Oregon Zoo Coastal Explorer camp – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s included in the cost of camp?
This camp includes all food, lodging, transportation, and fees for special activities including a kayak trip and a boat trip on Yaquina Bay.
2. How will the campers be transported?
The Oregon Zoo maintains and operates a motor pool of vehicles including multi-passenger vans. Two multi-passenger vans will be driven by our trained instructors and will be used to transport campers and gear to the various locations included in the trip.
3. What kind of equipment should campers bring? A complete equipment list will be provided at the parent/guardian and camper pre-trip meeting on Thursday, June 28, from 6–8 p.m. at the zoo. In general, campers should bring what’s necessary for a camping trip to coastal Oregon in summer, which means a good warm sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, and a gear bag for clothing and accessories.
The coastal summer weather varies, particularly out on the water. We’ll also be paddling in kayaks and exploring Yaquina Bay on a cruise boat. Air temperatures are cooler on the water than they are on land and wind and fog are common on the coast during the summer. Dressing in layers is the best approach to be comfortable in changing conditions.
4. What food options will be available?
Meals will be provided and will include vegetarian and gluten-free options. Campers will be involved with preparing the meals. Some snacks will be provided, but campers are also allowed to bring snacks or special food to accommodate their own dietary needs. Cooking will be done using traditional group camp stoves and refrigeration will be limited to coolers.
5. Where will the campers be staying? The camp will be staying two nights at Beverly Beach State Park north of Newport, Oregon. Here is a link to more information about Beverly Beach State Park. https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=164
Tents will be provided for boys and girls at two adjacent campsites and staff will be in separate tents at each site. Bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are located near the camp sites.
6. What kinds of activities will campers enjoy and what are the physical expectations?
This camp includes a kayak paddling trip for entry-level paddlers. No previous experience is required. Hikes will be fairly short (less than two miles) and along coastal terrain that may be uneven and occasionally steep. An intertidal visit to the ocean shore will involve navigating uneven, rocky and slippery terrain. Campers will be supported and encouraged to explore the areas, and they’ll be supervised by the camp staff, but their comfort and with safety are the top priorities.
7. What company will provide equipment and guide services for the paddle trip?
Kayak Tillamook is a professional guide service that provides nonmotorized watercraft experiences along the north and central Oregon coast. The paddle trip will explore the shores and waters of the Salmon River Estuary, one of Oregon’s best studied restored salt marshes and home to many interesting types of wildlife including river otters, raccoons, harbor seals, mink, raptors and sea birds.
For further information about this guide service: http://kayaktillamook.com/content/pages/home
8. What company will provide the boat trip?
Marine Discovery Tours operates the 65-foot Discovery, a cruise boat designed specifically to provide educational experiences on the waters of Yaquina Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Our tour will focus on the estuary and ocean and will involve hands-on activities studying the life and food webs that thrive in the rich coastal waters.
For further information about this guide service: http://marinediscoverytours.com/
9. What kind of clothing and footwear would be best?
Dressing in layers will be discussed during the parent/guardian and camper orientation. The ideal clothing includes a wind- and rain-proof shell, warm hat, thermal layers, and appropriate footwear. No special footwear or clothing is required, but sandals, water socks, and/or a second pair of sneakers are useful when exploring wet and muddy shores.
10. Can campers contact their families during the camp?
Cell phones will be permitted, but staffers reserve the right to limit cell phone use to particular times except in the case of an emergency. Land line phones will be available at the campground and a camp cell phone will be available for emergency use.
11. Can parents/guardians pick up campers at the campground on the last day of camp?
Yes, if it’s been authorized in advance. Otherwise, all campers will leave from and return to the Oregon Zoo Education Center. We encourage families to learn more about Oregon’s lovely coast and if an extended trip is part of your plan, we’ll provide details on when the camper needs to be picked up before departing from Newport.
12. What if I need to contact/pick up my camper early?
We’ll provide contact numbers for camp staff and we can make arrangements to have a camper picked up early, if absolutely necessary. We’d like all campers to take part in the complete experience, but we do understand that emergencies and family matters may require early departure.
13. What is the staff-to-student ratio and have staffers undergone background checks?
One male and one female staff member will lead this camp of 14 campers, providing a 1:7 ratio. Oregon Zoo camp staff is required to successfully complete an extensive criminal background check through the State of Oregon Department of Education. Staff is also trained in working with youth and the two primary instructors for this camp have substantial experience working with teens.
14. Are there any opportunities for adults to attend/chaperone/volunteer?
We’re not able to provide an opportunity for adult volunteers and chaperones this time and we don’t allow adult attendees due to the nature and design of this camp. We may offer family camp opportunities in the future.
15. Will the zoo offer other camps for teens in the future?
We certainly hope so. This is the first teen camp we’ve offered through our Camps and Classes program. We’ll consider the response to this camp and, if successful, we’ll seek input as we consider other possible camps for the future.