15 Camps for High School Students in Oregon
As a high schooler, camps can be a strong option for you if you want to explore academic or creative interests without committing to a long-term pre-college program. Unlike semester-long courses or intensive research programs, camps are typically shorter and more focused, allowing you to build practical skills, experiment with new subjects, and gain experiences over a few days or a couple of weeks. These experiences can also expose you to professional tools, collaborative projects, and mentorship from university faculty, industry professionals, or experienced instructors.
Whether you are interested in engineering, environmental science, creative writing, coding, healthcare, business, or the arts, you can find camps that offer a low-pressure way to test those interests and develop meaningful skills. In addition to academic exploration, camps can help you build confidence, meet peers with similar interests, and develop connections that may shape future educational or career goals.
Why should you attend a camp in Oregon?
Institutions in Oregon offer a wide range of camps and short camp-like programs in STEM, sustainability, leadership, healthcare, robotics, creative arts, and entrepreneurship. These programs offer learning experiences within Oregon’s natural and research environments, giving you opportunities to engage in field or lab work, engineering design challenges, coding, environmental studies, and leadership exercises. Some camps emphasize career exploration and technical skills, while others focus more on creativity, communication, or interdisciplinary learning, making the state’s offerings broad and accessible to students with different interests and experience levels. These camps can be especially valuable for students in Oregon seeking academic opportunities nearby, but they can also appeal to out-of-state students seeking focused summer experiences in a new setting.
To help you shortlist the right opportunities, we have narrowed down 15 camps for high school students in Oregon.
If you’re looking for programs in Oregon, check out our blog here.
1. Oregon AHEC Experience Camps @ Oregon Health & Science University
Location: Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: August 18 | August 20 | August 25 (one-day camps)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Oregon high schools
AHEC’s one-day camps offer hands-on exposure to health care careers at the OHSU Portland campus. You will participate in medical simulations, meet health care professionals and students, and explore different career paths in fields like medicine, nursing, and research. Activities vary by year, but involve hands-on medical exercises; for instance, a recent cohort practiced suturing. You will also get to tour OHSU's campus and see firsthand what different health care professions involve.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; deadlines vary by cohort: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can check details and apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase accepts previous AI Scholars participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers a range of online programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you can choose the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will learn about data science and AI fundamentals and work on real-world projects. Another track for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. During this program, you will get a chance to work 1-on-1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A key feature of this program is that it offers you access to the in-house publication team to help you get your work published in high school research journals. You can check out examples of a few past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Summer SAIL (Student Academy to Inspire Learning) @ University of Oregon
Location: University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: Residential Program: July 12 – 17 | Day Program: July 20 – 24
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Oregon residents enrolled in high school; the residential program is open to rising juniors and seniors, while the day program is open to rising 9th- to 12th-grade students. All applicants must meet financial eligibility requirements.
Summer SAIL is a free pre-college enrichment program hosted by the University of Oregon that introduces high school students to university-level subjects through interactive workshops, collaborative activities, and faculty-led sessions. Designed for Oregon students from low-income backgrounds, the program combines academic exploration with social and community-building experiences on the university’s Eugene campus. You can choose between a residential overnight experience or a weeklong day program, both offering opportunities to explore subjects like physics, computer science, linguistics, English, business, math, economics, and sociology while learning directly from university instructors. The program also gives you exposure to college life, including campus activities, peer connections, and opportunities to earn high school credit through SAIL participation. The schedule is structured around hands-on and discussion-based learning.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, spring, fall, and winter. Options range from 12 weeks to a year.
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas for high schoolers to explore. The program will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on a research project. At the end, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose from areas such as economics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, psychology, physics, data science, international relations, and more. You can learn more about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Willamette University’s Camp College
Location: Willamette University, Salem, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: July 22 – 24
Application deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors enrolled in schools within the Willamette Valley; the program particularly encourages applications from first-generation college students, Pell-eligible students, and students from rural or smaller communities.
Willamette University’s Camp College is a short residential pre-college experience designed to help high school students begin navigating the college search and application process. Over three days on campus, you will participate in sample college classes, campus tours, workshops, and neighboring college visits while learning about topics such as financial aid, majors, study abroad, essay writing, and the Common App. The program focuses less on a single academic subject and more on helping you understand how to approach college planning, academic decision-making, and campus life. As the experience includes overnight housing, peer interaction, and structured workshops, it can be especially useful if you are preparing to apply to four-year universities and want early exposure to the college environment.
