to form friendships. This may include working in teams and sharing materials in close proximity (less than 3 feet).


    Campers will also have opportunities for active outdoor play when air quality and temperatures allow. Campers from different age groups may interact with each other during certain activities throughout the week, and at times the general public may be present in the museum while campers are exploring.


    Campers are supervised at all times by trained ScienceWorks staff and volunteers.

  • When and where is drop off and pick up?

    Drop-off is in your child’s classroom between 8:45 and 9:00 AM, except on Tuesdays, when we meet across Walker Avenue at the middle school due to the Growers Market. We are unable to accept campers before 8:45.


    Pick-up is at 3:00 PM, either outside on the plaza or in the classroom. Campers picked up after 3:05 PM will incur a late fee of $1 per minute.

  • What if I need to drop off or pick my child up early or late?

    If your child will be arriving late or departing early on a specific day, please notify ScienceWorks as soon as possible by emailing education@scienceworksmuseum.org to make arrangments. 

  • What happens if I am late picking up my child?

    Campers picked up after 3:05 PM will be charged a $1-per-minute late fee.


    If you know you’re running late, please email education@scienceworksmuseum.org or call the front desk at 541-482-6767 to let us know. During summer only, the camp director carries a dedicated cell phone that can be reached at 541-414-6721 via call or text.


    If a significant amount of time has passed and no authorized caregiver has arrived, we will begin contacting the emergency numbers provided. We will continue calling until we reach an authorized caregiver who can pick up the camper.


    Campers will never be left unsupervised.

  • What if my child will be absent?

    If your child will not be attending the program on a specific day, please notify the education department  as soon as possible by emailing education@scienceworksmuseum.org or calling the front desk at 541-482-6767.

  • What is your wildfire evacuation policy?

    ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum is located in Evacuation Zone ASH-007 in Jackson County, Oregon. We follow the county’s three-level evacuation system to guide decisions about operations, public access, and camper safety during wildfire events.


    🟢 Level 1 – BE READY (Green)

    What it means: Fire danger exists, but there is no immediate threat.


    ScienceWorks response:

    Camps remain open. Parents/guardians will be contacted and encouraged to pick up campers early if possible.


    🟡 Level 2 – BE SET (Yellow)

    What it means: Be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Conditions could worsen quickly.


    ScienceWorks response:

    Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately. We will require campers to be picked up as quickly as possible, if safe to do so. Waiting until Level 3 to require pickup may not allow enough time to safely evacuate all campers and staff.

     

    🔴 Level 3 – GO (Red)

    What it means: Immediate danger. Evacuate now.


    ScienceWorks response:

    • Each camper will be assigned to a ScienceWorks staff member for evacuation if family pickup is not possible.
    • The Education Manager will carry the camp phone and serve as the central communication point.
    • We will evacuate to the location designated by Jackson County for Zone 7 evacuees.
  • What is your background check policy?

    All staff members and volunteers age 18 or older must pass a background check before beginning work. 

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Testimonials

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As a low-income family having a place like ScienceWorks available to us has been amazing. We have enjoyed every event we have attended, as well as the regular time spent in the museum. Having the opportunity to attend a summer camp was very meaningful for my child and we hope we can do it again!

-Local Parent, Summer 2024

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Our staff are heroes who inspire the next generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers. Without the work they do, we would not have a ScienceWorks.

-Piper Von Chamier, ScienceWorks Board President

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I am so appreciative of the efforts you and your team put into making the camp an inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming environment. I highly recommend your camp to other families and look forward to the opportunity for my son to engage in camp again next summer. Thank you for everything you do to create such a positive and enriching experience for the kids.

-Local Parent, Summer 2024

We would like to thank our sponsors at AllCare Health for funding our Summer Camp Scholarships.