Belonging
Through Camp
Through Camp
At YMCA Camp Collins, overnight camp is more than a week away from home.
For generations, YMCA Camp Collins has helped campers build lasting friendships, strengthen character, and connect with the outdoors through meaningful overnight camp experiences.
Surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, our overnight summer camp programs create space for campers to unplug from daily routines, live alongside peers in cabin villages, and grow through positive relationships and outdoor exploration.
From cabin life and campfires to swimming, climbing, team building, crafts, and outdoor adventure, Camp Collins overnight camps give kids and teens the chance to try new activities, build confidence, and step outside their comfort zones.
Whether a camper is attending overnight camp for the first time or returning for another summer at Camp Collins, each camper is encouraged to discover new strengths, practice independence, and experience the confidence that comes from trying something new.
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.
Overnight at Camp Collins
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 building, crafts, and much more.
Available to campers entering grades 2-9. Campers are placed into villages according to their age. These are weeklong overnight sessions running from Sunday through Friday.
Overnight Camp Pricing
- Tier 1 is reduced tuition. For traditional overnight camp, tuition would be $900.
- Tier 2 is standard tuition. For traditional overnight camp tuition would be $1100.
- Tier 3 is tuition plus donation. For traditional overnight camp tuition would be $1250.
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.
For campers entering grades 9–12. To be eligible, campers must be under age 18 through the last day of the camp session they attend.
Overnight Teen Camp
- Tier 1 - $1,020
- Tier 2 - $1,220
- Teir 3 - $1,370
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.
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Resident campers arrive on Sunday at 11 AM and leave on Friday at 3 PM. 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, 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 21. In addition, we offer Family Camps over Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
During the day, one counselor supervises a group of twelve campers, and many activities will have an additional program staff member present. In the cabins, there are twelve 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. 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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