Belonging
Through Camp
Through Camp
Welcome to Camp Collins
Discover the ultimate summer adventure at Camp Collins, where kids can immerse themselves in the great outdoors through exciting overnight camp experiences. With a focus on exploration and friendship, our registration is now open for an unforgettable journey filled with fun activities and new friendships. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories this summer!
From outdoor play to zipping through the trees on our zip line, there is something for everyone at Camp Collins. We have programs for kids, young adults, and families, and we're even equipped to host your corporate retreats or conferences!
87% of campers say camp helped them feel like they belonged to a community.
70% of parents observed that their child gained self-confidence at camp.
Summer camp provides a unique environment for children to become independent and self-confident. 92% of campers say camp helped them feel good about themselves.
Camp at Camp Collins
Labor Day Family Camp
Bring the whole family together for a weekend of outdoor fun and bonding at our Labor Day Family Camp!
Enjoy traditional camp activities, nature hikes, campfire cookouts, and more while creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Limited cabins are available—reserve your family's spot today!
Overnight Camp
Adventure awaits at our traditional overnight camp program. Learn new skills, make new friends, spend time in the great outdoors, and discover your best self. Campers will live together in our cabin villages, enjoy meals together, and enjoy a variety of camp activities, such as archery, swimming, climbing tower, team buildings, crafts, and much more.
Available to campers entering grades 2-8. Campers are placed into villages according to their age. Our village units are Pioneers (Grade 2-4), Explorers (Grade 5-6) and Questors (Grade 7-8). These are week long overnight session running from Sunday through Friday.
2025 Session Dates:
Session 1: June 29-July 4
Session 2: July 6-July 11
Session 3: July 13-July 18
Session 4: July 20-July 25
Session 5: July 27-August 1
Session 6: August 3-August 8
Session 7: August 10- August 15
Session 8: August 17-August 22
Day Camp
Day Camp is a great way for kids to make new friends, have fun, and try new things in a natural environment under the guidance of positive adult role models. Whether you are looking for an introduction to summer camp or a summer child care option with a twist, Day Camp is a great option for intentional programs in a gorgeous setting.
Available to campers entering grades 1-6. These are week-long themed session running from 8:00am-5:00pm each day. No bus transportation is provided.
2025 Session Dates:
Session 1: June 30-July 4
Session 2: July 7-July 11
Session 3: July 14-July 18
Session 5: July 28-August 1
Session 6: August 4-August 8
Session 7: August 11-August 15
Session 8: August 18- August 22
Teen Overnight Camp
Teen Overnight camp is for our high school age campers who are looking for a traditional week of camp. They’ll learn to work successfully with a wide range of people and personalities, practice modeling positivity and take ownership of their camp experience. Enjoy time on the Aerial Park, Giant Swing, or Leap of Faith to develop confidence, support your peers, and discover your best self. Teen Camp includes a full day rafting trip where teens enhance friendships and use new skills.
Available to campers entering grades 9-12. These are week long overnight camp sessions running from Sunday through Friday.
2025 Session Dates:
Session 1: June 29-July 4
Session 2: July 6-July 11
Session 3: July 13-July 18
Session 4: July 20-July 25
Session 5: July 27-August 1
Session 6: August 3-August 8
Session 7: August 10- August 15
Session 8: August 17-August 22
Family Camps
This Memorial Day, spend the long weekend connecting with your family at YMCA Camp Collins. Rent a private cabin sleeping up to 12 and experience camp together through activities like our challenge course, arts and crafts, archery, and more.
Check-in dates coming soon!
Counselors In Training (CIT) Camp
CITs are mature campers that are interested in becoming future camp counselors. This two-week residential program will be spent working with our experienced camp staff to be leaders and future camp staff. CITs will learn the necessary aspects of camp counseling and youth development with an emphasis on understanding children, diversity, leadership skills and the YMCA Christian Principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service.
