Camp History

Our story began over 30 years ago in a backyard.

A pioneer in creative arts and alternative education, Willowbrook Founder Althea Pratt-Broome helped build many successful programs in Oregon, as well as teaching graduate classes at Portland State University and directing University of Southern California’s summer children's art program. She began leading workshops in 1979 at Willowbrook, her historic Tualatin home. From this small seed, a summer camp sprouted in 1982 with a group of 20 children ages 4-12 served by a staff of 10. Willowbrook has blossomed to annual enrollment of nearly 1,900 children and more than 175 staff. The camp has enjoyed more than 20 years at Brown’s Ferry Park, generously provided by the City of Tualatin. This beautiful setting fosters exploration, creativity, and a respect for nature. Camp runs from the last week in June through the first week in August.

The secret to Willowbrook’s continued success is a strong base of devoted staff, creative children, and supportive families. Willowbrook’s unique arts program draws students from the Portland Metro area, as well as visitors from other states and countries. Its partnerships with the community continue to strengthen, and outreach to children through scholarships and gifts is expanding. As Willowbrook enters its 32nd year, we look forward to a bright future!

Timeline of Willowbrook History

1970s

1978

Althea incorporates nonprofit Center for Development of Human Potential at her historic Sweek home.

1979

Althea offers workshops and seminars at Sweek House as extension of her graduate classes in "Giftedness, Creativity and Human Potential" at Portland State University; children participate in "Saturday School" art classes with guest teachers.

1980s

• Growth averages 40% annually.
• Many new centers are added.

1982

Althea retires from directorship at University of Southern California's outdoor summer arts campus, begins "Adventures in the Arts" camp at Sweek House with a staff of 10 serving 20 children ages 4-12.

Notable guest artists include Carol Ann Wheeler, Rick Meyers, and Primus St.John.

1983

Adventures in the Arts teaches first group of 3 year olds.

1984

Enrollment doubles. Children enjoy OMSI Energy puppet workshops, Misty the Unicorn and The Ghost of Energy Past, Present and Future.

1985

First Folk Fair and Shakespeare play production, A Comedy of Errors. First annual open pit clay firing and salmon bake in the new Native American center. 13 year olds included.

1986

Emphasis on Indian Lore and American Folk Arts. Peter and the Wolf performed.

1987

"Adventures in the Arts" is dropped, and the camp becomes "Willowbrook."

Older children can become Apprentice Assistants.

Willowbrook holds Harvest Festival and Concert at Van Raden Center, with Segovia-trained guest guitarist Jon Harris.

Students now range in age from 3 to 16.

1988

The new Nature Center opens.

Drama productions include Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor.

1989

Children tackle Shakespearean opera and dramatic symphony with Macbeth (Verdi) and Romeo and Juliet (Berlioz).

17 and 18 year old students accepted.

Willowbrook participates in Children's Fair at Tualatin Community Park and sponsor Bar-b-cue and Sing-along at Tualatin Senior Center.

1990s

• Former campers grow into adult staff members.
• Enrollment exceeds 1,000 each summer.

1990

Drama performances include Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado and Alice in Wonderland.

1991

A Photography center and the Frontier Village (7 & 8 year olds) are added.

1992

The Sweek House campus is too small for more than 200 campers—time to find a new "home."

The City offers 5 acres at the undeveloped site of future Browns Ferry Park.

Willowbrook buys surplus green military tents to house art centers and uses plastic pickle barrels for water.

1993

Mother Goose and Peter Pan Theatres are added for youngest students.

Special Music Workshop for broadening understanding, theory, technique arrangement and composition.

1994

The new Multicultural Arts center includes offerings from Russia, Romania, France, Holland, England, Ireland, Africa, Guatemala, and Asia.

The Stained Glass center is added.

1995

Willowbrook begins junior high and high school Advanced Artisans program; offers classes for adults and college students (one year only).

First financial aid scholarships given.

1996

Willowbrook loses many supplies, books and pianos to the spring flood - volunteers wash costumes and clean up. McMennamin's pub in Sherwood sponsors fundraiser to help buy replacement things.

Drinking water is piped in--no more barrels!

Althea is Tualatin Crawfish Festival Grand Marshall, students ride in car.

1997

Brown's Ferry Park is developed for public use in the fall.

1998

Willowbrook downsizes to 4 acres surrounded by a security fence and new public bike paths.

1st annual art auction held to raise funds for scholarships.

1999

Willowbrook's own Shakespearean "Globe Theater" built for the Shakespeare Festival week.

2000s

• The main stage expands to 60 feet, new tents and trailers are purchased.
• Transition for Althea's retirement begins.
• Grants and fundraising become a priority as tuition remains lower than similar camps.

2000

Students celebrate the new millenium.

The Millenium Peace Center is added, with integrated arts, culture and peace issues.

The first white vinyl tents replace worn military ones.

2001

The main stage becomes a pirate's cove for Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance. Black eye patches abound.

Hispanic community scholarships and financial need aid expanded.

2002

The Music Man wraps up the summer performance schedule on a high note.

2003

Students dance The Firebird ballet and play in Sherwood Forest with Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

2004

Students mingle with cousins-by-the-dozens in Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore, and a ship built on stage becomes the most impressive set ever!

2005

First fundraising drive and first grant!

2006

25th anniversary summer celebration draws 700 alumni, families, and friends.

Children of former campers begin to enroll.

Filmmaking becomes the newest center.

2007

Willowbrook serves more than 1900 campers with over 175 staff.

Magazine names Willowbrook one of three best summer arts camps in Oregon.

Willowbrook partners with Tualatin Heritage Center for school-year programs, and students participate with environmental nonprofit, Globio in a video about the Chinese panda conservation project.

Bald Eagle circles over camp—a good omen!

2008

Operating budget exceeds $400,000.

Althea retires as director and playwright, but continues as chief cheerleader and costumer extraordinaire.

Family and management team assure continuity of program philosophy.