About
Upward Bound Camp offers recreational camp experiences and educational camp experiences for persons with diverse-abilities. The program is Christian-based and runs year-around.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
Upward Bound Camp’s stated purpose 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 life experience. The camp’s philosophy is to “sing a S.O.N.G. of respect”: Respect Self, Respect Others, Respect Nature, Respect God. Upward Bound Camp has been serving persons with special needs since 1978 and has worked since that time to establish a diverse community of campers, staff, and volunteers, intentionally building a strong and inclusive community and promoting respect and understanding of all who participate.
The leadership team includes Diane “Robin” Turnbull as Executive Director, Emily “Noodle” Kostenko 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 in an effort to expand the understanding of community, acceptance, and inclusion, enriching the lives of all participants.
One testimonial from Misael Pujols (“Pizza”) from the Dominican Republic describes learning to see, appreciate, and celebrate small things at Upward Bound Camp, developing confidence to check in with people in order to serve them, and recommends working at the camp as a place where learning how to be a better person through loving, seeing, and celebrating others is the focus. Another testimonial from Elijha Thompson (“Rain”) from Oregon states that working at camp for several summers has become something to look forward to every year, mentions forming close friendships with coworkers and campers, learning about teamwork, dignity, and the way God wants to use them, and strongly recommends the experience to anyone wanting to serve God in a special and unique way.
Last updated June 11, 2026.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
Upward Bound Camp’s stated purpose 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 life experience. The camp’s philosophy is to “sing a S.O.N.G. of respect”: Respect Self, Respect Others, Respect Nature, Respect God. Upward Bound Camp has been serving persons with special needs since 1978 and has worked since that time to establish a diverse community of campers, staff, and volunteers, intentionally building a strong and inclusive community and promoting respect and understanding of all who participate.
The leadership team includes Diane “Robin” Turnbull as Executive Director, Emily “Noodle” Kostenko 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 in an effort to expand the understanding of community, acceptance, and inclusion, enriching the lives of all participants.
One testimonial from Misael Pujols (“Pizza”) from the Dominican Republic describes learning to see, appreciate, and celebrate small things at Upward Bound Camp, developing confidence to check in with people in order to serve them, and recommends working at the camp as a place where learning how to be a better person through loving, seeing, and celebrating others is the focus. Another testimonial from Elijha Thompson (“Rain”) from Oregon states that working at camp for several summers has become something to look forward to every year, mentions forming close friendships with coworkers and campers, learning about teamwork, dignity, and the way God wants to use them, and strongly recommends the experience to anyone wanting to serve God in a special and unique way.
Last updated June 11, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.