POCO GUARDIANS PROGRAM
GROWING YOUNG ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
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.
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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.
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Each week includes:
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Outdoor learning and adventure, from bird walks and wetlands exploration to climate lessons and plant science
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Daily guest teachers who introduce children to diverse, environmentally relevant careers
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Shared meals prepared onsite, creating space for community, conversation, and connection
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A family-friendly atmosphere, where parents and guest instructors are invited to join
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Field days with paddling, hiking, and hands-on experiences in local natural areas
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Creative projects that link nature with art, movement, and self-expression
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End-of-week recognition, where each child is celebrated as a Guardian of the Earth
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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.
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Student teachers are supported and celebrated, and their involvement deepens both their personal growth and their connection to nature.
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POCO Guardians is where friendships form, families connect, and future environmental leaders take root.
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Ready to Register?Â
For Winter Break - December 28, 2026 - December 31, 2026:Â
https://forms.gle/Fdj8vEGcm7pjsmkH8
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POCO's Liability/Photo Waiver:Â
https://forms.gle/QrHJJmNShvdDMy5S8Â
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We're excited to learn about the wetlands around us, and what lives there!
POCO Guardians Environmental Education and New Friends Program
POCO Guardians is offered on Saturdays during the school year, thanks to a Portland Children's Levy Grant!
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POCO Guardians Environmental Education, Mentorship, and Leadership Development Program
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POCO Guardians is a free, nine-month environmental education, mentoring, and leadership program for children and their families. Together, we'll build knowledge, confidence, friendships, and a lifelong connection to nature.
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Throughout the school year, Guardians will enjoy:
Hands-on environmental education with a different nature theme throughout the year. Inspiring guest instructors, including scientists, environmental educators, park rangers, bird experts, and other professionals.Â
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Leadership development through mentoring and peer-led lessons taught by youth who have completed previous POCO programs. A caring community where children and parents build lasting friendships with one another while spending meaningful time outdoors. A professional onsite chef who prepares breakfast and lunch for every child.Â
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Outdoor clothing and gear to help children stay comfortable during the program and continue exploring nature long after it ends. A safe, welcoming environment where every child belongs and every question is encouraged.
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But POCO Guardians is about much more than learning facts.
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Every lesson in nature also becomes a lesson about life.
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As we learn about wetlands, trees, and birds, we'll also talk about courage, kindness, perseverance, teamwork, responsibility, curiosity, leadership, and caring for one another. Nature has been teaching these lessons for millions of years- we simply slow down long enough to notice them.
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By the end of the year, we hope every Guardian leaves knowing not only more about the natural world, but also more about themselves, their strengths, and the difference they can make in their community.
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For details and to register:
https://forms.gle/atQCmJ9DGhDC2kT26
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POCO's Liability/Photo Waiver:Â
https://forms.gle/QrHJJmNShvdDMy5S8Â Â
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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.
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We're excited to learn about the wetlands around us, and what lives there!
OUR VALUES
Discovery & Passion
Young people explore nature, discover what excites them, and develop interests that inspire deeper learning.
Mentorship
Children build relationships with caring mentors, peer instructors, and environmental professionals who encourage their growth.
Environmental Knowledge
Hands-on experiences help children deepen their understanding of wildlife, ecosystems, climate, and the natural world around them.
Confidence & Competence
Children practice skills, deepen their knowledge, and experience the confidence that comes from becoming genuinely good at something.
Leadership Development
Young people are encouraged to share what they know, teach others, speak up, take responsibility, and begin seeing themselves as leaders.
Peer Community & Belonging
Shared meals, adventures, teamwork, and learning together help children build friendships and experience the power of belonging.
Together, these experiences build resilience - giving young people strong relationships, meaningful skills, confidence in their abilities, a lasting connection to the natural world.
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Curiosity gets them interested.
Mentorship helps them grow.
Knowledge gives them substance.
Competence builds confidence.
Leadership gives them agency.
Community gives them belonging.
And together, those things build resilience.
