Looking for Adventure WILD or Adventure CLIMB Summer Camps?

You've found us!  New name, new website, same great camps. 

COVID-19 RESPONSE & CANCELLATION POLICY 

Mazamas is closely following CDC and OHA recommendations regarding COVID-19, and will continue to update our Coronavirus Response page regularly. At this time, we do not know what the CDC and OHA will recommend this summer in regards to operating summer camp programs. We are continuing to register campers for summer 2020, and encourage you to register. If Mazama Wild cancels a camp session as a result of COVID-19, all participants will receive a full refund. If participants choose to cancel their registration in a camp session, our regular cancellation policy below applies with the following amendments noted in bold:

​Updated May 28th, 2020:

  • For June camp sessions: Cancellations received prior to June 1st will be refunded, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
  • For July and August camp sessions: Cancellations received 21 days or more prior to the start date of the camp session will be refunded, minus a $50 cancellation fee. 
  • Cancellations received after June 1st (for June sessions) or within 21 days from the start date of camp (for July and August sessions) will receive no refund, with exceptions only for illness, injury or other extenuating circumstances related to COVID-19. 
  • Campers will be required to stay out of camp if either of the following applies:
    •  They have had known exposure within 14 days prior to camp start date
    • They or someone in their household has recently had an illness with fever or a new cough. They should remain home for at least 10 days after illness onset and until 72 hours after fever is gone, without use of fever reducing medicine, and COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, and diarrhea) are improving. Campers who have a cough that is not a new onset cough (e.g. asthma, allergies, etc.), will not be excluded from camp.

  • Cancellations (full or partial) due to COVID-19 symptoms or exposure will be refunded in full, or pro-rated depending on the number of days attended. 

Exploring the Trails
Tying In at Day Camp
Performing a Safety Check
Tree Climbing
Crafting Bird Feeders
Climbing in Mt Hood National Forest
Nature Journalling
Day Camp Climb Day with a Volunteer
Exploring the Stream

Camp Options

Day Camp (ages Kindergarten - 10 years)* 

*Please note, we historically have operated day camp with 4 - 10 year olds. Due to COVID-19 and recommended guidance from Governor Kate Brown, we are restricting the minimum enrollment age in 2020 to campers entering kindergarten, effective June 18, 2020.

At Mazama Wild Day Camp (formerly Adventure WILD Summer Camp), we believe that authentic learning takes place when children are able to investigate and interact with the world around them. Nature, art, science, and play are the building blocks that campers will use to explore the vibrant life and amazing mysteries found in surrounding green spaces. Through thematic and guided activities, children will laugh, learn, and make memories to last a lifetime.

Every summer camp session includes two days of indoor rock climbing at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (CANCELLED through July 24th, 2020 - COVID-19), a full day at the Mazama Lodge on Mount Hood (CANCELLED until further notice - COVID-19), and daily excursions to Laurelhurst Park. Select camps include additional full-day field trips to local greenspaces (CANCELLED - COVID-19). Additionally, 8-10 year olds can opt in to a Thursday night overnight at the Mazama Lodge on Mount Hood (CANCELLED - COVID-19) where they'll hike, explore the forest, and bond with their new camp friends at the lodge. 

CANCELLED (COVID-19): Base Camp (ages 11-14)

At Mazama Wild Base Camp (formerly Adventure CLIMB Summer Camp), we believe outdoor adventure is a perfect way to learn personal responsibility, confidence, teamwork and an appreciation for the our physical environment. Throughout the week, campers will not only become outdoor crushers, but better outdoor stewards, problem solvers, and friends.

Base Camp is a week-long overnight camp for young adventurers ages 11–14. After meeting in Portland on Monday morning, campers and instructors head up to Mount Hood for a week of adventure. Based at the Mazama Lodge on the slopes of Mt. Hood, participants will take day trips to local Mt. Hood trails and crags to hike and learn outdoor skills including climbing, camp craft, and outdoor decision making. All camp sessions will spend the final night camping under the stars and celebrating a week of adventure around the campfire. Throughout the entirety of camp, instructors will guide and support campers at a 1:4 ratio.

