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Explore the volcanic landscape of Mount St. Helens with the whole family! Family Adventure Camps inspires curiosity about Mount St. Helens and build confidence in exploring the outdoors. We hike, play, create art, and get our hands dirty. Activities are designed for youth and intergenerational teams. So, strap on your boots, roll up your sleeves and come explore the Pacific Northwest's most active volcano.
Families with youth of all ages. We welcome families of all ages, backgrounds, and structures. We welcome children and families with special needs; please contact learn@mshinstitute.org 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.
2-night overnight camp from Friday to Sunday. All of the camp and our activities take place in the blast zone created by the May 18, 1980 eruption. Activities include hiking, playing, creating art, and exploring the geology and ecology of Mount St. Helens. Camp includes "Choose-Your-Own-Adventure" time dispersed with activities and free time.
Meals are provided. Read our program policies.
Camp at the Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center Coldwater Campground with spectacular views of Mount St. Helens, Coldwater Lake, and the Mount Margaret backcountry! Campground includes 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.
Friday, July 7, 2023, at 12:00 PM - Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 3:00 PM
If you can't join us on these specific dates, please check out other summer events and camps.
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.
Sliding Scale Recommendations
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 events@mshinstitute.org.
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 Volcano Tuesdays series as well as Teaching Resources Page.
Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates about our summer camps and programs.
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.
