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.
Join us for a wet, sandy, adventurous, fun-filled week!
2024 dates will be announced early in 2024
Junior Explorers
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.
Ages 6 – 7
Cost tbd for 2024
Morning and afternoon sessions
Coastal Explorers
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.
Ages 8 – 9
Cost tbd for 2024
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Marine Biology
Immerse yourself in Marine Biology – literally! Campers engage in exciting classes, labs, field programs and conservation in the nearshore marine environment. A few of the many captivating activities include: sieving through goopy sediments looking for brittle stars, articulating a gray whale skeleton, and using microscopes to observe the plankton that supports all life in the sea.
Maximum group size: 20 campers / 3 staff.
Ages 10 – 12
Cost tbd for 2024
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Marine Biology Afoot & Afloat
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.
Ages 11-14
Cost tbd for 2024
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Camp information
If you have questions about any aspect of camp, please email us at camps@ptmsc.org or call us at 360-385-5582 x120.
Online Registration
To register your child for a PTMSC Summer Camp, please click the camp date registration link. You will be directed to the online registration form.
Payment in full is requested upon completion of the online registration form. You do have the option to pay by check.
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!
Scholarships available
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.
Cancellation policy
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.
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.
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.