Activities

Hiking Horse riding Water activities Miscellaneous

While at Mother-Child Camp there are a variety of recreational opportunities to choose from, including mother-child and moms-only activities. A schedule has been made for each day at camp and the available activities. Some have limited space or facilities and require participants to sign-up beforehand. Signing up for those activities will take place after campfire on the first evening.

After breakfast, from 9-11am, is the children’s activity time. The children are grouped by age and each group is named a different color. The children go with camp staff and teen volunteers and participate in fun camp activities specifically designed for their age group. While they are in the groups the moms have free time. There will be organized moms-only activities available, including hikes, crafts and massage therapy.

During the afternoon a variety of activities are offered. These include hiking, canoeing, beach playing, archery, S’more cooking, mud mucking and the craft house.

Hiking

Cascade Head
This is a two-mile hike up the headland on the opposite side of the river from camp. It is a gentle slope but at times it can be steep. However, it is a well-maintained trail by the Nature Conservancy. Cascade Head is the home of the endangered Silver Spot Butterfly. At the top you will have spectacular views of camp! Cascade Head is one of the last natural headlands on the Oregon Coast. This hike is scheduled for moms only. (sign-up required)

Rainforest Trail
The Rainforest Trail begins at the NE corner of the lodge and can take from one to two hours to walk, depending on the group and how far you wish to go. The Rainforest Trail is home to insects so don’t forget the repellent. The trail is very beautiful; the hills are wooded with alder, fir, spruce and a variety of other species. If you explore far enough, you reach a pasture, containing the Westwind horses, and two green homes (Site Manager and Rental/Herd Manager houses). The trail is a beginner’s trail with gradual hills.

Estuary Trail
The estuary trail travels along the northern camp boundary parallel to the Salmon River. This trail is often muddy due to tides. The trail, near its end, travels through or around a marsh meadow, either route can be taken. This meadow has been referred to as the mosquito factory. It is not unusual to see bald eagles, blue herons, killdeer and in the early morning or evening you may also spot raccoons or deer.

High Meadow Trail
A trail that originates at the top of the Highlands Unit leads along the cliffs to Crescent Cove, Lost Lake, High Meadow and Agate Cove. The main trail branches to the right. Near this area is Lost Lake. Thick brush covers most of the lake’s borders and the water is fairly murky and filled with snags. It is not a suitable place to swim or wade. Salamanders and frogs live in the lake. It then proceeds to a barbed wire fence, which you can cross and on into a highland coastal meadow, called High Meadow. The cliffs on the edge of the meadow near the cove are several hundred feet high and the edge is indistinct in places. The ground of the meadow is undercut near the cliffs and is very dangerous, therefore it is important to keep on the trail. Overall, this trail provides spectacular views of the ocean and High Meadow is particularly suited for whale and sunset watching. The trail is very steep and is often slick, great care is necessary.

Horse Riding

Trail rides
You must be 9 years old to go on a trail ride. Trail rides are about one hour long plus a half hour for mounting and quick instructions. Trail rides for the advanced rider are also offered. Riding staff will select a mount that fits your experience and stature. Depending on weather trail rides typical go down the river onto the beach and back up the dune trail to the barn. Windy weather may cause the ride to stay inland if we have strong winds blowing sand around. All riders must wear long pants; boots and helmets must also be worn and are provided by camp. Trail rides are $30.00, payable at the camp store. Due to liability insurance, no exceptions will be made to the age requirement. (sign-up required)

Corral rides
Corral rides are a great alternative for the younger child. With your child riding, the horse is led around the corral. Either the mom can lead the horse or a teen can be hired to do the walking and moms can take pictures. Corral rides are $5.00, payable at the camp store. If you hire a teen, the recommended amount to pay the teen for this service is $3.00. (sign-up required)

Water Activities

Tide pooling
The rocks at the south end of the ocean beach provide spectacular tide pooling opportunities during low tide. Please leave all living creatures in the tide pools for all to see. Stay off rocks to save the habitats. Do not enter caves, climb on rock cliffs or stand near unstable cliffs. Because of recent land slides the Needles Eye is off limits.

Canoe
Canoeing will take about one hour. Quick land instructions will be given before embarking onto the river. Lifeguards will be present in a boat on the water with you in case of an emergency. Canoeing direction is based on the tide and currents at that time of day. You may have up to four people in canoe; five if a very small child is along for the ride. (sign-up required)

Kayak
Kayaks are single person and you must have upper body strength to maneuver the kayak in tidal currents. They are suggested for anyone 10 and over, but exceptions may be made depending on the size of the child and boating experience. Lifeguards are present. Kayaks must remain in close proximity to each other, no solo exploring is allowed but we will explore as a group. (sign-up required)

Miscellaneous

Archery
You must be at least six years old with a parent present and assisting. We prefer eight years and older as children are shooting arrows. Archery is done in a safe manner with lots of guidelines and everyone needs to assist the instructor by listening and following instructions.

Challenge Course
The low ropes course was built with the intent of building teamwork and communication skills. It is an excellent hands on activity for moms and older children with fairly good hand eye coordination skills. Children need to be 8 years or older. Long pants and good shoes need to be worn by all participants. The rope challenge course is off limits when staff is not present. (sign-up required)

Arts and Crafts
There will be organized crafts for the moms each morning and two evenings. The crafts are specifically designed with moms in mind and are great treasures to take home. Each afternoon crafts will be led for moms and children. There are multiple activities to choose from and for all ages. Depending on the craft projects, a sign-up may be needed.

Massage Therapy
For the moms, there is a volunteer masseuse who comes to camp. There are designated times that she will be giving shoulder, neck and back massages. Because the demand is so high it is necessary to sign up first. There is no charge for the massage. (sign-up required)

Evening Activity Options
After tucking your children into bed a teen assigned to your cabin will come to baby-sit and give you some time for yourself. Planned evening activities include crafts, games, singing or line dancing. Or….you may wish to just read, chat or go for a walk on the beach.