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Hands-On Science Adventures in Hawaii's Natural Laboratory

Science is the world around us, and what better way to learn about our world than to experience it first-hand. Science Camps of America takes science out into the field giving campers the opportunity to experience, learn and do science - hands-on and lots of fun.

Examining fossil tree molds in the lava flows

Science Camp for Teens

2026 Session 1: Land, Sea, Air & Space

July 1-10, 2026

Explore volcanoes (geology), the ocean (marine science, oceanography), the forest (biology, botany, zoology), the environment (climate, meteorology), the skies and space exploration (astronomy, space science and engineering) through daily field trips on the island of Hawaiʻi.

Each Science Camp field trip takes you on an exploration of one of the many different ecosystems of Hawaiʻi through field science activities such as collecting data, analyzing observations, and designing, building, and launching model rockets.

Volcano in action

Science Camp for Teens

2026 Session 2: Volcanoes in the Sea

July 11-20, 2026

This session takes you on an exploration of the of Hawaiian volcanoes, including their physical characteristics (volcanology)and the incredible life forms within it (biology). Field trips will take you to the many volcanoes, beaches, coral reefs, and rugged coastlines, to learn about the life cycle of these volcanic islands through hands-on activities. Visit with scientists, engineers, and conservationists that are working to understand, preserve, and protect these unique ecosystems and learn what is being done to develop solutions that protect our natural resources and protect humans from natural disasters.

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"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."

- Carl Sagan -

Reviews

five stars"I want to thank you for a fun filled exciting week of exploration and learning for my son! He came back happy, fulfilled, smarter and more motivated in school! He learned a lot (while having fun) about science and the natural world, gained confidence and independence, made new friends from around the country, and just grew up a little by doing something totally new for him. Thank you for providing such a fun and unique experience. My son mentioned how the counselors were mind blowingly smart, how he made friends, got off his junk food addiction, and proved he didn’t need his phone. Success!"

- Karen C.

 

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five stars"It was really fun, I enjoyed every bit of it! The counselors were so kind and made me feel welcomed. The activities were great!"

- Lynsey M.

five stars"The staff were very responsive to our questions and concerns which ensured us that our son was well taken care of during the camp. I looked forward to and enjoyed all the nightly email updates coupled with all the great pictures that the campers took of each other. It was a joy to see his smiling face in those images. I’m so thankful that we sent our son your camp. You are teaching invaluable life skills to these young people that they will apply to the rest of their lives."

- David M.

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"Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world"

- Albert Einstein -

  

What to look for in a Summer Science Camp

Choosing the right science camp is a chance to explore the wide range of science and engineering programs available each summer. Camps vary in academic rigor, time spent outdoors, group size, duration, and cost. At Science Camps of America, these are the elements we believe make a program truly valuable for teens and reassuring for parents.


Program Structure

Learning to solder

Are activities hands‑on?
Will campers learn practical skills?
How much time is spent outdoors, in classrooms, or in labs?

At Science Camp for Teens, every day includes a field trip—most to outdoor locations, with others to observatories, planetariums, and science centers. Evenings feature star-gazing, night-hikes, and campfires. Activities are fully hands‑on: exploring different ecosystems, collecting data, taking measurements, using scientific equipment, and learning science and engineering skills.>


Instructional Quality

Building rockets

Is the learning live and interactive?
Are instructors qualified?
Is the program in‑person or online?

Our senior instructors have led Science Camp instruction for nearly a decade and bring years of formal and experiential teaching experience. Dr. Michael Walker holds a PhD in Environmental Ecology. Anna Downey holds a Master’s in Geology. Additional staff contribute expertise in volcanology, Hawaiian culture, history, and environmental science. Aside from the occasional video call with a scientist or engineer, all instruction is in‑person and interactive..


Reputation and Requirements

Conducting water quality testing

Are costs and policies clear?
Are reviews trustworthy?
Are there prerequisites?

There are no prerequisites for attending Science Camp. The $2,895 fee for each ten‑day session is listed on every session page, along with details about what’s included. Costs are also clearly displayed during registration, along with available discounts for military families, Hawaiʻi residents, siblings, and early registration. Limited financial aid is available. Learn more about scholarships here. View camp policies here. All reviews featured on our website come from verified campers and parents through ActivityHero.com.


Mentorship and Support

Professional staff

Are there opportunities to connect with scientists and professionals?
What support systems help ensure a successful experience?
Is there pressure to learn?

Field trips and guest instructors give campers the chance to meet and talk with scientists, engineers, and conservationists. Our senior instructors and expert staff are with campers throughout the day, creating plenty of informal moments to ask questions, explore career paths, and build confidence. The atmosphere is intentionally low‑pressure—no tests, no grades. Our goal is for campers to experience what it’s like to be a scientist or engineer, learn new skills, discover Hawaiʻi, and deepen their understanding of the natural world.

  

"What we know is a drop, what we don’t know is an ocean."

- Isaac Newton -

  

What to expect from Science Camp

  • A better understanding of what it means to be a scientist, what the work is like, what equipment scientists use, and the many possibilities that exist for a career in science.
  • The positive experiences associated with summer camps that emphasize personal skills development that everyone needs, including the ability to make decisions, self-confidence, personal communication, and the development of a richer, more stable identity.
  • New friends and new memories from this super fun science camp to remember and value throughout your life.
  • Greater understanding of the scientific method, geology, marine science, ecology, climate, and why they matter.

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More Camp Details

 

Contact Us

Science Camps of America

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Call: +1 (808)235-3612 (Hawai'i Office)
Email: info@sciencecampsamerica.com
Mail: PO Box 5031, Kane'ohe, HI 96744

Schedule a call with the Camp Director