Ecology

Camp Magruder has a long history of environmental education and is a very rich place to learn. Within or adjacent to its substantial acreage are varied forest environments, the ocean, two lakes, nearby tide pools and the Norman Huffman wetlands, which has been developed with paths and bridges. A variety of organizations use the site, including school districts and OMSI.

Plans for the new Environmental Learning Center

It is the intention of this plan to enhance those opportunities by integrating both passive and active education and interpretation into programs for adults at the retreat center, and for the individual visitor, in addition to youth campers and outside groups. This facility is designed to support those learning opportunities to a greater degree than ever before. It is sited near the entrance to camp and the shore of Smith Lake and is adjacent to the start of the Huffman Wetlands trail.

The entrance will have a kiosk, a sheltered area and wall space where users may receive directions and passive interpretation without interrupting group or classroom activity. The heart of the center will be three teaching areas, two small classrooms with plumbing and a sheltered outdoor area near the lake edge.

This reflects a typical educational program where a larger group is oriented and then divided into small groups who do field work, return to the laboratory/classroom, then venture into the field again. The basic laboratory/classrooms can also be useful to others and for other program purposes. The restrooms are included to serve users of this facility, groups arriving at camp for registration and orientation, and users of the wetlands and camp trail system in this area of the property.

Regarding the bird design, the opportunity for this expression grew out of an architectural solution to the learning center program and site planning. It is not an inappropriate symbol for the purpose, would be fun for children, and is sure to become a remembered experience for everyone at the gateway to Camp Magruder.

Two things are important to note: The real structure we began with is still underneath; and a drawing cannot accurately illustrate the reality, which is sculptural, not graphic. If this possibility is pursued, the design process will require three-dimensional modeling to test whether and how the desired result can be accomplished.

Make a Donation

Please consider a financial gift towards the future of Camp Magruder.

You may designate a project for your gift or make an undesignated contribution.

Camp Magruder Pledge Form - Types of contributions (PDF)

Planned Giving Levels - Chart describing "How a Little Becomes a Lot" (PDF)

Contact the Office Manager for additional information.

Camp Magruder, as part of the Camp and Retreat Ministries of the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. No goods or services are provided in exchange for this donation.