The POCO Guardians 

POCO Guardians: Growing Young Environmental Stewards in Community

POCO Guardians is a joyful, nature-based program for children in PreK through 5th grade that blends outdoor exploration, environmental education, and creative expression, all rooted in community, equity, and belonging.

Hosted at Columbia Cottage in Columbia Park, the program offers a safe, welcoming space where BIPOC children can feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves. For kids who may feel isolated or bullied at school, POCO Guardians is a place to find connection, confidence, and joy.

Each week includes:

• Outdoor learning and adventure, from bird walks and wetlands exploration to climate lessons and plant science
  
  

• Daily guest teachers who introduce children to diverse, environmentally relevant careers
  
  

• Shared meals prepared onsite, creating space for community, conversation, and connection
  
  

• A family-friendly atmosphere, where parents and guest instructors are invited to join
  
  

• Field days with paddling, hiking, and hands-on experiences in local natural areas
  
  

• Creative projects that link nature with art, movement, and self-expression
  
  

• End-of-week recognition, where each child is celebrated as a Guardian of the Earth
  
  

But POCO Guardians is more than just a camp. It’s a pathway to leadership. Children are encouraged to become student teachers, sharing knowledge with their peers and building confidence through mentorship. One of our current interns began as a POCO Guardian, and now serves as a student teacher and role model, gaining valuable skills in public speaking, presentation, and environmental education.

Student teachers are supported and celebrated, and their involvement deepens both their personal growth and their connection to nature.

POCO Guardians is where friendships form, families connect, and future environmental leaders take root.

Click the link/s to enroll your child:

Winter Session: December 29th - January 2nd 10am to 2pm:  https://forms.gle/xtcnuqVq4bcGR1u89

                                    POCO Guardians (preK-6th grade) Winter Break Session          

Hosted at the Columbia Cottage on N Russet St at the corner N Lombard St., inside the park. The address is 4339 N Lombard St. Portland, OR 97203, but it's not quite accurate on GPS.

As we head into winter break, we're excited to learn about the PNW's most famous fish - salmon! Here's what’s planned right now. We might add additional speakers for the children to learn from, or have more or less time:

Monday

·         Breakfast

·         Guardians mission launch

.         Time outdoors

·         Salmon as Relatives and Keystone Species

.         Guest teacher Gabbi Thomas - plants can be healing!

·         Lunch and clean-up

Tuesday

·         Breakfast

·         Learning Circle - Salmon Life Cycle

·        Outdoor time

·         Guest teacher Rick Zenn

.         Salmon game with prizes

·         Lunch and clean-up

Wednesday

.         Breakfast

.         Learning Circle - Salmon as Forest Builders - Beyond Spawning

.         Outdoor time

.         Community Circle time

.         Lunch and clean-up

                                          Thursday - New Year's Day Holiday. No class.

Friday

·         Breakfast

·         Learning Circle - Salmon Barriers and Hope - How Guardians can protect salmon

·         Outdoors time

.         Guest teacher Maleek McKenzie - Sierra Club

·         Lunch - salmon!

·         Week in review, celebration, and Guardians certificates