Summer Camps

Our highly-anticipated summer programs change in theme and topic every year, ensuring that even returning participants always get something new along with their favorite activities. For 2012, we will again be offering our day camps on Fridays for kids ages 6 through 12. Camps will run every Friday from July 6 to August 31 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Campers need to bring their own snacks and lunch.

Summer Camp Previews During Spring Break

These hour long activities are examples of some of the great things we do in our day camps. Summer camp previews are free with admission. Space is limited to 30 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must have an adult present to participate. A signup sheet will be in the lobby starting at noon each day. Activities last from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Please be prompt as we cannot guarantee your space if you arrive late.

• Thursday March 29: Freshwater Exploration. We will be exploring the Aquarium creek looking for aquatic insects and other interesting creatures to look at under microscopes. (Learn more about the extensive Aquarium Gardens by clicking here.) What will you find? 
  
• Friday March 30: Beware the Deep! We will explore the Passages of the Deep exhibit, learn about sharks by getting a close look at teeth and other biofacts; and get up close and personal with one of our divers. 
  
• Saturday March 31: From Monet to Max. Did you know that our California Sea Lions Max, Quill, and Lea are artists? We will learn why sea lions need art while making some of our own. Afterwards, go behind the scenes with the Mammals Staff and see a live demonstration of these animals painting! 
  

 Summer Aquarium Adventures Schedule for 2012

July 6: Above the Waves. The Oregon coast isn’t just the ocean, it’s the connection between land, sea and sky. In this program, we will learn about aquatic and terrestrial species and habitats that rely on each other to thrive. 

July 13: Mountains to Sea – A Raindrop’s Incredible Journey. We get a lot of rain at the coast, but where does it all go? Follow a raindrop’s journey from the high reaches of the coastal mountain range down to the Pacific Ocean and all of the cool things it encounters along the way! 

July 20: Oceans of the World. Sharks that live under ice? Giant clams the size of suitcase? Take a journey from the frozen seas to tropical waters and learn about the different animals that call these places home. 

July 27: Animal Olympics. How fast can a tuna swim? How strong is an octopus? Think you can compete? Find out as we learn about different ocean animals amazing abilities and compare them to our own. 

August: 3: OMG, Sharks! It’s Shark Conservation Week! In this camp, we will learn about one of the ocean’s great predators -- and how a species that’s survived for millions of years now needs the help of humans to continue on. 

August 10: Sea Bird Survival. Stormy seas with ten to thirty foot waves, powerful shark and whale predators, no land in sight.  These are only some of the survival challenges the mighty seabird has to overcome in order to survive.  Meet some of these seabird stars as we discover how they do it. 

August 17: How to Train Your… Sea Lion! No, you won’t get to bring home your own California Sea Lion, but this camp will show you how to use tried and true animal training techniques when working with sea lions, Turkey Vultures, even sharks and whales. See how we do it, then go home and test it out on your own pets! 

August 24: FINtastic Fish. Did you know our shark tank is 30 feet deep? See where the different fish and invertebrates at the Aquarium call home and how the keepers take care of them!   

August 31: Float Your Boat. Ever wanted to be on the open sea? Join us for a Marine Discoveries cruise to learn about our local sea life. Then, we will head back to the Aquarium for more nautical fun!  Registration information for this program: Registration for Float Your Boat is due by August 14, 2012. Due to passenger limits for Marine Discoveries, we are limiting each camper to one parent. If, by close of registration, there is still space available, a second parent can be added on a first come, first served basis. Please tell us at registration if you would like to add a parent to the waiting list. Please also be aware that this program has a different price structure from other camps. See below for details.

Registration Information and Questions 

Price: $35 for members per child / camp, $40 for non members per child / camp. The Float Your Boat cruise is $60 per participant for members, $65 per participant for non members.

Special Deal! Sign up for all regular camps and get one free!  ($245 for members / $280 for non members.)  This offer does not include Float Your Boat on August 31. .

Registration Deadlines: Registration for a camp program is due one week prior to that camp's date.

Contact: Monday through Friday during regular business hours at (541) 867-3474, Ext. 5301 or email education@aquarium.org.