Camp Namanu: Complete Guide to the Historic Oregon Summer Camp in 2026

Camp Namanu is a historic summer camp located along the Sandy River near Sandy, Oregon, about an hour from Portland and near Mount Hood. Covering approximately 552 forested acres, Namanu combines outdoor recreation, youth programming, environmental learning, community events, and more than a century of camp history. In 2026, the camp continues to serve young people entering grades 2 through 12, while also hosting family programs, alumni events, service weekends, and other seasonal activities.

The name Namanu is pronounced “Nuh-MAH-NOO,” and the site has operated continuously as a youth camp since 1924. Its long history, extensive forested setting, and connection with Camp Fire Columbia have made it an important outdoor destination in the Portland region.

What Is Camp Namanu and Where Is It Located?

Camp Namanu is situated at 10300 SE Camp Namanu Road, Sandy, Oregon 97055, on the banks of the Sandy River and west of Mount Hood. The property covers roughly 552 acres of forest, giving campers access to a large natural environment for outdoor activities and exploration.

The location is particularly notable because of its combination of forests, river surroundings, wildlife, and proximity to the Portland metropolitan area. The Multnomah Education Service District describes the site as being above the Bull Run watershed, with lush forests and abundant wildlife. Its Outdoor School program has used the Camp Namanu property since 1999.

The camp is operated in connection with Camp Fire Columbia, which describes Namanu as one of the largest and oldest youth camps in the region. The organization uses the property for summer camp and additional year-round programs, allowing the site to remain active beyond the traditional summer season.

Camp Namanu History and Its Historic Significance

The history of Camp Namanu stretches back to 1924, when it was established as a Camp Fire Girls camp. Over the decades, it developed into one of the oldest and largest Camp Fire camps in the United States. Its history is closely connected to the development of outdoor education and youth camping in Oregon.

The property also has cultural significance. The Multnomah Education Service District notes that the land associated with the Namanu Outdoor School site is connected to the Chinook people and their historical territory. Recognizing the Indigenous history of the land is an important part of understanding the broader story of the location.

Namanu has also been associated with notable cultural figures. Children’s author Beverly Cleary wrote about her experiences as a Camp Fire Girl, including attending Camp Namanu. The camp later appeared in popular culture through the film Ramona and Beezus, in which the character Ramona is shown wearing a Camp Namanu shirt.

The camp was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2024, further recognizing its historical importance. Several buildings at Namanu were designed by prominent Oregon architect Pietro Belluschi, adding architectural significance to the property.

Camp Namanu Summer Camp Programs in 2026

The main Camp Namanu summer program welcomes campers entering 2nd through 12th grade. According to Camp Fire Columbia, the program is designed around outdoor experiences that encourage young people to explore nature, develop confidence, build friendships, and take part in activities suited to their age and interests.

Activities can include hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, nature exploration, archery, overnight hikes, weaving, and high-ropes challenge courses. As campers grow older, additional activities and experiences become available. Campers are also encouraged to have a role in creating their weekly schedules by choosing activities that interest them.

The 2026 schedule includes full-week sessions as well as selected half-week options. The published family handbook lists sessions beginning June 28, 2026, followed by additional sessions through August 21, 2026. Some half-week sessions are available for specified camper groups.

A typical camp day combines structured activities with meals, rest periods, recreation, and group events. A sample schedule published by Camp Fire Columbia includes breakfast, morning activities, lunch, rest or pool time, afternoon activities, dinner, an all-camp activity, and bedtime.

Activities and Outdoor Experiences at Camp Namanu

One of the defining characteristics of Camp Namanu is its emphasis on outdoor learning. Rather than simply providing a place to stay during summer vacation, the program gives campers opportunities to interact directly with the natural environment.

Younger campers can participate in activities such as arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, nature exploration, and outdoor games. Older campers can gain access to more advanced experiences, including archery, overnight hiking, weaving, and high-ropes challenges.

The natural surroundings also make Namanu suitable for learning about forests, wildlife, plants, and outdoor responsibility. The camp’s extensive acreage provides room for campers to explore while participating in supervised activities.

This approach is consistent with Camp Fire Columbia’s broader goal of creating outdoor experiences that encourage young people to develop confidence and become active members of their communities.

Family Camp, Alumni Events, and Year-Round Programs

Camp Namanu is not limited to traditional youth summer sessions. Family Camp provides families with an opportunity to experience the property together. Camp Fire Columbia describes Family Camp as a way for adults to join campers in the woods and for families with younger children to become familiar with Namanu.

The property also hosts Friends of Namanu, service weekends, open houses, and other seasonal activities. In 2026, Camp Fire Columbia lists a Friends of Namanu Reunion Weekend for September 10–13, giving alumni and former camp community members an opportunity to reconnect.

Another new 2026 offering is Mushroom Camp, scheduled for November 13–15. The program includes mushroom identification and foraging education, cooking-related activities, mushroom trivia, and instruction involving mushroom and lichen dyes.

These programs demonstrate how Namanu functions as a year-round community property rather than simply a summer destination.

How to Register for Camp Namanu in 2026

Families interested in Camp Namanu summer camp 2026 can use the official Camp Fire Columbia website for registration information, session details, family resources, and current policies. The organization provides a 2026 Family Handbook, registration instructions, session pricing and dates, cancellation information, unit descriptions, financial-assistance information, teen leadership opportunities, and frequently asked questions.

Because dates, availability, pricing, and program details can change, families should check the official information before making travel arrangements or purchasing supplies.

The camp’s official address is 10300 SE Camp Namanu Rd., Sandy, OR 97055, and Camp Fire Columbia lists 503-695-6041 as the camp telephone number.

The independent Camp Namanu nonprofit also maintains information about preserving and sustainably managing the property’s 552 forested acres and its historical and cultural significance.

Camp Namanu Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Camp Namanu located?
Camp Namanu is located at 10300 SE Camp Namanu Rd., Sandy, Oregon 97055, along the Sandy River near Mount Hood.

How old is Camp Namanu?
Camp Namanu was founded in 1924, giving it more than a century of operating history.

What grades can attend Camp Namanu?
The 2026 summer program welcomes campers entering 2nd through 12th grade.

What activities are available?
Activities include hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, nature exploration, archery, overnight hikes, weaving, and high-ropes challenges, with activities varying according to age and program.

Does Camp Namanu offer family programs?
Yes. Family Camp allows families to participate in the camp experience together, while other year-round programs serve alumni and the wider community.

Is Camp Namanu historically significant?
Yes. The camp dates to 1924, has connections to Camp Fire’s history, includes buildings associated with architect Pietro Belluschi, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024.

Are there Camp Namanu programs outside summer?
Yes. In 2026, programs include Friends of Namanu Reunion Weekend, service opportunities, and Mushroom Camp, in addition to family-oriented activities.

Conclusion

Camp Namanu represents a combination of outdoor recreation, youth development, environmental exploration, and Oregon history. Located on more than 550 acres along the Sandy River, the camp has provided outdoor experiences since 1924 and continues to welcome young people entering grades 2 through 12.

The 2026 Camp Namanu program offers activities ranging from hiking and swimming to arts, nature exploration, archery, overnight experiences, and high-ropes challenges. Families can also participate in dedicated programs, while alumni and community members can attend year-round events such as Friends of Namanu weekend and Mushroom Camp.

For families researching Camp Namanu in 2026, the official Camp Fire Columbia resources are the best place to verify current session dates, registration requirements, prices, financial assistance, policies, and program availability before planning a visit.