Central Oregon’s
Only Free-Play Youth Outdoor Adventure Program
Since 2008.
R.A.D. Camps Adventure Programs
R.A.D. Camps offers free-play outdoor adventure programs for kids aged 4-17. Our programs take participants to over 50 unique locations in the forests and mountains of Central Oregon while educating them about nature.
The adventures emphasize enjoyment, unstructured play, camaraderie, and cultivating an appreciation for the natural world.
Our programs aim to foster creativity, social interaction, and physical activity for campers of all ages, providing children with a reprieve from their tightly scheduled routines.
R.A.D. Camps
Summer Adventures for Ages 7-17
R.A.D. Sprouts
Hybrid Indoor/Outdoor Summer Adventures for Ages 4-6
R.A.D. Overnights
Weekend Overnight Trips for Ages 9-15
Adventure Meets Exploration!
G.I.T. Program
R.A.D. Guide In Training Program
for Ages 14-17
We’re thrilled to announce that Thump Coffee is now providing a free coffee bar throughout the season!
Parents are welcome to help themselves
Testimonials
“Rad Camps was the highlight of our summer. Each day we attended, our son got more and more comfortable with the outdoors and trying new things. Snakes, fishing, crawdads, swimming, and hiking, to name a few. On the first day at drop off, the counselors greeted our son, he was pretty reserved, and quiet. They said “it’s gonna be great, we will grab you a snake”. He bravely left for the lake. At pick up he said he had the best day ever and had held a snake. This was the best summer experience we could give our child.”
We love your Feeback! You can always let us know your thoughts by emailing us at info@radcamps.com. Or leaving us a review on Google!
Behind Our Free Play Philosophy
In the words of author Richard Louv (2008), in his book Last Child in the Woods, “…adult concern for, and behavior related to, the environment derives directly from participating in such ‘wild nature activities’ as playing independently in the woods, hiking, fishing...before the age of eleven.” Louv cites numerous studies and anecdotal observations showing how important “free play” and “natural play time” are for children, while highlighting the benefits obtained from these activities.
R.A.D. Camps began in 2008 and is based out of beautiful Bend, Oregon. All adventures are in the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests, with occasional state park adventures. R.A.D. Guides have several years of experience working with youth and are passionate about teaching them how to explore the great outdoors while being "impact free."
R.A.D. Camps provides an opportunity for kids to enjoy learning about the environment - “No Child Left Inside!” We enjoy utilizing this slogan to help promote the No Child Left Inside Act passed by congress in 2009. This act was passed to help get more kids outside and reconnected with nature.
