While we can’t access our camp buildings during winter, we appreciate the snowpack and what it does for this basin. Just a short walk from camp, freshwater flows from the ground into the Wood River which feeds the watershed, ultimately leading to the ocean. We are thankful to be in such an incredible location.

Even though camp is closed, our staff has been busy! Below you will read about summer camps, job announcements, and more.

The new porticos installed last year are doing a great job of keeping snow away from the doors…but the surrounding areas are blanketed in several feet of snowpack.
The new porticos installed last year are doing a great job of keeping snow away from the doors…but the surrounding areas are blanketed in several feet of snowpack.

Register now for summer camps!

Summer camp registration is open! Choose from “Intro to Camp” for ages 7-9, “Artists & Scientists” for ages 9-12, “Youth Leaders Camp” for Girl Scouts Brownies and up, or “Wetland Wonders Day Camp” for ages 8-11. While each of these camps has a different focus, they all encourage youth to build a positive relationship with the outdoors and grow as individuals. Follow our social media pages to receive updates.

These camps would not be possible without generous donations and grants. We are very thankful for those who support our mission. If you would like to donate to our scholarship fund, please click here.

A group of summer campers from 2024 collected sugar pine cones on a hike.
A group of summer campers from 2024 collected sugar pine cones on a hike.
Last year’s Youth Leaders Camp included activities such as shelter building.
Last year’s Youth Leaders Camp included activities such as shelter building.

Introducing a summer day camp

We are excited to announce that this July, KOSS is piloting a day camp at Tule Lake Wildlife Refuge! This camp will be fun, place-based, and affordable. In addition to the low registration fee, scholarships will be available to anyone who requests one, thanks to financial support from USFWS. We are grateful that we will be able to provide an amazing experience for local youth!

Each day of the camp, we will cover themes like migratory birds, wetland ecology, and natural history. Campers will also enjoy activities such as archery, games, kayaking, and much more. However, space is limited so register before March 1. To keep this camp equitable, we are selecting campers via lottery.

Dates: July 7-11 | Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm | Cost: $95 | Ages: 8-11

Employment Opportunities

While we don’t have education programs in winter, it is a time of preparation for the rest of the year. A big part of that preparation is making sure we have the best team to run Outdoor School, field trips, and summer camps. We are looking for new Outdoor Science Instructors to join our team.

Our Executive Director, Natalie, has notified us that she will be moving to the Portland area this summer to pursue new career opportunities. The board of directors is seeking applicants for the Executive Director position. Please apply by January 31, 2025 for full consideration.

Please share these job openings with people who are passionate about the outdoors and want to make a difference in the lives of youth in our community!

PLAY Outdoors

Each year, KOSS looks forward to the annual PLAY Outdoors event hosted in January at the Klamath County Fairgrounds Event Center. PLAY stands for Promoting Lifelong Activities for Youth, and the groups that attend offer a dizzying array of outdoor activities for youth. This year, KOSS offered wood cookies for children to decorate and use either as necklaces or ornaments. Wood cookie nametags are a common sight at Outdoor School, and we thought this would be a fun way to use some extras from last year. We loved seeing everyone’s decorations!

PLAY Outdoors is a great opportunity for us to meet new people in the community. Every year, we hear at least one: “How have I never heard of you before?!” We hope to continue attending events to meet more new friends.

Two young outdoor enthusiasts show off their wood cookie necklaces.
Two young outdoor enthusiasts show off their wood cookie necklaces.
Program Coordinator Mikaela Lea (left) and Executive Director Natalie DiNenno (right) pose with the KOSS table, which included new summer camp flyers, stickers, and bookmarks.
Program Coordinator Mikaela Lea (left) and Executive Director Natalie DiNenno (right) pose with the KOSS table, which included new summer camp flyers, stickers, and bookmarks.

Donate to the Scholarship Fund

We strive to make our summer camps affordable, but with rising operation costs, that is not always possible. Our goal is to offer scholarships to everyone who requests one. We want all children to be able to experience the magic of summer camp. Please consider donating to our scholarship fund or sponsoring the Youth Leaders Camp.

You can donate on our website or mail check/cash donations to P.O. Box 721, Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Be sure to specify that your donation is for the scholarship fund!

New KOSS logo

You may have noticed that KOSS has a new logo! Board member Darien Ellis designed it, and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

We love how the logo centers student exploration and gives a nod to the yurts that make our camp unique.

Klamath Outdoor Science School (KOSS) is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization with a mission to inspire a deep appreciation for natural resources, community, and the arts through hands-on outdoor education.