Frequently Asked Questions

Science Camp for Teens is for teens ages 13 to 17, typically entering grades 8 through 12. We welcome campers from Hawaiʻi, the continental US, and around the world.

Science Camp takes place on Hawaiʻi Island, in the town of Pāhala, in the southeastern area of the island. Campers and staff stay in houses at the Pahala Plantation Cottages and travel daily to field sites across the island.

Yes. Safety is a top priority for our team. Campers are supervised by experienced staff, and all field activities follow established safety protocols for outdoor and science-based exploration. A registered nurse is on call 24/7 and a physician, who also oversees camp healthcare policies, is also available.

The camp is located about a quarter-mile from the Emergency Room of Kaʻu Hospital and the Pāhala Fire Station is even closer.

Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR, with some staff holding Wilderness First Aid certifications. All staff are subject to annual background checks.

Yes. Camp activities are fully hands-on and include exploring ecosystems, collecting data, taking measurements, and using scientific equipment.

For instance, one field trip involves measuring lava tree molds in multiple ways and recording and analyzing those measurements. Scientists use this data to better understand the behavior of active lava flows to increase their ability to protect human lives and property.

Campers learn practical science and engineering skills through daily field trips, outdoor exploration, and hands-on experiments. These skills include using specialized equipment, learning to solder, understanding electronic circuits, collecting samples, identifying species, and learning to "read" the landscape around them.

Campers also have opportunities to learn other skills, photography, how to organize a park or beach cleanup, and how to check the oil in a car or truck.

Yes. All instruction is live, in-person, and interactive, with campers participating directly in hands-on science activities and field experiences. Aside from the occasional video call with a scientist or engineer, all instruction and activities take place live on-site or in the field and involve direct, hands-on participation.

No. The atmosphere is intentionally low-pressure with no tests or grades. The goal is for campers to experience what it is like to be a scientist or engineer, learn new skills, discover Hawaiʻi, and deepen their understanding of the natural world.

You should be in good physical condition and able to hike five miles. If so, you are ready for whatever you encounter at camp.

No. There are no prerequisites for attending Science Camp. All interested teens are welcome to participate.

Families are responsible for arranging transportation to and from Hawaiʻi Island. Camp staff meet arriving campers at the airport and provide transportation to camp. Campers may also be dropped off and picked up at camp by their families.

Campers should bring clothing suitable for outdoor activities, sturdy shoes, swimwear, personal toiletries, and any recommended gear listed in the camp packing guide. A packing list is provided.

Campers spend most of their time outdoors on daily field trips to natural sites, observatories, and science centers. Evenings include activities like star-gazing, night hikes, and campfires.

Each day includes a mix of field trips, hands-on science activities, outdoor exploration, meals, and supervised free time. Schedules vary depending on weather and field site availability.

Registration is available online through the Science Camps of America website on the page for each camp session. Registration is managed by our technology partner ActivityHero.com. Click here to go directly to the Science Camp registration page on ActivityHero.com.

A deposit is required to reserve a spot, and full payment is due on May 25th. Registrations after May 25th must pay the full amount. Prior to that date, optional payment plans are available while registering.

Tuition for each ten-day session is $2,895 and includes lodging, meals, field trips, entry fees, transportation during camp, program activities and materials, instruction, and supervision by trained staff. And a t-shirt!

A limited number of scholarships and financial aid awards are available. Click here for information about scholarship opportunities and to apply.

Yes. The tuition for each ten-day session is listed on every session page along with details about what is included. Costs are also clearly displayed during registration, including available discounts for military families, Hawaiʻi residents, siblings, and early registration. Limited financial aid is available, and scholarship information is provided on the website.

Learn more about Session 1: Land, Sea, Air, and Space
Learn more about Session 2: Volcanoes in the Sea

Thank you for asking! The best way to help is to donate to the Science Camp Scholarship Fund. 100% of all donations go directly to reducing the cost for a camper to attend. Click here to make a contribution to the Scholarship Fund.

Yes. Senior instructors have nearly a decade of experience leading Science Camp programs and bring extensive formal and experiential teaching backgrounds. Dr. Michael Walker holds a PhD in Environmental Ecology, and Anna Downey holds a Master's in Geology. Additional staff contribute expertise in volcanology, Hawaiian culture, history, and environmental science.

Click here to learn more about our Camp Leadership Team and Board of Directors.

Yes. Field trips and guest instructors give campers the chance to meet and talk with scientists, engineers, and conservationists. Campers also have informal opportunities throughout the day to ask questions and explore career paths.

Each summer, at the end of camp, we ask campers what advice they would give to a future camper. Almost everyone says the same thing, that the key to a successful experience is to open yourself up to it. To relax about all the usual cares of life and just enjoy the place, the people, the atmosphere, and live in the moment.

Our staff work hard to try and make sure that each camper is having a good experience. The instructors and counselors are with campers throughout the day, providing guidance, answering questions, and helping campers build confidence as they explore science and the natural world.

Yes. The reviews featured on the website come from verified campers and parents that have posted their reviews on ActivityHero.com. You can read the reviews here.

For a broader look at different types of science camps and how to choose, read our guide to the best science camps for teens.

For a quick survey to help you decide which session is best for you, click Find My Session