Interview with Owner, Chance Caruso
With so many kids’ programs and day camps in Bend, what sets R.A.D. Camps apart from the rest?
R.A.D. Camps has deep roots in Central Oregon and a philosophy that still feels rare: real free play in real places. We’ve been doing this since 2008, and instead of keeping kids on one field or one rigid schedule, we give them access to forests, rivers, lakes, trails and creative spaces where they can explore with skilled adults nearby. Parents get the trust of a professional operation, and kids get the freedom to be kids.
What are some of the advantages for kids who spend their summers with R.A.D. Camps?
Kids build confidence, independence and social skills when they unplug and spend their day moving, problem-solving and navigating the outdoors with peers. They come home tired, proud, dirty and happy. Along the way, they learn resilience, teamwork, environmental stewardship and how to be comfortable outside.
What are the biggest challenges with running a kids’ summer outdoor program?
Running an outdoor program means balancing adventure with logistics, smoke, weather, transportation and risk management. Our job is to make something that feels wild for kids while staying highly organized and safety-driven behind the scenes.
How has R.A.D. Camps evolved since the beginning and where are you headed?
R.A.D. started as a classic outdoor adventure camp and has grown into a broader youth program ecosystem. We still offer the core R.A.D. adventure experience, but we’ve expanded to serve more ages and interests through programs like Sprouts, Teen Adventures and campus-based creative options. Where we’re headed is simple: more access, more thoughtful programming and more ways to get kids off screens and into meaningful real-world experiences.
R.A.D. Camps
541-204-0440
radcamps.com
This article appears in Bend Nest Summer 2026.
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