Is this camp suitable for beginners?

Yes, the camp is designed for all experience levels, including those new to insect care.

Can I bring my own pet bug to the workshop?

For the safety of all animals involved, bringing outside pets is not allowed during the session.

Are there age restrictions for participants?

The workshop welcomes children aged 8 and up with adult supervision; adults and teens are also encouraged to join.

What should I expect to learn during the camp?

You will learn animal care and husbandry techniques including feeding, habitat setup, and safe handling.

Will I receive materials to continue care at home?

Yes, take-home care sheets are provided to help you start or maintain your own pet bug collection.

How many participants are in each workshop?

The workshops are kept small for an intimate, hands-on experience ensuring personal attention.

Hands-On Summer Camp for Animal Care in Portland, Oregon | Workshop | Wildlife

Join Portland Insectarium’s Summer Camp: Animal Care and Husbandry, a private workshop perfect for curious minds and nature enthusiasts interested in exotic invertebrates. This Wednesday experience offers hands-on training in caring for mantises, jumping spiders, tarantulas, and other fascinating arthropods. Participants will learn essential husbandry techniques, including habitat setup, feeding routines, and safe handling practices. What makes this experience truly special is the take-home care sheets provided to help campers continue their journey caring for their own pet bugs after the workshop. Whether you’re an aspiring entomologist or just looking for a unique summer adventure, this camp offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in practical animal care within a supportive environment. The setting in Portland combines urban convenience with easy access to nature, making it simple to extend your visit with city exploration or local parks. Children, teens, and adults alike will enjoy the up-close encounters with exotic creatures and gain valuable knowledge about their biology and conservation.

About Portland Insectarium

Portland Insectarium is a hands-on entomology center that introduces visitors to live and preserved arthropods through interactive exhibits, classes, and guided field experiences. The Insectarium offers general admission access to displays and activities, specialty workshops like tarantula handling and macro photography, and focused classes such as insect pinning and identification. Seasonal summer camps for ages 10–18 cover animal care and husbandry, specimen pinning and preservation, field identification, and an option to purchase a full-series package with a completion certificate. Sessions combine classroom instruction, guided walks, and hands-on practice; many sessions include take-home kits, care sheets, pinned specimens, or shadowboxes.

Programs emphasize safety, ethical handling, and respect for living creatures. Sessions are led by trained educators with entomology knowledge and experience working with mantises, jumping spiders, tarantulas, and other arthropods. Small group sizes and supervised interactions ensure safe, educational experiences for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Registration is required for workshops and camps due to limited space; some programs include zoo admission or are offered as add-ons to a general visit. The Insectarium is a resource for families, educators, and hobbyists seeking practical skills—such as specimen preparation, field collecting techniques, and basic husbandry—and fosters curiosity with accessible materials and community events. Whether attending a one-hour tarantula handling session, a two-hour pinning workshop, or a weeklong camp, visitors leave with tangible skills, take-home materials, and an informed appreciation of insects.

The Insectarium also partners with schools and community groups to provide curriculum-aligned workshops, outreach events, and volunteer opportunities for learners of all ages.