Editor’s Note
Happy June! The school year is winding down and summer is around the corner. If you haven’t yet secured your kiddos’ summer camp plans, we’re here to help! Head to page 8 for a roundup of 19 fantastic camps that still have spaces available! This month also features a guide to some of the best language immersion schools our area has to offer, plus a Q&A with the Lower School Division Head of French International School of Oregon about the benefits of a language immersion education. Last but certainly not least, June is PRIDE MONTH! In addition to an LGBTQ2SIA+ resource guide, we also have a fantastic story about a local gestational surrogate.
Enjoy this transition from spring to summer and be well!
Mary
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19 Summer Camps You Can Still Sneak Your Kids Into!
Are you still waiting to finalize your summer plans but you’re worried that all of the best camps are filled? You’re in luck! We’ve rounded up a huge variety of camps that will keep your kids happy all summer long. And they still have openings! But act fast as space is limited!
Aerospace Summer Camps at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
Give your child a summer to remember! Register now for their interactive one-week aerospace camps filled with exciting, educational experiences designed to engage 3rd – 9th graders. Aviation Camp: Calling all high-flying adventurers! Jump into the pilot’s seat, dive into the many sides of aviation, and sign up for a week of innovation. Galaxy Camp: Calling all future astronauts & space explorers! Launch into the outer depths of the universe and sign up for a week of scientific missions. Grades 3-9 evergreenmuseum.org/education/summer-camps
Aim High Summer Camps!
Aim High Martial Arts & Events have 11 weeks of fun-filled Summer Camps for the 2023 season. Each week is a different theme with coordinated activities and games. Themes include Star Wars, Lego, Nerf, Art, Science, Harry Potter and more! Some camps have special visitors, like Mad Science and the Reptile Man! Sign up today before all the spots are filled! Ages 4-13 aimhighma.org/camps
Anthony Newman Sports Camps
They offer all day multi-sport camps, Tennis, Basketball and Track and Speed camps for children ages 6-14. Please check their website for more details and for registration. anthonynewmancamps.com
Art World School Art Camp
Half Day or Full Day Camp with Fine Art (Drawing/ Painting), Clay, Arts & Crafts, Mixed Media, Yoga, Calligraphy, 3D classes every day. Different level classes depending on age group, with various weekly themes, taught by professional artists using high quality art supplies. Trial classes offered with flexible enrollment options. Ages 4-14 artworldschool.com
BODYVOX Kids Camp
Students will work with BODYVOX’s outstanding roster of professional dancers and teaching artists to develop dance technique, expand their imaginations as they move their bodies, and explore the connection between dance, rhythm, music, and creativity. Each day will feature a variety of classes including visual art and creative movement. June 19 - 23 and June 26 - 30 Camp for ages 4-5 | 9am - Noon | $250 Camp for ages 6-10 | 9am - 2:30pm | $350 Afternoon adventure (optional) | 2:30 - 4:30pm | $150. Ages 4-10 bodyvox.com/classes
Eden Acres
EdenAcres Environmental Education. Nature-Based summer camps for kids and teens, ages 3-15! edenacres.org
Fine Art Starts!
Draw, paint, print & sculpt in our treed location! Small groups, quality supplies, skillful staff. Step-by-step lessons, then self-directed exploration. Fine art, not crafts. NEW projects daily/weekly! Full & half days. Extended care available. Grades K-12 artcampspdx.com
Herrold Stables, LLC
Students will receive horse riding experience in Western Equitation, Showmanship, and Horsemanship. Come to all or just one Summer Horse Camp this year. Ages 3-16 herroldstables.com
JA BizTown Summer Camp
The camp where students take charge! Campers explore jobs, earn an income and become entrepreneurs. This dynamic program teaches valuable life lessons while sparking your child’s excitement for the future. Ages 10-14
jaorswwa.org/ja-biztown-summer-camp-1-1
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: swimming, cooking, Jewish culture, art, + more! Flexible options 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. Open to everyone ages 3-15. oregonjcc.org/daycamp
Mr. David’s School of Film Lego Animation and Movie Making Camp
At Mr. David’s School of Film, your child can unleash their creativity this summer with their Lego Animation and Movie-Making Summer Camps. Their camp provides a fun and immersive environment for your child to explore the exciting world of animation and movie-making, while learning new skills and making new friends. With both morning and fullday options available, their flexible scheduling accommodates the busy summer schedules of parents and children alike. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give your child a summer full of excitement, creativity, and learning! Ages 5.5-14 bit.ly/mrdavidsignup
Northwest Children’s Theater
Northwest Children’s Theater’s award-winning summer camps are coming to a neighborhood near you. Campers ages 4-14 will learn theater skills in a safe and welcoming environment, while gaining confidence, building social skills, and having fun! Ages 4-14
nwcts.org/2023-summer-camp
Northwest Outward Bound School
Summer Adventure Camp