Available to campers entering grades 11-12. There is no cost for the CIT program at YMCA Camp Collins. Interested teens must apply and go through an interview process for the opportunity to be accepted as a CIT. Upon acceptance, you will have the opportunity to select your preferred session.
To be considered for the CIT program, please reach out to the camp director, Kristen Pelzer, requesting an interview. She can be reached at kpelzer@ymcacw.org or (503)663-5813.
Important Information
YMCA Camp Collins is located on the Sandy River in Oregon, just 30 miles east of downtown Portland. YMCA Camp Collins is adjacent to Oxbow Regional Park, seven miles east of Gresham. Driving directions are posted on our website at ymcacw.org. When using an online navigation search enter our address at: 3001 SE Oxbow Parkway, Gresham, OR 97080.
Visit our Google Business location
Resident campers arrive on Sunday at 11 AM and leave on Friday at 3 PM. There are half-week overnight sessions, Sunday-Tuesday or Wednesday-Friday, available for campers entering 2nd-4th grade. Day campers arrive at camp each morning and leave each afternoon, Monday through Friday.
The Open Door Program is available for all YMCA Camp Collins’ summer programs. We believe that all children should have the opportunity to attend summer camp. Applications are required along with proof of monthly income. Access the Open Door application on our web site at ymcacw.org/open-door. For more information call the camp office at 503-663-5813.
Bus transportation is NOT provided to YMCA Camp Collins. This includes the day camp program or getting to camp for overnight camp.
Day Campers must be entering 1st grade to participate. Resident Campers must be entering 2nd grade.
YMCA Camp Collins offers swimming, tubing, archery, arts & crafts, singing, a challenge course, a 65-foot climbing tower, hiking, morning chapels, evening campfires, and more! The activities that your child will participate in will depend on their age and the program they register for.
Children are ready to attend resident camp at different ages. A great resource for parents is the American Camp Association website campparents.org. One of our camp staff would be happy to speak with you about whether YMCA Camp Collins’ summer programs will be a good fit for your child. Call the camp office at (503) 663-5813 or email campcollins@ymcacw.org.
Yes! YMCA Camp Collins has Teen Camp (grades 9-12) and a Counselor in Training Program (grades 10-12) available. Teen programs focus on personal responsibility, friendship, YMCA values, self awareness, and leadership development and fun!
We offer eight one-week sessions of Resident Camp and Day Camp between June 29-August 23. In addition, we offer Family Camps over Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
During the day, one counselor supervises a group of ten campers and many activities will have an additional program staff member present. In the cabins there are ten campers and two staff.
We strive to be inclusive and provide the staff supervision to meet your child’s needs. However, our program may not be right for all campers. Please contact the camp staff to speak in depth about whether YMCA Camp Collins’ summer programs will be a good fit for your child with special needs and how we might work together to meet their needs.
YMCA Camp Collins has a Health Officer in a residence who administers medications and provides health care to our campers. All of our summer camp staff are also First Aid and CPR certified.
Yes, we encourage your family to visit our site before your child’s camp session. If you would like to visit camp you can schedule a walk around with our camp director and ask any questions before signing up for camp. We are happy to give tours during office hours on the weekdays. Please call ahead at (503) 663-5813 to make tour arrangements.
Once your child is registered for camp, your family will receive a link to our Parent/Guardian Handbook. It is also located on our Camp Resources page. The Handbook includes ideas on how to help your child be successful, what to pack, and other useful information.
Yes, for overnight camp, we ask that your child’s friend is of the same gender identification and within one year of age. Please request only one cabin mate for your child. Camp is the perfect place to meet new friends!
Many of Camp Collins’ staff members return for multiple summers, and our new staff members have experience working at outdoor school programs, other camps, or childcare sites. At the beginning of each summer, staff members attend a weeklong intensive training and orientation that helps prepare them to work with your child and his or her cabin group. Our staff members go through a comprehensive hiring process that includes a multi-state background check.
Locations offering this program
American Camp Association
Camp Collins is an American Camp Association accredited camp, one of only 26 in Oregon.
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