Historic Oregon summer camp faces “very uncertain future” and is pleading for $1 million in funding

A storied summer camp in Oregon that has offered nature programs for youth for 100 years is facing a financial cliff.

Camp Namanu says it will run out of reserve funds by the end of the year unless supporters can raise $1 million in donations.

Management at Camp Fire Columbia, the nonprofit that runs Camp Namanu, cited a veritable storm of rising labor costs, inflation and supply chain problems in a letter to families last week.

Organizers say they have already cut expenses and are confident programming for the 2025 school year and summer camp season will survive — as long as fundraising efforts are successful.

However, the non-refundable application fees were reduced to $50 in recognition of the poor financial situation.

“Together we have weathered happy times and have had the courage needed to get through difficult times,” board chairwoman Melynda Retallack said in the letter. “It is with a heavy heart that we write to let you know that right now is one of those times.”

The news is a surprising turnaround for the picturesque town on 500 acres along the Sandy River, which celebrated its addition to the National Register of Historic Places just six months ago.

Since 1924, more than 100,000 campers, including beloved Oregon author Beverly Cleary, have walked among the 70 buildings and along miles of winding trails along Walker Creek and stands of ancient Douglas firs.

Camp Namanu says some of the cost-cutting has resulted in some jobs being eliminated and the number of families served. The camp has also increased camp fees, from $865 per week in 2024 to $1,025 in 2025.

But that hasn't been enough, and the camp says it is saddled with $2 million in debt from building eight new cabins, known as the Sherwood Unit, for campers and counselors.

The letter states that Camp Namanu will work with an undisclosed “regional agency” to reduce the debt and plans to collect the rest of the camp fees next summer “provided we are able to implement our vision and to reach our fundraising goals this winter.”

The camp aims to raise $500,000 before the end of the year and another half a million next year. A representative for the camp declined further comment Monday.

—Zane Sparling covers breaking news and dishes for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, [email protected] or @pdxzane.

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