Exploring
New Horizons
New Horizons
Camp Collins is magical! From riding high on horseback to zipping through the trees on our zip line, there is something for everyone. We have programs for kids, young adults, and families, and we're even equipped to host your corporate retreats or conferences!
Registration for Summer 2024 will open in January 2024! Be sure to check back on this page for more updates!
Camps @Camp Collins
Horse Camp
We are pleased to offer a horse specialty camp. From beginner to experienced rider, campers will be immersed in spending time with the horses, and the other specialty campers, for the week. Gain knowledge and skills in riding, equipment, horse care, and more.
Available to campers entering grades 7-8. These are week long overnight camp session running from Sunday through Friday.
Session Dates:
- Session 1 | June 30-July 5
- Session 3 | July 14-19
- Session 5 | July 28-August 2
- Session 7 | August 11-16
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.
Session Dates:
- Session 1 | June 30-July 5
- Session 2 | July 7-12
- Session 3 | July 14-19
- Session 4 | July 21-26
- Session 5 | July 28-August 2
- Session 6 | August 4-9
- Session 7 | August 11-16
- Session 8 | August 18-23
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 horseback rides, 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.
Session Dates:
- Session 1 | June 30-July 5
- Session 2 | July 7-12
- Session 3 | July 14-19
- Session 4 | July 21-26
- Session 5 | July 28-August 2
- Session 6 | August 4-9
- Session 7 | August 11-16
- Session 8 | August 18-23
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.
Session Dates:
- Session 1 | June 30-July 5
- Session 2 | July 7-12
- Session 3 | July 14-19
- Session 4 | July 21-26
- Session 5 | July 28-August 2
- Session 6 | August 4-9
- Session 7 | August 11-16
- Session 8 | August 18-23
Leaders In Training (LIT) Camp
Leaders-In-Training is for our high school age campers who are looking for something more to their time at camp. This program is for high school campers interested in personal growth and learning about leadership. Participants will receive an introduction to leadership, teamwork and working with children by participating in an engaging, fun program. Activities include a rafting trip.
Available to campers entering grades 9-12. These are two-week long overnight sessions.
Session Dates:
- Session 1/2 | June 30—July 12
- Session 3/4 | July 14–26
- Session 5/6 | July 28–August 9
- Session 7/8 | August 11–23
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.
Session Dates:
- Session 1/2 | June 30—July 12
- Session 3/4 | July 14–26
- Session 5/6 | July 28–August 9
- Session 7/8 | August 11–23
Mini Camp
Our younger campers may benefit from a shorter session of camp to see what overnight camp is all about. Campers will sample the camp programs, connect within a smaller camp community, and increase their own independence. Mini Camps are great for those campers who may not be ready for a full week away from home.
Available to campers entering grades 2-4. These are 2-night and 3-day overnight mini sessions, Sunday to Tuesday or Wednesday to Friday.
Session Dates:
- Session 2A | July 7-9
- Session 2B | July 10-12
- Session 4A | July 21-23
- Session 4B | July 24-26
- Session 6A | August 4-6
- Session 6B | August 7-9
- Session 8A | August 18-20
- Session 8B | August 21-23
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 horseback riding. Join us May 25-27, 2024 for a memorable family bonding experience.
Registration opens in January 2024!
Check-In: Saturday, May 25 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Check-Out: Monday, May 27
Important Information
To Complete Before Camp Arrival
Please complete this online form at least 2 weeks before your camp session.
Bring with you to Check-in
Please complete these necessary forms and bring them with you to camp check-in.
Teen Camp Rafting Waiver (Only for campers registered for Teen Camp: 9-12 Grade)
Information to Prepare for Camp
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Labor Day Family Camp Packing List
Stay Connected
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1. Where is Camp Collins?
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.
2. How long does my child stay at camp?
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.
3. Is financial assistance available?
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.
4. Do YMCA members get a discount?
Yes, if you are a member of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette or one of the branches, you can register for camp at the member rate. For more information call the camp office at 503-663-5813.
5. Is there bus service to camp?
Bus transportation is NOT provided to YMCA Camp Collins. This includes the day camp program or getting to camp for overnight camp.
6. How old does my child need to be to attend camp?
Day Campers must be entering 1st grade to participate. Resident Campers must be entering 2nd grade.
7. How do I know if my child is ready to stay overnight?
Children are ready to attend resident camp at different ages. A great resource for parents is the American Camp Association website www.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.
8. What will my child do at Camp Collins?
YMCA Camp Collins offers horseback riding, 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.
9. Can my teenager attend summer camp?
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!
10. When does summer camp begin and end?
We offer eight one-week sessions of Resident Camp and Day Camp between June 30th and August 23rd. In addition, we offer Family Camps over Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
11. What is the ratio of staff to campers?
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.
12. Is Camp Collins prepared to give attention to my child who has special needs?
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.
13. What if my child is taking prescription medicine?
YMCA Camp Collins has a Health Officer in a residence that administers medications and provides health care to our campers. All of our summer camp staff are also First Aid and CPR certified.
14. May I tour the site before sending my child to summer camp?
Yes, we strongly encourage your family to visit our site before your child’s camp session. We host 2 Spring Open Houses, one in April and another in May, so that families can meet camp staff, take a tour, 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.
15. What does my child need to bring to camp?
Once your child is registered for camp, your family will receive a link to our Parent/Guardian Handbook. It includes ideas of how to help them be successful, what to pack, and other useful information. The Handbook is available at the website www.ymcacw.org.
16. Can my child and their best friend be put in the same cabin?
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!
17. What kind of experience does the summer staff have working with children?
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.
