L I V E • PLAY • DO
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Last Minute Camp Guide Language Immersion Schools LGBTQ2SIA+ Resource Guide nwkidsmagazine.com
JUNE 2022
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Editor’s Note Welcome, June! After unusually chaotic spring weather (even for Portland) we have finally arrived at the sweet spot of the season as we roll gently into early summer. For the first time since 2019, we’re heading into June with the hopes that many of our favorite events will go on as they did prior to Covid. This month’s issue includes a roundup of summer camps that still have openings, as well as a guide to language immersion schools and a wonderful piece on the benefits of immersion education. June is also PRIDE month and we’ve rounded up some fantastic events to celebrate! Speaking of events, be sure to check out our online events calendar (nwkidsmagazine.com/events) to find out what’s happening in your neck of the woods on any given day. We hope that you and yours are well and look forward to seeing you around town this summer! Cheers,
Mary
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Contents JUNE 2022 8 Amazing Summer Camps You Can Still Sneak Your Kids Into 12 Benefits of Language Immersion 14 Immersion School Guide 16 Showing Support for the Children of Ukraine 19 LGBTQ2SIA+ Resource Guide 20 Out & About: June Events
Cover photography by PORTLAND PRESCHOOL OF THE ARTS
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Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editor/Account Manager Mary Brady mary@nwkidsmagazine.com Graphic Designer Robyn Taylor robyn@folkloremedia.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com
Listings AWVCS...........................................................10 Aim High Martial Arts..................................... 3 All Families Surrogacy...................................10 Bennett Suzuki...............................................10 FAIS.................................................................. 2 German International School.......................... 3 Herrold Stables................................................. 7 L’Etoile French Immersion Shcool..................24 Little Fruit Farm................................................ 7 Mad Science...................................................10 NWCT............................................................... 7 OES.................................................................11 Play Fit Fun.....................................................11 Saturday Academy........................................... 7 Scuola Italiana di Portland............................10 The Hangout.................................................... 7
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Amazing Summer Camps You Can Still Sneak Your Kids Into! Are you still finalizing your summer camp plans and are worried that it’s too late? Fear not! We’ve rounded up some awesome camps that still have openings!
BaxterSports Camps
Looking for a place to unplug and play? These award winning camps are fun, active, and engaging no matter your child’s experience or skill level. They go all day, mixing traditional sports with a variety of creative games, and are continually finding ways to promote positivity, fair play, and the importance of community. With a variety of programming, they hold camps every week of the summer in parks in SE, NE, and North Portland. Grades K-8 baxtersports.com/camp-registration
Herrold Stables, LLC
Come have fun experiencing horsemanship and farm life at this top-notch facility! All activities are co-ed and family friendly. Riders experience Horsemanship, English/Western riding, Showmanship, Crafts, and much more! Youth and Preschool days available! Find your day and download enrollment form today! Ages 3-16 herroldstables.com
MJCC Summer Day Camp
Have an AWESOME summer at MJCC Day Camp! Health + safety is their top priority. Enjoy quality, age-appropriate programs that are super fun: sports, cooking, Jewish culture, drama, + more! Flexible options 7:45 am – 5:30 pm. Open to everyone ages 3-15. oregonjcc.org/daycamp 8 | NW Kids Magazine
Mad Science of Portland and Vancouver
Education wrapped in entertainment. Mad Science seeks to spark imagination while learning about science. They have 14 different camp topics at locations throughout the metro area.Ages PreK- 5th grade portland.madscience.org/parents-camps
OES Summer Camps
OES Summer Camps for youth ages 4-13 are offered June 27-Aug. 19, with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekly topics include science, art, music, outdoors, crafts, and movement. These inquiry-based programs are designed to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and foster collaboration. OES also offers a teen leadership program for ages 13-17. Space is still available in Bio Design: Nature as an Art Medium; Let’s Explore the Ocean: Mixed Media Extravaganza; STEAM Crafting; Welcome to Audio Blast; Explorer Camp; and many more. oes.edu/summer
Portland Audubon Summer Camp
Join Portland Audubon for truly amazing, nature-based adventures all summer long! Camps combine art, science experiments and games with explorations of our beautiful, 172-acre Nature Sanctuary neighboring Forest Park and adventures all over the Pacific Northwest. Grades 1-12 audubonportland.org/our-work/learn/youth-programs/ camps-for-kids/summer-camp
