Providing interpretive education on wetlands and wildlife, panoramic views, water quality, weather, natural resource management, trails, bird watching, recreation, exhibits, displays and an eagles nest, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is a treasure of the Hillsboro community.
Please register for all camps through Hillsboro Parks and Recreation, 503-681-5397, on-line at RecXpress. Registration begins May 3.
7-8 years old
Super Sleuths needed to solve some natural history mysteries! Each day will present a new mystery to be solved. Sleuths will put their heads together to become novice animal trackers, search for clues that animals leave behind and decode crazy bird behaviors. There will also be time to record our discoveries in a naturalist journal, create memorable arts & crafts and play games both inside and out. Please be sure that each day your child brings a snack, a bag lunch, a water bottle and dresses for the weather, including comfortable boots or shoes that can get wet and/or muddy.
#24637 6/21 – 6/25 (5 days)
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Day: Monday – Friday
Place: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center
Fee: $145 Resident
$175 Non-resident
9-10 years old
Birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and spiders—on the ground, in the air, swimming in the ponds and marshes at the Wetland! Let’s explore them all. From sweep nets for catching insects, using binoculars correctly, to making plaster casts of animal tracks, campers will learn different field techniques to help them explore the natural world in a safe and respectful way. Each day we will focus on a different group of animals. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, morning snack, lunch, and wear shoes or boots that can get wet and/or muddy.
#24636 6/28 – 7/2 (5 days)
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Day: Monday – Friday
Place: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center
Fee: $145 Resident
$175 Non-resident
4-7 years old
We have expanded this popular camp from 1-1/2 hours to two hours a day, four days a week rather than three days a week! There is just too much learning and fun to be had with our young naturalist friends. The first two hour session is for 4 & 5 year olds, and the second session is dedicated to our 6 & 7 year old friends. Topics to be discussed during session 1 (July) will be Reptiles, Incredible Insects, Making Cool Concoctions and Beautiful Birds. Session II (August) will cover Animal Builders, Becoming a Nature Detective, Dragonflies and Wild, Wonderful Water. Each topic will be explored through hands-on activities, an art project, time outside, and a story to wrap it up! Have your child dress for the weather, bring a snack and water bottle, and wear comfortable shoes that can get wet and/or muddy.
4-5 year olds: 8:30 – 10:30am
#24642 7/6 – 7/9 (4 days) Tuesday - Friday
#24643 8/23 – 8/26 (4 days) Monday – Thursday
Place: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center
Fee/Camp: $45 resident, $67 non-resident
6-7 year olds: 11:00am – 1:00pm
#24645 7/6 – 7/9 (4 days) Tuesday-Friday
#24644 8/23 – 8/26 (4 days) Monday-Thursday
Place: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center
Fee/Camp: $45 resident, $67 non-resident
8-11 year olds
Explore the Wetland in a whole new way. Each day we will do creative art projects based on what we see and find in nature. First we will walk in the wetland and then carry out a variety of nature-based art projects. Learn about nature artists, explore watercolor painting techniques, and create craft projects using a variety of found objects. Projects will include using natural cloth dyes, basket weaving, paper crafts, and clay sculpture. Please be sure that each day your child brings a bag lunch, a water bottle and dresses for the weather, including comfortable boots or shoes that can get wet and/or muddy.
#24646 July 20, 21 and 22 (3 days)
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Day: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Place: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center
Fee: $50 Resident
$75 Non-resident
13 – 14 year olds
This week long camp will focus on learning wilderness and camping skills, getting comfortable with camping equipment and building a strong team during the first few days to prepare us for an exhilarating overnight excursion at Camp Madsen! Using the Principles of Leave No Trace, campers will gain knowledge to reduce their impact and camp safely for both themselves and our natural areas. Campers will also have the opportunity to learn canoeing skills from the Tualatin River Keepers, also at the Madsen property. Please be sure that each day your child brings a snack, a bag lunch, a water bottle and dresses for the weather, including comfortable boots or shoes that can get wet and/or muddy. Most supplies for the overnight camping trip will be provided, however campers will need to supply their own sleeping bag. A list of any additional supplies for the overnight will be distributed at the start of the week.
#24638 7/26 – 7/30 (5 days)
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Day: Monday – Friday
Place: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center
Fee: $155 Resident
$185 Non-resident
7-8 years old
This is a wonderful opportunity for kids to explore the natural world, learn about everything from insects to plants, build a fort, do lots of hands-on activities and have a great time outside. We’ll have a different focus each day while learning more about wetlands and all the amazing creatures that live in these muddy, squishy places. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, morning snack, lunch, and wear shoes or boots that can get wet and/or muddy.
#24639 8/2 – 8/6 (5 days)
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Day: Monday – Friday
Place: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center
Fee: $145 Resident
$175 Non-resident
9-10 years old
This week long camp is all about exploring the wetlands and (safely) venturing outside your comfort zone by challenging yourself both mentally and physically. Campers will participate in a variety of group and individual games, activities and projects that will teach us about basic outdoor skills with the inclusion of Leave No Trace, Naturalist skills such as track and skull identification and more! We will also be sure to take time to enjoy the Wetlands and a little indoor time through art projects and scientific experimentation! Please be sure that each day your child brings a snack, a bag lunch, a water bottle and dresses for the weather, including comfortable boots or shoes that can get wet and/or muddy.
#24640 8/9 – 8/13 (5 days)
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Day: Monday – Friday
Place: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center
Fee: $145 Resident
$175 Non-resident
11 and 12 year olds
This week long camp will focus on learning wilderness and camping skills, getting comfortable with camping equipment and building a strong team during the first few days to prepare us for an exhilarating overnight excursion at Camp Madsen! Using the Principles of Leave No Trace, campers will gain knowledge to reduce their impact and camp more safely for both themselves and our natural areas. Campers will also have the opportunity to learn canoeing skills from the Tualatin River Keepers, also at the Madsen property. Please be sure that each day your child brings a snack, a bag lunch, a water bottle and dresses for the weather, including comfortable boots or shoes that can get wet and/or muddy. Most supplies for the overnight camping trip will be provided, however campers will need to supply their own sleeping bag. A list of any additional supplies for the overnight will be distributed at the start of the week.
#24641 8/16 – 8/20 (5 days)
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Day: Monday – Friday
Place: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center
Fee: $155 Resident
$185 Non-resident
2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy. Hillsboro, OR 97123|fax: 503-681-6277|phone: 503-681-6206