6. Oregon Tech Summer STEM Camps
Location: Oregon Institute of Technology campus, Klamath Falls, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: Various camps between June and August
Application deadline: Rolling registration
Eligibility: Students entering grades 1 – 12; grade-wise eligibility varies by camp
Hosted by Oregon Institute of Technology, these free summer camps give students the chance to explore STEM through short, hands-on learning experiences. You can choose options like Cyber Camp, where you will tackle cybersecurity concepts and computational thinking challenges, or MedStars Camp, which lets you connect with medical and allied health students and practice techniques like suturing. Across programs, you will work in collaborative environments that emphasize creativity, teamwork, innovation, and practical STEM applications while interacting with Oregon Tech faculty and college student mentors. You will also learn about Oregon Tech’s programs, tour the campus facilities, and learn about career paths in your field of interest.
7. CTE Summer Camps @ Clackamas Community College
Location: Clackamas Community College, Oregon City, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: August 10 – 13
Application deadline: June 7
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 12 in the fall who live in or attend school in Clackamas County
These free four-day summer camps let high school students take short career and technical education courses and earn college credit. You can choose from six different camps based on your interests: organic farming and gardening, makerspace and digital design, medical assisting, emergency management, cybersecurity, or land navigation. Through demonstrations, projects, activities, and hands-on practice, you will explore core topics within your chosen track. Each camp offers insights into key skills required to pursue a career in your chosen field while providing you with 1 or 2 college credits.
8. Chemeketa Community College CTE Exploration Week
Location: Chemeketa Community College, Salem, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22 – 25
Application deadline: May 20 or until full
Eligibility: Students, ages 14 – 16, in Polk, Marion, and Yamhill counties
CTE Exploration Week is a free four-day camp-like program that lets you explore technical career pathways through workshops and guided hands-on activities. You will learn about fields like arts, allied health, robotics and electronics, computer information systems, and horticulture. Instructors will offer insights into how technical skills are applied in real workplaces while leading activities focused on the daily work within the program’s featured fields. The curriculum is designed to help you gain exposure to different disciplines as well as the academic and career pathways within these areas within a week.
9. Nursing Institute @ George Fox University
Location: George Fox University, Newberg, OR
Cost: $1,950 (or $1,650 for partner school students)
Dates: June 21 – 26
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
George Fox University’s Nursing Institute is a week-long pre-college summer program designed for high school students interested in healthcare and nursing. Through hands-on activities and simulations, you will learn foundational nursing concepts while gaining exposure to clinical skills and patient care practices. You will learn about normal vital sign ranges, intake and output calculations, health promotion, and the nursing fundamentals during the week. You will also engage in interactive experiences like a nursing-themed escape room and VR anatomy exercises. The program includes certification in Stop the Bleed and introduces you to different nursing career pathways as well as the college application process for nursing programs. You will experience residential campus life, collaborate with peers interested in healthcare, and earn one college credit upon completion, making the camp a strong option for those considering future studies in nursing or medicine!
10. George Fox University’s Engineering: Designing and Making
Location: George Fox University, Newberg, OR
Cost: $1,950 (or $1,650 for partner school students)
Dates: June 21 – 26
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
George Fox University’s Engineering: Designing and Making program is a week-long pre-college experience that introduces high school students to engineering through hands-on design and fabrication projects. You will work on building a custom animated mechanical project while learning about practical engineering tools and techniques used in modern prototyping and product development. Throughout the week, you will gain experience with 3D modeling, 3D printing, laser cutting, circuits, and Arduino-based systems, gaining exposure to both mechanical and digital aspects of engineering design. The program emphasizes creative problem-solving and applied learning, allowing you to move from concept development to the creation of functional prototypes. Alongside technical instruction, you will also experience campus life, collaborate with peers on projects, and explore engineering pathways in a college setting. Those who complete the program are eligible to earn one college credit in engineering!
11. Rogue Valley Family YMCA Summer Camps
Location: Rogue Valley Family YMCA, Rogue Valley, OR
Cost: Varies by program, starting at $40/day; scholarships available
Dates: Various day camps and overnight camps offered between June and August
Application deadline: Rolling registration until programs fill up
Eligibility: 1st to 12th graders; specific grade-/age-wise eligibility varies by camp
The Rogue Valley Family YMCA offers a broad range of summer camp experiences that combine outdoor adventure, leadership development, recreation, and community-building for students of different age groups. You can choose from multiple day and overnight camps throughout the summer based on your interests and comfort level. Depending on the camp, you may participate in rafting trips, coastal excursions, culinary activities, leadership training, resident camp experiences, or counselor-in-training programs. Many of the camps emphasize teamwork, independence, outdoor exploration, and social-emotional growth, while offering opportunities to build confidence and connect with peers.