PTFC Camps
PTFC Camps are a great way to improve your soccer skills, make new friends, and most importantly, have fun. They offer a variety of programs including rec camps, goalkeeper/ striker camps, Timbers/Thorns player camps, and residential camps. Together, these cover the age ranges of 5-18 at a variety of different skill levels. Every camper receives a PTFC Camps t-shirt and certificate or evaluation. Space is limited so sign up today!. Ages 5-12 ptfccamps.com
The Hangout PDX
Creative, safe, educational, art based program that your kids will LOVE. The Hangout was designed for you and your kids. They believe that kids should love summer programs and come home excited to talk to you about all the things they have created and learned. Drawing Fundamentals, Painting bonanza, Puppetry and Theater, Sew Much Fun with Fabric, All About Clay, Play-Based Art, Comix, Creative Storytelling, Wizards, Fairies, and Krakens, Mazes and Labyrinths, and Paper Mache’ are just part of the fun. thehangoutpdx.com/summer-camps
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BENEFITS OF LANGUAGE IMMERSION by SARAH LOEPP AND KATHARINE SIMONS, INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PORTLAND
Language immersion education is a popular option among Portland families, and is offered by preschools, and independent and public schools throughout the area. Since it is much easier to learn a new language while young, many parents are curious about what such programs are about, and what this could mean for their child. The social benefits of learning a new language are well-known: bilingualism increases one’s awareness of the world around them, breaks down common barriers in travel, and enhances future personal and professional opportunities. But the value of language immersion education - taught in an intensive, supportive environment - goes well beyond this. Research on language immersion and bilingualism (or multilingualism) has grown tremendously in recent decades, buoyed by increased interest in the topic and everimproving technology like MRIs, and produced a number of consistent findings: • Decoding skills: Language immersion students are constantly developing decoding skills in their second language— searching for clues to bridge the gaps between what they know and new vocabulary, sentence structure, and linguistic concepts. All this work not only allows for new language acquisition, but strengthens their decoding skills in their native language. They understand grammar rules, syntax, and other mechanics of language in a different way than monolingual students. • Metalinquistic awareness: Metalinguistic awareness is the way in which the brain thinks about how language functions. Metalinguistic awareness also heightens student’s ability to learn more languages later on. 12 | NW Kids Magazine
• Executive function: There are myriad cognitive benefits to language immersion, many of which relate to the concept of executive function, or cognitive processes tied to flexible thinking, memory, and the ability to focus on a task. These skills are also linked to improved problem solving, pattern recognition, and reasoning. • C ognitive flexibility: The brain of someone learning and communicating in multiple languages must continually make decisions about which language to use, and how to categorize the sounds around them as belonging to one language or another. This process known as language switching - requires cognitive flexibility as the brain has to constantly identify what information is relevant and ignore distractions--a skill that transfers to all areas of learning and life in the schooling years and beyond. • S ocial and Emotional Development: Learning social cues is a vital, ongoing process at this age, and those navigating multiple languages are particularly attuned to these challenges. Students immersed in multiple languages become skilled at recognizing nuances and subtleties in language and expression; such distinction is necessary to appropriately interact with their surroundings.
• G lobal mindset: Studies have also shown that children thoroughly exposed to more than one language are better at understanding other people’s perspectives, and more likely to be empathetic. They understand that the cultural and linguistic “norm” in their home is likely different from that at school, and that people around the world also have very different backgrounds and points of view. This global mindset the students share lends itself to new ways of conceptualizing one’s self and others. • Biculturalism: Language immersion is as much about bilingualism as it is biculturalism. Since our founding over 30 years ago, the International School of Portland has encouraged our teachers-all native speakers--to share their culture with their students. There are a rich variety of backgrounds and experiences just within a single language track. Moreover, we are proud to be one of only two schools in the United States that includes three language programs, and that diversity allows for students to have an even greater sense of international perspective. We encourage you to learn more about language immersion education for your child!
