Camp Director Jan Mayer recently did an interview for Camp Navigator, an online camping website. You can listen to the interview by clicking below or read on to learn more about the Columbia Gorge Teen Camps.
Listen to the Interview
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How long has your camp been operational?
We are only in our second year but don’t let that fool you. Everyone of our counselors and program director’s has a vast amount of summer camp experience.
Where are you located?
Our base camp is located in Lyle, WA where we rent a modern high school. We are 90 minutes east of the Portland International Airport. WE are on the Washington side of the magnificent Columbia River in a wonderful area known affectionately as “The Gorge.”
What is your Camp Philosophy?
We focus on motivated teens who would love the unique opportunity to learn their passion from a true expert or world class professional. When teens are grouped by their passion, something magical happens, that is wonderful beyond what words can express. We are not a competitive camp where teens always have to “prove” themselves. Ours is more of a camp where kids find joy and self -confidence in pursuing something that was already inside of them.
What activities do you offer?
In addition to the specialties offered below all of our camps will have the opportunity for hiking, swimming , stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and white water rafting.
What does your camp specialize in?
Our specialties are Photography, Music, Rock Climbing, Martial Arts, and Paddle Sports. Paddle Sports include canoeing, kayaking, surfing, stand up paddle boarding and white water rafting
How much staff do you have and how do you recruit staff?
We have one staff for each four campers. Our C.I.T.’s come from our most impressive older campers from the previous season and receive training before the camp sessions and during the camp sessions constantly.. All program directors and counselors are have been professionally hand- picked and known by our President or myself for 20 or 30 years, all of whom have a proven track record for positively influencing the lives of young people. If we ever had to hire someone outside of our professional backgrounds, we would use the placement offices of the local colleges and universities, Camp America or the American Camp Association, and of course would do all of the appropriate background checks.
Why should parents send their kids to your camp?
For peace of mind that their child will be well supervised and will be safe 24 /7 while having the time of their lives. They will be provided the highest level of instruction of the specialty of their choice. Our program directors who are not only passionate about their subject matter but know how to work effectively and enjoyably with teens. We offer a well balanced approach where teens will not burn out on any one thing. We know instinctively when to bring in a new activity, or when to let them rest. Without question, our food is very wholesome and delicious. The surrounding area is absolutely breathtaking with snowcapped volcanoes, ancient forests, fields of lavender and wildflowers, raging rivers and waterfalls that will leave a lasting impression and develop a sense of appreciation and respect for the natural world.
What is the typical length of the sessions and approximate pricing of your camps?
All of our camps are 10 day camps and they vary from $1950 to $2150 which includes airport pick up and drop offs.
When does your camp enrollment start and finish?
That will vary from year to year but in general I would say January 1 through mid -June.
When is the best time for parent to reach you to register for camp?
A parent can go online and register 24/7 or call reach me live at 1-801 -679-9099 seven days a week between the hours of 9 to 6 daily MST.
