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Events and Gatherings for Foster Youth

Learn life skills and connect with your peers

These events are for youth who are 14 or older and have foster care experience. Events are provided through ODHS or our partners. 

Talk with your caseworker and caregiver if you'd like to attend.

Statewide events

​ Oregon Teen Retreat 2025: Rewind, Reset, Recharge

June 24-27, 2025
Oregon Outdoor Education Center​
Salem, OR

The Oregon Teen Retreat provides young people in foster care (ages 14-18) with an experience to connect with peers, build skills and focus on well-being in a supportive outdoor setting. 

Supportive adults have the opportunity to engage in workshops alongside youth and young adults, recharge, and focus on well-being, building trust and strengthening connections.

In 2025, the retreat was held from June 24-27 at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center in Salem, OR. The retreat featured LEx (Lived Experience Leaders)-led workshops, outdoor activities such as archery, hiking, and campfires, and dedicated time for reflection and connection.

Flyer: Download the retreat flyer (pdf)

Questions? Email conferences@fosterclub.com​

Sponsored by FosterClub Oregon​​ and ODHS.​

​ Oregon DREAM ​Conference: How Far We've Come

July 29-Aug. 1, 2025
University of Portland
Portland, OR​

The Oregon DREAM Conference empowers Oregon youth with foster care experience (ages 16-23) by providing community, tools ​and peer-led support to help them transition into adulthood. Featuring FosterClub SPARK workshops and AllStar Interns as peer leaders, the conference offers resources, education and relationship-building opportunities for attendees so they feel empowered as they step into future pathways.

The DREAM Conference provides adult supporters the opportunity to build upon relationships with their youth and other adult supporters, have fun and be a guiding presence as your youth learn and develop during this event. 

Flyer: Download the conference ​flyer (pdf)​

Questions? Email conferences@fosterclub.com

Sponsored by FosterClub Oregon​​ and ODHS.

The Native Teen Gathering is a 4-day camp for Native teens and young adults (ages 14-23) who are currently in foster care,​ or who experienced foster care, in Oregon. 

We gather for educational workshops, arts and crafts, storytelling, and more. The interactive camp is intended to connect young people to each other and Native culture and to learn tools to help you live in balance

Learn more: Download the flyer​ (pdf)

KINn​ect events provide more regular spaces for siblings living apart to be together. These events are free and occur on Saturdays and Sundays for 2-3 hours and include a meal. Activities may include swimming, bowling, art and crafts, outdoor adventures, skating, etc. Kindred Matters also hosts Sibling Camps and Family Camps to help shape strong family connections. ​

Sponsored by Kindred Matters. See all upcoming events.


Regional events

Some of the Independent Living Programs have joined forces for a free, four-day overnight Spring Break Camp for youth involved with some of the Willamette Valley ILPs.

Four fun-filled days of activities designed specifically for independent living youth working on socialization skills and team building, along with "life learning" activities. Youth cook all of their meals and workshops are set up to work on important life skill topics.

Supervised and chaperoned by ILP workers and older (18+ college) ILP youth acting ​as Youth Camp Leaders.

Spots are limited. Youth must plan to participate and be involved in all parts of the camp.

Contact: Shannon Simich, 503-623-3310

Camp Makuala is a four-day, three-night camp for youth involved with the Independent Living Programs in Tillamook and outlying areas. The camp is held every year in the summer and is located along the Trask River. Days and evenings are filled with fun activities and youth learn important life skills needed to become healthy, independent adults. Campfires, a beach day, recreational activities such as swimming and basketball at the local YMCA and a tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory are just some of the activities. Youth also learn to cook their own meals at camp.

Supervised by the Independent Living Program Providers and adult volunteer staff.

Contact: Tiffany Beeler, 503-354-4174