In the midst of these chilly winter days, it’s easy to start daydreaming about warmer and sunnier days ahead. Luckily, that just got a whole lot easier, as we’ve just announced the dates and themes for the 2026 Headwaters Summer Science Camps!
This summer, Headwaters Science Institute is offering a full lineup of hands-on, research-based science camps across the Truckee–Tahoe region. Give your child a summer where science is an adventure, learning happens outside, and every day is full of wonder!
Camp Sessions For Every Young Learner
At Headwaters, science isn’t about memorizing facts. It’s about asking questions and experiencing the discovery process firsthand. Whether your child loves splashing through streams, observing buzzing insects, or identifying unique plants, there’s a camp session designed to spark their imagination! This year’s themes include Animals & Insects, Water Week, and Plants & Wildflowers.
We also offer two overnight camps for students ready to take their learning to the next level and make lasting memories. Our All-Girls Science Camp aims to empower young scientists through community, mentorship, and hands-on field research, while our Intro to Research Camp offers a deeper dive into ecology and field science with multi-day investigations at Webber Lake.
For a full list of dates and details, head on over to our Summer Camps page.
Experience the Stunning Sierra Nevadas
At Headwaters camps, nature is the classroom. In incredible locations including Serene Lakes, Truckee Springs, North Lake Tahoe, Webber Lake, and Kirkwood, campers learn by doing. Students will take notes at the lakeside, spot vibrant insects tucked among the foliage, and identify plants by the shapes of their leaves.
Every day, our campers explore the ecosystems that make the region so unique, from rippling lakes and buzzing wetlands to high-elevation forests bursting with life. In the process, they discover how closely connected they are to the world around them.
Memories That Last
Students will leave with more than just a learning experience; they’ll make true connections and lasting memories! Campers join lakeside chats with real scientists, experience the thrill of discovery in nature, and build confidence in asking questions and solving problems. Every day is a chance to connect with peers, mentors, and the wild landscapes around them, all while making memories that last long after the campfire stories end.
Give Your Child a Summer of Discovery
With the Headwaters Summer Science Camps, your child will experience a safe, supportive, and engaging environment to explore nature, build scientific thinking skills, and create unforgettable summer memories. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to register!
Registration Opens February 1
