Joining a summer camp or club can be a great way to experience new adventures and learn something along the way. Whether you have kids who love a specific sport or enjoy arts and crafts, there are plenty of camps to choose from. Here are the Top 10 best summer camps in Portland, Oregon…
1. Trackers Portland – offers summer camps for kids and teens and wilderness survival for all ages
Trackers Portland is the ultimate package for people who want to learn new skills while also hanging out with friends. There are various incredible summer camp programs for children and adults alike. It’s also a great way to discover some of the best natural sites in Portland.
Enjoy and choose from a ton of activities like archery, biking, fishing, and more. You can even learn creative skills like pottery, ceramics, and blacksmithing. The strong talented staff and instructors make sure everyone gets a safe experience during the camp.
Due to their popularity and customer satisfaction, Trackers Portland has been mentioned on popular media channels including USNews and NBC News. Check out the various camps happening every week on their official website now.
Address: 4617 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland, OR 97202
2. Camp Fire Columbia – a non-profit organization that aims to empower youth
Camp Fire Columbia features uniquely tailored programs especially targeted to children and youngsters. The camp aims to bring out the best in each child, help them grow on a mental and physical level and allow them to figure out their purpose in life.
It is a great way to boost your child’s confidence and teach them new skills and values. There are a ton of programs you can choose from including teen school and high school programs and family programs.
Address: 1411 SW Morrison St. #300, Portland, OR 97205
3. Steve & Kate’s Camp – offers a safe, judgment-free environment
Steve & Katie’s Camp is built on the philosophy of trying, failing, and learning. The camp consists of fun and engaging activities that are designed to boost judgment skills in children and help them increase self-confidence.
Trying out the activities without major help from the instructors allows them to build trust in their capabilities. Some of the great activities include sports, water games, baking, media school, and more. The activities are not forced upon the kids and they are free to try out anything that appeals to them.
Address: 601 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
4. Lovegood Performing Arts Company Summer Camps – musical theater camps and workshops for students ages 7 to 22
Lovegood Summer Camps focus on drawing out the natural talent in kids and young adults to help them take control of their passion and purpose. The programs consist of various improv camps and shows targeted at different arts including technical theater, directing and casting as well as musical skills.
The programs are divided into Summer and Spring camps and run throughout the year offering everyone a chance to participate. The shows also allow kids to take their talents to the big stage and realize their dreams in front of an audience.
Address: 16260 NW Bronson Road, Beaverton, OR 97006
Drive from Portland: 14 min (9.3 mi)
5. Pedalheads – offers bike camps, swim lessons, and summer trail riding camps
Pedalheads is a popular company specializing in dynamic and fun programs for children. The activities are available in numerous locations throughout the US and Canada. They are great for teaching new skills and helping master old skills in a collaborative environment.
As of now, the company offers swimming lessons, biking activities, and trail camps. The company was first launched in 1986 and has been growing tremendously over the years.
6. MJCC Summer Day Camp – offers exciting summer camps for children of all ages
MJCC is a community center in Portland offering exciting summer camps for children of all ages. The camps are based around the four principles fun, community, joy, and spirit. There are various activities designed for Kindergarten all the way to grade 10.
The company also offers various activities for adults including fitness clubs and swimming lessons. Children can also join soccer and basketball clubs which follow a set curriculum to allow the kids to learn and improve in the sport of their choice.
Address: 6651 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219, United States
7. Avid4 – authentic local settings for thrilling, fulfilling outdoor experiences
Avid4 aims to disconnect the kids of this new generation from digital screens and instead spark a love of physical activities in their hearts. The best growth comes from experiencing life and facing challenges head-on. Avid4 offers adventurous camps that enable kids to enjoy outdoor activities while making new friends.
The camp activities are available in various locations throughout the US and kids can choose from a multitude of engaging activities. These include climbing, hiking, paddling, riding, and kayaking. The kids learn in a safe and secure environment where self-expression and discovery are encouraged.
8. BaxterSports – a premier youth athletic program that offers a holistic approach to teaching and coaching kids
BaxterSports is the ultimate sports club specializing in soccer. The company operates in Portland and is aimed at the youngsters teaching them the ways of the game. There is also a multi-sport program for kids who don’t want to be limited to soccer only.
The program focuses on teaching kids the importance of community, sportsmanship, and fitness. The talented and positive coaches allow the kids to learn in a safe and fun environment.
Address: Portland, Oregon, United States
9. Smartypants Art Camps – for the creative kids
Smartypants Art Campus originally started as an art and craft center for kids but has since evolved to include adult classes as well. There are various classes available for children from 2 to 12 years old.
Adult classes include various workshops including Cactus Watercolor and Abstract Art Workshop. There are also special events that take place throughout the year.
Address: 523 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340, United States
Drive from Portland: 11 hr (693.4 mi)
10. SCRAP PDX – a nonprofit creative reuse center which also offers camps
SCRAP is a creative reuse center based in Portland. The center runs programs where old and unwanted materials are collected and recycled for better purposes. The new items are either sold to raise money for the project or given to educators and others in need.
The center also runs camps and virtual lessons to spread the message and promote a culture of reusing and recycling. Currently, there are two camps for children from age 7 to 12 and 13 to 18.
Address: 1736 SW Alder Street, Portland, OR 97205
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Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. In between adventures she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele.