Michael Day
Program Manager, Lair of the Bear
Oski Science Camp
Connecting people, nature, and science. Immersive sleep-away camp for 6th grade classes at the Lair of the Golden Bear teaches the science, nature, and history of our land.
Overnight Two and Three-Night Packages
The Stanislaus National Forest in Pinecrest, California is our classroom. Students at camp engage in science- and nature-based activities in a space where they can build strong bonds with each other and their environment, gaining a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Program Information
At 5,600 feet in the Stanislaus National Forest, the Lair of the Golden Bear offers a spectacular mountain setting that allows campers to connect with nature, recharge, and focus on what’s important. Oski Science Camp’s curriculum was developed with UC Berkeley scientists. These young scientists will also lead the programming at camp. Oski Science Camp aligns California State science requirements per AB285, with environmental concepts and relevant standards. Students will learn about the practices of science, including patterns and processes following Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In addition, activities will support literacy and math. Oski Science Camp is an interactive outdoor educational experience in a collaborative learning environment that fosters personal growth opportunities.
This program can be for 2 or 3 nights. Beyond providing clean heated cabins, three nourishing meals a day, and evening campfires, our true goal is to kindle deeper connections with nature, with science, and with one another. Students will learn, eat, play, hike, do experiments, explore, and of course, make s’mores. Sessions begin the week of March 23 and go through the first week of May.
Hiking
Lair Staff Lessons (~1 hour each)
Science Projects
Activities, Team Building, and Ice Breakers
- Pinecrest Lake hike (2.2 miles round trip) with bag lunch
- Silent Hike followed by “Sit & Senses” exercise and Nature Journal activity
Lair Staff Lessons (~1 hour each)
- Thermal Energy
- Animal Tracks and Scat
- Climate
- Pollution Causes, Effects, & Prevention
- Weather Patterns, Phases of Water, and Erosion
- Starry Sky Astronomy
Science Projects
- Star constellation models
- Geometrical towers
- Volcano models
- Bioluminescence
Activities, Team Building, and Ice Breakers
- Science group name & nature call
- Stargazing
- Survival Shelter or Snow Cave Building Competition
- Popcorn Question & Answer Session
- Hula Hoop “Don’t Break the Chain”
- Minute to Win It-style games
- Scavenger Hunt (learn about animal scavengers)
- Talent Show
- Arts & Crafts
- Sports Equipment and Athletics Courts
Each session features 3–4 of our Community Guest Speakers delivering 90-minute talks to campers.
John Buckley, Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center (CSERC)
Expert wildlife presentation and professional photography. Teaches the importance of defending water, wildlife, and wild places across our region.
Paul Karpus, Cal Fire Chief
Teaches fire science, safety, and prevention; ecology. Includes fire truck and fire extinguisher demos.
Lloyd Mathiesen and Waylon Coats, Me-Wuk Native American Tribal Leaders
Teaches Native culture, art, song, dance, and dress; local history of the Tuolomne Band of Me-Wuk Indians.
Genie Moore, US Forest Service Ranger
Includes mammals, furs and skulls demo; interactive forest walk discussing ecology of the forest and its trees.
Glen White, Professor of Geology, Columbia College MS
Includes rock demo; classroom and hands-on education in the forest; interactive discussion of earth's physical structure, substance, history, and processes.
Sienna White, Graduate Student, UC Berkeley and Anjali Katta, Researcher, Energy and Resources Group (ERGP and Graduate Student, UC Berkeley
Teaches Delta ecosystem and mud science.
Brian Thomas, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Educator
Includes a drone demonstration and hydroelectricity lesson.
John Buckley, Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center (CSERC)
Expert wildlife presentation and professional photography. Teaches the importance of defending water, wildlife, and wild places across our region.
Paul Karpus, Cal Fire Chief
Teaches fire science, safety, and prevention; ecology. Includes fire truck and fire extinguisher demos.
Lloyd Mathiesen and Waylon Coats, Me-Wuk Native American Tribal Leaders
Teaches Native culture, art, song, dance, and dress; local history of the Tuolomne Band of Me-Wuk Indians.
Genie Moore, US Forest Service Ranger
Includes mammals, furs and skulls demo; interactive forest walk discussing ecology of the forest and its trees.
Glen White, Professor of Geology, Columbia College MS
Includes rock demo; classroom and hands-on education in the forest; interactive discussion of earth's physical structure, substance, history, and processes.
Sienna White, Graduate Student, UC Berkeley and Anjali Katta, Researcher, Energy and Resources Group (ERGP and Graduate Student, UC Berkeley
Teaches Delta ecosystem and mud science.
