How old does my son or daughter need to be to attend the camp?
Mt. Hood Camp is for middle school athletes only. There have been exceptions but most of the campers are entering the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade this fall. There have been exceptions for 5th if they are already running well or have a sibling at camp.
What About Health and Safety?
We will be following all health and safety guidelines including temperature checks and masks as required by the health departments and the camp directors.
BECAUSE THE CAMP IS CALLED "ELITE" SHOULD I BE CONCERNED THAT MY ATHLETE MAY NOT BE FAST ENOUGH FOR THE CAMP?
The camp does attract some top athletes. However, if your child has the passion and desire to improve, just spending time at camp is sure to give them more skills to become better. After the first hour, it seems they’re all best friends anyway. They will be running with some former college runners and some top-level high school runners who will be leading runs. Any motivated athlete is sure to be inspired.
How will I reach my camper if they don't have their phone during the day?
At check-in, we'll provide emergency phone numbers for the counselors.
How many campers to a room?
Campers will be staying in a one-story lodge-style dorm. Like you'd find if you've attended outdoor school or a church summer camp. At Mt. Hood Camp Arrah Wanna we’re in Judson Lodge bunk bed style with 6-8 in a room.
What's the ratio of campers to staff?
One coach or camp staff person for every five campers.
My camper has some special dietary needs.
There are medical questions in the registration form but if there is anything you missed or that you didn't alert us in your registration please let us know well in advance of the camp so we can take care of your camper. For special meals, the camp kitchen needs at least a three-week notice.
What About Behavior Issues?
Respect for one another is of the utmost importance at the Youth Runner Camp. Language or any kind of abuse is not tolerated.
What shall I pack for camp?
• water bottle
• running shorts
• plenty of socks
• running shirts
• running pants
• sweatshirt, warm clothing (it can get cold at night)
• 2 pairs of running shoes (regular training shoes + a pair suitable for trails)
• sunscreen, chapstick, hat
• pajamas
• swimsuit
• jeans/"Regular" clothing (not required) but if your runner may feel like getting out of running gear
• notebook and pen
• coin-operated laundry units available (no one has ever used them but they exist)
Flashlight and batteries
Personal items such as toothpaste & shampoo
Light backpack for our trail runs if you have
Optional - Sunglasses
Towel(s)
Sleeping Bag - There is NO BEDDING or TOWELS provided at MT. HOOD. If you're flying in we can provide a sleeping bag, pillow, and towel for you. Please let us know ahead of time.
Mosquito Repellent (hasn’t been much of a problem in past years)
Light rain jacket.....it's August and we don't expect any rain but sometimes mother nature lets a few drops fall down just because she can.
*Spending money-if your camper will be at the airport they will probably need some money. We’ll have some YR Gear for sale on the last day of camp.
What About Mileage and Workouts?
We’re not “high mileage” camps. Although campers get plenty of running in, the idea is to get them refreshed after track season and charged up for cross county. We have a shake-out run in the morning for 30-45 min. An activity-workout, or run in the afternoon.
Our day trip is up to the mountain trails, elevation 3227’, with a 9-mile run on Wednesday. It’s 4.5 miles out and 4.5 miles back. We split the campers into three groups so they have an option of going 2-3 miles or all the way out and back. They start the day with a 30-45 min run with the opportunity for the hard chargers to put in more if they want to, then drills and breakfast, with another run or activity in the afternoon. Some of the campers have already had a long track season so instead of running their legs off we give them a refreshing break in the mountains to get them ready for cross country.
What not to bring
iPads, laptops, computers, candy and snacks.
What about cell phones?
At check-in, we’ll ask for phones but there is plenty of time to call home after dinner each night. Phones won’t be allowed during the day or after call-home time.
Cell coverage is spotty at the camps however there are landlines and if they need to call home we’ll make sure they have a phone.
Also, we don’t want you to lose a phone during a run or workout, and…..sleep is an important part of training for a runner and you'll need your nighttime rest during the camp vs. screen time.
About Paying for Camp
We realize with travel and registration fees it all adds up. To make it easier you can now split the camp fee into payments when you reach the checkout page.
Will you pick up our camper from the airport and get them back for the return flight?
For those flying as unaccompanied minors, airlines will be asking you for the name of the person picking up your camper so once you're ready to go be sure to email us for the contact info. Important to make sure you get all the details from your airline upfront. Requirements are constantly changing and we want to make sure your camper is covered on both ends of the trip. In the case you have to cancel for any reason trip insurance when you book your flight is always a good idea.
What hotels are in the area
MT. HOOD CAMP.
Camp is 41.1 miles and 59 minutes from Portland Internation.
Parents have stayed in prior years at The Mt. Hood Resort just a few minutes away in Welches, Oregon if your camper is a commuter and you want to be close by. You can also search for lodging in Welches or at Government Camp 13 miles away.
For all ranges of hotels Sandy, Oregon is 19 miles west of the camp and Gresham is 28 miles west which is on the way back to the airport.