Experience the fun and adventure of Northwest Outward Bound School through their new Summer Adventure Day Camps. Campers will learn rock climbing and outdoor skills with their experienced Instructors at the Mazama Mountaineering Center. Join to climb, explore, and make new friends! No climbing experience or outdoor skills needed–everyone is welcome! Ages 10-14
nwobs.org/programs/summer-adventure-camp
Oregon Children’s Theatre
Keep kids engaged all summer long at OCT’s Acting Academy! Full-day and half-day options available for kids and teens, offering week-long camps that are perfect for learning new skills, strengthening collaboration, and having fun in a safe, welcoming environment. Four locations throughout Portland! Ages 3-18
octc.org/camps
Portland Preschool of the Arts
They are offering summer camps for even the smallest PDX campers from 3-5 years old, 9:00am to 1:00pm Monday through Friday. You may purchase one week or all 6 weeks that they offer! Bubbles, Bugs, Pirates, Dinosaurs, Rainforest Animals. Summer fun for your toddlers. Ages 3-5 portlandpreschoolofthearts.com/summercamp-2023
PTFC Camps
Summer is finally here! Head back to Providence Park, visit them in Hillsboro, or check out ther new locations including Tigard and Salem, and keep those soccer skills sharp! AND, if you are looking to save this summer, be sure to check out their bundle discount program where you can save by signing up for multiple weeks of camp! Ages 5-18
ptfccamps.com
Sellwood Community House
Sellwood Community House summer camp is 9 timeless weeks of fun, with a different theme each week. From dance parties to the county fair, Mad Science to the circus, campers will leave each day tired out and filled to the brim with memories that will last a lifetime. Preschool - 5th grade sellwoodcommunityhouse.org/school-agecamps-2023
Summer Sing! – ORS Youth Choir
At Summer Sing, you’ll spend a week enjoying the wonderful experience of making music with new friends. Let your imagination take the lead... Who knows what you will create! Don’t miss out –register today! “I know I can...be what I want to be!”
Ages 5-12
orsingers.org/youth-choir/summer-sing
Willowbrook Arts Camp
Willowbrook provides 3- 18 year old’s opportunities for exploration, experience and expression in arts and nature. They have opportunities to be self directed, unscheduled and unplugged while exploring a broad range of fine, performing, ceramic, fiber arts and nature. Ages 3-15 willowbrookartscamp.org
The Benefits of a Language Immersion Education
We chatted with Aurore Molerus, the Lower School Division Head at French International School of Oregon, about some of the considerations in choosing a language immersion education for your child.
How early can a child begin immersion education?
As early as possible! Young children learn differently from adults, which makes them prodigious language learners*. From infancy to about 12 years old, there is a cognitive window for children where the brain has a functional plasticity**. After that, language is stored into this hard to reach compartment.
At FIS, students can begin in our Maternelle* program as early as 2 ½ years old in Toute Petite Section (early preschool specifically for 2 ½ year-olds). All of our teachers are native speakers from Frenchspeaking countries and are experts in immersion learning, passionate about supporting little ones as they embark on this journey.
What are the lifelong benefits of a bilingual education?
In an immersion program, students don’t just learn another language, they learn IN another language. Studies show this enhances focus, critical thinking, problem solving, open-mindedness, interpersonal skills, and so much more. It also enhances empathy. Learning in another language means connecting to the rest of the world in all its diversity. It becomes a part of our thinking process because we practice looking at things from different perspectives.
At FIS, we also nurture those key skills through an IB framework (International Baccalaureate), an inquiry based program that cultivates global citizens “through academic rigor and emphasis on students’ personal development.”
All this constitutes a solid foundation for being a balanced learner throughout your whole life.
Can math and science be taught adequately in a second language?
Without a doubt! Again, immersion means learning IN another language. It is not a language program. Expectations for all subjects are set by the school’s curriculum and program. FIS, for example, is part of a network of over 500 accredited schools around the world that follow the French national curriculum. Goals are set by the Education Nationale*. So students are expected to learn math and science at the same level as all those schools.
While all this learning is happening, students are developing the key skills mentioned earlier, like critical thinking and problem solving. And that is not the extent of it. In the end, learning math and science in another language is actually enhanced because it is taught in a second language.
How can parents and caregivers support a bilingual education if they do not speak a second language?
The key to supporting your child is to stay connected to their learning journey and that can happen in so many ways that do not require speaking a second language. Parents need to show their children that they’re excited and proud of this learning journey. It can also be beneficial to explain why you chose an immersion program.
