Camps and Education

2019 Summer Camps Guide

little girl playing

Summer is around the corner and the Portland area has all of the best Summer Camps. Whatever strikes your family’s fancy, we have it here!

Academic

Art world school

Art World School

Full day and half camps available for the entire summer with 6 classes offered every day – including fine art, language, arts & crafts, clay, rhythmic gymnastics, dance/aerobic/yoga, math, handwriting/ calligraphy classes. artworldschool.com

camp TEK

Camp TEK

Send your camper to the most fun and unique camps all in one spot! Campers choose an AM activity and PM activity from fun categories including robotics, coding, Minecraft, Nerf camp, dodgeball, bouldering, t-shirt design, 3D printing and more! pdxkidscamp.com

evergreen aviation

Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

At Evergreen Museum Summer Camps, the goal is to send every child home with a passion for learning, fabulous memories, and a few new friends. If your child has an interest in aviation or space, they are sure to love these camps, filled with engaging hands-on activities and educational opportunities. evergreenmuseum.org/educational-programs

JA Biztown

Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington

JA BizTown Summer Camp is a hands-on learning simulation where students ages 10-14 run an entire city for the week! Campers explore jobs, operate businesses, earn an income, manage their own bank account and gain valuable life and career skills. jaorswwa.org

math in color

Math In Color

Math In Color offers creative math camps designed just for girls! They believe that a hands-on experience can help build confidence, explore ideas, and have fun with math. Join them for summer camp, grades 2nd-7th. After school classes also available! mathincolorpdx.com

old mcdonald's farm, Inc.

Old McDonald’s Farm, Inc. 

Learn and thrive with Old McDonald’s Farm, Inc., (a non-profit children’s program). Six weeks of The Summer Program or the Jr. Vet. Baby Burro week. Taught by a Certified Teacher. oldmcdonaldsfarm.org

philip foster

Philip Foster Farm Historic Site

Spend a week as a pioneer! Dress in pioneer costume, work on pioneer crafts such as blacksmithing and quilting with experienced leaders, cook on a wood-stove, and learn other fun pioneer skills, stories, songs, and dances. philipfosterfarm.com

PJA summer discovery

PJA Summer Discovery

Learn, explore and discover in a fun and nurturing way. PJA offers exceptional classes taught by experienced teachers. Exercise your brain with engineering, cooking, drama, and more! Open to everyone! pjaproud.org/summer

Play-well

Play-Well TEKnologies

Dream it, build it, wreck it, repeat in our LEGO-inspired engineering camps! Kids will engineer interesting projects, engage in critical thinking, and work collaboratively. Themes include Star Wars, Minecraft, Harry Potter, Robotics and more. schedule.play-well.org

St. Mary's

St. Mary’s Academy

Spark creativity, build confidence and gain friendships at St. Mary’s Academy Summer Program.  From leadership to art, theatre, STEM, and athletics, there’s something for everyone. Registration is open for 5th-8th grade girls. stmaryspdx.org/academics/summer-program

YEBW

Young Entrepreneurs Business Week (YEBW)

YEBW is a week-long professional advancement program that builds business competency, college exposure, career direction, connections, communication skills and confidence. yebw.org/students

Arts & Crafts

art world school

Art World School

Full day and half camps available for the entire summer with 6 classes offered every day – including fine art, language, arts & crafts, clay, rhythmic gymnastics, dance/aerobic/yoga, math, handwriting/ calligraphy classes. artworldschool.com

camp TEK

Camp TEK

Send your camper to the most fun and unique camps all in one spot!  Campers choose an AM activity and PM activity from fun categories including robotics, coding, Minecraft, Nerf camp, dodgeball, bouldering, t-shirt design, 3D printing and more! pdxkidscamp.com

metro arts inc

MetroArts, Inc.

