What is this camp all about? Why are we unique? The Columbia Gorge Photography Camp is a new idea in camps for teens. Other teen photo camps are mostly held on university campuses. Most campers go home at night. The emphasis is on classroom lectures and lab work. Our camp puts the campers out in the mountains, alongside of raging rivers, beneath majestic snowcapped peaks and next to mighty waterfalls. We are a real camp.Campers won’t spend all of their time taking pictures…. There will be fun evening programs, a chance to ride a raft through rapids and shoot your friends shooting the rapid, museum visits, sports and games, etc. But, the objective of the camp will be to help the camper develop into an excellent outdoor photographer.
Want to know more? Click on the questions below to get your answers.
Where are we located?
We are based at one of the most scenic parts of the United States….The Columbia Gorge. The Gorge is only about an hour and a half east of the Portland International Airport. We are about half way between two beautiful, year-round snow-capped peaks…Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. It doesn’t get any more photogenic than the Gorge.
What will the weather be like?
Most days in July and August bring sunshine and warm days to the Gorge. We experience less rain here than what is normal for Portland and Seattle, which are closer to the coast. Rain is always a possibility…. After all, the Evergreen State wouldn’t be “evergreen” if it never rained. Average July high is 82 degrees; low is 55.
Average rainfall for July is .28 inch…less than one-third inch.
Where do campers sleep?
Four or five campers share a 10 X 16 three room tent set-up on the school’s athletic fields. Staff are in separate tents nearby. Comfortable mattresses lend themselves to a good night’s sleep.
What about showers?
The school’s shower rooms are very modern and available when campers return from their daily outings or in the morning before breakfast.
What is the Camp food like? Are there vegetarian alternatives?
We will have a heavy emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. Salad bar every night. Each night at dinner, if meat is served, there will be a vegetarian alternative. Hearty breakfasts each morning will prepare us for an active day in the field. Campers will prepare their own lunches from a wide variety of lunch items put-out by the cook. Please advise us of any food allergies or any special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or Kosher, so we can plan accordingly.
What about health and safety?
Most of our staff are first aid qualified and carry a first aid kit on all outings. In the event of an accident or major illness, the modern hospital in Hood River is a short drive away. Campers must provide proof of insurance from a family policy.
What is your cancellation policy?
An applicant who cancels more than 14 days before the start of the session forfeit’s the $500 deposit, but is refunded anything additional that has been paid. After that, there is no refund for any reason. We strongly encourage you to purchase tuition insurance, which will reimburse for cancellation under certain circumstances (illness, accident, family emergency, etc.) Should the camp be cancelled for any reason, a large percentage of what you paid will be refunded, depending on the exact policy.
How will campers communicate with friends and family?
All phones and other electronic devices will be securely locked up in camper’s individual lockers during the day-time program. They may be used for the hour or so before and after dinner and then again for a half hour or so before lights out and bedtime. Many camps do not allow campers to call home, but we are so certain that our campers will want to let their family and friends know what a great time they are having, that we allow phone calls when it won’t interfere with our camp program.
Who should not attend the Columbia Gorge Teen Camps?
Our camps are for motivated teens who want to pursue their best in one of four offerings. These camps are not intended to be therapy. Anyone with special needs should look elsewhere. We will also not accept any teen who has a problem with authority, uses any form of tobacco, drugs or alcohol, or is subject to rude or disruptive behavior. There are many camps for teens with special needs or behavioral problems, but that’s not us.