Students at MMSS
Snow day at MMSS
Navigation Practice at MMSS

The Mazamas discontinued the MMSS program in 2020. This information is provided for reference only.

As Mazamas, we believe that everyone should have the chance to enjoy and protect the mountains. That’s why we support programs and activities that teach young people the skills they need to safely explore the outdoors. At the heart of our youth outreach programs is the Mazama Mountain Science School.

The Mazama Mountain Science School (MMSS) provides an outdoor learning opportunity for 4th-6th grade students at the base of Mt. Hood. Students work together in small teams as they learn first-hand about the alpine environment. Developed by the Mazamas and the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) Outdoor School, the program incorporates 5th-grade and 6th-grade science, math, and geography concepts in interactive, inquiry-based, outdoor lessons. MMSS takes place during the winter months (January- March) at the Mazama Lodge, just outside of Government Camp, Oregon.

New this year:

  • 5-day program option (Monday and Friday facilitated in your classroom!)
  • Meets 6th grade NGSS Science Standards
  • Sliding scale cost per student (if not Title 1 or using M99 funds for programming)

Winter 2020 is our sixth season and we look forward to welcoming up to eight sessions of students to the mountain! This program may qualify for Measure 99 funding as an outdoor school program, please contact your school or district administrators with questions. For more information on the program, contact Molly Mosenthal.  

Ready to register your class? Register HERE!

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FAQs

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About the Curriculum

This program has been developed according to best practices in STEM education and in the field of residential and experiential learning. If you are interested in learning more about the intention behind our programming, please refer to these resources:

Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan

Next Generation Science Standards, Oregon

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About Mazama Lodge

Mazama Lodge sits at the base of Mt. Hood just outside the town of Government Camp. It is nestled in the woods and offers the perfect blend of solitude without being too far away from a town.

The lodge is bunk style with a coed, men's, and women's dorm.

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Activities

Nature is the best teacher, and at the Mazama Mountain Science School, 4th -6th grade kids delve into nature to expand upon some of the subjects they are learning back at home in their classrooms.

Geography, math, morphology and, of course, ecology, come alive on the mountain.