Registration Now Open!
At the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC), our summer camps allow burgeoning young scientists and adventurers to spend a week exploring beaches, uncovering treasures hidden in our exhibits, playing games, making crafts, and hiking through beautiful Fort Worden State Park. Our science campers come back year after year and many of our past campers return again as camp counselors.
Summer is coming sooner than you think! We’ve been working on fine-tuning our plans for a safe and fun camp season. See below for our sessions, and information on our health and safety policies. Join us for a wet, sandy, adventurous, fun-filled week!
PTMSC members receive $10 off each registration; you can chose that option during registration. If you are not yet a member, we invite you to join today to enjoy this and many other members-only benefits!
Online registration - To register your child for a PTMSC Summer Camp, please click on one of the camps below. You will be directed to the online registration form.
Fill out this form once for each child per camp. Payment in full is requested upon completion of the online registration form. You do have the option to pay by check.
Online Registration:
To register your child for a PTMSC Summer Camp, please click on one of the camps below. You will be directed to the online registration form.
Fill out this form once for each child per camp.
Payment in full is requested upon completion of the online registration form.
Scholarships are available to those who qualify. If we can help make summer camp more accessible for your child, please contact Liesl by emailing lslabaugh@ptmsc.org or calling (360) 385-5582 x101. You can directly apply for a scholarship by filling out this Google form.
PTMSC cancellation policy for summer camp
In the event that you can’t make it to camp, PTMSC is happy to refund 75% of the full cost of camp, retaining a 25% cancellation fee, provided the cancellation request is made at least 30 days prior to the start of camp. After that date, there are no refunds unless you need to cancel for health reasons, including potential Covid-19 exposure in your household or the camper's household. In that case, please email camps@ptmsc.org for a full refund minus a 10% admin fee.
Opportunities available for teens as youth summer camp counselors!
Do you know any teens who enjoy working outdoors, with youth, and/or love marine science? We are looking for volunteer camp counselors to help with summer camps! To find out more and sign up, fill out the application form.
Morning camps, 9 a.m. to noon
June 26 - 30, this camp is full
August 7 - 11, this camp is full
To join the waitlist for these camps, click here
Afternoon camps, 1 - 4 p.m.
June 26 - 30, spots available!
August 21 - 25, spots available!
August 7 - 11, this camp is full
Click to join the waitlist
Monday - Friday
Ages 6 - 7
$195
Spend a week exploring and discovering marine and coastal life, animals, plants, and secret spots. This half-day camp is all about fun, with activities in and around the Marine Science Center. Junior Explorers is a great program for the younger camper who loves marine animals and exploring.
Maximum group size: 12 campers / 2 staff.
June 19 - 23
August 14 - 18 - this camp is full; click to join the waitlist
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ages 8 - 9
$325
Ready, set, explore! Examine the varied coastal environments of beach, glacial bluff, forest, pond, and meadow. This is the perfect camp for nature-loving kids who want to explore it all! Using observation skills, campers discover how these places support life in the coastal ecosystem. Through partnership with the Northwest Maritime Center we provide a short boating expedition as part of this camp.
Maximum group size: 18 campers / 3 staff.
July 17 - 21
July 31 - August 4
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ages 10 - 12
$340
July 10 - 14 - this camp is full; click to join the waitlist
July 24 - 28 - this camp is full; click to join the waitlist
Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday (sailing/boating days): 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ages 11 - 14
$450
Calling all budding Marine Biologists! This camp takes marine biology skills to the next level through hands-on activities. Students sail aboard Northwest Maritime Center vessels while doing scientific investigations. Ashore, students participate in intertidal surveys and labs in the aquarium tanks and exhibits. Campers work together as a team while learning to be stewards of the marine environment.
Maximum group size: 16 campers / 3 staff.
August 21 - 25
Monday - Friday
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ages 7-9
$400
Get immersed in the magic of sea and shore in this nature art camp! In the mornings, students experience the outdoors, museum and aquarium exhibits guided by Port Townsend Marine Science Center educators. And in the afternoon, artist Mikal Robinson leads crafts, stories and games to play as we learn more about the ocean and all it's delightful creatures. Crafts may include sewn starfishes, woven turtles, needle felted orca whales, and crochet jellyfish.
If you have questions about any aspect of camp, please email us at camps@ptmsc.org or call us at 360-385-5582 ext 120.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of your children while attending summer camp is our top priority. Our procedures and protocols for summer camps this year are based on careful review of health and safety guidance from the CDC, Washington State Department of Health, Jefferson County Public Health, and the American Camp Association. We will provide specific procedures and protocols, if needed, as we approach the beginning of summer camps and update you when any changes are advised throughout the summer.
Financial assistance
Scholarships are available to those who qualify. If we can help make summer camp more accessible for your child, please contact Liesl by emailing lslabaugh@ptmsc.org or calling (360) 385-5582 x101. You can directly apply for a scholarship by filling out this Google form.
PTMSC cancellation policy for summer camp
In the event that you can’t make it to camp, PTMSC is happy to refund 75% of the full cost of camp, retaining a 25% cancellation fee, provided the cancellation request is made at least 30 days prior to the start of camp. After that date, there are no refunds unless you need to cancel for health reasons, including potential Covid-19 exposure in your household or the camper's household. In that case, please email camps@ptmsc.org for a full refund minus a 10% admin fee.
