learn about our history
About Trackers

Molly Deis
Trackers Founder & Mom
Welcome to our family and Village. Tony and I started Trackers Earth in 2004 with a common purpose: Greater connection to community, nature and many generations beyond our lifetime.
As a parent, I understand how valuable the support of an extended Village is on the journey to connect children with community and nature. We do this is by offering thoughtful outdoor programs for all ages—youth and adults. This includes camps and classes in forest craft, wild plants, outdoors skills, stewardship and much more.
It is our community of teachers that makes Trackers special. Many camp programs only hire instructors for summer, which limits who can teach for them. Yet, along with a fantastic seasonal staff, we work to create an educational network that employs more and more teachers throughout the year. As a result, our Village of educators brings experience and responsibility to the journey of helping to raise our children.
A Village thrives through reciprocity: getting support and giving support. Since our founding, so many parents and students have supported us, spreading the word and growing Trackers into one of the largest outdoor programs in Oregon and beyond. In turn, our teachers and I promise to work every day to fulfill that community promise towards greater connection for all generations and the future.
Thank you and see you in the forest,
Molly
Trackers Founder & Mom
"Greater connection to community, nature and many generations beyond our lifetime."
— Molly
Trackers Founder & Mom
Our Story
Trackers is a team of expert educators, and a community. We are made up of compassionate individuals who focus on caring for their family and yours, competence and eloquence in all that they do and of course, gathering together for great food. We believe kids (and adults) should have real adventures in the natural world.
Our Mission
At Trackers we are champions of land and village. We are navigators of an epic world that needs to exist. We are a community where we remember the celebration of hearth, family, respect for the land and a timeless human story.
Awards
Trackers camps and outdoor programs have been recognized by several awards:
- Voted Best Camp with parents through PDX Parent Magazine, NW Kids Magazine & Red Tricycle
- Vote Best After School Classes by parents through PDX Parent Magazine
- An award for creative programming by the American Camp Association
What is Trackers Earth?
Trackers is a family organization. We are not simply limited to one family. Like a true village, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, aunties and uncles, grandmas and grandpas from many different kinds of families work side-by-side for the greater good. We value instilling care and respect for the natural world and the community we serve. With Trackers you often get the feeling of “old friends that just met”.
Reconnect the Village
Restore the Earth
Respect the Waters
Remember Our Story
The Guilds
The Guilds are at the core of Trackers. You don’t need to know all the skills in every guild, but it is key to have an affinity and strong desire to develop them.