Tryon Ecology Adventures Summer Camp
Friends of Tryon Creek is a community-supported non-profit connecting youth to nature since 1970. Tryon Ecology Adventures (TEA) is a camp program that prioritizes BIPOC youth ages 6-12 and their families.
What is TEA Camp like?
Observe the sights and sounds of the forest while hiking tree-lined trails and crossing bridges over Tryon Creek. Practice your nature observation skills and see if you can find species like singing Song Sparrows and chattering Douglas Squirrels. Express your creativity by writing journals, storytelling, and making arts and crafts in our indoor nature classroom space. Run and play games in an open meadow, then build a fort of tree limbs and moss nearby.
Friends of Tryon Creek is a community-supported nonprofit connecting youth to nature since 1970! Tryon Forest Adventures is designed for youth ages 6 - 12. We create a space that is inclusive and caring by being respectful to each other and the forest. Together we’ll make memories and friendships forged in the forest that will last a lifetime! We look forward to welcoming you to this year!
Location: Tryon Creek State Natural Area (11321 S Terwilliger Blvd Portland Or 97219)
Registration Fee Waived: The weekly program registration fee is regularly $425. The registration fee for Tryon Ecology Adventures has been waived thanks to our partners and donors for contributing and supporting our programs, such as the
Registration for Summer 2024 is now closed.
2024 Weekly Camp Themes
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Bird calls and chipmunk chatter. Hone your observation skills to spot familiar flowers, fungi, and animals that call Tryon home. Play nature games and crafts to learn about life cycles, adaptability, and how plants, animals, and people co-exist in an urban forest like Tryon.
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Find your sense of place at Tryon Creek. Hike the trails and cross over bridges while learning navigation and directional skills. Create and use maps, compasses, and sundials! Play geographical-based games that examine the world that surrounds us.
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Questions? Contact Us
Jonathan Hayden, Education Programs Manager, via email adventures@tryonfriends.org or cell phone (503) 707-0256.
Safety
Friends of Tryon Creek will continue to follow guidelines to help reduce the risk of transmission and infection of Covid-19. Indoor mask-wearing is optional. Review our COVID 19 Policy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How big are the group sizes?
Tryon Ecology Adventures has an instructor-to-youth ratio of 2:12. Youth are placed in age-appropriate groups.
Who supervises youth?
Groups of youth are led by experienced seasonal Instructors who will be welcoming your child into nature! All staff is certified in the practices of health, safety, and youth engagement within a dynamic natural environment.
Is Before and After Care offered?
No. We are aware a shorter program day does not support the needs of all families, but due to staffing and group restrictions, we are not offering extended care this year.
Why is the youngest participant age 6?
Based on previous years of summer programming, we know the additional staff and space are needed to adequately support youth under the age of at the Park. We are not able to accommodate this younger age group this year.
Will you hold summer programs for kids younger then 6 or older than 12?
No. We will not be offering programs for younger kids but will have opportunities for older youth in summer 2023.
What are check-in and pick-up procedures this summer?
Registration begins at 8:45 am at the picnic tables (between the two main parking lots) with a 9:00 am session start time; please drop your child off between 8:45-9:00 am. Pick-up will also be at the picnic tables and will go from 4:00 pm until 4:15 pm. If you are having issues picking your child up by 4:15 pm, please let us know. Staff will stay on-site until all youth are picked up.
Can friends or siblings be in the same group?
Yes, we do offer the opportunity for friends and siblings to be in groups together if they are in the same age range. Please indicate the name of the friend or sibling during registration. We will do our best to accommodate these requests.
What could we bring each day? If needed Friends of Tryon Creek will provide these items every participant is prepared.
Well-fitting and comfortable mask
Backpack that your child is able to carry throughout the day
Food for the whole day-- including a full lunch, a hearty snack
Refillable water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothes like long pants and layers, closed-toe shoes, a hat, and a raincoat or jacket.