Our after-school programs are unique in being both place-based and student-led. While instructors have multiple activities prepared each day, a student’s afternoon will be determined by what they are interested in and the neighborhood they are exploring. Kids spend the school day working hard and studying indoors – we hope to create a relaxing and engaging afternoon where kids can be kids, learning and playing in the ways that feel best to them. Activities can include things like plant identification, fort building, art, storytelling, role-play games, and foam sword battles.
An Active Learning Environment
Instructors also lead the students in explorations of their own neighborhood, walking from their school to various outdoor spaces nearby as weather allows. The place they live becomes the primary instructor and gives students a sense of belonging and ownership in the community.
You never know what you may find exploring.
After-School Pricing
We price on a sliding scale, meaning the more days you register for, the lower the cost is per diem. We also have one of the most flexible registration options around, allowing you to select only the days you and your family will need, rather than forcing you to pay a massive lump sum.
Drop In
$50
Full Semester (Month)
1 Day a Week $200, prorated
Full Semester (Month)
2 Days a Week $360, prorated
Full Semester (Month)
3 Days a Week $480, prorated
Full Semester (Month)
4 Days a Week $640, prorated
Full Semester (Month)
5 Days a Week $700, prorated
Rose City Park Elementary
Instructors pick up students from Rose City Park Elementary at 2:30 p.m., then walk to Rose City Park or other neighborhood locations.
Pickup will be any time before 6:00 p.m. from the corner of NE 62nd Ave and NE Thompson St, or from Rose City Park United Methodist Church (5830 NE Alameda St.) in inclement weather. Please coordinate with your student’s instructors to determine the exact location.
Pickup: by 6:00 p.m. from the playground at Rose City Park OR Rose City Park United Methodist Church
Instructors pick up students from Scott Elementary at 2:30 p.m. with our trusty POEmobile (the company van) and take them to Rose City Park for games, outdoor education, and more!
Pickup is any time before 6:00 p.m. from Rose City Park at the corner of NE 62nd and NE Thompson or from Rose City Park United Methodist Church (5830 NE Alameda St.) in inclement weather. Please coordinate with your student’s instructors to determine the exact location.
Does your child attend a different school? No problem!
Portland Outdoor Explorers currently provides transportation from Scott and Rose City Park Elementary Schools to our indoor and outdoor locations, however, that doesn’t mean only students of those schools can register. If your student attends a different school, simply add the name of the school in at registration and reach out to us to discuss transportation options.
Transportation from POE
The POEmobile is our trusty company van which is used to help us transport gear and students to after-school programs. If you’re curious to learn more, ask any of our capable staff for a tour of the van!
What to include at registration
Portland Outdoor Explorers is an inclusive camp that seeks to make all kids feel safe and comfortable at our camp in order for them to have the most fun possible. For that reason, we ask a few important things during registration that go beyond their name and age. These will include:
Name
Age
Preferred pronouns
Any allergies (food, topical, etc.)
Any medications (please only include prescription medication as we cannot allow OTC medications at camp)
Mental health notes (this can include any diagnosed or suspected neurodivergence, language to use/avoid (example: “walking feet” versus “don’t run”) things that help/hinder if your explorer becomes dysregulated, if they struggle with transitions, etc.)
Other notes (this is anything else you feel is important for us to know about your explorer, such as whether they are prone to running away, or need assistance with certain things. If you’re not sure, you can always reach out!)
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 NOTcertified 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.
