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A hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math Experience for Incoming 6th–8th Graders in Tillamook County

 

About STEAM Explorers

STEAM Explorers is a free, weeklong summer day camp designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in middle school students through hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Through partnerships with local educators and community organizations, students explore real-world topics, discover local career pathways, and build skills as creative thinkers and problem solvers.

 

⚠️ Important Update for 2026

STEAM Explorers will be offered as a teacher-recommended, invitation-only program starting the summer of 2026.

This change allows us to better support students who will benefit most from a hands-on, confidence-building STEAM experience. If your student is selected to attend, you will receive a direct invitation with registration details.

2026 STEAM Explorers

Details

Location: Based at OSU Extension Office in Tillamook (4506 3rd St, Tillamook, OR 97141)

Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily, breakfast and lunch provided

Dates: Monday, July 13 - Thursday, July 17, 2026

Who: Incoming 6th–8th grade students (ages 11–14) by teacher recommendation/invitation only; space is limited

Cost: FREE — breakfast, lunch, and all materials provided!

 

What to Expect

Four days of outdoor exploration and creative, hands-on learning with local experts.

Activities include:

  • 🚤 Building and testing designs at the Garibaldi Boathouse

  • 🌲 Nature journaling and art activities

  • 🐚 Marine ecology

  • 🌳 Forest science adventures

  • 🛠️ Engineering challenges, team projects, and more!

Students also participate in field experiences, collaborative challenges, and opportunities to explore future careers in STEAM fields. No prior STEAM experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty!

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STEAM Explorers Discover, Create, Innovate Flyer

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STEAM Explorers Contacts

Reach out to find out more about this exciting opportunity!
 
Tayler Howard
Contact Tayler

Open Campus Coordinator - Tayler Howard

tayler.howard@oregonstate.edu

 

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Contact Callie

TSD9 Natural Resources Coordinator - Callie Sheker-Grothe

shekergrothec@tillamook.k12.or.us

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Career Prep and Exploration

Open Campus believes in the power of providing tools and resources that will help students and job seekers achieve their long-term goals. From career exploration events to industry-specific career snapshots, we strive to provide job skills, opportunities, and pathways to our community. From resumés to trade school, we can help!

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Juntos

Juntos (meaning “together” in Spanish) is designed to empower high school students and their parents to gain the knowledge, skills, and resources needed for academic success while working together to make college a family goal. Uniting with community partners, Juntos provides culturally relevant programming for 6-12th grade students and their parents.
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Mission

Open Campus and Juntos provide local access to education through community-based partnerships and unique programming, meeting needs of the Oregon communities
we serve

Equal Opportunity and Access

Oregon State University Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Get Involved

Want to get involved? Whether you are a student, family, or community member, educator, organization, or leader who shares our commitment to educational access and community connection, we’d love to talk! 

Get Involved

 

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