Camp Yamhill Christian Outdoor School is one of the most-remembered highlights of all of the years that students spend at SMCA. It leaves an incredible positive impression that lasts for a lifetime.
Click here to see photos from a past year's trip and here to see pictures of our trip to the camp in October.
When: Tuesday May 5th-Friday May 8th, 2026
We'll meet at school at our normal time on Tuesday, May 5, and then shortly after that we'll load up into vehicles and head to Camp Yamhill, which is about 90 minutes away. We'll be there until 1:30 pm on Friday, and then we'll load up to head back to Eastridge, where we’ll arrive at about 3:30 pm.
Please let me know if you can help us with transporting students there AND back.
Where: Camp Yamhill (click the link for the camp's website) - 19651 NW Old Railroad Grade Rd, Yamhill, OR 97148
What: Outdoor School is an AMAZING four days full of bonding, adventure, learning, and laughter. Each day includes: a few hands-on activities related to concepts of creation and science; a few outdoor activities like a ropes course, canoeing, and hiking; group time with our class; meals together in the lodge; flag-raising ceremonies and campfires. We'll be there with 6th grade classes from two or three other Christian schools in the Pacific Northwest.
Where: Camp Yamhill (click the link for the camp's website) - 19651 NW Old Railroad Grade Rd, Yamhill, OR 97148
What: Outdoor School is an AMAZING four days full of bonding, adventure, learning, and laughter. Each day includes: a few hands-on activities related to concepts of creation and science; a few outdoor activities like a ropes course, canoeing, and hiking; group time with our class; meals together in the lodge; flag-raising ceremonies and campfires. We'll be there with 6th grade classes from two or three other Christian schools in the Pacific Northwest.
The boys sleep in a large cabin with six separate sleeping rooms in one area of the camp, and the girls have their own similar cabin in a completely separate area of the property. We always ensure that there are at least two men and two women helping to lead, protect and support our students.
Cost: $237 per student (a fraction of the price of any overnight camp, and this includes EVERYTHING the kids will need) - submit to the school office or deliver to me and I will make sure it gets to Mrs. Lina. SMCA will pay for chaperones.
Emergency contact info:
The camp is outside of cell service, so if you need to reach me, send an email. Cost: $237 per student (a fraction of the price of any overnight camp, and this includes EVERYTHING the kids will need) - submit to the school office or deliver to me and I will make sure it gets to Mrs. Lina. SMCA will pay for chaperones.
Emergency contact info:
If it's an EMERGENCY during office hours, call the camp office at (503) 662-3710.
Outside of office hours, try contacting Carol Davis, Program Director at (360) 887-8265 or thunderbird.ods@gmail.com.
I will try to find a time to check my messages once per day, but we are on the move for the whole time at outdoor school.
Outside of office hours, try contacting Carol Davis, Program Director at (360) 887-8265 or thunderbird.ods@gmail.com.
I will try to find a time to check my messages once per day, but we are on the move for the whole time at outdoor school.
Answers to questions:
Is there a parent letter?
Yes! Click here to read it.
Who supervises and stays with students?
Mr. Chandler and a number of school staff, parents, high school students, and other volunteers.
We always have at least two adults of each gender in the cabins, sleeping in a separate bunk room within easy earshot of students.
WE WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN US!
What if I have medications or special concerns like food allergies?
LET ME KNOW so I can make sure we make all of the necessary preparations.
What should I bring?
Click here for a list and the outdoor school dress code!
Please read the list and pack carefully. We often have great weather for most of the week. It's best to pack, however, for the possibility of some rain. Activities will be held indoors, if possible, during heavy downpours, but select activities can only be done outside.
As you pack: Imagine that it rains hard while we’re outside and kids get soaked in their hoodies and warm coats - what will they wear while it’s still cold and maybe continuing to rain and their previous outfit is drying out? Every night if it’s not raining we’ll be sitting at the campfire - in the forest beside a river after dark - but not close enough to be warmed by the flame. After an hour, kids will be very glad to have brought warm clothes, hats, mittens, and maybe even a blanket.
Because it may be rainy and we will be in the forest, it’s better not to send white or light colored clothes, especially not brand new ones. (Sometimes parents just throw certain items of dirty laundry and shoes straight into the garbage after outdoor school.)
For footwear, I recommend boots if you have them plus at least two pairs of gym-type sneakers (in case one gets soggy from walking through wet grass).
Make sure to bring water shoes, strapped sandals or boots for the activity where we'll be wading into the creek! Flip-flops, slides and Crocs will not work, and the camp staff may require students to borrow a pair of their spare shoes instead - a pair of old tennis shoes that can get soaked would be better.
Do we have to follow the regular dress code?
These are the official Camp Yamhill Christian Outdoor School guidelines:
Long pants are required on Wednesdays when students most need protection in the forest.
Shorts – When worn, should extend below the fingertips when arms are relaxed and hanging to the side.
No tank tops.
Spandex/leggings – must be worn with a long shirt that covers the bottom.
Clothing should not depict offensive or harmful imagery.
Students need to be dressed appropriately and respectfully, but they will not have to follow school guidelines about colors. Jeans should not have holes and girls may ONLY wear leggings if their bottoms are fully covered. Sweatpants are fine. Make sure to prepare for a variety of types of weather since we'll be outside a lot no matter what kind of weather there is.
Please note: We will be outside a lot, it may be cold, and there are plants in the forest that can cause skin irritations if students leave the path.
What are we going to do?
Click here to see the schedule.
Can we bring our own food?
Students will be well fed with the camp menu, but they can bring snacks - only items they’ll be willing to contribute to a stash for the full group students in their cabin (all the girls or boys from our school only). Their consumption will be kept to reasonable levels by our adult chaperones. No gum or any nuts, please, by the request of the camp. Any food that students bring will be considered a contribution for the whole group. There is also a process for notifying the camp of special dietary needs.
Can we fish?
Fishing is not allowed at Camp Yamhill.
Are there forms to fill out?
Yes! The complete packet is here and will be sent home with students soon.
