Question 1

When can I register?

Accepted Answer

When can I register? Registration for Summer 2026 opens Sunday, October 19th at 4pm. Each session closes 14-days before the start date

Question 2

When will Gears & CIT applications be available?

Accepted Answer

Sunday, October 19th. 
As a reminder, only those accepted to the program can register. This means registration instructions will be shared directly with accepted campers once the application process is complete.
Check out our Resource (https://www.campfirecolumbia.org/resources)page for more information.

Question 3

Is there financial assistance available?

Accepted Answer

Financial assistance is available for families. We recommend applying as early as possible, as our awards are first come-first serve, but we will do our best to provide aid to any families that require assistance. You must be registered in order to receive financial assistance. We have a large fund specifically for campers who themselves or an immediate family member identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ+. Please note that on your application. 
For more information, visit Financial Assistance. (https://www.campfirecolumbia.org/financialassistance)

Question 4

Do I need to register and pay a deposit before I can apply for financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

Families do need to register and pay the deposit fee prior to being awarded financial aid. If this is a barrier for your family please reach out to our registrar namanuregistrar@campfirecolumbia.org (mailto:namanuregistrar@campfirecolumbia.org)as soon as possible to discuss options.

Question 5

How do campers get to and from camp?

Accepted Answer

After feedback from our families, starting in 2026 we will be shifting our Sunday drop-off to Mt. Hood Community College. This means families will bring campers to MHCC, and from there, all campers will take the bus to camp together with our staff.

All campers are picked up by families on Fridays at Mt. Hood Community College too.

Transportation Fee: There will be an additional $25 fee to cover the added bus costs for the organization. This is valuable to our families because:
1) Smoother & faster check-in process
2) More time for campers & staff to start building community & connections
3) Increased accessibility for families
More information coming soon about timing and procedures for this change!

NOTE: Half-week camper drop-off and pick-up are also at MHCC.

Question 6

What cabin type should I register for?

Accepted Answer

There are three types of cabins you can choose from: all-gender, all-female, and all-male. Please select the cabin type you and your camper are comfortable with. If your preferred cabin type is not available, please join the waitlist.

Question 7

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

At the time of registration, we collect a non-refundable deposit.

For more information, visit Cancellation Policy.(https://www.campfirecolumbia.org/resources)

Question 8

What should my camper pack?

Accepted Answer

We encourage you to review the packing tips and lists, found in our Family Handbook. You can download it on the Summer Camp page under Camper Resources.(https://www.campfirecolumbia.org/resources)

Question 9

My camper signed up with a friend. How will we know if they are in the same cabin?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to request ONE cabin buddy, please email namanuregistrar@campfirecolumbia.org (mailto:namanuregistrar@campfirecolumbia.org)with the subject line: “2026 Namanu Camp Buddy.” We cannot guarantee buddy requests, but will do our best to accommodate requests.

Question 10

What happens if my camper loses something at camp?

Accepted Answer

Any camper items that remain in our lost and found at the end of a session will be held at Camp Namanu for 2 weeks. Any remaining items not retrieved will be donated at that time. To follow up on a lost and found item, please email our registrar team, lostandfound@campfirecolumbia.org,(mailto:lostandfound@campfirecolumbia.org) with "Lost & Found" and the session that your camper attended in the subject line.

Question 11

What happens if my camper gets sick while they are at camp?

Accepted Answer

We have an on-site healthcare team to support the well-being of every staff member and camper. For any serious or persistent health concerns, or those requiring outside medical treatment, families will be notified by phone as soon as possible.

Question 12

How does Camp Namanu support LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC campers?

Accepted Answer

Namanu is committed to the ongoing work of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to be a safe space for all youth. Bullying, harassment, or anything less than acceptance is not tolerated. 
Currently, we also have a fund specifically for campers who identify or who have an immediate family member that identifies as BIPOC or LGBTQ+. Please note that on your application.

Question 13

My camper has a disability/specific needs. What accommodations are you able to make?

Accepted Answer

If you have concerns about your camper’s ability to be successful within our program, please contact our Program Director, Sammie "Tavie" Hagen at shagen@campfirecolumbia.org.(mailto:shagen@campfirecolumbia.org)

Question 14

What about dietary needs?

Accepted Answer

There are always gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options served at every meal, If your camper has more specific needs, please be sure to list them on the Health History Form so we can accommodate them.

Question 15

What do I do if I need to drop my camper off late or pick them up early from a session?

Accepted Answer

We prefer that all campers arrive during our scheduled drop-off time and ride the pre-arranged buses at the end of the session. However, if you require an alternative option due to unexpected circumstances, please reach out to the registrar team at namanuregistrar@campfirecolumbia.org (mailto:namanuregistrar@campfirecolumbia.org)as early as possible to ensure our staff are prepared to support this option.

Question 16

What are your emergency procedures?

Accepted Answer

Camp Namanu’s staff has been fully trained and prepped on what to do in emergency situations to keep campers safe. If you have questions regarding those procedures, please reach out to the to the Camp Director, Sammie "Tavie" Hagen at shagen@campfirecolumbia.org.(mailto:shagen@campfirecolumbia.org)

Question 17

What is the best way to get in contact with camp staff while my child is at camp?

Accepted Answer

Please call our direct site line at (503) 695-6041. If you don’t happen to reach us, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call as quickly as possible. Staff are typically in the office from lunchtime Sunday-Friday.

Question 18

Why did unit names change?

Accepted Answer

Namanu has renamed cabins, buildings, and programs that were identified in a cultural appropriation audit. The two remaining units of Pioneer (colonizing language) and Kiwanis (fraternal organization) have now been renamed to fit the new names of the cabins in those units and to be in alignment of using our buildings as a way to connect and educate all those that come to Namanu. Our 7th grade unit, previously known as Kiwanis, will now be Wildwood and our 8th & 9th grade unit, previously known as Pioneer, will now be Riverbend.

For more information, download our 2025 Unit Descriptions document on the Summer Camp page under Camper Resources.

Question 19

What Camp Namanu programs are still on pause for the 2024 season?

Accepted Answer

The following programs are still on pause: Mini Blue Wing,  Adventure Days, Trail Rides, and our Ranch program.

FAQs