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Summer Programs

Outdoor Leaders Institute (OLI) offers transformative outdoor experiences for youth ages 14-18. Siskiyou Field Institute’s program is a 6-day summer wilderness course running June 22nd-26th, 2026. During their OLI  journey, youth participate in exhilarating outdoor activities, gaining new leadership skills and deepening their connection to the natural world. Our outdoor adventures feature backpacking in the majestic Klamath-Siskiyou National Forest. 

OLI trips leave a lasting impact on students. The challenges of backpacking with only essential items, navigating the unique terrains of the region provide young people with opportunities to build confidence and feel empowered. Participants also enjoy moments of solitude amidst nature’s beauty.

These experiences help participants develop:

  • Leadership skills
  • Decision-making
  • Enhance communication 
  • Increase self-awareness
  • Effectively translate ideas into actions

 

Throughout their adventure, students step out of their comfort zone, embrace new experiences, learn from challenges, acquire new technical skills, boost self-efficacy, and forge lifelong friendships! 

 Program pick up and drop off will be in Ashland.

 

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Read more below:

Activities Offered

Participants build leadership skills while working together on the backcountry trails of the Klamath Siskiyou forest.  During the backpacking trip, students step out of their comfort zone to try new things, learn from their challenges, develop new technical skills, expand self efficacy, and build lifelong friendships!

Course participants will have the opportunity to gain leadership skills during all aspects of their trip. They will be involved in cooking backcountry meals, setting camp, teaching peers outdoor skills and more!

Contact our Education Program Manager if you have any questions: Call at (541) 597-8530 ext. 106, or email at edmanager@thesfi.org

What to Expect

Our instructors bring strong backgrounds in outdoor leadership, education, and backcountry travel—and we build on that foundation with in-house training specific to Siskiyou Field Institute programs. Alongside technical skills like navigation, risk management, and wilderness travel, our team is prepared to lead with clarity, sound judgment, and care in dynamic backcountry environments.

Just as important, our instructors are trained to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for teens. They are attentive mentors who foster positive group dynamics, encourage individual growth, and ensure that every participant feels respected, challenged, and able to fully engage in the experience.

Drop-off and Pickup will be in Ashland. The drop off time for the program is at 8:30am on June 22nd and the pick up is at noon on June 26th. Transportation to and from backpacking trail is provided.

Day 1:  Team building, group agreements and head out on trail
Days 2-5:  Backpacking in Klamath Siskiyous, working on team dynamics, navigation, and more on-trail skills
Day 6:  Return to Ashland and closing 

All meals including snacks will be provided on the trip for participants. Youth will support the cooking and cleaning of all meals during the trip. Dietary restrictions and allergies will be requested upon sign up so staff have ample time to create a healthy menu for all participants.

Gear rentals are free and available for participants. All group gear will be provided by Siskiyou Field Institute. High quality sleeping bags and pads will be rented out to participants as well. 

All weather appropriate clothing and hiking shoes will need to be brought with participant (we don’t offer boot or clothing rentals at this time)

$775 includes all trip costs: Transportation to trailhead and rafting, food, gear rental, and staffing. Limited scholarship options are available. Contact edmanager@thesfi.org for more information. 

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Camp Sessions

Thank you for your interest in attending Summer camp at the Siskiyou Field Institute!

If you have any questions about which camp is right for you and your child, please contact the Youth Education Program Manager: call at 541-597-8530 ext. 106 or email at youthprograms@thesfi.org. To register, please click on the link below.

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Activities Offered

Our low ropes course is meant to safely challenge campers and have them face their fears or support their fellow campers towards accomplishing their goals. Our instructors will guide campers through a scenario and explain the rules, but it is up to the camper to step forward and make it through to the other side!

The more we can see and hear in nature, the richer our experience of nature will be. We play games that will build campers’ ability to walk silently in the forest, to listen to all of the creatures and phenomenon around them, and to see fine details in order to begin identifying plants and differentiating animal tracks.

Nature journaling is a way for campers to put their own spin on their experiences and to decompress and contextualize what they observe after or as part of their activities. Campers will gain confidence in their abilities to draw and to learn in their own way, and hopefully discover new personal interests in nature and science!

The textures, colors, sounds, and smells of nature have long inspired great works of art. By going out and experiencing these sensations first hand, our campers will be able to craft their own works of art, some of which they will take home, and some that will remain in the environment where they were created.

What to Expect

Parents are responsible for arranging pickup and dropoff for their children to the Deer Creek Center, located at 1241 Illinois River Rd., in Selma, OR. All camps begin at 9:00am. Pickup for Junior Outdoor Explorers will be at 1:00pm, pickup for Outdoor Explorers and Outdoor Creators will be at 3:30pm.

Healthy trail snacks will be provided to ensure campers stay happy, healthy, and energized throughout the day. Parents should provide their camper with a water bottle that can be refilled on site. Trail lunches or sandwiches will be provided for Outdoor Explorer and Outdoor Creator camps.

We will be swimming in the creek to beat the heat. Please provide your camper with bathing suits, towels, and a change of closed-toe shoes they can wear to walk safely down to the creek. There are facilities for changing in and out of swim clothes.

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