Summer Camps
Unplug from Technology, Experience Creation, Establish Friendships, and Connect with God Camp Registration is open!Each summer, over 1,000 kids dive into adventure at Camp Tilikum, a 93-acre haven of forests, trails, meadows, and a crystal-clear lake. Tilikum’s camp program gives elementary and middle schoolers the chance to unplug, build friendships, and grow in a safe, meaningful environment. Days are packed with hiking, swimming, canoeing, archery, and more, while skits, silly songs, and “Trail Talks” connect campers with biblical truths in ways that feel fresh and personal. Led by a team of dedicated young adults, Tilikum inspires kids to make memories, learn about creation, and connect with God, all while having the time of their lives.
EXPLORE
Day camps for 1st-6th Grades
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
Day Camp or Overnight options for 6th-9th Grades
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!
*Overnight programming will be confirmed by March 1st, 2026
JOURNEY
Overnight camps for 9th-12th Grades
Journey is a program for high schoolers at Camp Tilikum. During the day, participants will engage in team-building and personal growth activities on the Challenge Course. Expanding on the original High Adventure Camp, this program is designed to foster community and relationships through challenges, games, and teaching. The program will take place in the new cabins at Tilikum’s Lakeside Village, providing a comfortable overnight setting for connection and growth.
*Overnight programming will be confirmed by March 1st, 2026

Home School Week
Consider Homeschool Week in 2026!
Camp Tilikum begins its summer season with a week designed for homeschool families from across the Portland and Newberg area, giving children the chance to build friendships and enjoy a classic camp experience in the beauty of God’s creation.

Family Camps
Contact our Registrar to join Family Camp!
Tilikum offers a great Family Camp overnight option for Day Camp and QUEST Adventure Camp families, ideal for out-of-town families wanting to share the camp experience. This year’s session runs July 5–10, 2026, from Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon.

Church Groups
Become a Tilikum partner for discounts!
Since 1971, Tilikum has partnered with local churches to bring kids to camp! When youth leaders join in on camp ministry, they strengthen connections within their youth and help deepen their relationships with the church and God.

Parent Page
Need to know more about our camps and programs? Click here to learn more, and if you have additional questions, email Grant Banham the Camp Program Director, or call Grant at (503) 538-2763, ext. 106.

Join Family Night
Pack your own picnic dinner and join us on the Thursday night of Camp for a look inside your camper’s week! Spend time exploring the campgrounds, joining activities, and learn about how we operate our camp!

Transportation
Tilikum is offering a greatly expanded bus program for seven weeks this summer. This extra $60 will provide transportation to and from camp for 5 days plus supervision from our College Summer Staff, and add valuable hours back into your day!

Summer Camp Photos
Each week, Camp Tilikum takes photos of each camper group, and uploads them here on the website. Click here to find your camper and see what incredible activities Tilikum has to offer!

About our Staff
Camp Tilikum hires college-age or older adults who have been selected for their desire and abilities to work with children and their commitment to the Lord. Click here to find out more!

Cancellations
If you need to change or cancel or your camp registration for any reason, please email Crystal Headrick Camp Registrar, as soon as possible. Click here to find out more information.

2025 was Courageous!
This last summer, our stories for each week centered around King David, who was bolstered and developed by God to be a “Courageous” leader and king. Stay tuned for the theme for 2026!

Homeschool Week
Tilikum’s first 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 Camp Week
Consider the Family Camp option for Summer Day Camp and QUEST Adventure Camp—a perfect overnight experience for families with campers in these programs, especially those from out of town. This year, Family Camp is available for one week only, from July 5-10, 2026, with a maximum cost of $1,400 for immediate families. The camp starts Sunday afternoon and runs through Friday afternoon, with children in grades 1-10 attending their respective camps from 8:45 AM to 3:45 PM each weekday. Evenings are lightly scheduled, allowing families to enjoy tranquil activities such as canoeing on the lake or gathering by the campfire.
Families will be housed in The Lodge, where each family has its own room(s) and bathroom. Breakfast and dinners are served family-style in Tilikum’s Dining Room, while sack lunches are available for parents to prepare for their campers. For those with specific medical dietary needs, Tilikum’s Food Service can accommodate requests with advance notice and a small additional fee. This setup fosters a restful, family-centered experience while offering an exciting camp program for children.
Family Camp registration fills up quick! Contact our Registrar at registrar@camptilikum.org to sign up.

