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Family Adventure Camp
Explore the volcanic landscape of Mount St. Helens with the whole family!
Family Adventure Camp promises to ignite a sense of wonder about this majestic mountain while instilling a newfound confidence in outdoor exploration. Traverse scenic trails, engage in playful activities, unleash your creativity through art, and revel in hands-on experiences that promise to leave lasting memories. Tailored for both the young and the young at heart, our activities encourage teamwork and bonding across generations. So, lace up your boots and join us in uncovering the wonders of the Pacific Northwest's most dynamic volcano!
Family Adventure Camp Overview
- Who is Family Adventure Camp for?
- We welcome families of all ages, backgrounds, and structures. We welcome children and families with special needs; please contact us to discuss accommodations.
- Youths 4 years of age or younger may attend for FREE.
- Youth are the responsibility of a parent or guardian at all times.
- What's included?
- All meals provided
- Mix of structured activities and free time. All activities are optional.
- Activities include art, science, family-friendly hikes, imaginary play, and more!
- Where is Family Adventure Camp?
- Field Camp at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater, 21000 Spirit Lake Highway, Toutle WA 98649
- Campground includes communal picnic tables, tent pads and a portable toilet. Fires are not permitted. The campground has NO running water.
- The campsite is within walking distance (~1/4 mile) from the Science and Learning Center, where indoor restrooms with running water are available.
- What should we bring?
- Camping equipment (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, flashlights)
- Clothing appropriate for the weather
- Personal hygiene items
- The full packing list can be found on our packing lists page
- When is Family Adventure Camp?
- Families can sign in starting at 3 pm of the first day of camp (Friday)
- Checkout is by 11 am on the last day of camp (Sunday)
Additional Information
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Fees and sliding scale
Slide up if you have discretionary income for expenses like travel, dining out, entertainment, etc.
Slide down if your financial circumstances would prevent you from participating.
Each level has a set number of spots available. If there are no spots available at the level you would like to pay, please email us!
Why a sliding scale?
Mount St. Helens Institute fees cover the cost of operating our programs including paying our staff livable wages, purchasing locally where possible and taking measures to practice environmental and fiscal responsibility.
To increase access to some of our programs, we are piloting a sliding scale to ensure that all people can connect with and benefit from an experience in the outdoors. We believe that everyone can learn from and be inspired by the volcano in our backyard and that our public lands and nature belong to everyone.
When you register, you will be asked to choose a dollar amount (or discount amount ) that works for you and your family. We welcome everyone to pay at the level that is feasible for them.
Pay it Forward
Paying at this level covers the actual cost of the event and gives back.
Tent Site + 1 Attendee: $338
This ticket is to reserve a tent site + admission for 1 attendee.
RV Site + 1 Attendee: $338
This ticket is to reserve 1 RV site + admission for 1 attendee.
Additional attendee(s): $213/person
This ticket is for event admission for each additional attendee.
True Cost
Paying at this level covers the actual cost of the event.
Tent Site + 1 Attendee: $270
This ticket is to reserve a tent site + admission for 1 attendee.
RV Site + 1 Attendee: $270
This ticket is to reserve 1 RV site + admission for 1 attendee.
Additional attendee(s): $170/person
This ticket is for event admission for each additional attendee.
75% Cost
Tent Site + 1 Attendee: $203
This ticket is to reserve a tent site + admission for 1 attendee.
RV Site + 1 Attendee: $203
This ticket is to reserve 1 RV site + admission for 1 attendee.
Additional attendee(s): $128/person
This ticket is for event admission for each additional attendee.
50% Cost
Tent Site + 1 Attendee: $135
This ticket is to reserve a tent site + admission for 1 attendee.
RV Site + 1 Attendee: $135
This ticket is to reserve 1 RV site + admission for 1 attendee.
Additional attendee(s): $85/person
This ticket is for event admission for each additional attendee.
FAQ
WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES THAT TAKE PLACE DURING CAMP?
Camp activities include guided hikes, arts & crafts activities, science & engineering activities. Activity blocks are structured in a "Choose your own Adventure" format to allow maximum flexibility for participants and to best meet participant needs.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO BEFORE OR AFTER MY CAMP AT MOUNT ST. HELENS?
There is so much to explore and learn in the landscape around Mount St. Helens. View our interactive Google map of Attractions & Amenities around Mount St. Helens to explore and plan your trip.
ARE THERE MATERIALS TO HELP MY FAMILY LEARN ABOUT MOUNT ST. HELENS AT HOME BEFORE OR AFTER CAMP?
Yes! Check out our free online video lessons as well as our learning resources page.
What are your program policies?
You can find our program policies, including cancellation and refunds, here.
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Mount St. Helens Institute operates under a special use permit from the US Forest Service, WA State Parks and is honored to work on the Traditional Cultural Property, ancestral and present day lands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Mount St. Helens Institute is an equal opportunity provider.
