As parents, we know summer can be a beautiful mix of sunshine, memory-making... and the occasional “I’m bored” before breakfast.
Summer camps are filling up quickly. And camps are so much more than just a way to keep kids busy, it’s a chance for them to make new friends, build confidence, try things they might never attempt at home, and gain a little independence along the way.
Whether your child is into sports, science, art, animals, or just needs a fun place to burn off energy, Portland has no shortage of amazing summer camp options!
What could be more fun for LEGO lovers than this? Experiment PDX has LEGO robotics, science experiments, art projects and more for kids aged 5-11.
Do you have a musical kiddo? At Electronic Music Club they'll spend the week producing hit pop songs and composing video game soundtracks to scoring stop motion animations and even creating podcasts.
For budding singers and those who want to learn Northwest Vocal Arts summer camp is Aug 10-14 Their Summer Choral Academy is open to Pre-K-18yrs.
Echo Theater Company offers aerial and circus theater summer camps June-August.
SWIFTS (Science – Wildlife – Imagination – Friendship – Taking a Stand) Nature Camps with The Bird Alliance of Oregon. Week long camps for kids grades 1-12.
NIKE Sports Camps are great because there are so many options from basketball to pickleball and tennis to lacrosse. Just put in your zip code to find the ones closest to you.Camp Rockstar is rock climbing fun at The Circuit Bouldering Gym.
Tryon Forest Adventures is the longest running nature day camp in Portland. Chose your adventure by age to experience everything from Identifying forest plants by hiking to using the sun to experiment with prisms and make your own rainbows!
Champ Camp Great Outdoors is another fun nature camp option with a few locations around Portland.
Opal Creek Expeditions leads guided youth backpacking trips in wilderness areas across Oregon. Young people build outdoor skills, confidence, and meaningful connection to the natural world. Participants learn principles of Leave No Trace, teamwork, and backcountry travel while making lasting friendships. Trips are beginner friendly and led by experienced guides who prioritize safety, learning, and fun. This one is not a day camp and it's spendy but they do offer scholarships. And what an experience, WOW.
Summer Camp Guide Sponsored by Oregon Charter Academy, an award-winning, tuition free, virtual public charter school that serves students K-12.Explore more at www.oregoncharter.org