Our Space
The Barn
Having been through many changes over the years, the barn continues to be an integral part of what makes Nellie Creek so much fun! The Barn in divided into two sections; the play space and animal area. The play space includes a halfpipe, basketball area, rock wall, and game section, and is open to campers during the drop-off and the free time portion of camp. The animal area is open to campers during the morning portion of the day, where they will have the opportunity to milk a goat, feed the animals, search for eggs, or get cuddles from the barn cats.
Campers will learn about the daily routine of goat milking, feeding, and herding.
The Meadow continues to serve as our central hub and meeting space due to its close proximity to all of the other camp stations on the property. Circle time, transitions, meadow games, group activities, art work, and performances all take place in the meadow. Frequently the goats will even come join us later in the day for some afternoon grazing.
The Meadow
The Ponds
Nellie Creek was originally Nellie Creek Fish Hatchery, and throughout the 1990's its ponds supplied trout to people in the community. The ponds are filled by the continuous supply of freshwater from two streams that cross through the property, making them the perfect place to cool off on a warm sunny day. There are also lots of critters to observe including frogs, rainbow trout and rough skinned newts! If you're lucky you may even find our old friend the turtle who is often found sunbathing on the edge of the lower pond.
The Shire
The old hillside root cellar, nicknamed, "The Shire," currently stores aged goat cheese as well as a selection of wines. It also is surrounded by gardening spaces, where campers have the opportunity help plant and harvest seasonal veggies throughout the spring and summer months.
The Outdoor Kitchen
Creating and sharing food together is a fundamental part of Nellie Creek Camp . We are fortunate to be partnered with Slice Of Heaven Farm in Sandy, which provides us with fresh, local, delicious veggies to serve to campers during snack time. We also end our camp sessions with firing up our barrel oven, and baking pizza with the kids. Whether it’s washing vegetables from the garden, helping prep and serve snack, or serving on dish crew, the outdoor kitchen continues to bring campers together to share in the bounty provided during the spring and summer months.
The Forest
The benefits that come from spending time in nature can be experienced by anyone. This is why we have made efforts to expand the accessible parts of the forested areas, building onto the network of trails with every passing season. We provide campers with the opportunity to walk the trails (shoes or barefoot!) everyday they are at camp, while helping to foster their connection with the more wild side of life.
Over the past year, Our team have been building trails, restoring hillsides and inoculating edible mushroom patches throughout Nellie Creek! Taking campers out on the trails, identifying native plants, and teaching campers how they can be stewards to their own natural environments are some of the activities and themes we cover with kiddos while in the forest!