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SCOULA ITALIANA DI PORTLAND
2022 Language Immersion School Guide American West Vancouver Chinese School
AWVCS was founded with its primary mission dedicated to educating students in speaking, reading and writing the Chinese language. Chinese Mandarin. Ages 5-18 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver (360) 931-3298 awvchineseschool.us
French American International School
As Portland’s most-established immersion school, FAIS uses language to help students develop deeper understanding of other cultures and perspectives. TPS-5th grade: French // 6th-8th: English, French, German, Mandarin, Spanish. Ages 2.5-14 8500 NW Johnson St, Portland (503) 292-7776 faispdx.org 14 | NW Kids Magazine
ILA French School
ILA’s mission is to provide a stimulating learning environment with a technological, artistic, and criticalthinking orientation for their students. Full French Immersion and Spanish Cultural and Language Immersion. Ages 10 weeks - 11 years 14788 Boones Ferry Rd, Lake Oswego (503) 662-8452 ilapdx.org
International School of Portland
Embrace the World! Since 1990, they’ve offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness. Mandarin, Japanese, and Spanish. Ages 3 - 5th grade 2305 S. Water Ave, Portland (503)226-2496 intlschool.org
FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
German International School
L’Etoile French Immersion School
Kelly Dual Language Immersion Program
Scuola Italiana di Portland
As an IB World school, they educate their students to be internationallyminded while immersing their students in German or Mandarin language-learning. German and Mandarin. Ages 2 - 6th grade 3900 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton (503) 626-9089 gspdx.org
Students become bilingual, bi-literate and develop cross-cultural skills while achieving at a high academic level in Russian and English. Grades K-5 9030 SE Cooper St, Portland (503) 916-6350 pps.net/domain/486
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
At L’Etoile, they stimulate early critical thinking, develop the skill of native French speaking, and engender respect for diverse cultural traditions. An accredited French school, taught by native French teachers. Preschool - 5th grade Maternelle Office: 5839 Southwest Hood Ave, Portland Elementary Office: 68 SW Miles St, Portland (503) 715-1258 A part-time Italian language and cultural immersion preschool in NW Portland, mirroring the scuola dell’infanzia (preschool) in Italy. Ages 3-5 1542 NW 14th Ave, Portland (971) 270-0470 scuola.us
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Showing Support for the Children of Ukraine As the war in Ukraine continues on, each day’s news brings increasingly heartbreaking images, stories and statistics. As parents, it can be difficult to find ways to talk to our children about what is happening. The sense of helplessness that we all feel carries over to our kids. What can any of us do? Author, filmmaker and community organizer Carew Papritz is constantly looking for ways to inspire kids to greater community involvement. Several years ago, he created National Thank You Letter Day and kicked it off at Continental Elementary School in Arizona with the World’s Largest Handwritten Thank You Letter, Envelope, and Stamp (the size of a high school basketball gym) which was officially sent through the US Postal Service. For this endeavor, they recently received a Guinness World Record!
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Papritz wanted to continue in his community efforts from this record and was thus inspired to create Project Gratitude as a way to get local students involved in supporting Ukrainian kids their own age. With personally handwritten letters, it is his hope that these students can bring some level of support and encouragement to Ukrainian kids who are devastated by the war. Papritz and the community are contacting schools in Poland to deliver these letters to the Ukrainian kids who are now attending school there. How has your family learned to communicate about the war? What local efforts have you seen that help kids show support for the children of Ukraine? Let us know. We’d love to share with our readers!
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LGBTQ2SIA+ Resource Guide by ERIN BEERY
June is Pride Month and Portland is full of resources for LGBTQ2SIA+ families. Check out our list below.
