About R.A.D. Camps

R.A.D. Camps began in 2008 and is based out of beautiful Bend, Oregon. All adventures are in the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests, with occasional state park adventures. R.A.D. Guides have several years of experience working with youth and are passionate about teaching them how to explore the great outdoors while being "impact free."

R.A.D. Camps provides an opportunity for kids to enjoy learning about the environment - “No Child Left Inside!” We enjoy utilizing this slogan to help promote the No Child Left Inside Act passed by congress in 2009. This act was passed to help get more kids outside and reconnected with nature.

Offering Adventures Since 2008

  • "Participation in R.A.D. Camps has been such a positive thing for my family. My two sons are looking forward to their third summer with R.A.D. Camps and will be joined by their younger sister this year! I am continually being amazed by the skills, knowledge and personal growth they have acquired through this experience. As well as building self-confidence, the program has also allowed them to build new friendships and establish a lasting connection to our beautiful state!"

    -Jennifer Marks

  • "We love R.A.D camps! It has been an amazing experience for our son Alder. He is getting out and enjoying some of the most beautiful places that Central Oregon has to offer. There is nothing better than your kid spending the day hiking, swimming, caving and making new friends, including frogs! R.A.D. Camps have created a wonderful outlet for kids to experience things they might not have ever experienced before. We are thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful program and we look forward to getting "R.A.D." every summer!"

    -Butsch Family

  • "This is my 8-year-old son’s first summer at R.A.D. Camps, and it is by far the best summer he has ever had! He’s having so much fun exploring and learning about the outdoors. And it’s awesome to watch his confidence grow as he makes new friends, engages in new adventures, and becomes more connected with nature. Plus, the guides are all so attentive, energetic, and amazing at what they do, and the staff-to-child ratio is so low, that the whole experience is completely unlike any other camp. We’re totally hooked on R.A.D. Camps!"

    -Kelli Kennedy

  • "R.A.D. Camps is the only camp our son wants to go to this summer. Our experience with R.A.D. Camps has been first class. They have taken their passion for the out of doors and combined it with the simple pleasures of hiking, exploring, and learning. We are thrilled with what the R.A.D. Camps adventure has to offer."

    -Christen & Christian

  • "R.A.D. Camps have been wonderful for our son Sam. In addition to fun and adventure, R.A.D. Camps have taught Sam to identify plants and animals, to be safe and start him down the road to self-reliance and appreciation of the natural world. Now our seven-year-old daughter can't wait to start this summer."

    -Stephanie and Jonathan

Our Guided Programs Encourage Exploration

​The children play games together, swim, eat lunch, and become familiar with local flora and fauna. We explore the area and encourage them to use their imagination to have fun in the gorgeous natural surroundings. The main focus of our programs is to teach kids to appreciate and respect the environment while practicing "Leave No Trace" principles.

Exploring Central Oregon's Forests, Lakes and Streams