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Chiloquin, Oregon

Many of you know the Chiloquin community from our work most recently in 2019. SSP has hosted over 2,500 volunteers in this community since 2004! 

Members from the Klamath Tribes primarily live in the small town of Chiloquin, 30 miles north of the city of Klamath Falls. The Klamath Tribes include Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin. Our services are open to the entire community.

We encourage all volunteers to watch the short 22-minute film ‘Killing the Klamath,‘ which addresses the Klamath Tribes’ fight to save the sacred C’waam and Koptu fish and a dying lake.

Explore Census data for Chiloquin, OR.

2024 Dates

  • Week 1: No volunteers (prep week for staff)
  • Week 2: starting June 30
  • Week 3: starting July 7
  • Week 4: starting July 14
  • Week 5: starting July 21
  • Week 6: starting July 28

2024 Summer Participant Fees

  • $635 per person
    • Plus flat sign-up fee of $75 for 1-5 people, or $200 for 6+ people

About the Community

What are the prevailing needs in Chiloquin?

  • We work with rural residents in and around the small town of Chiloquin, including some members of the Klamath Tribes
  • Weatherization for harsh winters (average snowfall of 62 inches per year), including roof repairs, installing awnings, and building sheds to keep wood dry
  • Accessibility repair projects for older residents, including decks, stairs, and ramps
  • The only mill in Chiloquin closed some years ago, causing widespread unemployment in the area. There is no major industry at the present time.

What does Chiloquin and its surrounding areas have to offer?

  • Opportunities to engage in fire resilience work at Collier Memorial State Park with the Oregon State Parks, where we also relax for Water Day
  • Close to sightseeing at Crater Lake National Park and Klamath Falls, OR
  • The Chiloquin United Methodist Church was transformed in 2020 to serve a new purpose, which allows this facility to be used to its full capacity. It is now The Stronghold: A Culturally Responsive Peer Support Program, which offers culturally relevant healing practices and transitional living spaces, partnering with the Great Spirit Native American Fellowship United Methodist Church.

Who is a good fit to volunteer at this location?

  • Anyone is welcome! 
  • Volunteers interested in climate impact, Indigenous communities, and rural life
Wendy Bernard with Supply Coordinator Randy Larson in Chiloquin.

Service Work in Chiloquin

For the most part, we repair homes in the communities we serve. The type of work includes roofing, building ramps and porches, painting and other general home repairs. No construction experience is needed, and you’ll be amazed at all of the work that your youth teams complete!

Occasionally, our teams work on churches, community buildings, and schools in the communities that host us. In addition, we will sometimes participate in other types of community service activities like community gardens when there is a need and the work is appropriate for youth work teams.

Most projects take longer to complete than your week at SSP so you may see the beginning, middle or end of a project.

In 2019, volunteers completed 13 projects for homeowners and community organizations:

  • 1 deck
  • 1 painting project
  • 1 shed
  • 2 fences
  • 2 ramps
  • 6 stair projects

Learn About Chiloquin

To learn more about the Chiloquin community, download the detailed SSP Chiloquin Study Guide and Understanding Reservations Guide. We suggest that you download the study guide, share with your group and discuss the materials during a planning meeting.

Follow local news: Klamath Falls Herald and News

Resources

Location Details

Climate

The average high during the summer is 85°F and low is 40°F. The elevation in Chiloquin is 4,200 feet. See SSP’s downloads page for packing lists.

Staff Contact Info

Housing & Directions

Chiloquin High School, 300 E Elm St, Chiloquin, OR 97624

Use a navigation system to guide you to our host facility.

Collier State Park