Camps
Where Curiosity Meets Fun
ScienceWorks camps offer young scientists a chance to explore, create, and discover when school is out. With hands-on learning and a focus on curiosity, our camps provide a fun, supportive space where kids dive into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), make friends, and build valuable skills.
Our experienced educators are dedicated to supporting every camper's unique learning style and needs, including those with ADHD and other learning differences. Through individualized attention and inclusive teaching methods, we ensure all learners feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to explore their passions and thrive in a dynamic, enriching environment.
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!
Upcoming Camps
All camp prices include a $50 non-refundable deposit.
Find our camp F.A.Q. below
NEW Summer Camp
Counselor-in-Training
June 9 - August 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!
Summer Camp:
Pokemon Academy
July 7 - 11
Ages: 6 - 12
9 AM to 3 PM
Calling all Pokémon trainers! Pokémon Academy is the ultimate camp for fans who want to explore real-world science through their favorite creatures. Create glowing Pokémon cards with paper circuits, design your own board game, and dig into Pokémon paleontology. Plus, test your skills in a biomimicry hide-and-seek challenge!
This fan-favorite camp runs twice! Each session covers the same exciting activities—choose the week that works best for you.
Registration closed.
Summer Camp:
Leonardo's Workshop
July 14 - 18
Ages: 6 - 12
9 AM to 3 PM
Step into Leonardo’s Workshop and explore the fusion of art and science! In this hands-on camp, young inventors will create mini museum dioramas, illustrate scientific notebooks, and dissect frogs. They’ll also study Da Vinci’s flying machines, building paper helicopters, airplanes, and LEGO launchers. Unleash your creativity and curiosity in a camp inspired by one of history’s greatest minds!
Summer Camp:
Life in Orbit
July 21 - 25
Ages: 6 - 12
9 AM to 3 PM
Explore life on the International Space Station at Life in Orbit Camp! Campers will embark on a virtual reality tour of the ISS, conduct exciting microgravity experiments like launching Alka-Seltzer rockets, build robotic arms out of cardboard, and design mini models of astronaut habitats. Dive into hands-on activities and discover the science behind space exploration while having fun!
Summer Camp:
Creature Creator (Repeat)
July 28 - August 1
Ages: 6 - 12
9 AM to 3 PM
Unleash your imagination at Creature Creator Camp, where campers explore the worlds of biology and engineering through hands-on, creative activities! Design robotic animals for a "petting zoo", craft magnetic-moving slime, and fuse toy parts in Franken-animals. Plus, investigate animal hearing by designing and wearing your own bioenginEARed ears!
This fan-favorite camp runs twice! Each session covers the same exciting activities—choose the week that works best for you.
Summer Camp:
Pokemon Academy (Repeat)
August 4 - 8
Ages: 6 - 12
9 AM to 3 PM
Calling all Pokémon trainers! Pokémon Academy is the ultimate camp for fans who want to explore real-world science through their favorite creatures. Create glowing Pokémon cards with paper circuits, design your own board game, and dig into Pokémon paleontology. Plus, test your skills in a biomimicry hide-and-seek challenge!
This fan-favorite camp runs twice! Each session covers the same exciting activities—choose the week that works best for you.
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!
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.
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.
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Testimonials
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
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
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
