CAMP MAINTENANCE
Care and upkeep of outdoor camps
Residential outdoor camp facilities are a critical factor in getting more kids into nature. Since 2014, we’ve invested over $500,000 annually into the improvement of Oregon’s outdoor residential camps.
The best memories are made outside
Gray Family Foundation’s Camp Maintenance Grant Program supports positive outdoor experiences for all youth by helping existing camp facilities maintain spaces that fuel a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. Funds can be used for:
- Repair to facility structures and systems
- Improved usability for individuals of varying needs
- Grounds upkeep and natural hazard prevention
- Staff positions key for maintenance throughout the year
- Projects essential to effective, safe, accessible camp operations
Current Grants & Opportunities
Camp Maintenance Grant
Our Board of Directors meet four times annually to make decisions on Camp Maintenance requests. An initial review is done by our Camp Maintenance committee who help us develop our recommendations. Grant awards are made until funds are fully expended. If you have a time sensitive request, contact us.
OBJECTIVE:
Provide ongoing maintenance support to existing residential camp facilities in Oregon
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
$500,000 to support projects throughout the state
TIMELINE:
- Applications received by January 23 will be considered in mid February.
- Applications received by April 17 will be considered in late May.
- Applications received by July 24 will be considered in early September.
- Applications received by October 2 will be considered in mid November.
How we’ve helped
Our Camp Maintenance Grants have been used across Oregon to support existing residential camps as they continue to provide positive outdoor experiences for youth.
Camp Namanu: completed septic, electrical, and excavation work for cabins
Drift Creek Camp: replaced partitions and tiled showers in the bathhouse
Camp Elkanah: updated cabin floors, roofs, and exteriors
Camp Kiwanilong: maintenance on waterfront structures including accessibility updates
Camp Latgawa: updated an historic bathhouse while preserving the site’s history
Who should apply?
Our foundation awards grants to overnight facilities in Oregon with maintenance and improvement needs. Priority is given to applicants that host state-funded Outdoor School (5th/6th graders), are geographically dispersed, and reflect Gray Family Foundation’s values regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Non-profit camp facilities, schools, districts, tribal entities, or 501(c)3 non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.
Successful applicants will include facilities that are:
- Currently hosting 5th/6th grade outdoor school programs or actively working towards becoming a host site for outdoor school programming
- Licensed in the state of Oregon as an organizational camp
- Committed to dedicating staff and volunteer time to the success of the proposal
- Exhibiting expertise in facilities maintenance and an understanding of needs of outdoor school programs
- Demonstrating a commitment to creating inclusive and accessible camp facilities for students, teachers, and parents from diverse communities and lifestyles
- Willing and able to share best practices with peer grantee networks
Our Grant Criteria
- Repairs and improvements to existing facilities such as:
- Insulation and weatherproofing
- Roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and drainpipe replacements
- Dry rot correction and staining/painting
- Doors, decks, floors, and floor coverings
- Water, sewer, septic, irrigation, heating, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Roads, paths, trails, and signage
- Grounds upkeep
- Safety upgrades and features compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Masonry and concrete repairs
- Cabinets and countertops
- Emergency repairs
- Facilities that do not host overnight programming
- Capital projects for new construction (i.e. new buildings)
- Purchase of additional property (including vehicles)
- Deficit funding or elimination of operating deficits
- Annual fund appeals or endowment funds
- Religious activities
- Annual fund appeals or endowment funds
Featured Grantees
Interested in learning about how camp maintenance projects support youth experiences at outdoor school and beyond? Check out these stories of our awesome camp maintenance grantees.
The Sherwood Project at Camp Namanu
In late 2023, an extensive renovation project to build eight new cabins was completed at Camp Namanu.
Funding Area:
Camp Maintenance
Location:
Clackamas County
OMSI’s Hancock Field Station
Rustic, Remote, and Quite Comfortable – Striking a Balance for Outdoor School Students at OMSI’s Hancock Field Station
Funding Area:
Camp Maintenance
Location:
Wheeler County