Brian Thomas, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Educator
Includes a drone demonstration and hydroelectricity lesson.
Oski Science Camp is at the Lair of the Golden Bear in Pinecrest, California (95364), which is at 5,600 feet elevation. We’re just over 2 hours from Lodi by car, and 30 miles east of Sonora in the Stanislaus National Forest. Pinecrest Lake is 1 mile from camp!
We currently offer fifteen winterized cabins at Camp Oski. Each cabin sleeps up to seven, with three bunk beds on the main floor (six students) and a queen bed in the loft (one counselor/chaperone). The cabins are heated, and each has its own private bathroom, microwave, coffeemaker, and mini-fridge. Teachers have private accommodations with separate bathrooms from students.
Each cabin includes:
Each cabin includes:
- Three twin bunks for students
- One queen bed in a lofted sleeping area for counselor/chaperone
- Ensuite bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower
- Heater with thermostat
- Overhead fan
The Lair offers three hearty meals a day, plus snacks. We can accommodate most dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free requirements, plus most other dietary requests.
Day 1
Dinner
Pizza – Caesar Salad – Minestrone Soup – Popsicles
Day 2
Breakfast
Pancakes – Sausage – Fruit Salad – Breakfast Bar
Lunch
Assorted Sandwiches – Chips – Fruit – Snacks (Snacks available on hike)
Dinner
Chicken Tacos – Beans – Tortilla Soup – Churros
Day 3
Breakfast
Belgian Waffles – Fresh Strawberries – Bacon- Scrambled Eggs – Breakfast Bar
Lunch
Mac N Cheese – Chicken Tenders – Chips – Green Salad – Cookies
Dinner
Hamburgers – Hot Dogs – French fries – Ice Cream Cups
Day 4
Breakfast
French toast – Fresh Melon – Sausage Links – Breakfast Bar
Oski Science Camp Sample Menu
Day 1
Dinner
Pizza – Caesar Salad – Minestrone Soup – Popsicles
Day 2
Breakfast
Pancakes – Sausage – Fruit Salad – Breakfast Bar
Lunch
Assorted Sandwiches – Chips – Fruit – Snacks (Snacks available on hike)
Dinner
Chicken Tacos – Beans – Tortilla Soup – Churros
Day 3
Breakfast
Belgian Waffles – Fresh Strawberries – Bacon- Scrambled Eggs – Breakfast Bar
Lunch
Mac N Cheese – Chicken Tenders – Chips – Green Salad – Cookies
Dinner
Hamburgers – Hot Dogs – French fries – Ice Cream Cups
Day 4
Breakfast
French toast – Fresh Melon – Sausage Links – Breakfast Bar
A new way of learning! At Oski Science Camp, we spend a lot of time outside, immersing ourselves in what the beautiful forest has to offer. In the spring, we expect rain, ice, snow, and lots of mud; so please help ensure students are prepared to experience the elements.
Clothing
Pack layers to keep warm
Personal Items
Optional
Recreational Items
Miscellaneous
Pack layers to keep warm
- Long Pants (3-4 pairs)
- Shirts/Sweatshirts (3-4 pairs)
- Jacket (warm, waterproof recommended)
- Beanie and gloves or mittens
- Pajamas or sweats to sleep in
- Warm socks and undergarments (5 pairs each)
- Shoes (2–3 pairs including comfortable tennis shoes, hiking shoes, and rain boots. Campers will need shoes that will protect from muddy or wet paths — no Crocs
- Slippers or flip-flops for use inside the cabin
Personal Items
- Bedding for twin-size beds (warm sleeping bag, heavy blanket, fitted twin sheet, and pillow)
- Umbrella
- Towel and washcloth
- Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, sunscreen, etc.)
- Big plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Flashlight
- Refillable water bottle
- Backpack
Optional
Recreational Items
- Reading material
- Playing cards
Miscellaneous
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Band aids
Bring your students to Oski Science Camp!
Email [email protected] to learn more and check availability.
Hands-On Physics, Astronomy, Environmental Science, and More
The Lair’s abundant space, activities, and resources provide the perfect environment for kids to experience nature and learn about science. From building spaghetti structures to chatting with UC Berkeley professors — see what hundreds of middle school students have already experienced at Oski Science Camp.
The Lair of the Golden Bear hosted LUSD middle school students at Oski Science Camp in the spring of 2023. / Cal Alumni Association
What They Say about Oski Science Camp
Oski Science Camp Program Leaders
Kelly Seck
Program Manager
Sarah Day
Program Coordinator
Kopavi Bluestar & David Wiegel
Programs and Food Service
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