CTAC Week 2: Adventure, Creativity, and New Experiences
While the weather had other plans for Monday, the rest of the week more than made up for it with exciting adventures, creative experiences, and unforgettable memories!
Tuesday: Making a Splash at Rogue X
Our week began with a trip to the Rogue X Aquatic Center in Medford, where campers enjoyed swimming, water slides, and time together outside the classroom. On the way home, the group made a stop at Sunset Campground at Lake of the Woods to check water conditions and prepare for the next day's adventure.
Wednesday: Boating Beneath Mt. McLoughlin
Wednesday brought beautiful weather and an even more beautiful setting as campers spent the day boating and swimming at Lake of the Woods, all beneath the towering peak of Mount McLoughlin.
Whether relaxing on the water, swimming with friends, or simply taking in the scenery, campers experienced one of Southern Oregon's premier outdoor recreation areas while building confidence, teamwork, and friendships.
Thursday: Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Thursday showcased the many ways creativity can become a career.
The day began with a visit to Subbed In Designs in Chiloquin, where Garrett and Jade gave campers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of graphic design, screen printing, embroidery, and promotional products. Students learned how artwork is transformed into custom clothing, banners, stickers, drinkware, phone cases, and countless other products.
Beyond demonstrating the equipment and creative process, Garrett and Jade shared an inspiring message: find something you love to do, build a business around it, and you'll never stop enjoying your work. It was a valuable lesson in entrepreneurship and following your passions.
Before leaving town, campers stopped at the Tayas Yawks community outreach event outside the Chiloquin Library. They enjoyed visiting with Stacy and William, sharing stories about their CTAC experiences and learning more about another great community program.
The afternoon took the group to Mia & Pia's Pizzeria in Klamath Falls, where local artists Julie and Lisa from Wild Pigment led a painting workshop. Campers selected from several designs, including a colorful chameleon, a leopard cub, and a Sasquatch beneath a moonlit sky, while others created original artwork from their own imaginations. The activity encouraged creativity, self-expression, and confidence as each participant created a unique masterpiece to take home.
Friday: A Rogue River Adventure
The week concluded with one of the most anticipated adventures of the summer—a trip to the Rogue River!
Campers climbed aboard a jet boat for an exhilarating ride to Adventure Island. With twists, turns, and plenty of spray, the ride felt more like an amusement park attraction than a boat trip. By the time they reached the island, there wasn't a dry person on board!
Once on Adventure Island, campers cooled off by swimming to a floating inflatable playground featuring climbing structures, slides, and bouncing platforms. After working up an appetite, everyone enjoyed lunch from the Chinook Grill before spending more time in the water.
Although the campers were tired after a full day of swimming and exploring, the exciting jet boat ride back energized everyone and made for a memorable trip home.
Learning Through Experience
Every week at the Chiloquin Teen Adventure Camp is designed to introduce participants to new places, new ideas, and new opportunities. From learning about entrepreneurship and creative careers to exploring Southern Oregon's incredible outdoor destinations, campers continue to discover that learning doesn't only happen in a classroom—it happens wherever curiosity leads.
A sincere thank you to Subbed In Designs, Wild Pigment, Mia & Pia's Pizzeria, and all of the organizations and individuals who continue to make CTAC such a rewarding experience for our community's teens.
