Day Camps
Give your child an unforgettable week of outdoor adventure at our summer day camps in Newberg, Oregon!
Explore
For Campers from 1-6th Grade
Led by Christ-centered, specially trained college-age counselors, our 1st-6th Explore Camps are a place for campers to play, learn, and explore every activity Tilikum has to offer. Each day offers a mix of hiking, boating, archery, games, and stories, giving kids a chance to connect with nature, build friendships, and experience God’s glory in meaningful ways. Silly songs, games, and activities bring everyone closer, making each moment at Tilikum unforgettable.
Quest
Adventure Camps for 6-9th Grade
Quest Camps are tailored for middle schoolers, blending high-energy group activities with meaningful experiences that build social skills, friendships, and character. Led by specially trained college-aged staff, campers bond in supportive small groups while taking on challenges like Tilikum’s Challenge Course, swimming, and canoeing in Lake Tilikum. With a focus on personal growth and discovering God’s love, each day is filled with fun!
Homeschool Week
Tilikum’s first day camp week of the summer is dedicated primarily to homeschool families.
Special Homeschool week pricing includes at least a $60 discount off the regular price for Camp, plus at least an additional $45 discount when you register by May 1.
Realizing that families have differing abilities to pay, Tilikum offers a three-tier pricing structure. Tiered pricing is intended to help families recognize the full cost of Camp and then select the level most suitable for their family circumstances. By choosing to pay the full cost of Camp, Tilikum is able to offer financial assistance to families that need it.
Family Night
Family Night is a long-standing Tilikum tradition that gives campers an opportunity to “guide” their family through the camper experience on the Thursday evening of their camp week! Pack your own picnic dinner and join us on the Thursday night of Camp for a look inside your camper’s week! Come to the Fawver Center to sing some silly camp songs, meet the counselors, and get a sneak peek at what’s going on behind the scenes at Tilikum this year. During free time ride The Big Swing, paddle The Big Canoes, and check out the Barn or School House!
3:45PM – Arrive at Tilikum and join up with your kids. Eat your early picnic dinner.
4:00PM – 4:15PM – Head to the Fawver Center.
4:30PM – Program in the Fawver Center.
4:50PM – 6:00PM – Camp free-time activities
Church Groups
Tilikum is dedicated to partnering with local churches! We aim to extend the impact of camp experiences into the ongoing spiritual journey of each camper. This approach provides churches with a well-organized and staffed children’s camp, allowing for a rich, intergenerational bonding experience between campers and counselors. We offer an efficient check-in system and reduced group rates for churches with a church coordinator. If you are interested in partnering with Tilikum as a church, please email Grant Banham or call (503) 538-2763, ext. 106.
What is a Church Coordinator?
We ask each church to provide a “Camp Coordinator” who will have the freedom to move around camp, check on various activities, Bible lessons, the waterfront, and more. Tilikum particularly values having this individual available to assist with any behavior issues that may arise with children from their church. Additionally, there’s the option to bring a laptop and do some office work during part of the day.
Transportation
To support busy parents, Tilikum is expanding its bus program for seven weeks this summer, providing round-trip transportation and professional supervision for an extra $60. This service is designed to add valuable hours back to your day while ensuring a smooth, safe experience for your child.
Requirements for Bussing Campers
Prior to the start of camp, each family must complete a Medical Release Form for their child at least two weeks in advance—without this form, children will not be permitted to board. Monday morning registration marks the first check-in; children will receive a sticker identifying their camp group and an important tag for their backpack that serves as their bus "ticket" all week.
During registration, parents will receive an important flyer with updates, Family Night details, and contact information for transportation questions. Parents will also review and sign the Transportation Agreement, which lists approved individuals for child pick-up. Only those on the list, with a photo ID, may pick up campers. Any changes to the pick-up list should be emailed to the camp in advance.
Parents should also discuss any health concerns or medications directly with camp staff at check-in to ensure proper support. The rest of the week, check-ins will occur directly on the bus, and once boarded, children will remain on the bus until they reach Camp Tilikum. For smooth logistics, please arrive promptly at drop-off and pick-up times each day; buses cannot delay departures or wait for late pick-ups due to multiple scheduled stops. If your child won’t be riding the bus on a particular day, please inform the camp staff ahead of time.
How is my camper taken care of on the Bus?
