Mazama Wild Camps

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.

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

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.

Campers must be able to use the toilet independently, without a potty or other toilet seat reducer.

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

"Their thoughtful preparation, enthusiastic attitudes, and exemplary communication were very impressive. This is not an easy environment, yet they set a very high standard for how organizations should operate to maximize safety without sacrificing learning and fun. Mazamas has always been a highlight of the summer for us, but this year - in the face of many challenges - what they pulled off was nothing short of spectacular." - MWC 2020 Participant

"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:staff 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