Preschool Summer Programs:
Caterpillar Camp
Caterpillar Camp Description:
Digging in the dirt, exploring the natural world, and making art with reusable materials - we have something for everyone! Caterpillar Camp will be all outdoors, with occasional trips inside Avery House to say hello to the indoor animals. We will meet near the Avery Park Inclusive Playground (across the street from Parks & Recreation Admin Office at 1310 SW Avery Park Dr.) Monday-Thursday, and nearby parks for Field Trip Fridays. Let's explore!
Note: Campers must be three years old and completely potty trained by the time camp starts.
Camp schedule: Drop-off is between 9:15 - 9:30 am and camp activities run 9:30 am - 1:30 pm all week. No aftercare is offered for this camp.
Ages: 3-5 years
We will use the following topics as a starting point for each week and see where the children’s ideas and imaginations take us:
Week 1: June 16th - 20th
"Let’s Go Walking" $225
During our first week, we’ll read the book 'I Went Walking' and embark on an adventure to discover the wonders of Avery Park. On Friday, we'll meet at Chepenefa Park—feel free to bring bikes and scooters, and don't forget your helmets!
Week 2: June 23rd - 27th
"Let’s Go on an Adventure" $225
We'll continue the adventures for our returning campers and warmly welcome new ones. Some campers might have favorite spots at Avery Park they wish to revisit. On Friday, the fun continues at Starker Arts Park—drop off at the playground next to the Peffer Amphitheater.
Week 3: June 30th - July 3rd
"Little Adventure" $180
Join us for a 4-day camp as we explore the trails, meadows, and everything Avery Park has to offer. We'll discover "nature's" playground - places to balance, climb, hide, swing, bounce....
Week 4: July 7th - 11th
“All Sorts of Things" $225
There are so many things we can find to sort in the natural world: colors, shapes, sizes, textures. We will go on a sorting adventure every day. Friday drop off will be at Crystal Lake Park and pickup will be at the rotary shelter at Willamette Park.
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Week 5: July 14th - July 18th
"We’re Going on a Nature Hunt" $225
There are many things to discover around Avery Park—like insects, spiders, birds, slugs, and plants. We wonder what our little campers will want to search for after reading the book 'We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.' On Friday, we will meet at the playground at MLK Park and explore the trails. Bikes and scooters are welcome; please bring a helmet!
Week 6: July 21st - July 25th
"Hug a Tree" $225
There are countless wonders in the natural world. We'll kick off the week by reading 'The Big Bear Hug' and then find out what our campers' favorites are. What's not to love about Willamette Park? We'll meet near the shelter on Friday for river wading, trail hiking, fort building, and bike riding—don't forget your helmet!
Week 7: July 28 - August 1st
"Trailblazing" $225
There are several little trails we can explore—some are shortcuts to our favorite playground, while others are longer and lead us to the river. We’ll discover them all. This week, we’ll mix things up for our Friday Field Trip. We’ll head downtown, starting at the Central Park playground, walk to the library, and finish our day at the fountains for some water fun. Campers can be picked up at the Riverfront Memorial Park (fountain). In preparation for our downtown field trip we will read "Mr. Walker Steps Out" and practice safe street crossing.
Week 8: August 4th - August 8th
"Searching High, Looking Low" $225
Children are invited to explore Avery Park with new eyes using binoculars to look up high and far away or magnifying glasses to see the little things up close. We'll read the book "Beneath" and talk about what we might find below the grass. We'll spend Friday at Willamette Park. Campers can be dropped off near the shelter. Bikes and scooters are welcome—don't forget your helmet!
Week 9: August 11th - August 15th
"Whose House is That?" $225
What’s living below the ground, up in a tree, or in the river? Our explorations continue as we discover various habitats at Avery Park! We will read the book The Lodge that Beaver Built. On Friday, we'll meet at the playground at Starker Arts Park and explore SAGE.
Week 10: August 18th - August 22nd
"Hide and Seek" $225
How many different kinds of leaves, insects, birds, and flowers can you find? There are so many things to search for at Avery Park. What types of things are hard to find? On Friday, we'll explore Chepenefa Park—bikes and scooters are welcome; don't forget your helmet!
Key Camp Information
Camp schedule: Drop-off is between 9:15 - 9:30 am and camp activities run 9:30 am - 1:30 pm all week. No aftercare is offered for this camp.
Cost: $225/week
Program Requirements
Participants will be asked to keep their backpacks with them at all times. We suggest bringing the following items, all labeled with their name (please make sure your student can carry their backpacks):
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1-2 filled water bottles
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Sturdy, closed-toe shoes- This applies during all activities, including water activities.
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Crocs, sandals, and flip-flops are not considered safe for camp as they fall off easily.
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Water shoes can make wading much more pleasant for campers.
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Morning Snack
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A packed lunch
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Weather-appropriate clothes- Students must be prepared to be outside for all of the session.
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Sunscreen must be applied at or before drop-off and kept with your student during the day. You can give staff permission to reapply sunscreen as needed during the day.
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A small towel, change of clothes, and bag for wet clothes- we may get wet and just in case!
Your child's safety is our #1 priority. To see our Safety Policy and Procedures, click here.
Be sure to view our Registration and Financial Policies.