Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray in Newport, OR on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Situated along South Beach, the 20-acre camp was celebrated with opening remarks from Tribal Councilman for the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians of Oregon Dave Hatch, Newport City Councilor Mark Saelens, Newport Mayor Sandy Roumagoux, Hatfield Marine Science Center Director Dr. Bob Cowan, Lead Ranger for South Beach State Park Dani Padilla, OMSI camp managers, and OMSI camp participant Sam Hurst. The welcoming statements were followed by a special ribbon-cutting by community members of all ages.

“We are so pleased to be here with you to celebrate this landmark day,” said OMSI President and CEO Nancy Stueber. “So many hands and hearts have contributed to planning and building Camp Gray. On behalf of everyone at OMSI and the thousands of campers who will create memories here, thank you all!” A new installment in OMSI’s 60-year history of outdoor education, the facility will provide a year-round immersive camp experience, as well as dedicated summer programming, for the hands-on study of the Oregon Coast ecosystem. The camp features a central lodge, 156 student

In compiling their list, TripAdvisor analyzed over 150 vacation destinations across the U.S. by comparing the price of two-bedroom vacation homes during the months of June through August 2015. Out of over 150 destinations, TripAdvisor pared it down to the best hotspots that offer the most “bang” for a visitor’s buck. The list reflects 29 affordable destinations that are compelling, interesting, and pack a seriously fun punch at a manageable cost.

This designation is one of two recent awards from TripAdvisor. In April 2015, Family Vacation Critic, a TripAdvisor company, recognized Lincoln City in their online article “Ten Best Beaches for Families in 2015”. Lincoln City was the only destination in the Pacific Northwest to make the list. The article, which can be viewed by visiting www.familyvacationcritic.com, highlights the many family-friendly activities in Lincoln City such as kite flying, beachcombing, crabbing, clamming, and the popular Finders Keepers promotion.

The full article can be read online at www.tripadvisor.com/vacationrentalsblog/. For more information, visit www.oregoncoast.org or call 800-452-2151.

” data-medium-file=”” data-large-file=”” class=”alignright size-medium wp-image-31509″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/oregoncoastdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016_omsi_camp_gray_teasers_003.jpg?resize=300%2C200″ alt=”2016_OMSI_Camp_Gray_teasers_003″ data-recalc-dims=”1″/>beds plus staff housing, classrooms, dedicated outdoor learning spaces, a communal fire pit, and restorative landscaping that includes dunes, trees, and native plants.

Designed for Oregon’s next generation of explorers, researchers, and designers, this 20-acre facility will help get kids outside and instill a sense of environmental stewardship while building 21st Century skills crucial to future success. Summer programs are now available for registration.

Information and Photos provided by OMSI