A Place to Gather

The Land

Sky Camp is located on land that was important to those who came before us. The elements that we treasure now — access to water, shelter in the trees, fish and game — were even more important to the Molala Indians, who lived in the mountainous uplands of the Western and High Cascades. The area was probably also used by the Kalapuya Indians. We strive to treat the land with respect and to celebrate its beauty.

The Camp

The vision for Sky Camp began in the 1960s, when the tireless efforts of Kiwanis members Walt Commons, Frank Sherman, Bob Fuller, and Sky Camp board members, took form with support from the Army Corps of Engineers. Together with Bethel School District and the Corps, in 1971 the group developed the grounds, built the lodge and created an "outdoor educational camp". Over the years, individual cabins were built as the camp continued to grow. Camp visitors will recognize familiar names honoring past founders and contributors.

After a time, Bethel School District transferred the operations of the camp to Springfield School District. The school district manages the facility and site with the goal of continuing to provide a place for young people to get out of the city and into nature. To help fund the project, it makes the camp available for special events, weddings, gatherings and camps.

Camp Hosts

The Procks live year round at the camp and maintain the camp and oversight for may groups visiting and renting Sky Camp. They’re available to assist groups as needed during their stay.

Common Uses

The reasons to gather at Sky Camp are endless. Groups of a dozen, up to more than 200 gather here to learn, play and to celebrate life’s big moments, from weddings and reunions to celebrations of life.