Camps for Kids

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon for summer, spring break, November and No School Day camps! Whether youth discover a Coastal Giant Salamander along our trails, observe a Bald Eagle soaring over the gorge, or bask in the wander of the giant Redwoods, children get to learn, play and explore, all while making friends and connecting to nature.

Our programs are fun, safe, inclusive, and offer a holistic approach that allows campers to express themselves individually through hands-on learning. 

View our Frequently Asked Questions for information on food allergies, student ratios and more.

 

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What to Expect

Each week-long summer camp or day-long winter/spring camp is thematic, giving campers the chance to learn new skills, gain knowledge, and pursue their passions. Our holistic approach allows participants to express themselves through different mediums like crafts, poetry, skits, and music, and experience hands-on learning, problem solving, and teamwork.

We recognize that children have different learning styles and we address these by doing, seeing, touching, smelling, hearing and, at times, tasting! This student-directed approach empowers youth to connect with nature in a way that is organic and meaningful to them, helping each person to build on their own authentic relationship with the natural world.

We always recognize that within a program we have the fantastic opportunity to create a culture of care and respect for each other and the Earth through teamwork and big belly laughs.

Group of campers laughing in the Gorge

Professional Environmental Educators

Our professional Environmental Educators are highly trained to serve participants in a safe, inclusive, and authentic way. Along with our intensive interview and hiring process, our staff training provides two weeks of community building, diversity, equity and inclusion training, curriculum development, safety protocols, and child behavior training. We strive to create a community of care between all participants and educators.

Photo by Andre Dengo

Camps Schedules and Locations

Pick Up and Drop Off Locations  

Grades 1-2 meet in front of the Conservation House in the gravel lot, 5151 NW Cornell Rd.
Grades 2-3 meet in Heron Hall or the Bat Roost, located in the Nature Store building, 5151 NW Cornell Rd.
Grades 3-5 meet next to the garage/shop in the gravel lot, then head up to the Native Plant Nursery, 5151 NW Cornell Rd.

6-8 and High School camps meet at Upper Macleay Park, which neighbors Bird Alliance of Oregon on Cornell Road (use the small trail between Wildlife Care Center and Cornell Rd).

When  

Summer Camp runs for ten weeks from Monday, June 27, through Friday, September 2. Camps run Monday through Friday unless otherwise stated. Winter and Spring Break Camps occur during Portland Public School’s winter and spring breaks.

  • Week-long day camps start between 8:30/8:45 a.m. and end at 3:15/3:30 p.m.