Camp Information

Location

Drop off and pick up for all camps is at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (MMC). From there, day camps spend time at the MMC, in the surrounding neighborhood, and in Portland's vibrant urban parks, including frequenting our nearby Laurelhurst Park. Every Thursday, day campers travel to the Mazama Lodge. 8-10 year olds have the option to stay overnight on Thursday night and return to Portland Friday afternoon for regular pick up. 

Mazama Wild Base Camp spends Monday morning at the MMC, then packs up and ventures out to spend the week at the Mazama Lodge in Government Camp, OR. From their basecamp at the lodge, they venture about through trails and crags in Mount Hood National Forest. Base campers return to the MMC in Portland Friday afternoon for pick up.

Hours 

Day Camp programming runs daily from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Before and after care available for an additional fee, extending the day from 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. *Before and After Care cancelled due to COVID-19*

Base Camp drop off on Monday is at 8:30 a.m. Friday pick up is at 3:00 p.m.

Tuition

Day Camp tuition for weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 & 8 is $350 excluding the overnight and $395 including the overnight. Day Camp tuition for weeks 4 & 6 is $365 excluding the overnight and $410 including the overnight. The overnight excursion is available to 8–10 year olds only. 

Base Camp tuition is $795 per session. Optional gear rental package is $25, which includes harness, shoes, belay device and locking carabiner, and helmet.

Scholarships are available for all camps on a first-come, first-serve basis. To apply for scholarship, please complete the application form here. 

Mazama members get $35 off each camp week, or $10 off single day camps. 

Food

At Day Camp, we provide a light morning and afternoon snack, and ask that your camper bring a hearty lunch with them each day. If your camper has dietary restrictions, we ask that they also come with two extra snacks daily as we cannot guarantee that our snacks will suit their needs.

At the Thursday overnight excursion in Day Camp (8–10 year olds only), we ask that campers bring a lunch on Thursday as always, and we cover the rest (dinner Thursday, breakfast and lunch on Friday). The lodge is able to accommodate all dietary restrictions, except very severe allergies. The lodge kitchen is not allergen free.

At Base Camp, we cover all meals and snacks. Campers join the instructors in preparing delicious, healthy camp meals. Sample evening meals include pasta with sauce and salad, or vegetable stir fry with chicken side. We’ll be making our meals in the lodge kitchen, then practicing our outdoor cooking skills on Thursday evening while we camp under the stars. We will provide snacks between meals as well. Please consider bringing personal snacks with you for the week if your camper gets extra hungry or has special dietary needs.

Across all camps, we can accommodate all dietary restrictions. Please contact us if you have specific concerns about food or dietary accommodations.

Base Camp Gear List

If you are concerned about not having appropriate gear or you do not have some of these items, please reach out to us as we may be able to help.

Day pack – appx 30L (1800 ci)
Backpack large enough to hold all your gear, with some extra space for group gear (appx 45-65L recommended). If you are attending Wild Camp & Climb, a duffel bag for all of your gear will suffice. 
20–30 degree sleeping bag
72” x 24” ground pad or inflatable pad such as ThermaRest
Crazy Creek camp chair (optional)
2 one-quart water bottles
Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
Insulating inner layer of clothing such as polypropylene
Insulating middle layer of clothing such as fleece or wool
Warm jacket
Lightweight, loose fitting long pants that dry quickly
Warm socks (wool or synthetic/wool blend)
Warm Hat
Sun Hat
Shorts
2 tee shirts
Rain jacket and pants
Swimsuit
Towel
Headlamp or flashlight
Journaling supplies (optional)
Sunscreen / lip balm
Whistle
Insect repellent
Unbreakable cup, bowl, spoon and fork
Toilet kit (toothbrush, comb, etc)
Camera (optional)
Chalk bag (optional)
Climbing Shoes (available for rent from Mazamas)
Climbing Harness (available for rent from Mazamas)
Climbing Helmet (available for rent from Mazamas)
Belay Device and Locking Carabiner (available for rent from Mazamas)

Lost & Found

Lost and found items will be stored at the Mazama Mountaineering Center through the end of the season. All items left unclaimed by Labor Day will be donated. 

