NOAA Science Camp Instructor inspecting a fish with a student

Key details

About NOAA Science Camp for middle schoolers

For more than twenty years, NOAA Science Camp has introduced middle-school students to ocean and atmospheric sciences through hands-on, problem-solving activities that emphasize solutions to real-world problems. Campers work directly with NOAA scientists and explore the wide range of NOAA’s work.

NOAA Science Camp currently offers one week-long day-camp session for rising sixth, seventh or eighth graders. Campers come from public, private, and home schools with varying levels of science background. Science activities are designed to align with grade-specific learning objectives. Campers spend each day participating in science activities across the NOAA campus that highlight the unique work that NOAA does.

Sample activities may include working with camp educators and NOAA Scientists to:

  • Try on SCUBA diving gear and simulate a dive in a hyperbaric chamber
  • Identify different marine mammals by looking at tags and skulls
  • Analyze water samples and see how buoys help predict large-scale climate events
  • Learn to use marine navigation charts and practice charting skills
  • Explore tools used by ocean and atmospheric scientists
  • Investigate an ocean-related mystery scenario utilizing real NOAA data
  • Participate in team-building activities and outdoor games
  • Visit other science offices at NOAA’s Western Regional Center

 

Schedule and location

  • This week-long program runs for one week in July, Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • NOAA Science Camp takes place on NOAA’s Sand Point Facility on Lake Washington. This is a federal facility. To enter, you must be on a NOAA-sponsored pre-approved visitor list and show a valid government-issued photo ID at security. More information will be provided in camper registration materials.
  • NOAA Science camp is a day camp program only and does not offer lodging.

 

Cost

  • 2026 cost is $450 per participant.

 

Registration timeline

  • Camper registration typically opens in February/March, depending on federal funding.
  • Registration fills very quickly and is on a first-come, first-served basis! Sign up to be notified when registration opens.
  • Please note: International registrants must register no later than one month prior to the start date of camp in order to allow sufficient time to address federal security requirements.
  • International registrants should contact noaacamp@uw.edu for further instruction/eligibility requirements.

 

Scholarships

  • Thanks to generous sponsor support, partial and full scholarships are available.
  • Please indicate scholarship interest during registration and download a copy of the scholarship form to fill out and submit for review.
  • Contact noaacamp@uw.edu for more information

 

Access and accommodation

NOAA Science Camp is committed to providing access and accommodation in its services, programs, and activities. To make a request connected to a disability or health condition, contact noaacamp@uw.edu.

 

Dive deeper

 

To be notified when camp registration opens, sign up below.


Back to Top