About
Upward Bound Camp offers year-round, Christian-based recreational and educational camp experiences for persons with diverse-abilities. The program focuses on seeing, knowing, loving, and celebrating persons with diverse-abilities through enriching experiences in a compassionate Christlike community.
• Ages: 12–19 years old
Upward Bound Camp has been serving persons with special needs since 1978. The stated purpose of the program is to provide ongoing Christian-based recreational and educational camp experiences for persons with disabilities, twelve years of age and over, in an environment that presents opportunities for growth outside the individual’s usual routine or habitat. The camp’s philosophy is to “sing a S.O.N.G. of respect”: Respect Self, Respect Others, Respect Nature, Respect God, and it supports the belief that every person is important, created by God, and worthy of love and caring service. Upward Bound Camp gives every participant chances to realize and share their gifts and strengths with each other and has worked since 1978 to establish a diverse community of campers, staff, and volunteers, intentionally building an inclusive community that promotes respect and understanding of all who participate.
The leadership team includes Diane “Robin” Turnbull as Executive Director, Emily “Noodle” Lovell as Program Director, Carole “Care Bear” Robare as Administrative Manager/Graphic Designer, Will “Opa” Silcox as Year-Round Staff, Lanora “Ms. Ellie” Dienstel as Health Care Manager, and Alden “Sasquatch” Gouveia as Kitchen Manager. UBC staff and board members actively cultivate relationships with business and community members in the Santiam Canyon and beyond to expand understanding of community, acceptance, and inclusion, enriching the lives of all participants.
One testimonial describes learning to see, appreciate, and celebrate small things, becoming more aware of serving and including others with compassion, and developing confidence to check in with people in order to serve them if needed. Another testimonial describes working at camp for several summers, forming close friendships with coworkers and campers, learning about teamwork and dignity, and recommending the experience to others who want to serve God in a special and unique way.
Last updated December 28, 2025.
• Ages: 12–19 years old
Upward Bound Camp has been serving persons with special needs since 1978. The stated purpose of the program is to provide ongoing Christian-based recreational and educational camp experiences for persons with disabilities, twelve years of age and over, in an environment that presents opportunities for growth outside the individual’s usual routine or habitat. The camp’s philosophy is to “sing a S.O.N.G. of respect”: Respect Self, Respect Others, Respect Nature, Respect God, and it supports the belief that every person is important, created by God, and worthy of love and caring service. Upward Bound Camp gives every participant chances to realize and share their gifts and strengths with each other and has worked since 1978 to establish a diverse community of campers, staff, and volunteers, intentionally building an inclusive community that promotes respect and understanding of all who participate.
The leadership team includes Diane “Robin” Turnbull as Executive Director, Emily “Noodle” Lovell as Program Director, Carole “Care Bear” Robare as Administrative Manager/Graphic Designer, Will “Opa” Silcox as Year-Round Staff, Lanora “Ms. Ellie” Dienstel as Health Care Manager, and Alden “Sasquatch” Gouveia as Kitchen Manager. UBC staff and board members actively cultivate relationships with business and community members in the Santiam Canyon and beyond to expand understanding of community, acceptance, and inclusion, enriching the lives of all participants.
One testimonial describes learning to see, appreciate, and celebrate small things, becoming more aware of serving and including others with compassion, and developing confidence to check in with people in order to serve them if needed. Another testimonial describes working at camp for several summers, forming close friendships with coworkers and campers, learning about teamwork and dignity, and recommending the experience to others who want to serve God in a special and unique way.
Last updated December 28, 2025.
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