WILD Camps
W.ander
I.nvestigate
L.ead
D.iscover
Love of Literacy Camps!
Leap into your love of reading all summer long by joining us for our Love of Literacy Camp.
Children will be immersed in word games, nature stories, and read-alouds. Our School’s certified literacy specialist will guide student strategies and experiences rooted in creativity and research-based techniques to develop the skills necessary to independent reading and writing. Students build a foundational love for exploration of their world through literacy. The growth arc will be set in organic surroundings as children wander and investigate natural habitats to learn what stories Nature is constantly revealing and inspiring.
2024 WILD Camps Schedule
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Aug 5 - 9
LOVE of LITERACY
Transported
Grades: 1st - 2nd
8:15 AM - 3:15 PM
$445
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Aug 12 - 16
LOVE of LITERACY
Transported
Grades: 3rd - 4th
8:15 AM - 3:15 PM
$445
Experience a WILD summer at Portland Forest School!
W.ander
I.nvestigate
L.ead
D.iscover
WILD campers experience wandering adventures every day through on-site and transported week-long camps.
Campers discover, investigate, and delight in our lush forests, streams, wetlands, natural areas, and regional parks.
WILD campers discover what it is like to learn, play, lead, and collaborate with each other and nature through hands-on learning.
Campers foster a lifelong relationship with the land, their peers, and our community.
WILD campers are encouraged to push their own boundaries through supported risks, teaching them independence, resilience, and perseverance.
Campers enjoy a safe, fun, and inclusive environment where we have an opportunity to be our authentic selves and are empowered to choose a direction that serves our community and the world.
WILD Camp days begin and end at our Portland Forest School location at 2800 SE Harrison St (sharing facilities with St David of Wales)
Camper check-in begins at 8:00 AM.
Buses depart at 8:30 AM sharp.
Camper pick-up by 3:15 PM.
What to Expect at WILD Camps:
SAFE - Safety is a top priority for our highly seasoned and trained team.
Our professional outdoor educators are CPR and First Aid Certified.
Some staff are fully certified with Wilderness First Responder training.
INCLUSIVE - WILD Camps are built on the strength of our diversity, the passion of our individuals, and our relationship with the more than human world.
We focus on creating resources for children and families to access and adore nature.
A true community of support and care starts with fostering friendships with one another and the environment on which we rely.
FUN - Camp days are filled with games, play, discovery, creative expression, and wonder.
WILD campers meet new friends and together journey into the natural world as a playground and classroom.
HANDS-ON - WILD campers have an opportunity to creatively problem solve throughout the day.
Campers return home having experienced how nature is our greatest teacher.
Each day provides time for campers to experiment and explore outside without pressure to adapt to strict curriculum or schedules.
Begin your WILD Summer adventure!
Passionate and Professional Outdoor Educators
Our experienced team of educators are passionate about connecting kids with nature and watching them grow and thrive. Our team is committed to fostering a love for nature and helping campers find joy, laughter, and curiosity in all environments. Whether we are foraging, puddle stomping, finding bugs, or exploring new places, any day outdoors is a day well spent. WILD campers are guided into nature by qualified outdoor teachers and enthusiasts where they will cultivate greater understanding and respect for how we are all connected to our natural environments.
FAQ
Information is power. Take a moment to review this page before you register for camp to ensure that our camp experience is right for your family.
What time is drop off and pick up for camp?
Check-in begins at 8:00 AM.
Buses depart at 8:30 AM sharp.*
Camper pick-up by 3:15 PM.**
For overall camp success, please be punctual.
*Campers arriving after the buses have departed will not be accommodated and therefore will not be able to attend camp that day. No refunds will be issued.
**Campers not picked up at 3:15 PM will incur an extended camp daily rate of $50.
In what age group should my child be enrolled? Can my child attend a camp for a different age group?
Please enroll your child for camps based on the grade they will be entering for the 2024-25 school year. WILD Camps are thoughtfully designed for similar age groups; curriculum and activities are based on the appropriate age level listed.
What medical training do you require for your WILD Camps Team?
Our professional outdoor educators are CPR and First Aid Certified.
Additionally, some staff are fully certified with Wilderness First Responder training.
We won’t be at check-in by 8:30 AM, what do we do?
To enjoy as much time in nature as possible, camp timelines rely on leaving HQ promptly at 8:30 AM.
Campers arriving AFTER the buses have departed will not be accommodated and therefore will not be able to attend camp that day. No refunds will be issued.
Where is my Camper going?
Destination sites are chosen based on camp themes and distance.
Bus travel times will typically range from 20 - 45 minutes each way.
Camps utilize our numerous forests, streams, wetlands, natural areas, and regional parks to immerse children in nature daily.
Camp Mentors utilize travel time by telling captivating camp stories, singing lively songs, and fidget friendly seat activities.
How is my camper being transported?
WILD campers are transported via Minibus with seat belts. Bus drivers are fully-licensed and qualified in accordance with federal and local state motor regulations.
What happens if my camper isn’t picked up by 3:15 PM (and is not registered for extended camp)?
Campers not picked up at 3:15 PM will incur an extended camp rate charge $50.
How do I get a hold of my camper if there is an emergency?
Emergency Phone Number: (coming soon)
WILD Camps Administration Email: camps@portlandforestschool.org
How do I get a hold of my camper if there is an emergency?
Emergency Phone Number: (coming soon)
WILD Camps Administration Email: camps@portlandforestschool.org