Are your older kids ready to take on more responsibility for themselves while they stretch their desire for a little more freedom? Are they ready to learn survival skills and heighten their sense of awareness? Do you want them to get off of their screens and have some real-world adventures? Then it’s time to register for the Wilderness Explorers Club.
Youth will engage in one club meeting and one full day adventure each month from February to June. The club meeting will be held via Zoom, at least initially; as the weather warms we will consider holding these meetings outside. During these meetings OEA staff will introduce awareness and wilderness survival skills for kids to practice at home. The full day adventures will take place in natural areas around the county and will provide participants opportunities to explore and practice the skills shared during the club meeting. Participation in the club meeting is mandatory for participation in the full day adventures. Locations will be determined based on interest and accessibility.
Ages: 11-13 years | Club Meetings: The second Thursday of each month Feb 11 – May 13 | Full day adventures: The first Saturday of every month March 6 – June 5
The Outdoor Science Explorers Program is a great way for kids to spend some time outside after school, exploring, playing and learning in nature. Kids will engage in activities and games that strengthen their observational skills, build self reliance and social skills, and increase their knowledge of local plants, animals, and ecosystems.
Ages: 5-10
Sessions are available at Miller Woods in McMinnville and at Wennerberg Park in Carlton. Click on the links below to register:
Monday and Wednesday in McMinnville (session 2 starts May 3rd) | Friday in Carlton
Spring Break Adventure Camp is two days of exploring the early spring forest and fields. Yep, it’s generally wet and muddy, but kids have a
great time searching for and learning about all of the animals that are returning to the area as well as the plants that are just waking up after a cold winter. We will spend a little time learning about, searching for and collecting some of the edible plants that grow around Miller Woods. As always we will spend time playing games, exploring, and making discoveries.
Ages: 5-10 years | Dates: March 22 & 23
This event is full. Sign Up for the Wait List>
Spring showers bring … mushrooms, mosses, slugs, and salamanders! Yep, it’s generally wet and muddy, but kids have a great time searching for and learning about all of the animals that are returning to the area as well as the plants that are just waking up after a cold winter. Some flowers will be in bloom, and the spring sun-showers will awaken our senses. As always we will spend time playing games, exploring, and making discoveries.
Ages: 5-10 years
May 14 is a no school day for the Yamhill-Carlton School District | April 16 & 23 is a no school day for McMinnville School District |
All families are welcome to participate regardless of where they go to school.
This program is perfect for the young teen who loves the camp experience and wants to share that love with younger kids. Jr Naturalists will participate in a camp-like training day where they will learn about local ecology, play and lead camp games, and build leadership skills. Their training and mentoring will continue as they help OEA staff run a week of summer camp for kids ages 5-10.
Participants need to submit an application and be available for the training day.
Ages: 12-15
Each day of summer camp is structured to encourage curiosity, creative thinking, and exploration and is filled with a mix of free exploration and guided activities.
Each week of camp has a different theme. While we will plan activities centered around the theme there will still be plenty of time playing games and exploring.
NEW for 2021: Expanded participant ages! Most of our summer camps have been split into three cohorts:
Ages 4-12
Click on the camp you’re interested in to learn more and register:
June 28-July 2 Wild Builders Summer Camp Day Adventure
July 19-23 Slip, Slither, & Slide Summer Camp Day Adventure
Aug 9-13 Water Works! Summer Camp Day Adventure
Aug 16-20 Creek Critters! Summer Camp Day Adventure
Aug 30 – Sep 3 Art in Nature Summer Camp Day Adventure
If you see a program you’d like to register for and it is full please register for the waitlist. Adding your name to the waitlist helps us plan for future staffing. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Are you looking for an outdoor experience customized to meet the needs of your group? Whether it is an adult group of friends looking to learn a little more about the natural world or a group of kids of any age who want a little guided outdoor time we have naturalist educators ready to create a nature enrichment opportunity for you.
Group sizes are currently capped at ten participants and masks are required.
Contact us to design your nature experience!
