Looking Within, Looking Forward

As advocates for youth, education, and the arts, Caldera’s work and joy is rooted in showing up and speaking up for communities and young learners across Oregon. After reported misconduct and the subsequent termination of an individual staff member at camp last summer, we began an intensive internal review to ensure we’re doing everything possible to protect all participants.

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Many individuals —who collectively represent several decades of personal experience as camp and program participants— affirmed the unique nature, benefits, and effectiveness of Caldera’s youth programming. Some of their sentiments follow, including unsolicited statements from affiliates and guardians of camp alumni. 

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“I was in the program from 2005-2011. It was honestly one of the highlights of my teenage life and was so much more than an art camp.” - Camp Alumnus via social media

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“Finding my place in the creative world was nurtured at Camp Caldera, I found my voice there; lost my social shell and wallflower.

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“I would still be a part of camp. The organization continues to do amazing work. I’m a product of that amazing work.” - Seasonal and Year-Round Staff 

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“My daughter has gone to Caldera for 3 years and the experience has been nothing but safe and amazing. Caldera has created magic and inspired bigger lives for so many Oregon kids.” - Caldera parent via social media

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Our existing policies were found to be adequate, and we are working now with human resources experts to strengthen our practices, training and protocols. Caldera is both a sanctuary and an incubator for grand ideas, where every person and dream is supported. We stand with our community, and we stand by our values, just as we have since 1996. 

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Thank you for your continued support.

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View a summary of the assessment here.