Bring your church kids to Tilikum!
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.
Previously, churches would send multiple volunteer counselors to camp, but that’s no longer the case. Now, we ask each church to provide a “Camp Coordinator.” This person won’t be assigned to a specific group of campers but will have the freedom to move around camp, checking 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.
Want to coordinate with Tilikum?
To discuss the possibilities, email Dennis Littlefield/Executive Director, or call Dennis at (503) 538-2763, ext. 103.

Drop off and Pick up.
Monday morning check in begins at 8:45AM. Summer Staff will direct you to the parking area. Look for a Welcome Staff with a Clipboard, they will direct you to the next station. Tuesday thru Friday morning drop off is between 8:45AM & 9:00AM. Upon arrival, please give your child’s name to the Welcome Staff with the clipboard. You will then be directed to the next available drop off point. Drivers please remain in your vehicle. Tilikum Summer Staff will assist your child to exit the vehicle and remain in a safe place as drivers exit the property.
Pick up time for both Day Camp and Quest is at 3:45PM. Upon entering Camp property, drivers will be directed to a parking area in the Play Field. Please take your photo ID to the check out table located by the schoolhouse to sign your child out and receive a checkout ticket. Use your checkout ticket to collect your camper and exit the property. Please present your photo ID at the checkout table and pick up your child’s medications.
Example Schedule of a Day at Camp
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
Who is taking care of my child?
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. Tilikum’s summer staff 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. All of our Summer Staff have current certification in First Aid/CPR and Emergency Water Safety, and Lifeguards are certified by the American Red Cross.
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 do they need to bring?
- Sack lunch for each day.
- Bible/notebook & pen.
- Swimwear.
- Towel.
- Refillable Water Bottle.
- Closed toed shoes.
- Backpack or bag.
(Please do not bring any phones, smart watches, or any devices or equipment that may disrupt the Tilikum’s camp experience. Thank you.)

Bring the family!
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 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
Want to meet our Counselors?
The best way to connect with your kids’ counselors is at pick-up time at the end of each camp day. Their availability varies depending on their responsibilities after camp and during Family Night.

Need a ride?
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. 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). For an additional option, some local churches may offer transportation for their congregations during select weeks, and they might have room for a few extra campers. In these cases, register through your church directly to reserve a spot on their bus.
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. Tilikum’s expanded bus program is designed to make summer camp simpler, safer, and more enjoyable for your family!
Check out the updated 2026 Bus Schedule here!
Explore Tilikum through the years of camp!
At Camp Tilikum, our focus is on creating unforgettable experiences for campers, but we also cherish the chance to capture some of these joyful moments on camera. In the quieter moments, our team strives to document highlights so parents and families can share in the memories and see the smiles, friendships, and adventures their campers enjoy each year. To explore recent years of camp memories, visit our gallery below, sorted by year.
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017

Who are Tilikum's Summer Staff?
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. Tilikum’s summer staff 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.
Accreditation and Safety are our Priority.
- 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 if I can't make it?
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.

2025 was Courageous
This past summer at Camp Tilikum, we explored what it means to live with courage through our theme: Courageous. Guided by Psalm 27:1, campers discovered how faith in God gives us strength to face fear, stand firm, and follow Him boldly. Set in a medieval-themed setting full of adventure, challenges, and stories from the life of King David, this summer encouraged every camper to grow in character, confidence, and faith! Stay tuned for news about the theme of 2026, You are Treasured!
Monday
Monday is the Anointment of David! On this day, campers will learn that God looks at the heart, and that courage is being authentic and living with integrity. The Chapters supporting this are 1 Samuel 15 and 16.
Tuesday
On Tuesday, we explore the story of David and Goliath, teaching campers that we can find courage through God, even when the odds are stacked against us. The Chapter supporting this is 1 Samuel 17.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, we have David on the run from Saul. On this day, we explore 1 Samuel 19 and 24 to understand that patience, mercy, and honor are virtues of true faith.
Thursday
Thursday, we see David become the king of Israel, but he’s not without his faults! During this day, we will be exploring how Jesus Christ is the perfect King, and why we are called to follow Him. The verses supporting this are 1 Samuel 19, and John 3.
Friday
Friday is all about David’s Psalms of Courage, as he writes that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but choosing to trust God in the middle of it all. To explore this theme, we will be going through Psalm 27.


