Portland Parks & Recreation - Spring / Summer 2015
Get on board with Environmental Education’s "Summer Nature Day Camp!" By: Chrissy Larson (a.k.a. Teacher Balsam) Coordinator for Environmental Education – City Nature "I'm writing to express my sincere gratitude for the scholarship our family received for our daughters to attend Nature Camp. They were at Forest Park camp and absolutely LOVED it! Every day they came home bursting with stories of their adventures - smudge, treasure hunts, fairy sightings, [pretend] fishing, and hiking 'even farther than the other kids!' I know this will be a highlight of their summer, and it would not have been possible without the scholarship. We feel your program has enormous value and feel so fortunate that our kids have been a part of it. I will continue to rave about it to anyone who will listen!" ~ Parent of campers from SW Portland Are you looking for a way to connect your child to nature this summer? Nature Day Camp touts a highly-trained, diverse staff who work hard to find the perfect balance of ecology, games, free play and fun! Weekly nature themes drive the focus of the camp but are only a catalyst – many daily activities are chosen by the campers. Our goal is to connect children to nature through hands-on experiences, to model curiosity and wonder, and to be a collection of positive influences toward children of all ages. Scholarships are available for families in need. From 9am – 3pm each day, children and youth (ages 5-13) explore the wild spaces of Portland’s Parks and Natural Areas. We hire staff who have an affinity for science, ecology, mentoring and playfulness – plus they are trained in CPR & First Aid, child development, large and small group management, teaching methodology, risk management, Leave No Trace principles, benefits of nature connection and natural area stewardship. Additionally, staff spend time honing skills and knowledge about traditional Native American crafts and stories, large and small group games, ethnobotany, science and ecology, wilderness survival, stealth games, and nature art. Come join us!
2015 SUMMER SCHEDULE OF WEST-SIDE CAMPS •
June 22-26 – Hoyt Arboretum
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June 29-July 2 – Washington Park
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July 6-10 – Hoyt Arboretum
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July 13-17 – Hoyt Arboretum
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July 20-24 – Marshall Park
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July 27-31 – Hoyt Arboretum
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Aug 3-7 – Hoyt Arboretum
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Aug 10-14 – Hoyt Arboretum
For the full schedule and program details, please call the Environmental Education office at 503-823-3601 or check out our website: www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/ndc
2 Westside Parks
503-823-PLAY
"This is better than lying on the couch. I feel so alive now!" ~ 2014 participant
TEENS AGES 11-17:
Learn about Oregon's plant and animal life with our adventurous naturalists! Staff are experienced in environmental education, outdoor recreation and are certified Wilderness First Responders. More information on our website: www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/ teenadventure
• SPRING BREAK ADVENTURES! (MARCH 23-27) ACTIVITY #1020947 Spend five days exploring natural areas in and around Portland. Each day we will hike, explore and play!
• SUMMER 2015: “BEST OF CITY NATURE CAMP” (AUG 10-14) ACTIVITY #1023058 Visit a different Portland Park each day! Connect to nature and have a great time along the way.