January 2026 comes to us with lots of fun and exciting activities and changes for POE. We have several full day camps, GNO, an early release day, and some announcements.

If you haven’t had a chance to sign up for January after-school programming or full day camps, it isn’t too late! Click the button below to register today for any and all days you’d like your young explorers to join us for indoor and outdoor adventures throughout January.

Reminders

Portland Outdoor Explorers is a predominantly outdoor camp with a focus on nature and the environment at all times of the year. As long as it is safe to be outside, we will endeavor to be there! As such, we ask that adults equip their young explorers for the current weather conditions.

For after-school programming, we ask that students have at least two (2) layers of warm clothes for outside play, as well as a waterproof layer (this can also be one of the two layers mentioned), a backpack, snacks (these kids are HUNGRY), and a refillable water bottle.
Portland Parks and Rec has shut off the water to the water fountain at Rose City Park to help prevent water from freezing in the pipes and causing damage during the winter season. For this reason, we are unable to get water from the water fountain while playing at the park, which is why we ask that explorers have their own refillable water bottle.

For full day camps, we ask that in addition to the two (2) layers of warm clothes, snacks, and water bottle, that explorers also come prepared with a change of clothes, a hearty lunch, and a backpack to hold all of their items.

PLEASE NOTE:
Please ensure your explorer’s name is written clearly on their items.

Announcements

We’re contemplating a change to our logo!
Whether or not the logo changes, we’d still be the same ol’ Portland Outdoor Explorers you know and love, but with a new, fun look.
The raven and backpack was always meant to be a placeholder, but as neurodivergent folk, we understand that change can be difficult, regardless of the form it takes. That’s why we want to leave this change in YOUR hands.
We’ll have the poll up on both our social media pages and in physical form on the door to our indoor space, allowing everyone to weigh in on this decision.

Email, comment, or let us know directly what you think. Your opinions and feedback matter to us!

Our next fundraiser is 3/14/26!
Although it isn’t for some time, we wanted to let everyone know that on March 14th, we’ll be celebrating the beginning of our fourth year in operation! That’s a massive achievement for us, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to share it with you.
There will be more details to come, so please stay connected to learn more.

Signing up for summer camp in January might sound a bit TOO preemptive, but spaces everywhere are filling up FAST! If you register for our 2026 Sword and Sorcery Summer Camp in January, you’ll receive a 10% discount when you use discount code “earlybird” at check out.

Upcoming Events

On Wednesday, January 14th, Portland Public Schools will have their first Early Release Day of 2026. Portland Outdoor Explorers will be hosting our extended camp hours from 11:50am to 6:00pm. There are no additional steps to register for the early release day; simply follow the normal steps for registration via our website.

On Monday, January 19th, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Portland Public Schools will be taking the day off in observation of this holiday, but the Portland Outdoor Explorers will be offering a full day of programming from 8:30am to 5:30pm. To register for this full day camp, simply click the link below. We hope to see you there!

On January 26th and 27th, Portland Public Schools will close to allow teachers time to grade and develop for the coming year. Portland Outdoor Explorers will host full day programs on both days from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
You can register for one or both days by clicking the links below!

Friday, January 16th is our next Guardians’ Night Off! This month, we’ll be watching the 1986 musical fantasy masterpiece, Labyrinth.
Explorers are welcome to bring pillows, blankets, PJs, stuffies, and anything else to help make them comfortable during the event. If your explorer has any dietary restrictions or allergies, please email us at info@pdxoutdoorexplorers to let us know.

Thank you for joining us for another incredible year of exploration and adventure. See you on the trail!