One of the great things about planning an Oregon camping trip is the number of options visitors have, both in things to do and see and in where to stay. With nearly 100 state and federal Oregon campgrounds and even more privately owned facilities, the challenge won’t be finding Oregon campgrounds, it will be deciding which ones to choose.

When to Go

For most people, work and school schedules often help determine when they can take an Oregon vacation. Those with kids typically have to wait for the summer months if they want to visit for more than a few days. For most this works out great because Oregon weather is at its warmest, and it is the peak of the travel season so all the Oregon campgrounds and attractions are open. Reservations are recommended during the summer months as many of the most popular campgrounds tend to fill up fast.

Many festivals are held in the summer, wild and cultivated flowers are in bloom, and there is even a resident group of whales along the coast for those that want to experience Oregon’s legendary whale watching.

Whale watching is at its peak in March, making spring an ideal time to visit Oregon, especially the coastal area. Snowmelt also increases the water levels in rivers, creating churning rapids just waiting to be kayaked or rafted.

Autumn is a good time to visit if you plan to fish Oregon coastal rivers and streams. Steelhead and salmon enter these waters to spawn beginning in September and continuing into late fall. Forest Service offices provide information on fishing conditions in their areas, as do websites for the local communities.

Fall is also a good time to visit one of Oregon’s vineyards. The Willamette Valley, slightly inland from Oregon’s northwest coast, is known as wine country, and there are numerous wineries that offer tours and tastings.

In addition to fishing and wine tasting, the fall foliage is in full color and the Oregon camping sites are typically less crowded than in summer months. Contact the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-547-5445 to find peak color times for the areas you plan to visit.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Oregon if you like skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. In the winter months, average inland daytime temperatures are often in the 40s. A second whale migration in December through January makes a winter trip to the Oregon coast appealing as well. The ocean climate helps keep temperatures relatively mild, and winter camping in Oregon can be cozy and comfortable with proper clothing and camping equipment. Even in mid January, temperatures often reach into the 50s in the coastal areas.

Many of the state park campgrounds remain open year round although running water may not be available. Fewer families come to Oregon in the winter months, so if you like quiet getaways, this may be the best time to visit Oregon.

Choosing Oregon Camping Sites

City living: Portland, Eugene and several other larger cities in Oregon have numerous campsites close to town for those that want to be close to the action but still enjoy the fun of RV travel or tenting it. Even Oregon’s more populated areas are surrounded by forests, mountains, and waterways, so finding a natural setting is not difficult.

Private campgrounds in Oregon: There are hundreds of private campgrounds throughout all areas of Oregon. Some cater to families with children and offer playgrounds, activities, and other kid-friendly features. Others are more basic or focus on nature and peaceful settings. No matter what your areas of interest and your camping style, you can likely find a private campground to fit your needs. Begin by contacting visitor information offices or city chambers of commerce in the area of the state you plan to visit.

Oregon state park camping: The number of state parks, scenic sites and recreation areas in Oregon is simply amazing. While some of these are day use only facilities, many provide overnight camping with both tent and RV sites. Often, these Oregon state park camping sites are located in some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, and fees are typically comparable or less than those at privately owned campgrounds.

For a truly unique experience, some Oregon state park camping areas offer camping in tepees, yurts and covered wagons. Visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s state parks website at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/index.shtml to find Oregon camping sites in the area you plan to visit. When you get to the park, don’t forget to stop and get your permit or park pass.

Oregon beach camping: Oregon is one of only two states in the U.S. whose beaches are all considered public land. The beaches are managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and many offer camping facilities. With the stars overhead and the sound of the surf providing background music, Oregon beach camping can be one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty of the Oregon coast. Note: it is illegal to camp on the beach in unauthorized areas, and anyone setting up camp without permission can be asked to leave.

What to Bring When Camping in Oregon

In addition to the standard food, water, clothing, first aid items and camping equipment, it is advisable to also include:

• a hat

• sweatshirts and jackets for layering

• a plastic garbage bag, to use as a rain poncho just in case

• a map of the area

• a flashlight

• bug repellent

• a pocket mirror (for signaling if you get lost)

• a whistle

Check all your equipment before you leave to make sure it works properly and is in good condition. Many Oregon campgrounds are in remote locations where it can be difficult to find replacement batteries or lantern fuel in the middle of the night. For this reason, it is also helpful to know some basic first aid and wilderness survival information.

