The Rising Tides Camp Concept
The original idea was formulated by a group of Pacific Islander rugby Coaches based in Portland Oregon. In conjunction with the Eastside Tsunami Youth Rugby Club, the Portland Rugby Club Grackles and a group of experienced local coaches and educators the plan was devised around the idea that a successful spring break camp, based in Pacific Island culture and food, educational offerings and sports, could be used to occupy and incentivize youth, teenagers and family members during the 2025 spring break. The camp plan was to give young Portlanders, at risk of community violence, an opportunity to learn social, fiscal and communication skills from professionals, and learn rugby from some of the best rugby players and coaches in the Pacific Northwest and the United States.
Coaching Staff and Volunteers
The camp coaching team was made up of both male and female players who are experienced and a mix of current and ex USA Rugby team players, and International Rugby players who have played for the Tongan National team, and club teams in the USA, New Zealand, Australia and France. The women players and coaches had an especially noticeable influence on many of the young girls participating in the camp.
Feedback for Spring 2025
The inaugural Rising Tides Spring Break Camp 2025 was a resounding success. We received amazing and positive feedback about the staff, the coaches and the content. Many parents, guardians and students wanted to know about more camps and more rugby.
Several participants have since notified us that they have signed up for other free programs being offered in Oregon over the next few months by Girls Rugby Inc, PR7s and USA Rugby. Many parents and guardians asked for information on future Rising Tides camps and the informational and life skills building classes.
Thank You Sponsors
The Rising Tides Spring Break Camp would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors including: The City of Portland, the City of Portland Office of Violence Prevention, the Portland Rugby Club Grackles (High School Girls team), Eastside Tsunami Youth Rugby Club (High School Boys team), Rose City Self Defense, and the local and amazing Portland Rugby community.