Buses, leased from First Student in Newberg, are well-maintained and staffed by carefully screened drivers with valid Oregon Commercial Driver Licenses, chosen specifically for their experience and ability to connect with children. From the moment kids board the bus until they are picked up, they’re under the attentive care of Tilikum’s trained Summer Staff, following the safety standards set by the American Camp Association (ACA).
Summer Materials
This last summer, our stories for each week centered around the Parables of Christ, sharing that we are deeply loved and desired by God. Stay tuned for the theme for 2027!
Summer Camp Photos
We ask each church to provide a “Camp Coordinator” who will have the freedom to move around camp, check on various activities, Bible lessons, the waterfront, and more. Tilikum particularly values having this individual available to assist with any behavior issues that may arise with children from their church. Additionally, there’s the option to bring a laptop and do some office work during part of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to know more about our camps and programs? Review important details before attending Camp Tilikum here. If you have additional questions, email Grant Banham the Camp Program Director, or call Grant at (503) 538-2763, ext. 106.
What are the Drop Off and Pick Up Times?
Overnight drop off is Monday morning at 8:15AM. Summer Staff will direct you to the parking area and assist you with your camper’s luggage. Upon arrival, complete the check in process.
Pick up for overnight camps is Thursday at 3:45PM. Please follow Summer Staff directions to park and then bring your photo ID to the check out table and receive a check out ticket. We encourage you to stay for Family Night! You can pick up your camper’s luggage at the playshed after checking out.
Who are the Staff taking care of my Camper?
Tilikum Summer Staff are college-age or older adults who have been selected for their desire and abilities to work with children, their friendly personalities and their commitment to the Lord. They are taught to recognize teachable moments as a priority and use them to challenge and encourage youth and point them towards a relationship with God.
- Tilikum is accredited by the American Camping Association and has earned this mark of distinction since 1977.
- All staff, both paid and volunteer have passed a criminal background check.
- All Summer Staff have current certification in First Aid/CPR and emergency water safety, and two full weeks of program and activity training.
- All Tilikum Staff on the grounds during Summer Camp season have undergone Ministry Safe Training to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse.
- The waterfront is supervised by lifeguards certified by the American Red Cross, and join in-service trainings for practice in our lake.
What's the Day Camp Schedule like?
Each schedule at Camp Tilikum is a little different depending on the zone the camper is placed in, but the general structure is the same. Here is an example of a daily schedule for 4-6th grade campers.
8:45AM – Arrival
9:15AM – Opening activity
10:00AM – Activity
11:15AM – LUNCH (Tilikum has special locations all over the grounds for each camper group to eat lunch.)
12:05PM – Waterfront Time (kids have a choice if they want to swim, canoe, visit barn animals, or rest.)
1:00PM – Get dressed
1:15PM – Trail Talk (quiet reflective time)
1:55PM – Activity
3:15PM – Closing activity
3:40PM – Camper pick-up
What are the Behavioral Expectations?
Tilikum provides a safe, Christ-centered environment. Though these situations are rare Tilikum reserves the right to call the camper’s parent and ask for the camper to be taken home if it is deemed that his or her behavior or actions pose a threat to a camper’s safety or the Camp. Staff will inform campers of behavior expectations at the beginning of Camp. A camper will immediately be sent home under the following circumstances:
- Bullying of any kind
- Any act of physical violence against another person
- Deliberately running away from their group (this does not include wandering away by accident)
What does my Camper need to Bring?
- Sack lunch for each day.
- Bible/notebook & pen.
- Modest and camp appropriate swimwear.
- Towel.
- Refillable Water Bottle.
- Closed toed shoes.
- Backpack or bag.
For all Quest Day Camp participants: mid-thigh or longer shorts are highly recommended for harness comfort. Closed toed shoes are required.
(Please do not bring any phones, smart watches, or any devices or equipment that may disrupt the camp experience at Tilikum. Thank you.)
What if I need to Cancel?
If you need to change or cancel or your camp registration for any reason, please email Crystal Headrick/Camp Registrar, as soon as possible. If you cancel more than three weeks from your camp start date, you will receive a full refund minus a $40 transaction fee. A 50% refund will be given for cancellations made between 8 and 21 days prior to the first day of camp. Cancellations made 7 days or less prior to the first day of camp will not be refunded. Exceptions can be made for illness or accident with a note from the camper’s physician. Tilikum prorates the amount of refund based on the number of days the camper attended, minus a $40 transaction fee. There is a $40 transaction fee for switching from one week of camp to another.