Tend the land. Care for the forest. Steward the herd. Join the Wilders Guild for a hands-on journey in real stewardship—where you build grit, skill, and purpose through the rhythm of ranch life. Work alongside shaggy Highland cattle and a mix of sheep, goats, donkeys, ducks, and more in a thriving farm ecosystem. At our Trackers site in Sandy, Oregon, discover how ranching, forestry, and ecology work together to feed our community and restore the land.

Capstone Stewardship Project

By week’s end, your team completes a hands-on restoration project—perhaps reseeding a pasture, repairing a fence line, or improving a wildlife corridor. As the herd grazes nearby, you’ll see how your efforts support both animals and ecosystem. It’s stewardship with purpose, the Trackers way.

Epic Overnight Expeditions!

This overnight is mobile. Your team sets up at an expedition basecamp, then heads out on day trips and even overnight trips to other wild places. Camps are 100% outdoors with fresh air and under the stars. Students sleep in tents with their team, and all meals are enjoyed outside.

Your Wilders Week

Guided by Trackers mentors, foresters, and ranchers, campers dive into immersive projects drawn from our professional Land Stewardship Plan. Each day balances challenge and discovery—caring for herds, restoring habitats, and developing the grit and skill that come from learning through action. Explore three pillars of the Wilders experience:

Forester for Fire Resilience Help improve forest health through thinning, brush clearing, and wildfire prevention projects. Learn how foresters assess tree density, identify “ladder fuels,” and support a more resilient ecosystem. Older campers may receive guided instruction in chainsaw maintenance and safe handling, while others help turn forest debris into biochar —locking carbon in the soil to strengthen the land for years to come. Develop an eye for how forest structure, fire, and soil all connect.

Shepherd for Regenerative Ranching Care for our Highland cows and other breeds—all gentle, tough, and built for life in the forest. Feed, brush, and guide the herd through the silvopasture, learning how rotational grazing restores balance to the land. Practice low-stress handling and observe how cows, sheep, and goats help clear invasives and fertilize the soil. Use virtual fencing technology to guide the herd and track how grazing improves pasture health. You’ll also help with the rest of the ranch family—donkeys, ducks, and more—seeing how every animal plays a role in caring for the land.

Caretaker for Watershed Restoration Restore the lifeblood of the land—its streams, wetlands, and floodplains. Learn how water shapes the forest and how healthy vegetation protects it. Build beaver dam analogues (BDAs) that slow erosion and spread groundwater. Develop your botany skills by identifying and planting native species like willow, sedge, and dogwood that restore riparian zones. Test water clarity, flow, and temperature to see the results of your efforts. Through teamwork and care, you help the watershed thrive.

What You Do

Each day brings new skills, fresh air, and a deeper connection to the land. Wilders Stewardship Overnight includes:

• Hands-on forest stewardship and wildfire resilience projects
• Daily care and observation of Highland cattle, sheep, goats, and other ranch animals
• Learn regenerative grazing, rotational pasture planning, and virtual fencing systems
• Help build and mend fences, gates, and watering systems for the herd
• Craft leather and wood tools inspired by traditional ranch and folk skills
• Practice soil and plant science to reseed native meadows and restore pastures
• Construct beaver dam analogues and replant riparian zones with native species
• Join a Capstone Project that leaves a lasting, visible impact on the land

Overnight Details

About Overnights

Experience authentic camping! Trackers Overnight Camps are 100% outdoors with no bunkhouses or indoor spaces. Sleep in tents or under the stars when weather permits.

Location

Each team starts at an expedition basecamp in private forests and wilderness areas near Sandy, OR, a 45-minute to 1.5-hour bus ride from our in-town location. From there, teams take day trips and even overnight trips to other locations.

Tents & Shelters

Campers sleep in Trackers-supplied all-weather tents and bring their own sleeping bag and pad. We provide gear recommendations before camp. Instructor tents are centrally located for support.

Meals

Meals are simple, hearty, and served outdoors. Depending on logistics, food is prepared over a campfire or stoves. Due to the rugged nature, specialized diets may be difficult to accommodate. For severe food allergies, contact us for potential options.

Your Trackers Kit (Gear & Clothing)

We guide families in assembling gear for their camper, including sleeping bags, clothing, and essentials. Gear lists are provided to prepare campers for Trackers and future adventures.

Overnight Age Requirements

Overnight youth programs are designed for participants 17 or younger for the full length of the camp or program, regardless of grade level.

Grades 8–9 · Weekly, Mon–Fri, Jun 14 to Aug 20, 2027 · Monday check-in to Friday pick-up · Camp Roslyn in Sandy, Oregon, with check-in and pick-up at NE Portland