Summer Camps
What makes Tree Folk a special summer camp experience?
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Location
Our camps are set on a beautiful private property at the edge of Oregon City, offering 150 acres of mixed conifer forests, oak woodlands, and farmland to explore. This vibrant environment is home to newts, otters, beavers, deer, and other wildlife, along with a few friendly domesticated animals like chickens and sheep.
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All Day Outside
Our days are filled with hiking, playing, creating, observing, and connecting with nature. For comfort, we have a spacious canvas tent for shelter during heavy rain, a clean and eco-friendly composting toilet, and plenty of naturally shaded spots to escape the sun. The surrounding trees help keep the microclimate cool through evapotranspiration, but on especially hot days above 90°F, we’re prepared with a portable air conditioner for the tent.
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Experienced Educators
We hire experienced educators with outstanding teaching records to design and lead our camp curriculum. They are supported by aspiring educators and outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring a student-to-adult ratio of at least 10:1. Throughout the day, our teachers guide kids in practicing social and emotional skills, with a focus on empathetic listening and collaborative problem-solving.
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Connecting Kids to Nature
We introduce kids to a wide range of outdoor activities, helping them discover what resonates most with them. Do they connect with the outdoors by developing and testing hypotheses about the natural world? Or by creating Andy Goldsworthy-inspired art installations? Maybe their passion lies in building imaginative Fairy Gardens or tackling physical challenges like running, climbing, hiking, or playing outdoor games. With a little bit of everything, every child is sure to find their niche and thrive.
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Weekly Theme
Weekly themes tie activities together and create a fun framework to play within. Themes are intentionally broad to allow for all kinds of interpretation and creative expression.
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Gallery Show
At the end of every week, student art will be on display in the outdoor classroom, and we’ll host a gallery show for kids to show off their creations. Not only is this a great opportunity to build confidence in kiddos, but it also reinforces their connection to nature by naming each individual item used their pieces.