A Session For Everyone:

Camp Tamarack Program Options

Which program is for you?
All of our programs are designed to accommodate the interests of our campers. Read each one carefully to find the best fit. If you have further questions after reading about them please call or email us at info@camptamarack.com.

With or without horse back riding?
With Horses: As a camper with the horse program you will have the opportunity to spend time doing many of the traditional camp activities as well as spending 2 hours a day with the horses. During those 2 hours campers learn Western or English riding skills, trail ride etiquette and ground school techniques. Ground school teaches how to care for horses. Campers choosing this program will be assigned a horse fitting their abilities and will work under a qualified instructor at their skill level. Beginners through experienced riders are welcome.

Without Horses: As a camper without the horse program you will have more time to engage in all of our traditional camp activities. Those who choose the no horseback riding option have more opportunity to challenge oneself in everything else “Tamarack”.

Ranch Hands Program - Girls or Boys Sessions (Open to all ages)

The Ranch Hand program is for the camper who wishes to focus on a horse experience. This program offers an opportunity to spend most of the day with the horses and includes participation in at least one activity per day outside of the horse corral.

Activities may include swimming or boating down at the lakefront, running and playing a team sport, challenging oneself at the ropes course, or using one's imagination in the creative arts program. Horse program activities include Western or English riding instruction, grounds school, grooming, trail rides, and an overnight pack trip! Grooming and corral management will be a central focus.

Ranch Hands will be given the opportunity to work with staff as they learn to care for the daily needs of the horses. Early rising and exposure to the "hard work" associated with a ranch will provide many opportunities to explore the real world of horses. This is a step program that starts our younger or less experienced riders as JR Ranch Hands. As skills are mastered, a JR Ranch Hand may graduate to a SR Ranch Hand position the following summer. These positions are limited and acceptance into the Ranch Hand Program is by application only.

Whitewater Rafting

Central Oregon is home to some of the best whitewater rafting rivers in the world. For those interested in trying their hand at a whitewater river rafting experience, we offer half day trips on the North Santiam River for the 8, 10 and 12 day sessions, and a 3 day/ 2 night trip on the Deschutes River for the 22 day Adventure Session. All equipment and gear is provided. The half day trips have an additional fee of $65 and the 3 day trip incurs an added $350 charge.

Girls Program Options

Girls ages 7-16
(With or without horseback riding)

8, 10 or 12 Day Programs
During these traditional Tamarack sessions campers will choose from a variety of activities; whitewater rafting, rock climbing, ropes/challenge course, English or Western riding, swimming, boating, yoga, aerobics, volleyball, frisbee golf, mountain biking, soccer, tennis, basketball, foosball, ping-pong, hiking, archery, arts and crafts, skits, dance, and drama and many more. Swimming, all-camp activities and individual cabin events highlight each session. Campers will be part of a cabin unit sharing responsibilities, making cooperative decisions, enjoying friends and discovering new worlds.

22 Day Adventure Program
In addition to the options for the 8 and 10 day sessions, those eager campers who select the 22 day session will have a choice of going on either a 3 day/ 2 night whitewater river rafting experience on the Deschutes River, or a 3 day/ 2 night backpacking excursion into one of the pristine Wilderness Areas of Central Oregon. Both trips will have opportunities to explore outdoor living skills, and plenty of time for fun and adventure. The rafting trip will incur an additional fee of $350, while the backpacking trip has no added cost.

Would you like to be at camp for longer than one session?

We encourage those of you who wish to be at camp for longer than 8, 10, or 19 days to attend multiple sessions. This extended stay offers more time to benefit from and enjoy theTamarack experience.

Boys Program

Boys ages 7 - 16
(With or without horseback riding)

10 Day Program
This session offers a variety of fun-filled activities. Participation in the following delivers the full Camp Tamarack experience; whitewater rafting, rock climbing, ropes/challenge course, English or Western riding, swimming, boating, tennis, basketball, volleyball, foosball, ping-pong, hiking, archery, mountain biking, frisbee golf, arts and crafts, nature exploration, outdoor living education, skits and much more. "All-camp" group activities, campfires, hiking, and nature exploration are a few of the favorite activities for the boys. Campers will be part of a cabin unit, sharing responsibilities, making cooperative decisions, enjoying friends and having new experiences.

The optional camping trip will be a backpack experience for young men eager to explore the trails of the Central Oregon Cascades. Having the opportunity to spend several days and nights on the trail and away from camp, campers will experience the unique challenges that come from being self-sufficient while learning and applying survival skills to each camper's life.

CITS – COUNSELORS IN TRAINING
(For campers who are 15 or 16 years old)

The CIT program trains older campers in the skills needed to be a camp counselor. A camper gains admittance into this program by applying, being selected, and agreeing to the duties of the position. When applying to become a CIT the camper must be committed to working hard and accepting the leadership responsibilities and obligations of this position. Please contact the camp for an application. A 10% discount is available for those selected for this program.

A private residential camp with sessions for girls, boys, and families.
Camp Tamarack is proud of its 73-year tradition in the Deschutes National Forest in central Oregon. Camp Tamarack operates under a Special Use Permit issued by the United States Forest Service. Persons of any race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or with any handicapping conditions are welcome to use and enjoy all facilities, programs and services of Camp Tamarack, located in the Deschutes National Forest and under the jurisdiction of the USDA. Discrimination in any form is strictly against policy and should be reported to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington DC 20250.

Come and Join the Fun!!