by Kelley Gardiner
Living in a city like Portland where individualism and innovation are at the crux of its culture, you know there are lots of talented people who love to share their knowledge with the next generation. Whether your kids want to shred, grind, carve, rock, start a ‘zine or change the world through art, here are some completely kickin’ and rocking summer camps to get them started.
OREGON SURF ADVENTURES
Surf Camp
Surf’s up! At least it will be at this two-day camp designed for kids and teens from 8-17. Your kids will be stoked to hit the waves, but when they’re worn out, there’s plenty of other fun to be had learning about marine biology or playing games with new friends. Water safety is stressed by their experienced instructors, helping parents breathe easy. Boards and wetsuits are provided. Transportation and housing are up to you. That sounds to us like a pretty rad reason for a family beach trip.
1116 S Roosevelt Drive, Seaside
oregonsurfadventures.com
TWO-WHEELED SHRED CAMP
The Lumberyard
It’s time to learn to shred. As long as your child can pedal on two wheels and brake, they’re ready to learn to take it to the next level. The Lumberyard has indoor and outdoor riding areas to challenge all takers. Ages 6-14 are invited to half- or full-day camps. Your little shredders should be comfortable riding, turning, and braking, but that’s all they need to start working on their flow.
2700 NE 82nd Avenue
lumberyardmtb.com
HIGH CASCADE
Snowboard Camp
Snowboarding in the summer is just one more reason to be thankful we live in Oregon. High Cascade Snowboard Camp’s two private parks are built exclusively for snowboarding, so boarders can shred and jump to their hearts’ content. Jumps are hand-raked out of real snow daily. Kids nine and up can join in the action whether they’re snowbunnies or tried-and-true mountain hounds.
30481 E Blossom Trail, Government Camp
highcascade.com
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BOOT CAMP
School of Rock
Playing an instrument is pretty cool. Playing with a rock ‘n’ roll band is even better. Hanging out, learning new songs, and bonding with your band to get ready for a blowout performance? Nothing could beat it! Portland’s School of Rock works with kids ages 8-18 on musicianship, and everyone gets one-on-one attention from some pretty awesome local rockers.
1440 SE Hawthorne Boulevard
portland.schoolofrock.com
D_BLOCK BOOTCAMP
D-Block Indoor Skatepark
Sometimes, a kid just doesn’t want to be pegged in to one type of extreme sport. BMX, roller skate, scooter, inline, skateboard, they don’t discriminate at D-Block Indoor Skatepark, and neither does their summer bootcamp. “Any wheels are welcome” to explore Portland’s favorite skateparks. Campers will learn skatepark etiquette, get a little help with new tricks, and make some sweet new friends along the way. Campers should bring their own wheels and helmets. Knee and elbow pads are encouraged, but not required.
8921 SE Jannsen Road, Building D
kevaland.com
HIP HOP CAMP
Ethos Music
Get that beat right at hip hop camp. This camp focuses on the musical side of hip hop, with volunteers helping students with rapping skills and beat production. No experience is necessary for your little MC’s and DJ’s ages 6-12. Don’t miss the performance at the end of the week.
2 N Killingsworth Street
ethos.org
ARTIVISM
Mercy Corps Action Center
Is your middle schooler looking to make a change in the world? “Artivism” is “art for activism,” and campers learn how to focus their creativity to raise awareness of global and local issues. Kids can expect hands-on projects that run the gamut of artistic exploits: reading, writing, visual art, performance, you name it. Mercy Corps works around the world to help people dealing with poverty and hunger, and kids at this camp will find positive ways to raise themselves and others up.
28 SW 1st Avenue
mercycorps.org/action-center/artivism
SKATE LIKE A GIRL
Skateboard Camp
How do you Skate Like a Girl? By fostering confidence and building friendships, of course, all while doing some serious skateboarding. Camps will take place at Glenhaven and Ed Benedict Skate Parks, so take your pick of your favorite place to carve and grind. Girls will work one-on-one and in groups to develop skating skills like dropping in and doing jumps, all in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. For girls 8+.
Glenhaven Skate Park
2899 NE 82nd Avenue
Ed Benedict Skate Park
SE 100th Avenue & Powell Boulevard
skatelikeagirlpdx.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK, BY YOU
Catlin Gabel
Capture that Portland DIY spirit with a photography book that campers make with their own two hands. Participants from 6th to 12th grade are welcome, and don’t need to be students of Catlin Gabel. First, students learn about photography and how to create arresting imagines. Then, they’ll travel to Portland’s favorite spots to shoot their photos. To top off the experience, students will learn bookbinding techniques to create a oneof-a-kind handmade book that features their best work.
8825 SW Barnes Road
catlin.edu
Kelley Gardiner is a Portland native, a freelance writer and blogger, and the mother of one sweet toddler. To see what she’s up to, visit kelleygardiner.com