12. Pacific Northwest College of Art’s Pre-College Art and Design Programs
Location: Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, OR
Cost: $2,250 for Summer Art and Design Intensives | Cost varies for Saturday Classes; scholarships and payment plans available
Dates: Summer Intensives: Multiple two-week sessions in July | Saturday workshops held throughout the year
Application deadline: June 1 for Summer Intensives | Rolling for Saturday Classes
Eligibility: Students, ages 14 – 18; for Summer Intensives, students must have completed at least one year of high school.
PNCA’s Pre-College Art and Design Programs give high school students the opportunity to explore creative fields in a professional studio environment while experiencing life at an art and design college in downtown Portland. The college offers multiple formats, including short Saturday workshops and two-week summer intensives focused on areas such as animation, studio art, indie media, design, ceramics, digital art, and mixed media. Depending on the program and track you choose, you may work on portfolio development, storyboarding, character design, painting, stop-motion animation, fabrication, or collaborative exhibitions while learning directly from practicing artists and designers. The longer summer intensives also include portfolio reviews, mentorship, and opportunities to present completed work in gallery or showcase settings. All the programs combine technical instruction with creative experimentation while also helping you prepare for college applications and explore possible creative careers in a college-level setting.
13. Oregon Business Academy’s Business Week @ Oregon State University
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $2,195; scholarships available
Dates: June 21 – 27 | July 26 – August 1
Application deadline: June 22
Eligibility: Current high school students
Oregon Business Academy, a non-profit, runs the Business Week at Oregon State University to introduce high school students to entrepreneurship, leadership, and business strategy through collaborative, project-based learning. Over the course of a week, you will work in teams to create and develop a business idea from the ground up while learning how real-world companies approach innovation, communication, and decision-making. The schedule includes interactive workshops, leadership activities, networking opportunities, and mentorship from professionals, giving you exposure to both business fundamentals and college life. Alongside the academic experience, you will stay in university housing, participate in group activities, and build connections with students who share similar interests in business and leadership. As the program emphasizes teamwork and experiential learning, it can be a strong fit if you want to engage in problem-solving or public speaking and explore careers in entrepreneurship and management.
14. Oregon State University-Cascades Summer Academy
Location: OSU-Cascades, Bend, OR
Cost: $1,000 (day option) | $1,500 (overnight option)
Dates: July 19 – 24 | July 26 – 31
Application deadline: June 30
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12
OSU-Cascades Summer Academy is a six-day pre-college program that offers high school students the opportunity to explore academic interests while experiencing campus life. You can choose from several hands-on academic tracks, such as computer science, kinesiology, outdoor product design, and art and media technology, depending on the session you attend. Within your chosen track, you will work on practical projects, learn from university faculty and staff, and explore how classroom concepts connect to real industries and careers. The program also includes Student Success 101 sessions focused on college readiness, wellness, career preparation, and student life, helping you get a broader understanding of the college experience. Beyond academics, you will participate in outdoor recreation activities, social events, field trips, and evening programs alongside other students.
15. Oregon State University’s STEM Academy High School Summer Camps
Location: Virtual or Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, OR
Cost: ~$80 – $400, depending on the camp; scholarships available
Dates: Various one- to five-day camps offered between June and July
Application deadline: Rolling registration until programs fill up
Eligibility: High school students
OSU’s STEM Academy offers a wide range of short-term summer camps for high school students interested in exploring STEM fields through hands-on learning. Rather than focusing on a single subject area, OSU hosts multiple specialized camps across engineering, veterinary science, cybersecurity, design, digital technology, and applied sciences. You may investigate cybersecurity threats during the NW Cyber Camp, explore digital modeling tools in the Virtual Blender Camp, study animal health in the Summer Veterinary Experience, or examine product design and consumer behavior in the Color Innovation Workshop. Many of the camps emphasize interactive activities, collaborative problem-solving, and project-based learning, allowing you to build practical skills while exploring potential college majors and careers. As the programs are short and subject-focused, they can be a good option if you want a flexible yet structured summer experience without committing to a long residential program.