Wild Coast Summer Camp serves children in Grades K-8 in our main camp program.

We also offer a Pre-K half-day camp for ages 3–5*

*Children must be at least 3-years-old and fully potty-trained by start of camp to participate.

Wild Coast Camp is a nature-based, mixed-age outdoor camp rooted in curiosity, confidence, and real-world skills.

Instead of rushing between activities, kids spend their days:

• exploring forests, beaches, and trails
• building forts and shelters
• learning outdoor skills
• cooking and creating together
• developing friendships across ages

Mixed-age groups allow kids to practice leadership, collaboration, and empathy in natural ways, just like they would in real communities.

Each day at Wild Coast Camp blends exploration, skill-building, and play.

Campers move through a rhythm of:

• free exploration and imaginative play
• guided outdoor skills and nature activities
• group games and creative projects
• snack and lunch together
• quiet moments for rest, reflection, or observation

Each day at Wild Coast Camp centers around a Daily Anchor: a core outdoor skill that guides the day’s activities and exploration.

Mondays
Orienteering + Wayfinding: Learning to navigate using landmarks, simple maps, and awareness of the environment.

Tuesdays
Shelter + Tent Building: Working together to build tents or nature shelters using natural materials and basic knots.

Wednesdays
Fire Building + Safety: Safely learning how fires are built, maintained, and respected.

Thursdays
Edible Plants + Preparation: Preparing simple snacks together and learning about edible plants and outdoor cooking tools.

Fridays
Adventure Safety + Teamwork: Practicing basic safety skills and learning how to help others in challenging situations.

In addition to practical outdoor skills, Wild Coast Camp uses the power of nature to support personal growth.

Guiding Themes:

Living Systems & Stewardship: Learning to notice, respect, and care for the natural world.

Creative & Social Expression: Using imagination, play, and collaboration to express ideas.

Mindfulness & Awareness: Practicing attention to our bodies, emotions, and surroundings.

Social Responsibility: Learning how our actions affect others and the group.

Yes, but in a hands-on, experiential way.

Campers practice real-world skills like:

• teamwork
• problem solving
• creativity
• leadership
• observation and curiosity

These skills develop naturally through play, exploration, and shared challenges.

Yes! And that’s the magic of it.

Kids quickly adapt to outdoor rhythms and thrive with fresh air, movement, and space to play.

Campers spend most of the day outside in nature, rain or shine (and should arrive prepared for the weather).

We choose locations that provide shade, safe exploration areas, and access to restrooms.

We monitor weather closely and adjust activities when needed.

The Oregon Coast can be unpredictable, but with proper clothing, kids stay comfortable and continue exploring.

In cases of extreme weather, we shift plans to ensure safety.

We will send a detailed packing list before camp begins.

Basics include:

• refillable water bottle
• packed lunch and snacks
• sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• weather-appropriate clothing
• sturdy closed-toe shoes

Wild Coast Camp takes place outdoors, so campers should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty.

Please send your child in:
• sturdy closed-toe shoes
• layers for changing weather
• clothing suitable for running, climbing, and exploring

Flip-flops and sandals are not recommended.

We maintain small group sizes to ensure safety, connection, and individualized attention.

Groups are typically 10–12 campers with two counselors.

That’s completely okay.

Many campers join Wild Coast Camp without prior outdoor experience!

Our counselors guide kids through activities at a comfortable pace, helping them build confidence step by step.

The goal isn’t expertise… it’s curiosity, resilience, and joy in nature.

First-day nerves are very common.

Our counselors are experienced at helping kids settle in gently, make friends, and find their rhythm.

Most campers feel comfortable within the first day once they begin exploring and playing!

Yes! Mixed-age groups make Wild Coast Camp the perfect environment for siblings and friends to share experiences together.

Registration can be completed online through our enrollment page.

Spots are limited in order to maintain small groups, so early registration is recommended.

All required camp forms can be found on our Forms & Policies page.

From there you can:
• download the required documents
• upload completed forms directly through the website

If you prefer, you may also email completed forms to:
wildcoast@neskowinvalleyschool.com

We recommend submitting forms as early as possible so your camper is fully registered before their first day of camp.

Please plan to drop off and pick up your child at the scheduled camp times. Staff are only available to supervise campers during official camp hours, and we cannot check children in early or late.

Families who need additional time may register for paid early care or extended care add-ons, depending on availability.

A late pick-up fee of $1 per minute will be charged after a five-minute grace period.

Example:
If pick-up time is 3:00 PM and you arrive at 3:05 PM, you will not be charged.
If you arrive at 3:15 PM, you will be charged $10.

We appreciate your help in keeping pick-up running smoothly for campers and staff!

Yes. Extended care is available for our regular camp program (not Pre-K camp).

Early Drop-Off: 8:00–8:30 AM | $15
Extended Pick-Up: 3:00–3:30 PM | $15
Both Early Drop-Off + Extended Pick-Up | $20

Extended care must be selected during registration or arranged in advance, as space may be limited.

Campers should bring their own lunch and 2-3 snacks each day.

On some days, campers may prepare simple outdoor snacks together as part of the camp program.

Please let us know about any food allergies when registering.

Yes! Staff receive training in camper safety, outdoor supervision, and emergency response.

Staff will provide basic care and notify parents if needed.

For more serious concerns, families will be contacted immediately.

Emergency contacts listed on your registration forms will be used if parents cannot be reached.

Please include all relevant medical information and allergies on your registration forms.

If your child needs to take medication during the camp day, please complete the Camp Medication Administration Form.

All medications must be clearly labeled and given to staff at drop-off.

Our staff review this information before camp begins so we can support campers safely.

Campers are always welcome to take a break, sit with a staff member, or have quiet time when needed.

Helping kids recognize and communicate their needs is an important part of our program.

Please notify us as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for missed days.

Camp credit or schedule changes may be available if we are notified at least 72 hours in advance.

For safety and supervision reasons, camp days are not open for drop-in visits.

However, we’re always happy to connect with families before or after camp hours.

Please apply sunscreen to your child before arriving at camp.

Campers should bring their own labeled sunscreen, and staff can assist younger campers with reapplication as needed.

Wild Coast Camp does not include formal swimming activities.

Campers may explore natural environments near water, but all activities are closely supervised and safety-focused.

Campers will have access to indoor restroom facilities during the camp day.

Staff ensure campers know where bathrooms are and encourage regular bathroom breaks.

We ask that campers leave phones, smart watches, and other electronics at home. Wild Coast Camp is designed to help kids unplug and fully engage with the outdoors and each other.

We recommend leaving toys and special items at home.

Camp provides plenty of materials for play, creativity, and exploration.

Important updates and reminders will be sent to the email address provided during registration.