Nestled in the heart of the lush Willamette Valley in Newberg, Oregon, Camp Tilikum provides a serene retreat just minutes away from the iconic Chehalem Mountains. Established to foster growth and spiritual enrichment in a natural setting, Camp Tilikum has been a place of adventure and discovery for over 40 years.

With a philosophy centered on connecting individuals to nature, themselves, and the divine, their mission at Camp Tilikum is to provide transformative experiences that nurture body, mind, and spirit. They emphasize respect for the environment and one another, striving to offer a place where life’s best memories are made.

Camp Tilikum welcomes boys and girls of various age groups, offering specialized programs that cater to different stages of youth development. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors, engaging in creative activities, or participating in group discussions, there’s something here for every young explorer eager to embark on a journey of personal and spiritual growth.

Programs Offered by Camp Tilikum

Camp Tilikum offers a variety of programs tailored to inspire and challenge campers across different age groups. Here’s an overview of what they offer:

General Camp Programs

Day Camps: Designed for younger children, these camps run from Monday to Friday, offering a perfect introduction to camp life. Activities include canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, and nature hikes.
Residential Camps: For a more immersive experience, campers can enjoy one or two-week sessions where they live on-site. These camps include all-day camp activities with additional events like campfires, overnight wilderness adventures, and spiritual formation sessions.

Specialty Programs

Adventure Camps: Focused on outdoor skills and wilderness survival, these one-week sessions are perfect for older campers looking to test their limits and learn about environmental stewardship.
Arts Camps: These sessions encourage creativity through workshops in painting, sculpture, and performance arts, usually lasting one week.
Science Camps: Aimed at curious minds, these camps integrate fun, hands-on experiments, and explorations into the natural world, running typically for one week.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Tilikum is structured to balance activity with reflection and community building:

Morning: After breakfast, campers gather for an opening circle to set the intention for the day. Morning activities typically involve group games and specialized workshops depending on the camp theme.
Afternoon: Post-lunch, campers engage in skill-building activities like canoeing, archery, or arts and crafts. This is followed by free time for swimming or exploring.
Evening: Dinner leads into evening activities such as campfires, storytelling, or night hikes. The day concludes with a reflective circle, allowing campers to share experiences and lessons learned.

Each program at Camp Tilikum is designed to foster a sense of adventure, creativity, and community, ensuring that every camper returns home with new skills, lasting friendships, and cherished memories.

Accommodations in Camp Tilikum

Camp Tilikum ensures a comfortable and enriching stay for all campers with thoughtfully designed accommodations and dining facilities tailored to meet the needs of a diverse group of participants.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Most campers stay in rustic yet cozy cabins, designed to blend into the surrounding natural landscape. Each cabin houses up to 12 campers and is equipped with bunk beds and storage areas. Cabins are grouped by age and gender to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Tents: For specific adventure camps, participants may have the opportunity to sleep in tents. This allows for a fully immersive experience in nature, fostering independence and a deeper connection with the environment.
Dorms: Available for larger groups or specific events, dormitory-style accommodations provide a more conventional sleeping arrangement with shared rooms and communal living spaces.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Tilikum offers comprehensive meal plans included in the cost of the camp. Meals are served three times a day in the communal dining hall, where campers gather to enjoy nutritious, balanced meals prepared on-site by their dedicated culinary team.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, their kitchen staff is equipped to handle requests for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive meals. Campers or their guardians are encouraged to discuss dietary requirements prior to arrival to ensure well-prepared meals throughout their stay.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Modern bathroom and shower facilities are conveniently located near all sleeping accommodations. Separate facilities for boys, girls, and staff ensure privacy and comfort. These facilities are well-maintained and cleaned regularly, equipped with hot showers, flushing toilets, and ample space for personal hygiene routines.

At Camp Tilikum, they strive to make every camper’s stay not only fun and educational but also comfortable and safe. Their facilities are designed to enhance the camping experience, ensuring that all practical needs are met while campers forge lifelong memories in the great outdoors.

