Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of your camps and what is the staff-to-camper ratio? Nature Discovery camps (ages 4 to 5 years) have a maximum of 24 campers each week. Campers are placed in groups of 8 and there is a 4:1 camper/staff ratio. Nature Explorers camps (entering grades k-1) have a maximum of 30 campers each week. Campers are placed in groups of 10 and there is a 5:1 camper/staff ratio. Full Day Camps (entering grades 1-5) have a maximum of 60 campers enrolled each week. They are placed in hiking groups of 10 and there is a 5:1 camper/staff ratio. Adventure Camps (entering grades 5-7) have a maximum of 12 campers and there is a 6:1 camper/staff ratio.

Camp Descriptions and Schedule Registration Information Scholarship Information Frequently Asked Questions

What does a typical day look like?

Nature Discovery and Nature Explorer Camps (9 am – 1pm):

Campers meet in the morning as a large group for songs, stories and an introduction to the day’s theme. Campers split up into their small groups and rotate through 3 main activities: a hike with stops for games and activities on the trail, a nature-based arts and crafts project, and a hands-on exploratory science activity. Snack is eaten mid-morning and lunch is between 11:30 and 12:00. The day finishes with songs, skits and/or games with the large group.

 

Full Day Camps (9am – 3pm):

Campers meet in the morning for games, songs and an introduction to the theme for the day. Small groups head off and spend the morning hiking in the park, playing games, and doing activities that coincide with the day’s theme. Snack and lunch are eaten on the trail. Campers return after lunch and meet as a big group. Each of the 6 instructors offers a fun afternoon activity. There are 2 activity sessions each day and at each session campers can choose which activity they would like to participate in. Activities include nature-based arts and crafts, games, science activities, short hikes, guest presenters, Oregon State Park’s Junior Ranger program and much more.

 

Adventure Camps (9am-4pm with an overnight):

The typical day varies as these camps are small groups and include field trips and overnights. Be assured that your camper will play games, learn team-building skills, explore the park and participate in a variety of fun, hands-on activities during their week here. Please see individual camp descriptions for more information.

 

Will my child be bored if I sign him or her up for 2 or more weeks of the same camp?

• Campers often come for 2 or more weeks and have a great time at camp!
• Each session of Nature Explorers and Nature Discovery do include the same activities but your camper can be placed with a different instructor each time and will be with a different group of children, which will shape his/her week differently.
• Campers who attend multiple weeks of Full Day Camps will be placed with a different instructor each time. Much of the curriculum is instructor-dependent, so that will change their camp experience. Also, campers can choose different afternoon activities during free-choice times in subsequent weeks, allowing them new experiences.
• Each Adventure Camp is offered twice, with mostly the same activities each time. Because the groups are so small, there is room for flexibility and the Instructors can adjust some aspects of the program according to the group’s familiarity with the topic.

 

What qualifications do the staff have?

Our Instructors are experienced environmental educators who have completed at least one year of college. Many are college graduates and all have extensive experience working with children and a passion for the outdoors. All Instructors must complete a background check before they are hired. Instructors complete 40 hours of training before camp begins and all are First Aid and CPR certified.

Assistant Counselors are high school students who are interested in gaining experience working with children in the outdoors. Each Assistant Counselor is paired with an Instructor. Many are former campers here at Tryon Creek and all are excited about sharing their enthusiasm with your child. Assistant Counselors undergo an application process and attend 2 training sessions before camp begins.

 

Is it okay to register my child for a camp with a different age/grade level than my child is actually in?

Please do not register your child for a camp if they are outside the designated age/grade level. Our camp curricula and activities are planned with the appropriate age level in mind. If you would like to discuss your particular child’s situation, please contact Casey Newman, Day Camp Director, at 503-636-4398 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it before registering.

 

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

If you need to cancel your camp registration, please let us know as soon as possible. Our refund policy is as follows:

• 85% refund if cancelled more than one month before camp begins
• 50% refund if cancelled between one month and two weeks before the camp begins
• No refunds available on camps cancelled less than two weeks before the camp begins
• Staff reserves the right to cancel registration without refund during camp week due to unacceptable behavior.

 

What does my child need to bring to camp?

• Always wear close-toed shoes or boots (no sandals).
• Bring a sweatshirt or jacket for cool mornings and a sunhat or raingear as needed.
• Please apply insect repellent and sunscreen before camp if you choose to use it.
• Bring a no-waste snack, lunch and drink each day with reusable containers. Bring extra water on hot days.
• Please bring a backpack large enough for camper to carry his/her lunch, snack, jacket and other belongings.
• Please leave all toys and electronics at home.

 

What is your tax ID number?

For your tax records our Federal ID number is 23-7079356