Grow, learn, and have fun outdoors with Tryon Forest Adventures. Registration for Fall Camp is Open!
A Day at Camp:
Observe the sights and sounds of the changing seasons in the forest. Hike tree-lined trails and cross the many bridges over Tryon Creek. Hone your nature science knowledge with hands-on activities and observation skills. Express your creativity by writing journals, storytelling, and making arts and crafts in our indoor nature classroom space. Run and play games in an open meadow, then build a fort of tree limbs and moss nearby.
Camp with Friends:
Friends of Tryon Creek is a community supported nonprofit connecting youth to nature at Tryon Creek State Natural Area in SW Portland, since 1970! We create a space that is inclusive and caring by being respectful to each other and the forest. Together we’ll make memories and friendships forged in the forest that will last a lifetime! We look forward to welcoming your family to Tryon this year!
See below for program photos, leadership, policies, and contact information.
Questions? See below for FAQs or contact Friends of Tryon Creek, Education Programs Director, Jonathan Hayden (aka Mr Crabapple) at adventures@tryonfriends.org.
LOCATION
Tryon Creek State Natural Area 11321 S Terwilliger Blvd Portland OR 97219
REGISTRATION FEES
3-Full Days (7 hours each day including 2 half-hour pick up and drop off windows)
$300 non-members or $250 current Friends of Tryon Creek Members ($50 Family Level or higher).
REGISTRATION SYSTEM NEW LOOK
Current Friends of Tryon Creek members can login and access member prices (select the log in link on the top right hand of the event webpage). To begin or renew your membership with no processing time use the EXPRESS MEMBERSHIP option, then login or create an account to select the member discount. If you have questions, or are unsure of your membership status, contact our Development Director, James Neale.
Membership donations support Friends of Tryon Creek’s mission in partnership with Oregon State Parks, to inspire every community to identify, cultivate or reclaim their relationship with nature in this cherished urban forest. Your support makes a difference for the entire community – bringing us together to care for nature and each other, now and for future generations.
All the details…
Meet the Team…
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
Tryon Forest Adventures have an instructor-to-youth ratio of 2:15 or less. Youth are placed in age-appropriate groups.
The program is led by our Education Programs Manager, Jonathan Hayden, aka Mr. Crabapple, who is the point of contact for general information, billing, scheduling, and logistics, as well as any health and safety questions.
In addition, experienced Instructors will be welcoming your child into nature! Staff are certified in the practices of health, safety, and youth engagement within a dynamic natural environment.
CONTACT
Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions below and feel free to contact us with additional questions.
Jonathan Hayden, Education Programs Manager aka Mr. Crabapple (generally available M - F 9 am to 5 pm)
Email adventures@tryonfriends.org
Cell phone (503) 707-0256
Set up for Success…
EXPECTATIONS
Programs at Tryon cultivate a community of respect and inclusivity. We want all participants to feel connected and welcome while providing a safe space for learning and growth. Behavior that is not acceptable includes, but is not limited to, physical violence or threats, emotional abuse, bullying, and/or purposefully leaving adult supervision. Participants that engage in this behavior will be asked to leave and will not receive a refund.
That said, we can accommodate many learning and social behaviors, especially if our Instructors are prepared. Please share strategies that work well for your child during the online registration process. We may follow up with you individually if we need additional support or information.
Please review our current Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct.
SAFETY
During the registration process, parents/guardians will receive and are required to sign the following forms:
Emergency Contact Information Form
Liability and Medical Consent Waiver
Medical Authorization Form
See the full Health Policy for details below.
POLICIES & GUIDELINES
Frequently asked questions…
Why is the youngest participant age 6?
Based on previous years of programming, we know the additional staff and space are needed to adequately support youth under the age of 6 at the Park. We are not able to accommodate this younger age group this summer.
What are check-in and pick-up procedures?
Fall: Registration begins at 8:30am with a 9am start time. Pick up will be between 3pm and 3:30pm. If you have issues picking your child up during this 30 minute window, please call us. Staff will stay on-site until all youth are picked up.
Summer: Registration begins at 8:45am with a 9:00am session start time; please drop your child off between 8:45-9:00am. Pick-up will also be at the Nature Center Classroom from 3:00pm until 3:15pm. If you have issues picking your child up during this 15 minute window, please call us. Staff will stay on-site until all youth are picked up.
Is there a waitlist for each session?
Yes. There is a limited waitlist for each weekly session. If space becomes available, you will be contacted. Not all waitlisted families will be notified.
Can I change sessions?
Yes, subject to availability. There is no fee to switch.
Can friends or siblings be in the same group?
Yes, we do offer the opportunity for friends and siblings to be in groups together if they are in the same age range. Please indicate the name of the friend or sibling during registration. We will do our best to accommodate these requests.
Are scholarships available?
With reduced program size and space, we are still trying to make Tryon Adventures available to everyone who is interested. We have specific programming in place now to meet all of our community needs, please reach out to adventures@tryonfriends.org with any requests or questions.
What should we bring each day?
A backpack that your child is able to carry throughout the day
Food for the whole day — including a full lunch, a hearty snack
Refillable water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothes (we recommend long pants and layers), closed-toe shoes, hat, and a raincoat.