About Us
Camp Chica envisions a world where girls understand their potential early in life. Our method is connecting to them to nature, and creating community through active exploration, and nature based mentoring. We provide girls with the opportunity to explore Central Oregon- igniting their sense of place, confidence, and adventurous spirit.
Our Story
Camp Chica is Latina founded and women operated by two adventurous naturalists who love to explore and share their love of nature with kids. As a Central Oregon parent Veronica saw a need in the community to provide more billingual, nature based mentoring programs for girls afterschool and in summer. Molly Alles joined bringing 20 years of education experience along with her unique ability to weave art, science and adventure into everyday moments outside. Leveraging their friendship and work experiences in the outdoors, together they hope to create strong ripples of curiosity and leadership in each of the young women they encounter. Thanks for supporting the adventure!
Molly and Veronica playing in the woods circa 2000.
Meet The Team
Veronica Vega
Founder, Operations & Programs
Veronica is a first generation Mexican-American and has always made her mami wonder why she is forever drawn to the woods and can’t sit still. She is a lifelong naturalist having studied biology at Humboldt State and worked as a biological field tech in OR and WA. From 2006-2022 she worked in craft beverage manufacturing where she learned product development, organizational leadership & project management. She is a mama and loves adventuring with her family exploring all that Oregon has to offer. Her current path is working with youth in the outdoors- She is a BICP Level 1 mountain bike coach for Girls All Ride, is the Advisory Group chair and volunteers for Vamonos Outside, and is on the board of The Childrens Forest of Central Oregon. She is a Wilderness First Responder and developed Camp Chica in Summer 2022.
Molly Alles
Co-Adventurer, Curriculum & Programs
Molly was born and raised among the mountains, forests, and rivers of Trinity County; schooled, trained, and refined as an educator among the Redwood forests and rugged coasts of Humboldt County-all of true Northern California. Her career has led her through the experience of field biology, environmental education, intermediate and middle school instruction, STEAM Enrichment, and the honor of being named 2017 Humboldt County Teacher of the Year. She spends her free time exploring and enjoying the natural areas that surround her; biking, hiking, fishing, boarding, paddling, painting, and roaming with her dogs. Learning and finding inspiration from nature has been a deep thread throughout her entire life and 20 + years of educating both on trail and in the classroom. She feels honored and privileged to be able to share and grow with the fun girls at Camp Chica!
Program Information
Camp Chica is a School-Aged Recorded Program with the State of Oregon Office of Child Care.
Recorded Number: SA601590