Camps

Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum
Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum

2025 Burke camp registration is now open!

Join us this August for exclusive Monday gallery access just for camp participants.

Due to the popularity of these offerings, registration is limited to one (1) camp per camper. 

Burke Camps

Dino Trackers

Grades 1–3 in the 2025/26 school year

The Burke is home to "Suciasaurus," the only dinosaur fossil found in Washington state!

Dino Trackers campers will learn from Burke educators and paleontologists as they get a closer look at fossils like "Suciasaurus" and more in the Burke paleontology collections. Participants will investigate dig pits, rock out at a dino dance party, make crafts, and more.  

Check in: 8:45–9:15 a.m.
Check out: 2:15–2:45 p.m.

Aftercare is available 2:30–4 p.m. ($30 fee) 

Monday, August 11, 2025
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

$100 (Burke members: $90)
Financial assistance available

Register now

Fossil Detectives

Grades 4–6 in the 2025/26 school year

Get a closer look at the Burke paleontology collections.

Fossil Detectives will sort real Hell Creek microfossils, illustrate a timeline of ancient life, make fossil impressions, create sand stratigraphy, and explore the Burke’s galleries — open exclusively to camp participants.

Check in: 8:45–9:15 a.m.
Check out: 3:15–3:45 p.m.

Aftercare is available 3:30–5 p.m. ($30 fee) 

Monday, August 18, 2025
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

$100 (Burke members: $90)
Financial assistance available

Register now

Partner Camps

DO-IT Scholars Summer Study Program

The DO-IT Scholars program includes two consecutive Summer Study sessions on the University of Washington (UW) campus. Scholars live in a dormitory, participate in labs and lectures with UW faculty, work on projects together, and explore campus and Seattle-area resources. The Burke is privileged to support this program by providing a behind the scenes exploration of careers in natural history and culture. 

DO-IT Scholars is a competitive program that accepts a cohort of 15–20 students per year. A qualified applicant fits all of the following criteria: 

– is a high school sophomore or junior 

– has a disability 

– lives or attends school in Washington state 

– has aptitude and interest in studying at a college 

Camp content is co-developed with the Burke. Registration and facilitation is managed by the local non-profit partner organizations. 

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Camp staff are experienced members of our educator team. Staff undergo a complete UW background screening every three years and retain current CPR/First Aid certification.  All Burke Youth programs comply with the recommendations of UW’s department of Environmental Health and Safety and standards of practice set by the UW Office of the Youth Protection Coordinator.  

The Off the Rez Café is closed on Mondays.  

Camp payments are final. We are not able to offer refunds for Burke Camps this year.  

Please send your child with a water bottle, sun protection, any necessary medications, comfortable layered clothing, a morning snack, and a substantial lunch with items they can open themselves. We will go outdoors for lunch and snack, rain or shine. 

You will receive a welcome letter that will include a link to a camp parking pass. This pass will allow you to temporarily park in the University of Washington N1 lot (the lot closest to the Burke Museum). For more information about parking, please visit our Directions & Parking page. 

Our grade brackets ensure that our camp activities and staff-to-camper ratios are appropriate and that our campers can work well together.  

We will make every effort to accommodate your child. Please give a detailed description of your child’s needs while registering them for camp. You (or an aide) are welcome to stay with your child during camp. We particularly recommend this if your child has an IEP in school. To request UW disability accommodations, contact Disability Services Office at the University of Washington at least 10 days in advance: 206.543.6450 (voice), 206.543.6452 (TTY), 206.685.3885 (fax) or dso@uw.edu. 

a burke educator teaches students during a field trip

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Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum
Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum