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ExplOregon – DRAFT DECEMBER 2023 UPDATES

Outdoor Camp Fire Adventures for Absolutely Incredible Kids!

A happy camper peering out through a shelter under a tree.Explore + Oregon = ExplOregon!

In a variety of half-day, full-day, and week-long camps, Camp Fire kids discover environmental “gems” right in our own back yard and some of the amazing things our area has to offer. Think field trips to local streams and waterways, geology, human history and more!

At ExplOregon, kids stretch their legs, brains, and passion for the outdoors. Together, we turn that time outside of the classroom—or during long summer days—into exciting adventures outdoors. We learn more about nature, our impacts on it, and its impacts on us!


After School No School Days Summer

After School – Project Good Earth | Grades 5-8

Campers jump in the Camp Fire van and head off for afternoon of super-cool, nature-based field trips. Inspired by Camp Fire programs from the 1980s and rooted in environmental awareness, appreciation and preservation, we reinvented the program to make it relevant for today's kids and times. Our goals: to help youth feel more comfortable in the outdoors, care more about the outdoors, and learn how to take care of the outdoors, starting right here in our region.

Join our expedition to boost connection with nature, others and yourself! Only 12 spots available... grab yours today!

5 smiling Project Good Earth campers hold up prints of animal tracks and hands covered in blue paint.

Project Good Earth-Bend: Spring

DATES: May 1 – 29, 2024 (5 Wednesday afternoons)
HOURS: 1:30 – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Drop-off and pick-up at Troy Field parking lot in downtown Bend. Sign in at the Camp Fire van.
COST: $200 for 5 Wednesday sessions. All reservations include a $10 non-refundable fee.

Project Good Earth-SISTERS: Spring

DATES: April 12 – May 10, 2024 (5 Friday afternoons)
HOURS: 1:30 – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Sisters Middle School, 15200 OR-242, Sisters, OR 97759
COST: $200 for 5 Friday sessions. All reservations include a $10 non-refundable fee.

No School Days - Nature Chronicles | Grades 4-5

Turn no school days into fun outdoor explorations with Camp Fire’s Nature Chronicles. We head outdoors in Sparky the Van to experience the beauty of our own backyard. Each season brings a different focus for our explorations. Our engaging programs aim to ignite a passion for science and nature, empowering young minds to understand, appreciate, and actively contribute to the beauty and balance of our environment. Let the journey begin – where education meets excitement in every discovery!

Camp Fire counselor James and 6 campers pose with Sparky the Van

Nature Chronicles-Bend: Winter

In this 3-day camp, we observe what happens as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. 

DATES: December 18 – 20, 2023 (Monday – Wednesday)
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Drop-off and pick-up at Amity Creek Elementary, 437 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703 – Sign in at the Camp Fire van.
COST: $240.00. All reservations include a $10 non-refundable fee.

Nature Chronicles-Bend: Winter Wonderland Adventure

Embrace the magic of winter with our “Winter Wonderland Adventure” program! This single-day experience combines the thrill of snow science with the joy of winter activities like snowshoeing and ice skating. Participants will not only discover the science behind snow but also learn essential skills for staying warm and safe in cold weather.

DATES: Friday, February 2, 2024
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Drop-off and pick-up at Amity Creek Elementary, 437 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703 – Sign in at the Camp Fire van.
COST: $80. All reservations include a $10 non-refundable fee.

Nature Chronicles-SISTERS: Winter Wonderland Adventure

Embrace the magic of winter with our “Winter Wonderland Adventure” program! This single-day experience combines the thrill of snow science with the joy of winter activities like snowshoeing and sledding. Campers will not only discover the science behind snow but also learn essential skills for staying warm and safe in cold weather.

DATES: Monday, February 19, 2024
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Sisters Middle School, 15200 OR-242, Sisters, OR 97759
COST: $80. All reservations include a $10 non-refundable fee.

Nature Chronicles-Bend: Spring

Embark on a Nature Exploration Adventure: Join our three-day program designed for curious 4th-5th graders to dive into the wonders of the natural world. From the enchanting life cycle of butterflies and the secrets of weather patterns to hands-on gardening experiences, each day offers a blend of interactive learning, outdoor exploration, and creative activities. 

DATES: April 10 – 12, 2023 (Monday – Wednesday)
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Drop-off and pick-up at Amity Creek Elementary, 437 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703 – Sign in at the Camp Fire van.
COST: $240 for the 3-day camp. All reservations include a $10 non-refundable fee.

Nature Chronicles-SISTERS

Program details coming soon.

DATES: Friday, March 15, 2024

HOURS: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: Sisters Middle School, 15200 OR-242, Sisters, OR 97759

COST: TBA. All reservations include a $10 non-refundable fee.

Nature Chronicles-SISTERS: Earth Day

Join us for an unforgettable one-day program where young minds embark on an exciting journey of environmental exploration and eco-conscious discovery. Our Earth Day Adventure is designed to inspire 4th and 5th graders to connect with nature, cultivate sustainable habits, and champion the well-being of our planet.

DATES: Monday, April 22, 2024
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Sisters Middle School, 15200 OR-242, Sisters, OR 97759
COST: $80. All reservations include a $10 non-refundable fee.

Summer - ExplOregon | Grades 1-6

We had a super summer expanding our programs to Madras and La Pine! Stay tuned for Summer 2024 announcements.

We strive to make all of our programs available to as many youth as possible, regardless of the ability to pay.

Learn about and apply for Financial Assistance.

Because we schedule staff, invest in supplies, and plan for expenses based upon the number of youth we are expecting, we must adhere to our cancellation policies.

Most of our fee-based programs require a $10-25 non-refundable fee at registration (unless specifically noted in the program description).

More about cancellation policies.

Don't wait to register! High-quality youth programs are in high demand and Camp Fire programs are kept small to ensure a great adult:youth ratio and create the best learning experience possible. That means space is limited and many sessions sell out quickly. If the program is sold out, please add yourself to the waitlist.

Read about our registration policies, including making payments, our cancellation policy, and our refund policy.

Our Promise

Young people want to shape the world.

Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.

In Camp Fire, it begins now.

Light the fire within