Like the rest of us, Portland’s awesome summer camp hosts have had to adapt to the changing dynamics of life during a pandemic. Some are offering online versions of their programming, some are rolling out abbreviated day programs that adhere to social distancing guidelines, and others have chosen to postpone programs until next summer. Whether you’re looking for a traditional camp experience for your child, or hoping your camper can join in virtually, there’s a good chance there’s an option for you. Here’s the latest on current offerings!
Photo courtesy Portland Audubon Society
Portland Audubon Society
Register now for full-day adventures for kids in grades 1-12. Your camper can try out birding, wildcrafting, art outdoors, archery, or hiking. Portland Audubon is planning to run camps on schedule, while adjusting in real time to follow changing guidelines for COVID-19. Campers will be notified of any changes four weeks prior to the start of camp.
Camp runs from 8:30-3:30 p.m.; aftercare available from 3:45-5:45 p.m. Space for camp and Aftercare is limited to 10 campers. Price range: $325-$725. Pick-up and drop-off locations vary depending on camp.
5151 NW Cornell Rd.
503-292-6855
Online: audubonportland.org
Photo via Trackers Earth
Trackers Earth
Survival skills and preparedness have never been more relevant. Join Trackers Earth Portland for outdoor, small group adventures and online programming. Small group adventures include Wilderness Survival, Photo Camp, Paintball, Learn to Bike, and Blacksmithing, plus so much more. Their Spark Channel offers small-group interactive webinars kids can participate in from home. Learn homesteading, survival skills, martial arts, and more. Offerings are for kids ages pre-K-12.
Day camps run 7:30-3:30, with after care available. Pricing starts as low as $5 for online camps, up to $395 for day camps. Locations throughout Portland.
4617 SE Milwaukie Ave.
503-345-3312
Online: trackerspdx.com
Photo courtesy of Avid4Adventure
Avid 4 Adventure
In response to the pandemic, this outdoor education and leadership organization is offering small adventures, camp-at-home options, and online camps for kids in pre-K-7th grade. As of press time, they plan to offer their overnight expeditions as scheduled. Small Group Adventures meet at local outdoor recreation areas in Portland, and are week-long action-packed day camps for groups of 4-5 children. Many are now sold out, but check for availability. Camp At Home brings an instructor directly to you for a week of navigation, shelter building, outdoor cooking, wildlife education, Leave No Trace, emergency response and preparedness, and more. You have the option to meet instructors at local hiking and biking trails, or in the safety of your own neighborhood. Online camps are an affordable, interactive choice your kids can participate in from home.
Camps run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Costs are $99/week for online camps; $1250 for Camp at Home, which includes registration for up to 4 kids. Register in May with code ONLINE10 to participate in online camps for just $10!
720-249-2412
Online: avid4.com
Photo courtesy Coding with Kids
Coding with Kids
Join this nationally-recognized organization for online coding camps for kids ages 5-18! These live online courses are interactive and designed for small groups of kids, with a maximum of 8 students per instructor. Little ones can check out My First Computer Skills and Little Coders, while older kids can enjoy Photo Editing, Minecraft, Roblox, and more. Check the website for tech and software requirements, which vary by camp.
Camps run a little over two hours per day, and run 5 days per week. Several start-times available for each camp. Costs start at $199. (Little Coders is $99 and 1 hour.)
info-portland@codingwithkids.com
Online: codingwithkids.com
Photo courtesy Portland Children’s Museum
Portland Children’s Museum
At Portland Children’s Museum, registration is currently open for full-day Museum Summer Camps in July and August for children ages 4-10. Let the FUN shine in with weekly themes including Clay Inventors, Mystery Explorers, and Cosmic Detectives. Your happy camper will soak up creative adventure while combining art with science and nature—in both indoor and outdoor Museum exhibits.
Following state guidelines, the Museum plans to operate camps this summer with extra precautions to ensure your child’s safety, including a limited number of campers and a lower camper-to-counselor ratio. Participants will be contacted in the event that camps cannot be held for the week(s) they have registered.
Camps run 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; aftercare available 3-5:30 p.m. Cost is $305 per week.
Photo courtesy Pedalheads
Pedalheads Bike
This national hub of bike education offers half and full day camps for kids as young as 2, all the way to 12, who want to ride bikes this summer! Your kid will go from training wheels to two wheels in these fun learn-to-bike camps. Concerned about COVID? They’re going above and beyond to insure a safe camp experience for your biker this summer. They’re working hard to adapt programming to meet or exceed safety guidelines, including using equipment or barriers to support distancing requirements, keeping class sizes small and separated from other groups, and upping handwashing and cleaning procedures. Plus, they offer a no-hassle cancellation policy.
Locations in Portland, Beaverton, and Lake Oswego. Half-day camps 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Full-day camps 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Before and after care available. Pricing is from $259-$455.
1-888-886-6464
info@pedalheads.com
Online: pedalheads.com/bike/oregon
Photo courtesy of OES
Oregon Episcopal School
For kids ages 4 to 18, Oregon Episcopal School is offering online camps and in-person camps. Campers can choose from culinary arts, Jiu Jitsu, movie making, and more. Virtual camps are available for the first two weeks (Jun. 22-Jul. 2), while OES is exploring options for in-person camps for the remainder of the summer (Jul. 6-Aug. 22).
Check the website for updated offerings and pricing.
6300 SW Nicol Rd.
503-246-7771
Online: oes.edu/summer
Need more ideas? Check out our full summer camp guide!
-Melissa Poulin
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