Celebrating their 27th year, MetroArts Inc. Kids camp gives kids ages 7-12 a chance to learn visual arts, music, and theater, for one to three weeks, at Portland’5’s Newmark Theatre building (July 8-12 & July 15-19) and Northwest Academy (July 22-26). metroartsinc.org

modern domestic

Modern Domestic

Get creative and sew this summer! Modern Domestic provides sewing and quilting classes for children ages 8 and up. Each camp covers all the basics, no previous sewing experience required and all supplies are included. Summer is for sewing! shop.moderndomesticpdx.com/classes

oregon artist school

Oregon Artist School

They offer various Art Lessons during their Spring and Summer Camp. Lessons will cover Painting, Ceramic, Cartoon, Craft, Sand Art, Mask Art, Calligraphy and Cursive. Every day, they have 1-2 hrs field Trip. Weather permitting, they will do outside drawing. ORartist.com

portland children's museum

Portland Children’s Museum

Explore, discover, and create with Portland Children’s Museum Summer Camps! Campers ages 4-9 will combine art materials with science and nature explorations to spark their imaginations. Discover new adventures with a different theme every week! portlandcm.org

vibe of portland

Vibe of Portland

Vibe’s Studio has 3 weeks of 1/2 day preschool age camps, 9 weeks of elementary and middle school art and music camps! Exciting and amazing different themes weekly engaging maximum creativity! Join Vibe at the studio this summer! vibestudio.org

willowbrook arts camp

Willowbrook Arts Camp

Be yourself & experience arts, crafts, theater, music, dance, and more! Their outdoors, award-winning camp gives kids the freedom to make choices, follow their curiosity & develop their creative potential an environment dedicated to the imagination! willowbrookartscamp.org

wine and design

Wine & Design

Art Buzz Kids Summer Camps 2019! Each week is centered around a kiddo-approved theme, and each day features a beautiful canvas painting plus additional crafts, activities, and games…all sure to ignite your child’s imagination! wineanddesign.com/calendars/tigard

Dance, Gymnastics & Active Play

A-WOL Dance

A-WOL Dance Collective

Join the circus, get airborne, and flip the world upside-down! Their indoor and outdoor summer programs build aerial, dance, and acrobatic skills through creativity and play. Camps are offered for all levels and foster both the artist and the athlete. awoldance.org

BodyVox

BodyVox

BodyVox’s outstanding roster of professional dancers and teaching artists help students develop dance technique and expand their imaginations as they move their bodies and explore the connection between dance, rhythm, music, and creativity. bodyvox.com

Camp TEK

Camp TEK

Send your camper to the most fun and unique camps all in one spot!  Campers choose an AM activity and PM activity from fun categories including tumbling, robotics, coding, Minecraft, Nerf camp, dodgeball, bouldering, t-shirt design, 3D printing and more! pdxkidscamp.com/

Circus Project

Circus Project

Circus camps are highly physical and also exercise your child’s creativity. Every day explores tumbling, trapeze, juggling, theatre, dance and more, and each week finishes with a public performance! Aftercare provided by their neighbor, Playdate PDX. thecircusproject.org/camps

NW Dance Project

NW Dance Project

NW Dance Project’s philosophy focuses on technique, creativity, and strength and conditioning to support a balanced dance education. Their summer intensives encourage dancers to become creators. Dance with them this summer – JUN 24-28 or AUG 12 to 23. nwdanceproject.org

OMEGA Gymnastics

OMEGA Gymnastics

OMEGA Gymnastics offers half day and full day camp options. Camps include structured play time in the gym, craft, and field trip (full day campers). Enroll in one day or full weeks. Their scheduling is flexible.  omega-gymnastics.com

ballet

Oregon International Ballet Academy

In a creative, supportive and structured environment, OIBA offers classical ballet and contemporary dance programs, cultivating beauty, confidence, health, love and responsibility, all while inspiring young dancers to fulfill their dreams! oiballet.org/ac

play.fit.fun

Play.Fit.Fun

Play.Fit.Fun’s Kids Action Camp is just like the best of P.E. and Field Day! No regular sports!  Just fun active games that kids love and have a blast with. Perfect for any K-6th grade level and ability level! SUPER FUN!!! playfitfun.com

Sky High

Sky High Sports

Four fun-filled days of climb walls, trampolines, basketball, dodgeball, arcade time, foam pit, arts & crafts, scavenger hunt and build your own pizza day. Ages 7-12. por.skyhighsports.com

General

Adventure Camp

Adventure Camp

Adventure Camp offers 10 weeks of all-day camp for elementary kids. Join their friendly staff on SWBIBLE’s 27-acre campus for cooking projects, water slides, nature hikes, STEM activities, art & ceramics, and field trips to top Portland-area locations. adventurecampkids.org

B'Nai B'rith

B’nai B’rith Camp

BB Camp Portland provides a welcoming and fun camp experience for kids entering grades K-6. Camp days are full of classic activities such as art, sports, science and more! Each week offers age-appropriate themes, special guests and field trips! bbcamp.org/portland

KCLC

Kids Community Learning Center

KCLC is conveniently located in NW Portland, close to downtown and MAX/bus lines.  They offer an inclusive, safe and nurturing environment in which kids grow together through exploration, meaningful relationships and fun.  kidscommunity.org

MJCC

MJCC Day Camp

MJCC Day Camp offers full-day fun all summer long from 7:30 am – 6:00 pm. Activities include swimming, arts, sports, rock wall climbing, and more! They are open to everyone ages 3-15. All programs are age-appropriate, fun and safe. oregonjcc.org/daycamp

NCPRD

North Clackamas Parks & Recreation

NCPRD offers a wide variety of affordable day camps to keep kids (ages 4-18) active, learning and having fun all summer long. From sports and dance to theater and nature, NCPRD is your summer camp resource! ncprd.com/summer-camps

OES

Oregon Episcopal School

Summer at OES combines their acclaimed inquiry-based approach to a wide variety of enriching and educational camps with a fun summer style. With over 260 camps to choose from, students in grades Pre-K through 12 will have an unforgettable experience!  summer.oes.edu

Play Fit Fun

Portland Parks and Rec

Portland Parks & Recreation

Develop cooperation and teamwork with new friends through active games and sports, artistic endeavors, science and more. Before/after care and payment plans available to meet your family’s needs. Scholarships available to those who qualify. portlandparks.org

Steve and Kate's

Steve & Kate’s Camp

At Steve & Kate’s, they trust kids so they learn to trust themselves. They offer bread making, robotics, coding, fashion, film, music, outdoor recreation, lunch & snacks, and so much more! steveandkatescamp.com/portland

Trackers Earth

Trackers’ award-winning Summer Camps offer day camps for Grades Pre-K (age 4) – 12 with themes like Wilderness Survival, Farming, Kayaking, Archery, Wizards, Ninja, Blacksmithing & more! Overnights for Grades 5-12. Now with 7 Easy Drop-Off Locations. trackerspdx.com/summer

Villasport

VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa

Bring your sense of wanderlust and navigate through different lands and experience worlds of wonder. Your journey will include field trips, crazy crafts, wacky sports and games, and splashing away in VillaSport’s amazing pools. villasport.com/beaverton

Horses & Farm

Camp Wahoo

Camp Wahoo

A week-long wilderness horse camp for boys and girls ages 9-16. For more information, call 509-674-9554. campwahoo.com

Herrold Stables

Herrold Stables & Farm

Over 30 years experience. Approved by Hillsboro Park & Rec, Girl Scouts of Oregon & SW Washington, & BLM. Riders experience Horsemanship, English/Western riding, Driving, Showmanship, Crafts. Ages 3 & up. Lessons, Parties, Camps. herroldstables.com

Old McDonald's Farm, Inc.

Old McDonald’s Farm, Inc.

Learn and thrive with Old McDonald’s Farm, Inc., (a non-profit children’s program). Six weeks of The Summer Program or the Jr. Vet. Baby Burro week. Taught by a Certified Teacher. OldMcDonaldsFarm.org

Oregon Horsemanship

Oregon Horsemanship

They offer a well-rounded horse camp where the love of horses is nourished.  From grooming, leading, riding, to chores, curriculum, and art they offer a full day of fun with horses and friends. oregonhorsemanship.com

Royal Ridges

Royal Ridges Retreat

RRR offers 6 different camps to choose from: Traditional Day Camp, Day Horse, Day Adventure, Day Paintball, Resident Horse and Resident Adventure. With grades 1-12, they have something for everyone, with nine different weeks to choose from! royalridges.org

Language

Atlas Immersion Academy

Atlas Immersion Academy

Language & Multi-cultural focus, with field trips and presenters that tie into each week’s theme. atlasimmersionacademy.com

German International School

German International School

Join the German International School’s Kindersommer 2019 where learning a language is fun! Camps for 3-11 years and require no prior German language skills. gspdx.org

Hope Chinese Charter School

Hope Chinese Charter School

Full Chinese Language & Culture Immersion Summer Programs aim to cultivate students’ Chinese language skills and nurture their cultural adaptability with interactive language learning through STEAM inspired, learner-centered activities and projects. hopeccs.org/summerprograms

PELP

Portland Early Learning Project

Learn Spanish this summer! Campers practice Spanish as they play, sing, dance, and explore the cultures of Cuba and Spain through cooking and crafts. Children also have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and outdoor play. portlandearlylearning.com

Schoolita Alegria

Schoolita Alegria

Super fun Spanish workshop for 3-5yr old. Outdoor fun and games, art, movement/yoga, gardening, cooking classes and theme days. schoolita-alegria.com

Scuola Portland

Scuola Italiana di Portland

Fun Italian language and cultural activity camps for children of all ages. Learn to make fresh pasta and pizza in cooking camp, get inspired by Leonardo da Vinci in art camp, and more. Andiamo! scuola.us

The International School

The International School

It’s a world of fun at these award-winning language immersion summer camps! Japanese, Chinese and Spanish come to life through hands-on projects, field trips, and outdoor fun! All experience levels. Ages 3 – 5th grade. NEW extended-day options! intlschool.org/summer

Music

backbeat music

Backbeat Music Academy

Rock out this summer at Backbeat, where kids get to be themselves. They have camps for kids from 5-18 and all experience levels. In the camps, kids play in bands, write music for games, learn the basics of all the instruments, Songwriting, and more. backstreetmusicacademy.com

Ethos Music Center

Ethos Music Center

Ethos offers summer music camps for kids of all skill levels! Campers learn the basics of an instrument, play songs, work as a team, create a band name and put on a show. They’re also treated to concerts from local musicians and other activities. ethos.org/enroll/summer-camps

Nature

Adventure WILD

Adventure WILD

Adventure WILD offers summer day camp and overnight experiences for children ages 4-10 years. Camp activities focus around climbing, nature exploration, and outdoor art. adventurewild.org

Ecology in Classrooms

Ecology in Classrooms and Outdoors

They have day-long, fun-filled, outdoor adventure camps planned for summer 2019. Exploration and discovery await your K-6th graders at Learning Gardens Laboratory. The world will come alive through hands-on experiments and the wonders of ecology. ecologyoutdoors.org/summer-camps-nwkids

Friends of Tryon Creek

Friends of Tryon Creek

For over 40 years, the Friends of Tryon Creek has been inspiring and connecting children to nature at our beautiful urban forest. Register today for In-service days, Spring, and Summer. Ages 4-14 (K-9th grades) tryonfriends.org/day-camp

Cascade Mountain School

Mt. Adams Institute’s Cascade Mountain School

Cascade Mountain School, a program of Mt. Adams Institute, offers overnight summer camps for middle & high schoolers. Backpack in the Cascades, do hands-on watershed science, design & tinker an invention of your imagination! Scholarships available. cascademountainschool.org

Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoo

Summer campers explore little-known areas of the zoo, learn about animals by meeting them face-to-face, and leave inspired to care for the natural world. oregonzoo.org/camp

Portland Audubon

Portland Audubon

With more than 60 camps to choose from, they have something for every explorer, artist and wildlife enthusiast! audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/camps/summer/summercalendar

Trackers Earth

Trackers Earth

Trackers’ award-winning Summer Camps offer day camps for Grades Pre-K (age 4) – 12 with themes like Wilderness Survival, Farming, Kayaking, Archery, Wizards, Ninja, Blacksmithing & more! Overnights for Grades 5-12. Now with 7 Easy Drop-Off Locations. trackerspdx.com/summer

Outdoor Sports & Rock Climbing

Avid4 Adventure

Avid4 Adventure

This summer, experience the power of authentic outdoor adventure. Avid4 Adventure summer camps teach K –7th graders of all levels to climb, paddle, bike, hike and thrive in the outdoors. Learn more at 800-977-9873, or info@avid4.com. avid4.com

BaxterSports

BaxterSports

Soccer Camps and All Sports Camps (ages 5-13); Youth Leadership Development Program (rising 9th and 10th graders); 4 Pillars Elite Soccer Camp (ages 10-17). baxtersports.com

Community Cycling Center

Community Cycling Center

Bike Camp brings kids in grades 1-10 together for a summer of bike adventures! Campers learn how to ride safely and maintain their bikes in a supportive, hands-on environment. At camp, kids build confidence, skills, and a life-long love of biking. communitycyclingcenter.org/community/bike-camp

i9 Sports

i9 Sports

Full-day (9 -3 pm) multi-sport camps (ages 5-12) designed to keep your child active and give parents a break from planning. Sports include flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, kick ball & more. They use fun drills and games to teach. i9sports.com

Pedalheads

Pedalheads Bike Camps

Pedalheads Bike is a learn-to-ride bike program for kids ages two through 12 best known for helping children get off training wheels and safely ride on the road. They have four camp locations; SW, SE, NE Portland and Beaverton! Registration open now!  pedalheads.com

Portland Rock Gym

Portland Rock Gym

Camps include games, technique instruction, and a lot of climbing! Campers as young as 6 will also experience slack-line, rope-swing, and huge cargo net. Kids age 10 and up will head outside to climb around the greater Portland area once per week! portlandrockgym.com

She-Wolf

She-Wolf Adventure Camp

Outdoor adventure trips for teenage girls. shewolfadventure.org http://shewolfadventure.org

The Circuit Boundering Gy

The Circuit Bouldering Gym

The Circuit is proud to offer award-winning summer and winter bouldering camps at all three locations! Kids climb in a fun, social environment led by their instructors, where they will problem solve and build confidence on and off the wall. thecircuitgym.com

Tree to Tree

Tree to Tree Aerial Adventure Park

Three days jam-packed with excitement among the trees. Open to children ages 10 to 14, our campers blaze new trails, learn new skills, explore nature and challenge their inner selves through a series of fun yet educational activities. tree2treeadventurepark.com/SpecialEvents/Camps

Performing Arts

Hilarious Youth

Hilarious Youth is a summer sketch comedy workshop for students age 11-15 in Portland, OR. In these workshops, students will hone their techniques writing, filming and performing short form comedy. hilariousyouth.com

Northwest Children’s Theater

Summer Camps at NWCT range from drama-themed fun and games to skill-building workshops and performing scripted theater! nwcts.org

Oregon Children’s Theatre

Whether your child aspires to become an actor or just wants to have fun and make new friends–OCT has the best class options in town. octc.org

mw film center

The NW Film Center

The NW Film Center Summer Camp for Kids + Teens provides young people entering grades 4-12 with the chance to experiment with and learn about media arts and technology from experienced teaching artists. No previous experience is required. nwfilm.org

Special Needs

Bike First!

Bike First! teaches people with & without disabilities skills to ride typical bikes. Quick Start! is for those without disabilities who need a jump start! A Refresher is also available. BF! Is for 8 years and older. QS! is for 5 years and older. abicommunity.org/programs/bike_first

Overnight

Big Lake

Big Lake Youth Camp

They provide campers with the environment and opportunity to gain better self-awareness, set and achieve goals, and have a blast. They offer friendship, encouragement, adventure, and enough fun to make memories for a lifetime. biglake.org

Opal Creek

Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center

Opal Creek Expeditions teach kids to become outdoor leaders in the Opal Creek, Bull of the Woods, & Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Areas, combining backcountry skills, natural science, and outdoor adventure. 3-8 day programs for ages 8-18 years old. opalcreek.org

YMCA Camp Collins

YMCA Camp Collins

YMCA Camp Collins offers a variety of summer camp programs. Overnight Camps for youth entering grades 2-9; Day Camps for youth entering grades 1-6, Teen Camps for youth entering grades 9-12 and Family Camps Memorial and Labor Day Weekend.  ymcacw.org

STEM

camp invention

Camp Invention

Unmask your child’s creativity this summer in the all-new Camp Invention® program, Supercharged™. Campers will code robots and use collaboration and creative problem solving during hands-on, STEM activities. invent.org/camp

coding with kids

Coding with Kids

Coding with Kids offers a variety of STEM summer camps for children of all skill levels.. Their proven curriculum drives engagement and learning outcomes, while the small class sizes ensure personalized attention. codingwithkids.com

engineering for kids

Engineering for Kids

They have camps for the youngest engineers (ages 4-7), for the experienced engineers (ages 7 -12), and Master Camps for the expert students (ages 11+). Campers will explore everything from aerospace engineering to electronic game development. engineeringforkids.com/portland/programs/camps/

iD Tech

iD Tech

iD Tech is the leader in STEM education, with 400,000 alumni since 1999. Summer programs for ages 7-19 held at 150 campuses including Lewis & Clark. Students build in-demand skills in coding, game dev, robotics, and design. Visit iDTechCamps.com. idtech.com/locations/oregon-summer-camps/lewis-clark-college

Mad Science Portland

Mad Science of Portland & Vancouver

Mad Science offers a wide range of kids camp programs where science is the star! Designed for ages 5-13 these science camps will fascinate kids with rockets, robots, chemistry, and more. Camps all over the Portland/Vancouver Metro Area and Suburbs. portland.madscience.org

Math Gamers

Math Gamers©

Math Gamers: A unique math enrichment program which helps students grades 1-5 enjoy math while they learn! They play original games whose goals match math standards. In summer, they do active games to keep kids moving. Students also do a math art project! mathgamers.net

Mr. David's School of Film

Mr. David’s School of Film

Offering a range of hands-on and kid centered Lego Animation, Stop Motion, Movie Making, Photography and Acting summer for kids ages 6-14 years old.  Over 11 weeks of camps including Week-long; full day options or drop in options. SE Portland. mrdavidfilm.com

Neighborhood House

Neighborhood House

They offer opportunities to learn computer coding and explore arts and crafts. Lots of outside time as well as field trips and special guests facilitated by highly trained teachers. Snacks offered throughout the day. penchild.org

OMSI

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

OMSI offers 200+ overnight camps and day camps for your best summer yet. Whether you’re searching for fossils, canoeing the Oregon Coast, programming drones, or animating your own film, discover something new while having fun and making friends. omsi.edu/summer

Play-Well

Play-Well TEKnologies

Dream it, build it, wreck it, repeat in our LEGO-inspired engineering camps! Kids will engineer interesting projects, engage in critical thinking, and work collaboratively. Themes include Star Wars, Minecraft, Harry Potter, Robotics and more. schedule.play-well.org

Saturday Academy

Saturday Academy

Choose from over 300 hands-on classes and camps taught by experts. Grades 2-12. Sports Science, Geek Chic, STEM Career Exploration, Club Med- Medical Careers, Curiosity Challenge, Academic Summit, Model UN, Kid Lawyer, and so much more fun in STEM! saturdayacademy.org

world of speed

World of Speed Motorsports Museum

They offer camps that engage, excite, and challenge students in a fun, supportive environment. Students in grades K-12 work with STEM, explore fundamentals of speed, and discover motorsports. Camps include Girls Rule!, Tech camp, and more. worldofspeed.org

About Mary Brady

Mary Brady was born and raised in the PNW and has been in Oregon since 2006. She currently lives on the west side of the river with her two children and her golden retriever pup; exploring all that PDX Metro has to offer. Mary is the Editor for NW Kids.