That's really up to your comfort level. Last year we sent out a newsletter that shared some basics.
It still applies this year.
You are responsible for your own camping supplies, including food and water. Fridieoutdoors.com is a BIPOC site that provides great information to help prepare, whether you are new to camping or a seasoned camper.
In general, think about what you value most for your comfort at home and consider ways to scale that down into a backpack or two. Whatever you pack, don't forget the mosquito repellant. We've had lots of rain this year and those buggers are gonna be hungry for sweet people.
Driving is the best option to get to Oxbow Regional Park. We encourage carpools. We will have parking passes at check-in. Once you enter the park, look for our signs to Eagle Shelter, Group Camp 1. Click this link for directions to the park.
From downtown Portland it's about a 45 minute drive (without traffic.) There is no phone signal once you turn off Troutdale Road so you may want to print out the directions, though there is pretty good signage to get you to the park.
If you would like to help coordinate a carpool for a couple folx who don't have transporation, please let us know at sanctuary@healgrow.org
Thursday VIP check-in
is by invitation only.
Friday-Sunday General Check-in between 2:00-6:00p.
The park gate closes at 7:00p.
If you don't arrive on your confirmed date by 6p, your spot will be opened to folx on the waiting list.
Once you arrive, find a parking spot, then come to the check-in tent:
That's it! Grab your gear and go set up your camp under the trees!
We've divided the camping area under the trees into 3 zones:
Once you've identitifed a zone, find a spot; it's first come, first pick of ground available. Fires are only allowed in designated areas with pits (and depends on the fire risk level set by the county.)
Sit down, take a breath. Make a new friend. Grab some water and go on a hike. Listen to the birds down by the river. Sing. Dance. Whatever you like!
There will be some activities led by volunteer campers. Check back on this webpage or the on-site board to see the TBD schedule.
We also have an equipment library: check out a soccer ball or frisbee, a set of dominoes or deck of cards. Feel free to bring your own equipment - yoga mat, binoculars, that book you haven't had time to read.
That depends. Sometimes we get a grant to do something special, but usually we depend on every day folx stepping up to do something extraordinary.
Take a small group of elementary students on a hike to draw what they see. Referee a soccer game. Facilitate a fireside storytelling session. Outdoor cooking lesson? Do it!
If you would like to lead (or co-lead) we ask you to volunteer anytime. Anything is possible; it all depends on the gifts the people bring!
It was a long, wet winter. These weather conditions create a river that runs cold, fast and dangerous in the spring. The park provides life jackets for all ages and we encourage all campers to use park resources and/or bring your own. Adults always think about the safety of their children, but we want to emphasize the safety of adults. Please play safe - adults and children - in the river.
A family friendly camping retreat along the Sandy River, Oxbow Regional Park, Gresham, Oregon.
Camping in community creates a sense of safety and liberty to appreciate a natural way of being. What we are attempting to create at R3 is an opportunity to relax, relate and release. This R3 camping retreat is free and exclusive to Native, Black, Indigenous, "People of Color" who are ready to let go of "labels" and just be in nature with friends and family.
Thursday, May 25th
VIP Check-In: by invitation only
Friday-Sunday, May 26-29th
General Check-In: 2p-6p
We're bringing back the podcast recording studio. We hope to hear your experiences of the outdoors, or your thoughts on the politics of racializing natural spaces, or how nature is critical to equalizing health care, or whatever else you'd like to share about the importance of nature in healing and growth. If you want to participate, be sure to sign the media release portion on the waiver form at check-in.
Other Activities:
We are living in a world of noise and chaos, fear and dis-ease. Present times call for a moment to just be still and know - who we are in the world, our connection to one another, and how to live in peace with ourselves and others.
In the natural world, we can hear the answers, in the wild diversity of the forest, the simple calling of one bird to another, the steady confidence of a river churning. Nature speaks if we take time to listen.
There was a time when we could hear these messages clearly. Colonial culture has ripped these natural ways of life away from our souls. Whether we know it or not, we are longing to return to this natural order. The TLC R3 Camping retreat is an opportunity to do so, and chance to "just be." (Learn more of the story here.)
We have intentionally planned this retreat without set times and dates for each activity. We believe the best things happen organically. We have a few folx who have volunteered to lead an activity, (yoga, meditation, youth/children's activity, etc.,) but with the exception of our special guest on Saturday, activites will not be programmed in advance. It will be based on what one or two people are inspired to lead in the moment, open to whoever wants to jump in. That's how nature plays, and we plan to play along!
All campers are asked to sign a general waiver/photo release and community culture agreement.
You can fill them out in advance and bring a signed copy at check in. If you are camping with children, please sign the adult waiver for yourself and the adult with children waiver for the children who will be camping with you.
Copyright © 2019 TLC, Int'l
All Rights Reserved.
sanctuary@healgrow.org