Camp Policies

2020 Spring and Summer Camp registration begins January 15th, 2020 and is open until filled or the Friday prior to the week of camp. If a desired session is full, please consider joining the wait list here. If you are unable to register online, please contact Mazamas at 503-227-2345.

All programs operate regardless of weather. Campers should dress and prepare accordingly. In the case of severe inclement weather, we may move locations or move inside to ensure safety of all participants and staff. If this occurs, we reserve the right to alter curriculum or program activities as necessary. 

Please contact us at 971-808-2267 if your camper will be absent. There will be no make-up sessions for any camp programs. Absences will not be refunded unless the entire enrollment is cancelled before the session has begun. See cancellation policy below for more details.

Prior to May 15th, camp session transfers are permitted free of charge. After May 15th, summer camp session transfers are permitted with a $35 administration fee per session. No camp session transfers are allowed within two weeks from the start date of either camp session (except in the case of illness or injury documented by a doctor’s note).

Any accompanying aides for campers will require a background check by Mazamas.

We reserve the right to refuse enrollment to anyone or dismiss anyone without refund for behavioral issues.

Cancellations & Refunds

*Please see the top of this page for updated COVID-19 cancellation policies.*

Mazamas reserves the right to cancel or combine sessions that are below the minimum participant requirement.

Prior to June 1st for Day Camp or July 1st for Base Camp: Cancellations for summer camp will be refunded, minus a $50 cancellation fee.

After June 1st for Day Camp or July 1st for Base Camp: Cancellations for summer camp will receive no refund, with the following exceptions:

Short-term illness or injury: If a short-term illness or injury prevents the camper from attending the scheduled camp, the client may reschedule another camp, during the same summer season only, for a transfer fee of $35 (unless the new camp is of a greater value), provided that the desired camp week has available space.

Long-term illness or injury: Cancellations due to long-term illness or injury must be accompanied by a doctor’s note for a refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee.

Before and after care cancellations for summer day camp made prior to June 1st will receive a full refund. After June 1st, before and after care cancellations will receive no refund.

Cancellations made for Wild Days prior to two weeks before the date of program will result in a $10 cancellation fee, with the remainder refunded. After two weeks before the date of program, cancellations will receive no refund.

Cancellations made for Spring Break Camp prior to March 1st will result in a $50 cancellation fee, with the remainder refunded. After March 1st, cancellations will receive no refund.

After June 1, a Camp Transfer fee of $35 will be assessed for each camp session change. No Camp Transfers are allowed within two weeks from the start date of your camp session (except in the case of illness or injury documented by a doctor's note).

Day Camp Extended Care & Late Pick-Up

*2020 Before and After Care are cancelled due to COVID-19*

Before Care: 7:30–9:00 a.m. daily, $10/day

After Care: 5:00–6:00 p.m. daily, $8/day

Day campers that are not enrolled in before care may not be signed in until 8:45 a.m. All campers that have not been signed out by 5:10 p.m. daily will be signed into after care, and parent/guardian will be charged accordingly. Parents/guardians of campers that have not been signed out by 6:00 p.m. daily will be charged $2 per minute for late pick-up.

Testimonials

"The staff was amazing, and went above and beyond on the day that our camper needed extra help with camp. Very compassionate and helpful, made us feel valued, and supported."

"Our son loves your camp! We appreciate the professionalism and maturity of this staff. The camp staff team has created a great environment filled with capable young leaders that are fantastic role models for these kids. The entire staff sets a great example."

“The activities were well planned and age appropriate; the cost is comparable; and the focus and flexibility of the staff is excellent. We are thrilled to have our daughter return to camp for another summer! Thank you!"

“I wasn’t sure how my five-year-old would do for seven hours away from home. He loved it, felt very comfortable with the staff and enjoyed himself immensely. He is looking forward to next year already!”

"My daughter had a ball! She came home everyday exhausted, dirty, and full of stories and excitement. The way camp should be." 

"Given the student faculty ratio, logistics, the risk and skills learned, base camp was well worth it." 

Contact

Email: mazamawildcamps@mazamas.org

Phone: 971-808-2267

Address:
Mazama Mountaineering Center
527 SE 43rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97215

Mazama Wild Summer Day Camp 2019

This video was created by 2019 TALON intern, Chloe Kov.