All Families Surrogacy
Surrogacy services, founded by a member of the LGBT community. allfamiliessurrogacy.com
Brave Space
Creating community and facilitating access to expert providers and advocacy for transgender and non-binary children, youth, adults, and their families. bravespacellc.com
Bridging Voices
A youth chorus for gay, straight and questioning youth, ages 13-21. bridgingvoices.org 18 | NW Kids Magazine
GLSEN Oregon
Advocacy, tools, connection, and support for LGBTQ issues in K-12 education. glsen.org/chapters/oregon
Oregon Queer Youth Summit
Annual conference held by and for queer and trans youth and their allies. oqys.org
PFLAG Portland
Uniting the LGBTQ community with families, friends, and allies. pflagpdx.org
The Q Center
The largest LGBTQ community center in the Pacific Northwest. pdxqcenter.org
SMYRC (Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center)
A safe space for youth ages 13-23. Art, music, virtual support groups and individual check ins, clothing closet, food pantry. smyrc.org
Transgender Services Clinic at Legacy Health
Affirming health care for transgender and gender-diverse youth. legacyhealth.org/children/healthservices/transgender
TransActive Gender Project at Lewis & Clark Services and expertise to empower transgender and gender expansive children, youth, and families. graduate.lclark.edu/programs/ continuing_education/transactive
Transgender Health Program OHSU
Affirming health care for transgender and gender-nonconforming communities. ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/ transgender-health Erin Beery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in serving adolescents, adults, and the queer community. Her therapy practice is based in NE Portland. You may also find her in local agencies and schools carrying out her consultation and advocacy work. erinbeery.wixsite.com/erinbeerylcsw
Interested in queering up your family’s experience? Here are some easy tips! Head downtown to the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade on June 18th and 19th! This year’s parade will be on Sunday the 19th at 11am. Check out Pride Northwest’s new website for more information.portlandpride.org Join the Lewis Queer Student Association on June 4th for Kids’ Pride! This event features live music, entertainment and queer resources. The parade begins at 10:30am! 10am-1pm. lewispta.org Hop over to Esther Short Park on Saturday, July 9th for the Saturday in the Park PRIDE Event! 10am-5pm. cityofvancouver.us
Attend the Hillsboro Pride 5K on June 24th at Hidden Creek Community Center! Pre-registration is required. $10/person (ages 17 and under are free). Every participant will receive a free pride shirt! https://www.hillsborooregon.gov/Home/Components/ Calendar/Event/106096/4319 Get your skate on with Gay Skate at Oaks Park on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 7-9:30pm. $10/ person oakspark.com/roller-skating-rink Browse Powell’s City of Books for an LGBTQ-themed scavenger hunt. Some family-friendly favorites: What Makes a Baby, And Tango Makes Three, Large Fears, and Not Quite Narwhal. NW Kids Magazine | 19
JUNIOR PARADE
Out & About: June Events As always, June is filled with fun (and sometimes FREE!) family events in and around Portland. Check out our roundup of some of your options! From plays to parades, and everything in between, it’s all happening this month!
June 3-5
June 4
My People’s Market kicks off this summer in Portland’s central eastside. Immerse yourself in the vibrancy Portland has to offer at My People’s Market 9. Connect with BIPOC entrepreneurs, makers, artists, culinary wizards, and beverage crafters. Experience the sounds of local Portland artists and performers curated by YGB Portland. Free, 11am-5pm mypeoplesmarket.com
Playground is the legendary annual free Park Party at Cathedral Park. Since its inception in 2007, Playground has sought to offer Portland a different kind of dance music event. The vision was simple: spend a day in one of Portland’s most scenic public parks with some great local DJ’s and create an open, all-ages, family-friendly atmosphere where the community can dance and play for free. Free, 11am-9pm facebook.com/ events/1270234790170601
My People’s Market in the Workshop Blocks
June 3-10
The Americans - Take Two at Oregon Ballet Theatre
The much anticipated second installment of The Americans series celebrating the unique voices and rich history of American choreographers. In this program they feature an OBT first time commission from rising star Michelle Manzanales whose piece Con Brazos Abiertos for Ballet Hispánico was lauded by the LA Times as one of “heart tugging beauty.” See the website for pricing and showtimes. obt.org/the-americans-take-two
14th Annual Playground Phenomenon at Cathedral Park
June 4
Seussical Jr. at Sherwood Center for the Arts
The Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. See the website for pricing and showtimes. cytportlandvancouver.org/shows/ Seussical-Jr/16
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WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL
FLEET WEEK
June 4-19
Berries, Brews and BBQs at French Prairie Gardens Visit French Prairie Gardens for the 3 things dad loves! Berries, Brews and BBQ’s! Bring the whole family for most fun you can have on a farm! Enjoy live entertainment from a variety of local bands and artists. Taste a selection of brews and ciders from some of the area’s most popular breweries and cider houses. Tempt your tastebuds by chowing down on some delicious BBQ cooked over an open pit or savor a fresh strawberry shortcake. $15/person, see website for days and hours. fpgardens.com/events
