Full Public Statement from Caldera– August 21, 2025

At Caldera, the safety and well-being of our youth, staff, and community is our highest priority. Eleven days ago, three staff members came forward with serious allegations regarding the behavior of a former employee. We took immediate action: we terminated his employment and, at the staff members’ request, reported the matter to the Jefferson County Oregon Sheriff's Office.

We want to be clear: we have no information that any youth or children were impacted. The allegations were made by adult staff members.

To clarify for our community: the individual in question was employed as a Youth Advocate and Media Coordinator—not a camp counselor. In addition, we want community members to know that to protect both the youth and staff, in addition to running thorough background checks on every staff member, we adhere–at all times–to the “Rule of Three.” Under this rule, individual staff are never alone with an individual youth: staff + 2 youth; or 2 staff +1 youth. The “Rule of Three” is maintained both in person and via email (Programs Coordinator or other full-time, regular staff member must be cc’d on any correspondence with youth.)

Since that time, we have been cooperating fully with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation. Out of respect for those affected and to protect the integrity of the legal process, we are limited in what we can share. What we can share is our continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and the safety of every young person, staff member, and artist who is part of the Caldera community.

We know this news is deeply upsetting to many. Our priority now is to support those who have been harmed and to ensure Caldera remains a safe, empowering, and creative space for the young people and artists we serve.

If you have information relevant to the investigation, please contact the Jefferson County Oregon Sheriff's Office at 541-475-6520 and ask for Detective Capehart or Deputy Larson.

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