2026 Summer Science Camps for Kids - Tahoe, Truckee, & East Bay
Outdoor science camps where kids explore, question, and discover - right in their own backyard.
Headwaters Science Institute runs hands-on outdoor science camps for kids ages 5–15 across the Lake Tahoe region and the East Bay Area. Our summer science camps combine hiking, water exploration, and nature investigation with real science mentorship, so kids don’t just have fun, they start thinking like scientists. From day camps in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe to overnight field camps at Webber Lake, we offer a range of programs to fit your family’s schedule, your child’s age, and their curiosity. All camps are led by experienced science educators and counselors who make learning feel like an adventure. 2026 registration opens February 1st. Spots fill quickly, especially for our overnight and Girls Research Camp programs. Find all camp details below or at: https://club.spond.com/landing/courses/headwaterssi
2025 Summer Camps
2026 Summer Camps
Truckee Summer Science Day Camp - Ages 5–15
A week-long outdoor science day camp in Truckee, California where kids explore plants, wildlife, insects, and water through hiking, hands-on activities, and guided nature investigation. Three weekly sessions available in July and August.
Sessions:
Plants and Wildflowers (July 6-10)
Animals and Insects (August 17-21)
Water (July 13-17)
Ages: 5-12
Counselor-in-Training Program: Ages 13-15
Location: Truckee Springs
Kirkwood Summer Science Day Camp - Ages 5–15
A hands-on outdoor science camp at Kirkwood, where kids investigate the mountain ecosystem around them (plants, animals, weather, and geology) guided by experienced Headwaters science educators.
Session 1: Ecology (June 29 – July 2)
Ages: For ages 5-12 with a
Counselor-in-Training Program: Ages 13-15
Serene Lakes Summer Science Day Camp - Ages 5–15
A science day camp based out of Serene Lakes with three themed weekly sessions covering water science, plant life, and local wildlife. Perfect for families in the Serene Lakes and Donner Summit area.
Sessions:
Water Week (July 20 – 24)
Plants and Wildflowers (July 27 – July 30, 4 days)
Animals and Insects (August 3 – 7)
Ages: 5-12
Counselor-in-Training Program: Ages 13-15
North Lake Tahoe Summer Science Day Camp - Ages 5–15
A hands-on science day camp in North Lake Tahoe exploring the region’s water systems, animals, and insects through field-based investigation. Two sessions available in June and August.
Sessions:
Water (June 22 – 26)
Ages: 5-12
Counselor-in-Training Program: Ages 13-15
Location: TTUSD Rideout
Girls Summer Science Research Camp - Overnight Camp, Grades 6–12
A 4-day, 3-night overnight science camp for girls at Webber Lake. Campers work alongside professional female scientists to design and carry out real environmental research projects. An immersive experience for girls interested in STEM and the outdoors.
Dates: July 5 – 8
Ages: Girls entering 6th-12th grade
Location: Webber Lake
Introduction to Research Overnight Science Camp - Grades 6 and Up
A 3-day, 2-night overnight field camp at Webber Lake introducing middle and high school students to the scientific research process in a real outdoor setting. Students investigate an ecology research topic in the field and develop their findings.
Dates: July 8 – 10
Ages: 6th grade and up
Location: Webber Lake
East Bay Summer Science Day Camp - Tilden Regional Park, Ages 5–15
A hands-on outdoor science day camp at Tilden Regional Park in the East Bay, exploring local biodiversity and water science. Two sessions available for kids ages 5–12, with a CIT program for teens.
Session:
Biodiversity (June 8 – 12)
Water (July 27 – July 31)
Ages: 5-12
Counselor-in-Training Program: Ages 13-15
Location: Tilden Regional Park
WCCUSD Summer Science Camp - Richmond, East Bay (TK–6th Grade)
An outdoor science day camp for WCCUSD students in Richmond, featuring five weekly sessions covering water, plants, insects, soil, and animals. Held at Riverside Elementary School and Wildcat Regional Park.
Sessions:
Water (June 22 – 26)
Plants (June 29 – July 2)
Insects (July 6 – 10)
Soil Rocks & Wind (July 13 – 17)
Animals (July 20 – 24)
For WCCUSD Students Only: TK – 6th grade
Location: Riverside Elementary School & Wildcat Regional Park
TESTIMONIALS
What Kids Are Saying
What I loved most about camp was how we learned and improved on our science skills, but at the same time, we would also have fun. I also got the opportunity to interact with females from all over California, that love science the same way that I do. This camp has really opened my eyes to the science fields and has helped me realized that science can play a big role in selecting my career.
Thank you for contributing to a camp that supports my interests, while also learning the importance of the natural sciences. I had so much fun!
