Mazama Wild Camps

Youth programming is an important pillar of the Mazama mission of getting everyone outside loving and protecting the mountains. Knowing how important this program is to fulfilling our mission, the staff and board have met multiple times over the past six weeks to explore every possible path to offering our Mazama Wild Camp this summer.

Those efforts, sadly, did not result in our concluding that we have a viable path to run camp this summer, and so it is our unhappy task to share that we are postponing Mazama Wild for 2022. We are firmly committed to re-opening the Mazama Wild camp in 2023 and celebrating our 10th summer welcoming campers ages 4–10 for weeklong camp sessions, where they experience their urban and wild environments through hands-on science experiments, nature lessons, climbing, hiking, and play.

Knowing that this news will leave many of our families scrambling to find summer camp opportunities for their children this summer, we want to share the most comprehensive list of Portland area camps we’ve seen, https://portlandsummercamps.com. We hope to see your kids back with us at Mazama Wild camp next summer!

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. 

Hours 

Day Camp programming runs daily from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with check-in beginning at 8:45 a.m. After care is available from 4–5 p.m.

Tuition

• Day Camp is $405 per week. 
• Scholarships are available for all camps on a first-come, first-serve basis and may be applied for during the registration process. 
• Mazama members receive $35 off each camp week. 
• After Care: Available on a daily basis, 4–5 p.m. 

Food & Drink

Send your student to Day Camp with two snacks and a lunch. All participants should come to camp with a water bottle that is 16 oz or larger. They will be able to refill their water bottle throughout the day.

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

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

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

After June 1st for Day 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.

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

After Care: 4–5 p.m. daily, $15/day

All campers who have not been signed out by 4:10 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 5 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: 503-227-2345

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