Some weekends stay with you long after you've packed up your tent.
From July 3–5, 2026, Loco por la Aventura returned to the breathtaking Cove Palisades State Park for the sixth edition of one of our favorite traditions: our annual Camping Getaway.
What made this weekend unforgettable wasn't just the spectacular Oregon scenery or the perfect summer weather. It was the people, the shared experiences, and the friendships that grew around the campfire.
For many participants, it was their very first camping experience. Others hadn't camped in years. But by the end of the weekend, everyone had discovered something special: the outdoors become even more meaningful when they're shared with a welcoming community.
Learning Together from the Very Beginning
Friday afternoon marked the beginning of an incredible weekend of adventure and connection.
As everyone arrived at the campground, participants immediately began helping one another set up tents, organize campsites, and learn the basics of camping. What could have felt intimidating for first-time campers quickly turned into a fun group activity where strangers became friends within just a few hours.
One of the most rewarding moments was watching experienced campers naturally guide beginners, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged to learn.
That evening, we gathered around camp to enjoy dinner together, share stories, laugh, and simply appreciate being surrounded by nature.
A Table Full of Cultures
One of the most memorable moments of the weekend happened around the dinner table.
Instead of everyone preparing separate meals, we enjoyed an incredible international-style potluck dinner, where participants shared homemade dishes that represented their cultures and traditions.
Our table became a celebration of diversity, featuring delicious Venezuelan, Mexican, Argentine, Spanish, and many other homemade specialties, along with fresh salads, desserts, and family recipes prepared with love.
Sharing food became much more than having dinner—it became an opportunity to learn about one another's cultures, practice Spanish, exchange stories, and strengthen friendships.
These simple moments are often the ones that leave the biggest impact.
An Unforgettable Fourth of July on the Crooked River
Saturday was, without a doubt, the highlight of the weekend.
We spent nearly eight unforgettable hours exploring the beautiful Crooked River aboard a spacious two-level boat equipped with a waterslide, sound system, and incredible views of Central Oregon's dramatic canyon landscape.
To celebrate Independence Day, the Loco por la Aventura team prepared a delicious onboard barbecue, accompanied by snacks, refreshing drinks, music, and plenty of laughter.
Throughout the day, participants enjoyed swimming, paddleboarding, jumping into the refreshing water, riding jet skis, relaxing under the summer sun, and making memories together surrounded by one of Oregon's most beautiful landscapes.
Adding an extra special touch to the experience, Loco por la Aventura co-founder Aníbal Rocheta captained the boat throughout the day, allowing everyone else to simply relax and enjoy the adventure.
With clear blue skies and sunshine from beginning to end, it truly felt like the perfect Fourth of July celebration.
More Than Learning Outdoor Skills
While the weekend was filled with adventure and fun, it was also an opportunity to build confidence outdoors.
Participants learned how to:
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Set up and organize a campsite.
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Feel comfortable sleeping outdoors.
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Work together as a team.
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Build confidence for future camping adventures.
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Connect with nature in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
But perhaps the most valuable lesson wasn't about camping at all.
It was about discovering that meaningful experiences become even more powerful when they're shared with a supportive community.
Why We Love Our Camping Getaways
For the past six years, our annual Camping Getaway has become one of Loco por la Aventura's most cherished traditions.
Every year, we welcome people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experience levels. Many arrive believing camping is difficult or only for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. By the end of the weekend, they leave with new outdoor skills, lasting friendships, and the confidence to continue exploring nature on their own.
One of the things that makes these experiences unique is our commitment to making camping accessible for everyone. We provide all the essential camping equipment—including tents and sleeping bags—offer guidance throughout the weekend, and create a welcoming environment where beginners feel comfortable from the very first moment.
Camping is so much more than sleeping in a tent.
It's an opportunity to disconnect from busy schedules, unplug from technology, breathe fresh mountain air, wake up surrounded by trees, enjoy breathtaking scenery, meet incredible people, discover new cultures, learn practical outdoor skills, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Every Camping Getaway reminds us that happiness is often found in life's simplest moments: preparing dinner together, laughing around a campfire, sharing stories under the stars, waking up to birds singing, and creating memories with people who quickly become friends.
These weekends are about slowing down, appreciating nature, building community, and realizing that the outdoors truly belong to everyone.
Join Us for the Next Adventure
If you've been thinking about trying camping for the first time, there's no better opportunity.
Our next Camping Getaway will take place August 7–9, 2026, at the beautiful Timothy Lake, nestled at the base of majestic Mount Hood.
Whether you've never camped before or you're already an outdoor enthusiast, we'd love to welcome you for another unforgettable weekend of adventure, learning, community, and connection.
We'll provide the camping equipment, guide you every step of the way, and help you discover just how magical a weekend in nature can be.
If you're looking for a chance to disconnect from your daily routine, breathe fresh mountain air, meet amazing people, and create memories that will last a lifetime, this adventure is for you.
Summer isn't over yet—come experience it with us.
See you around the campfire.
Because the best adventures aren't measured by the miles we travel, but by the friendships we build along the way.
