Register for the following camps through Hillsboro Parks & Recreation at 503-681-5397 or on-line at RecXpress. Registration begins April 23.
Super Nature Sleuths, 7-8 years old
Date: 6/25 - 6/29 (5 days), Monday - Friday
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Place: Camp Madsen
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 animal trackers as we search for clues that animals leave behind and decode crazy bird behaviors. We’ll build forts and explore the pond and the woods as we learn about the amazing critters that live in different habitats. There e 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.
Course #: 33845
Fee: $150 Resident, $180 Non-resident
Habitat Adventures, 9-10 years old
Date: 7/9 - 7/13 (5 days), Monday - Friday
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Place: Camp Madsen
Pond, woods, meadow, riparian and edge zones! We’ll learn about all the different habitats where animals live and the special behaviors and adaptations animals have to live successfully in such different areas. Birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and spiders—on the ground, in the air, swimming in the ponds and marshes! 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.
Course #: 33846
Fee: $150 Resident, $180 Non-resident
Outdoor Skills, 11 - 12 years old
Date: 7/16 - 7/20 (5 days), Monday - Friday
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Place: Camp Madsen
This week long camp will focus on learning outdoor and camping skills, including building a shelter, pitching a tent, and cooking over a fire! Thursday night we will camp overnight 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 canoe and kayak skills on the pond at Camp Madsen. 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.
Course #: 33847
Fee: $155 Resident, $185 Non-resident
Outdoor Adventures, 7-8 years old
Date: 7/23 - 7/27 (5 days), Monday - Friday
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Place: Camp Madsen
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 different habitats and all the amazing creatures that live in ponds, meadows and forests. Art projects, games and lots of time outside are all on the agenda! Have your child dress for the weather, bring a snack and water bottle, and wear comfortable shoes that can get wet and/or muddy.
Course #: 33848
Fee: $150 Resident, $180 Non-resident
Bobcats Cubs Club, 4-6 years old
Date: 7/30 – 8/3 (5 days), Monday - Friday
Time: 9:00 – 11:00am
Place: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve Education Center
Here’s a wonderful opportunity for our youngest nature-lovers to come and explore Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. Each day will have a different focus, so we will be learning about reptiles, insects, birds, pond life, and plants. 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.
Course #: 33850
Fee: $60 Resident, $80 Non-resident
Outdoor Survivors, 11-12 years old
Date: 8/13 - 8/17 (5 days)
Time: 9am - 4:00pm
Place: Camp Madsen
This week long camp is all about exploring the out-of-doors 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. Campers will learn basic canoe and kayak skills on the pond at Camp Madsen and will camp out in tents on Thursday evening. Thursday they will also be able to participate (if they so choose) in the first-ever Nature Triathlon! 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 adventure 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.
Course #: 33849
Fee: $155 Resident, $185 Non-resident