Kids don’t always know how to be kids anymore. This is a sentiment we hear again and again from families we work with and people we meet on the street. In a post-pandemic world, surrounded by urban infrastructure, and with recess times cut short to prioritize classroom time, the opportunity to simply be outside is limited for too many children. After a long day of schooling, sometimes kids just need a chance to go feral, and what better place to do that than a public park?
P.O.E. has always been dedicated to letting kids be kids and giving them the space to define what that means for themselves.
POE has a staff of the finest outdoor educators around—just scroll down to see and learn more about us!
The Three C’s
Curiosity
Kids make the best scientists. They ask questions that many adults wouldn’t think to ask, and look for creative ways to solve problems that, to us, may seem straight forward or impossible. At P.O.E., we strive to help our explorers maintain that foundation of curiosity that keeps them eager to learn throughout their whole lives.
Compassion
Empathy is a learned skill. At P.O.E., we emphasize the importance of consent, not just in what happens to and with our bodies, but inside and outside of play, speech, and property. We want our explorers to know how and when to advocate for themselves, to have empathy and compassion for others, and to know how and when to take space for themselves.
Commitment
Commitment is about more than coming to a program every day. It’s about caring for and showing up for yourself, for others, for your community, and for the planet. At P.O.E., we want to help our explorers learn that there is a big world out there with a lot of people, plants, and animals. Together, we can all build a future where we can all rely on each other.
Meet Our Incredible Staff
Alex Frost
Camp Name: Bee
Pronouns: Any
Lead for Rose City Park Elementary School
“I spent so much time outside as a kid learning about nature; bugs animals and the like and always wanted to encourage the same love in kids! Before this I worked in daycare, schools, as well as in-home care specializing in mental health education, all things I look forward to bringing to P.O.E.”
Special Interest: Pigeons & Greek Mythology
Skill/Talent: Sword Fighting
D&D Main: Aasimar Fighter
Email: alex@pdxoutdoorexplorers.com
Availability: Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am and 6pm. Correspondence outside of these hours will be addressed at the earliest opportunity.
Laura Grant
Camp Name: Squirrel
Pronouns: She/They
Lead for Scott Elementary School
“I’ve always had a love of the great outdoors and a passion for teaching; being able to combine the two has really been a dream come true.
I come from a Montessori and Reggio-Emilia teaching background and believe kids (and adults) learn best when things are hands on.”
Special Interest: Celtic & Norse Mythology; Mycology
Skill/Talent: Crochet
D&D Main: Half-elf rogue
Email: laura@pdxoutdoorexplorers.com
Availability: Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am and 6pm. Correspondence outside of these hours will be addressed at the earliest opportunity.
Haylee Wagner
Camp Name: Lizard Queen
Pronouns: She/Her
Lead for Alameda Elementary
“I’ve always been interested in working with children, and have done so for many years now. I have a degree in psychology and got my start working in mental health and SPED, and have been enjoying bringing and utilizing that knowledge with POE.”
Special Interest: Paranormal Investigations
Skill/Talent: Knitting, embroidery, resin crafts
D&D Main: Tiefling or Kobold Monk
Email: haylee@pdxoutdoorexplorers.com
Availability: Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am and 6pm. Correspondence outside of these hours will be addressed at the earliest opportunity.
PLEASE BE AWARE:
POE staff are NOT certified or licensed to perform holds of any kind for children who may need intervention due to emotional distress or behavioral issues which may present a danger to themselves or others. This includes but is not limited to running away from camp, a tendency toward violence (hitting, kicking, biting, etc.), or destruction of property (whether it belongs to themselves or others). POE staff are NOT certified or licensed to assist children in the restroom. We can give reminders, flush toilets, and help get paper towels or soap. However, we are unable to assist in any situation that would require a staff member and a child to be together in any state of undress. We are supportive of all needs, however, we are unable and/or unlicensed to meet and/or support some such as those listed above.
If you are uncertain whether POE staff would be unable and/or unlicensed to meet your potential child’s needs, please reach out to us at info@pdxoutdoorexplorers.com to discuss.
It is always our goal to provide a safe and fun environment for our explorers, which may be impossible if your child requires more than we are able to provide.
Small But Mighty
Portland Outdoor Explorers is a small non-profit with big dreams and a can-do attitude.
But even we can’t do it alone.
If you’re interested in supporting us, please look into registering and share our information with your friends and family! We try and make it as easy as possible for anyone to get involved so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
info@pdxoutdoorexplorers.com
(503) 342-8155