Other Considerations

Weather conditions, construction and repairs, and standard regulations can impact campground activities and services. For example, some Oregon campgrounds prohibit alcohol. Open campfires may be restricted at certain times of the year. Buildings and natural areas may be closed. Pets may not be allowed or allowed only in certain areas of the campground. It is a good idea to contact your chosen campsite or visit their website to learn about rules, regulations, and current conditions.

Summer is here. What better way to enjoy the summer than go on a camp. Students of all ages, from seven to eighteen or nineteen, love going to camps.  They learn to live away from their families, staying with their people of their age group. They also learn to be independent. This in turn helps in developing their personality. There separate camps for boys and girls, and also coed camps. In a real life situation, a person has to interact with men and women. So, it is a good exposure to send children to coed camps.

Camps have to be chosen according to individual tastes. Some might like academic camps, while some may be interested in fine arts. Still others might be interested in sports. Different camps cater to individual needs according to their age and interests.  When it is a coed camp, some points must be taken into consideration. First, the policies formed by the camp. The type of projects that would they would take up and whether they would work in groups in the various projects. The living quarters should be clean. The amount of interaction between the boys and girls and the length of stay should be taken into account. Care should be given to the security arrangements and the supervision that they get. The number of counselors in ratio to the number of students, hours of curfew and the number of visits allowed by outside persons, should also be known. The safety factor should be given importance. There should trained people knowing first aid and CPR. There should also be hospital nearby.

After all these factors are considered, the type of camp according to individual interest should be chosen. Camp life makes a person more mature and helps them learn to handle difficult situations. 

There are different kinds of camps to choose from. There are Academic camps which lay emphasis on educational development. One such camp is Seacamp Association, Inc. Florida.  Sports camps are also popular. One such is ‘Trapeze School New York – Bean Town’, Massachusetts. The participants can learn juggling, fly on the trapeze and other tricks from the circus that comes to town. There are also sports camps giving them coaching in soccer and basketball. There is also one at Pennsylvania, “Sixers”. There is traditional vamp at California called, ‘Camp Ocean Pines’. There is camp for Performing and Fine Arts located at ‘Long Lake Camp for Arts, New York. There is another camp for Performing and Fine Arts at Berkley.

There are also tours for teens with travel such as the iD Tech camps, where there is study abroad program with film making in Spain. This involves staying with a host family. They are exposed to the Spanish language and culture. There are also adventure camps; one such is Sea Trek BVI, British Virgin Islands. There are also cyber camps, where they are taught about computers, computer gaming, web Page Designing. They are located in California, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington.

Some of the camps are Camp Walt Whitman for boys and girls. This is a coed camp in New Hampshire. There is ‘Camp Friendship’ in Central Virginia. They have coed traditional camps and also adventure camps. They have more than fifty activities.

Coed camps are healthy and prepare on to handle real life situations, in addition to enjoyment and socializing. Children and teenagers should be ready to go to camps, especially coed camps. So, why don’t you start now and join a camp today.

Franklin Gray and William Bennett, Rochester educators established one camp in the Algonquin Park wilderness of Ontario Canada called Camp Pathfinder in 1914. It has been operating unceasingly ever since, which is a wonderful achievement for any establishment. Though the ownership has changed many times and now rests with Michael Sladden, fortunately the unceasing operation has been maintained and that is a reflection of the unwavering commitment to continue the good work. Primarily started as canoeing camp it has now become famous for wilderness canoe trips and leadership programs.

Safety First for Boys at Summer Camp

Sure outdoor summer camps and wilderness summer camps sound very exciting! But isn’t there some risk involved? Right, there is risk involved when kids go out in to the deep waters on wild river canoeing or simple canoe adventures. There is risk involved when kids camp during wilderness canoe trips. That’s the reason we have a strong staff of 80 people who are highly trained and experienced in handling camping activities. Our counselors and guides are highly trained and carry certifications in first aid, life saving skills, and paddling. They also have the many years of camping and trip experiences in Camp Pathfinder.

The crucial ratio of campers to staff at most summer camps in Ontario Canada is 1:2

In simple terms, this means, for every two kids there is a trained staff watching for their safe being. A canoe trip typically has 9 men: three guides and counselors and six campers. Each canoe trip is headed by the Headman, who is assisted by two assistants comprising of one Second man and one Third man.

A professionally trained full time nurse in the infirmary takes care of any health complains that may arise during the boys’ camp stay. There is a full time on-call consulting physician from the local community to treat ailments, if needed.

The owners and senior camp staff at most boys summer camps in Ontario Canada are old campers. The love for the rivers, streams and wildlife in and around Algonquin Park, Ontario Canada keeps Campers and Staff coming back for generations. Many current and former Camper and Staff bring in their varied experience as educators, counselors, and sports instructors to give the kids the best they have. They are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR). Their positive approach makes them role models for the kids during their traditional summer camp or adventure summer camp stay. All the Trip Staff are Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified. Most staff members at boy’s summer camps in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada are Red Cross or NLS certified lifeguards. The counselor staffs are all young and aged 17-24. They possess specialized certifications as life guards and wilderness first aid providers. They are also certified swimming, ropes, or paddling instructors. Trip guides and area supervisors must pass a three years apprentice phase to work in the summer camp setting. In addition they have many years of camper experience.

At most boy summer camps in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada the philosophy is – “Camp is for the kids”. Their safety is therefore is top priority. These should assure parents about our concern for safety of their boys. It is helpful to remember a few safety tips when your kid is on a wilderness summer camp or even a traditional summer camp. Sun screen lotions are a staple item that one cannot forget to pack when heading for a boys summer camp. Extended exposure to sun rays and the reflected rays from the surface of the lake or river water could harm the skin. An eye glass capable of warding off the ultra violet rays is another essential item. So is a brimmed hat.

Bug and insect can pester in wilderness summer camps. Try using citronella oil based formula. Make sure that your kid has tested and packed these items. Whatever the nature of the boys’ summer camp these items are absolutely essential:



Sleeping Bag



Dry Bag



Rain jacket/pants



Life Jacket



Pillow



Laundry Bag



Flashlight



Repellents



Sunglasses



Good quality soaps and shampoos should be brought along. There are no stopping young boys from getting dirty at camp, but remaining dirty is discouraged as it could lead to various illnesses. A daily soap bath is mandatory at most of the boy’s summer camps in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada to ensure good hygiene for kids.

Contact as many of the boys summer camps and talk to the Camp Director to confirm about the items to be packed for your north woods summer camp experience. Many camps do stock several items for your historic summer camp trip. Together the camp staff will make sure that your boy comes equipped with the best items required adventure summer camp.

As school break approaches, everybody is preparing for the children’s summer camp. It is the time when kids spend some time out of the house to learn about independence and gain cultural experience in an alternative setting. It could be a day camp where campers could go home after spending a day in the camp, or it could be a sleepaway camp for overnighters.

There are different kinds of camps available for the children and also for teenagers. It all depends upon the preference of your child. There are camps dedicated for the art and sports enthusiasts, music lovers, environmentalists, religion-centered, etc. They could also be part of the school requirements so some of them could have courses related to their school subjects and academic in nature. The possibilities are endless.

Traditionally, camps are held in the forest, mountains, or beaches, commonly called camp sites. Usually, campers set up tents, huts, and camp fires and they arrange themselves in groups or units. This kind of camp, especially adventure camps, also does not have much facility so they would have to be resourceful in finding ways to cook and seek shelter. Because of this, summer camp supplies are an essential in the preparation before going out to a camp.

If your child is going to the camp for the first time, it is normal that you are not familiar with what to prepare. However, you need not worry too much because getting your summer camp supplies ready is not that much of a tedious task. Here, we would enumerate the essential things that you need when going to a summer camp.

•    Toiletries

This is the most significant of the summer camp supplies because it might not be provided for by the camp coordinators or it might not be available in the area. It is best that your child prepare his/her own soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and towel for proper hygiene.

•    Clothes

Of course, bringing extra or enough clothes is a must especially if the camp would last overnight or for days. Children have the tendency to get dirty and sweaty because they always keep moving. Also, pack some Ziplock bags where they could place their dirty clothes to keep them from mixing up with the unused ones. Moreover, do not forget to pack appropriate footwear for your child, especially if they would go trekking.

•    First Aid Kit

Do not forget to let your child bring a first aid kit containing the medicines that he/she might need in case of emergency allergic or asthma attacks, or pain relievers. Also, it is important that the first aid kit contains bandages, band-aids, and antiseptics.

•    Camp Gears and Equipments

There are lots of camp gears that could be brought to the camp. It depends upon the type of camp that your child would attend. Of course, the most important is the backpack where the child would put all his things. Choose the right size and type for your child’s height and body build. Next, if the camp coordinators would not provide for it, it is also important to bring your own sheets, blankets, and sleeping bags. Sunglasses, goggles, binoculars, and other optics should also be prepared.  Lastly, always keep your child ready by making him/her bring flashlights, lighters, portable fans, and other equipments that he/she could use in case of emergency.

Now, you won’t be at a loss as to what summer camp supplies your kid should bring so that he/she won’t be unprepared for anything.