Activities in Camp Tilikum

Camp Tilikum offers a rich array of activities designed to engage campers of all ages in both fun and learning. Here’s a look at what you can expect during your stay:

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Their natural lake provides a refreshing setting for supervised swimming sessions, complete with safety equipment and lifeguards.
Hiking: Summer camps, explore the beautiful trails winding through the campgrounds and surrounding areas, suitable for various skill levels.
Crafts: From pottery to basket weaving, campers can engage in a variety of craft activities that encourage creativity and fine motor skills.
Canoeing: Learn basic paddling techniques and water safety while exploring the serene waters of their lake.
Archery: Instructors teach campers how to safely handle and shoot a bow in their designated archery area.
Nature Programs: These programs include guided nature walks, wildlife spotting, and environmental education sessions, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Ropes Course: Challenge yourself on their ropes course, featuring elements that build teamwork and personal confidence.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend each session, establishing a sense of community and celebrating the achievements of campers.
Campfires: Evening campfires are a staple, featuring storytelling, singing, and s’mores, providing a time for campers to bond and reflect on their day.
Theme Days: Occasionally, the camp will host special theme days where activities and meals are centered around a fun, engaging theme, enhancing the camp experience.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs designed to develop skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility.
Environmental Stewardship: Through hands-on activities and discussions, campers learn about conservation and sustainable practices.
Artistic Expression: Camp provides a supportive environment for exploring different artistic mediums and developing creative talents.
Physical Fitness: Through various sports and outdoor activities, campers improve their physical fitness while learning about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Camp Tilikum is dedicated to providing a diverse range of activities that cater to the interests and development of every camper, ensuring that each individual has the opportunity to grow, explore, and create lasting memories.

The staff of Camp Tilikum

At Camp Tilikum, they are proud of their dedicated team of staff members who are essential to creating a safe, educational, and enjoyable camp experience. Here’s how they ensure that their team is prepared to meet the needs of all campers:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives ample attention and guidance. Typically, their ratio is one staff member for every five campers, which allows us to provide a high level of supervision and interaction.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: They carefully select their staff through a competitive process that includes thorough background checks, personal interviews, and reference checks.
Qualifications: Staff members often have backgrounds in education, recreation, or related fields, and many are returning staff who have a deep understanding of their camp’s values and operations.
Diversity and Inclusion: They strive to hire staff from a variety of backgrounds to reflect the diversity of their campers and provide a rich, inclusive environment.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: All staff undergo a comprehensive training program that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, and activity leadership.
Certifications: Staff members leading specific activities, such as swimming or archery, hold relevant certifications. All staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid to ensure they are prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
Continuous Education: Throughout the camping season, staff participate in ongoing training sessions to refine their skills and adapt to any new challenges.

Their staff’s expertise and dedication are central to Camp Tilikum’s mission of providing a nurturing and enriching camp environment. By investing in their team, they ensure that all campers have a rewarding and safe experience that fosters growth and lasting memories.

Safety and Health in Camp Tilikum

Ensuring the safety and well-being of their campers and staff is paramount at Camp Tilikum. They have established comprehensive safety protocols and maintain excellent health facilities to manage any situation that may arise during camp sessions.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Activity Safety: Each activity offered at camp, from swimming to high ropes, is conducted under strict safety guidelines. Campers are supervised by trained staff and are instructed on safety procedures before participating in any activity.
Equipment and Facility Checks: All equipment used in activities and facilities on campgrounds are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they meet safety standards.
Emergency Drills: Regularly scheduled drills are conducted so that both campers and staff are familiar with emergency procedures, including fire evacuation, severe weather shelters, and lockdown protocols.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Tilikum is equipped with an on-site health center staffed by licensed medical professionals, including nurses and/or a visiting doctor. The health center is prepared to handle minor injuries, and illnesses, and manage any medication needs.
Medical Protocols: Protocols are in place for addressing more significant health concerns, with arrangements with local hospitals for emergency transport and treatment if necessary.
Accessibility: Their health facilities are designed to be accessible to all campers, ensuring that those with physical disabilities or special medical needs receive appropriate care.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Immediate Response: In the event of an emergency, their staff are trained to respond promptly and effectively, with specific roles and responsibilities to ensure a coordinated effort.
Communication: They have clear communication protocols to contact emergency services and inform parents or guardians in the event of an incident involving their child.
Review and Adaptation: Following any emergency, procedures are reviewed and, if needed, adjusted to improve future responses and ensure the continued safety of all campers and staff.

At Camp Tilikum, the health and safety of their community are built into the very fabric of their operations. They are committed to maintaining a secure environment where campers can enjoy their activities worry-free, knowing they are well cared for in all respects.

Cost and Registration in Camp Tilikum

Camp Tilikum aims to provide an enriching camp experience that is both accessible and affordable. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of attendance, the registration process, and financial support options:

Cost of Attendance

Fees: The cost of attending Camp Tilikum varies depending on the program chosen. Fees generally cover all camp activities, meals, accommodations, and equipment use. Day camps might range from $250-$350 per week, while residential camps could be $600-$800 per week depending on the length and type of program.
What’s Included: The fees include all program activities, 24-hour supervision, three daily meals, snacks, lodging, and any special events or outings included in the camp program.

Registration Process and Deadlines

How to Register: Registration can be completed online. Prospective campers will need to fill out a registration form that includes health information and emergency contacts.
Deadlines: It’s advisable to register early as their camps tend to fill up quickly. Registration typically opens several months in advance, and early bird discounts may apply up to two months before the start date of each session.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding that paying for camp can be a significant expense, Camp Tilikum offers structured payment plans that allow families to pay in installments leading up to the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellation: Full refunds are available up to a month before the session begins. Cancellations made within a month of the start date may receive a partial refund, except in cases of illness or family emergency, where more lenient considerations are taken.
Cancellation Policy: Specific details regarding cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances like extreme weather or health concerns are outlined during the registration process and in the parent’s handbook.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Tilikum offers a limited number of scholarships each year to families in need. These scholarships can cover a portion or the entirety of camp fees.
Financial Aid: They encourage families seeking financial assistance to apply early, providing details about their financial situation, as funds are allocated on a needs basis and availability.
Community Support: Local organizations and businesses often sponsor campers, and they facilitate these connections whenever possible.

At Camp Tilikum, they strive to make their camp experience as inclusive and accessible as possible. They believe in the benefits of camp for all children and work diligently to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Tilikum

To ensure that both parents and campers are fully prepared for the upcoming camp experience, Camp Tilikum provides detailed guidelines on packing, camp rules, and helpful tips for first-time campers and their families.

Packing List

Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing including shorts, t-shirts, long pants, and jackets. Don’t forget swimwear, a hat, and sturdy shoes for hiking as well as flip-flops for showers.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets (depending on the accommodation), and a pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Other Essentials: Water bottle, flashlight or headlamp, and any necessary medications.
Optional Items: Books, stationary, and a camera (non-smartphone).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Camp Tilikum aims to provide a break from screen time and encourages personal interactions. All electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are discouraged and, if brought, will be collected and stored safely upon arrival.
Visitation: Parents and guardians are welcome to visit during designated visiting days only. This policy helps ensure the safety and security of all campers and staff.
Behavior Expectations: Campers are expected to follow all camp rules, show respect to fellow campers and staff, participate in scheduled activities, and help maintain the cleanliness and order of the camp facilities.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Embrace the experience! Try new activities, make new friends, and learn new skills.
- Communicate any issues or concerns with camp staff—they are there to help you have the best time possible.
For Parents:
- Discuss what camp will be like well before it begins, focusing on the exciting opportunities and the new experiences ahead.
- Label all personal items with the camper’s name to prevent loss.
- Consider writing letters or sending care packages ahead of time to arrive during camp.

Preparing for camp can be an exciting time for both first-timers and seasoned camp-goers. By following these guidelines and tips, parents can help ensure their children have a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable time at Camp Tilikum.

At Camp Tilikum, they are dedicated to providing a safe, enriching, and memorable summer camp experience for every child. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Newberg, Oregon, their camp offers a diverse array of programs and activities designed to promote personal growth, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for nature.

Whether your child is crafting a canoe, gazing at the stars from a campfire, or building lifelong friendships, they are sure to find a supportive and engaging environment at Camp Tilikum. Their committed staff, comprehensive safety protocols, and a community-oriented atmosphere ensure that each camper’s experience is not just fun but transformative.