Through June 5 Vanport the Musical at NWCT
Welcome to Vanport, a city located between Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA that thrived during World War II. On the heels of the Great Depression, people were eager to find work and make money. When Henry Kaiser put out a call for workers in his shipyard, people came from far and wide. But what was it really like? Recommended for ages 8+. See the website for pricing and showtimes. nwcts.org
June 8
Fred Meyer Junior Parade
From the moment the lovable Fred Bear cuts the ribbon to kick off the Fred Meyer Junior Parade, fun reigns. Children come from all parts of the city to join in: dressing in costume, transforming wagons into floats, decorating their bikes with colorful flowers, or just parading with their pets (and parents!). Elementary and Middle School marching bands fill the Hollywood District with song, and dance teams add swirls of color to the celebration. Free, 1-3pm rosefestival.org/events/2022/fredmeyer-junior-parade
June 8-12
Fleet Week at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Since 1907, visiting ships have made their way to Portland’s waterfront. The City of Roses is known to be a favorite port of call for military (and non-military) visitors, as Portland’s citizens thank them and make them feel welcome. The Portland Rose Festival is extremely fortunate to be one of a few U.S. Ports of Call for a courtesy visit from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy. Free, see website for hours. rosefestival.org/events/2022/fleetweek
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GRAND FLORAL PARADE
June 8-19
Venardos Circus at Vancouver Mall
Guests can expect to be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition, but one that has been reinvented for the next generation. Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus. See the website for pricing and hours. venardoscircus.com
June 9 & 10
Spring Rose Show at Lloyd Center
The Portland Rose Society Annual Spring Rose Show is the largest and longest-running rose show in the nation. The exquisite beauty and fragrances of this yearly show emanate from more than 4,000 blooms. Entry is open to anyone, and all entrants are encouraged. Rose growers from across the Pacific Northwest participate, and some 6,000 spectators from across the country are expected to visit this year’s Spring Rose Show. Free, see website for hours. rosefestival.org/events/2022/ spring-rose-show 22 | NW Kids Magazine
June 11
Grand Floral Parade
Each year the parade features the traditional large all-floral floats we all love, as well as the popular mini-floats that help make the Grand Floral Parade so unique! With bands, equestrian units, marching groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, dancers, llamas, flags and so much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Free, 10am-Noon rosefestival.org/events/2022/ grand-floral-parade
June 11
Nordic Northwest Oregon Midsummer Festival at Oaks Park
Decorate the Maypole and make flower wreaths, indulge in Nordic summer delicacies, play games on the lawn, and enjoy – this is Midsummer! Free-$12, 11am-6pm oregonmidsummer.com
June 11
Reindeer Yoga at Goldendale Reindeer Farm Head to Goldendale for their first annual reindeer yoga class! $28/ person, 11am goldendalereindeer.com
DRAGON BOAT RACES
June 11 & 12
Dragon Boat Races at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
The Rose Festival is proud to host the Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races, an event that has been bringing an exciting Chinese tradition to Portland for more than two decades, beginning in 1989. Held on the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge, the races feature exciting four-team heats held every nine minutes. More than 60 different teams compete. Free, 8am-5pm rosefestival.org/events/2022/dragonboat-race
June 18
2022 Juneteenth Oregon Celebration
Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth “Independence Day” or “Freedom Day”, is a holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of African slaves. See their website for hours. juneteenthor.com
June 18
Water Lantern Festival at Laurelhurst Park
Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family
SPRING ROSE SHOW
friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience. $11.99-$55.99, 6-10:30pm waterlanternfestival.com/portland
June 19
Silverton Hills Strawberry Festival
Looking for a fun way to spend Father’s day? Head to Silverton for their Strawberry Festival and then hike The Trail of Ten Falls.Since 1951, Silverton area folks have been enjoying this local tradition. Originally held at the Silverton Hills Grange Hall, they now celebrate in Coolidge-McClaine City Park. Free$7, 11am-5pm facebook.com/ events/643812773577040
June 24-26
Good in the Hood Festival at King Park School Park
The Good In The Hood (GITH) is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 by the parents and staff of Holy Redeemer Catholic School with a vision to raise funding for the school and to celebrate diversity. Free, see website for hours. goodinthehood.org
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