At FIS, at the end of fifth grade, students travel to France for an exchange
program. Some families meet up with their children at the end of this exchange to then travel across Europe as a family to experience other cultures. Another way parents can support their child’s bilingual education is to reflect with them on their school life, their projects, and their day. These reflections can happen in any language. These are just a few suggestions and there are so many more!
Do you see your bilingual alumni succeed in more diverse careers than their single language peers?
While it’s difficult to say whether it is the case or not, numerous studies are conclusive: learning one or several languages promotes cognitive, social, and professional development.
We live at a time when information is shared worldwide in seconds in all languages and where speaking another language means more opportunities in professional work. Therefore immersing in other languages, with its lifelong benefits, becomes strategic in our society and can only influence our students’ choices and paths into their adult life. I can’t wait to hear from my students in 10, 15, 20 years from now and hear all about their adventures!
Founded in 1979, FIS offers French immersion for preschool-5th grade. Their middle school offers four immersion tracks (French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish) and an Englishfocused track with beginning language. To learn more, visit fisoregon.org
*Thompson-Schill, University of Pennsylvania
**Functional Plasticity is the ability to change behaviour based on experience. In education, that experience is typically derived from structured learning environments.
***Maternelle is an accredited curriculum by the French government for ages 2½-6
**** Ministère de l’Education Nationale et de la jeunesse is the French Ministry in charge of education, from primary to higher education, Universities and public research.
2023 Language
Immersion School Guide
There’s no question that the Portland Metro area has no shortage of fantastic schools, but did you realize how many language immersion options there are? Check out our roundup below and take a step toward helping your child become a global citizen!
Arco Iris
Spanish Immersion School
Tuition-free public charter school providing rich, immersive Spanish language and robust academics for grades K-5 in a true multicultural setting.
Grades K-5
8205 SW Creekside Pl, Beaverton (503) 372-6052
arcoirisschool.org
French International School of Oregon
Unique immersion and IB school. French immersion through 5th grade with additional multilingualism (Spanish, German, French, English) in Middle School. Ages 2.5-8th grade
8500 NW Johnson St, Portland (503) 292-7776
fisoregon.org
SCOULA ITALIANA DI PORTLANDGerman International School
As a language immersion & International Baccalaureate World school, they educate our students to be internationally-minded lifelong learners. Ages 2 - 6th grade
3900 SW Murray Blvd. Beaverton (503) 626-9089
gspdx.org
International Leadership Academy
Open to all (French Language Proficiency Not Required). Camp hours 9am - 3pm; 7:30am early care (free). Chef prepared lunches and snacks are included!
14788 Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego (503) 662-8452
ilapdx.org/summercamp2023
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. Ages 3-5th grade
2305 S Water Ave, Portland (503) 226-2496
intlschool.org
ARCO IRIS SPANISH IMMERSION SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMYPortland Kinderschule
Portland Kinderschule is a play-based German-immersion co-operative preschool in SW Portland for children ages 3 to 5 years and who are potty trained.
2195 SW Vermont Street
(503) 489-7760
portlandkinderschule.com
Scuola Italiana di Portland
They offer 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 scuola.us
Sophie Scholl Schule
Their native-speaking teachers use language immersion and modern teaching methods. Classes for all ages and levels. Check out their beloved summer camp! Ages preschool-adult
Multiple Locations
(971) 217-7212
sophieschollschule.org
SOPHIE SCHOLL SCHULE PORTLAND KINDERSCHULEUniting Families Across the World Through Surrogacy
Krystle is a married mom of three boys, has a degree in chemical engineering, is a postpartum doula, and is the intended parent coordinator for a local surrogacy agency, All Families Surrogacy. She is also a three-time gestational surrogate for a family in Israel, and this is the story of how Krystle forever changed the lives of her family and a family across the globe.
After having an easy, uncomplicated pregnancy with her own twins boys, Krystle started thinking about becoming a surrogate to help someone else achieve their dreams of parenthood. Her simple thought was, “I had two for the price of one so I can do this for someone else,” and with that she started her research and decided she wanted to work with an agency to help guide and support her throughout her journey. After finding All Families at a woman-owned business event, she decided she’d found her agency and she was ready to get the process started.
Helping an LGBTQIA+ family was important to Krystle who remembers back to 2017, “when I got the profile of my potential IPs [intended parents] and it was a same sex couple I was so happy be able to support the LBGTQIA+ community.”
After both Krystle and the IPs decided to match with each other, it soon became a family affair for Krystle.
“My children have been involved from the beginning. They are always included in Zoom and WhatsApp video calls. We call the IPs “the Dads”, so they are always asking when can we talk with the Dads. They [my children] loved snuggling with the baby bump and were so excited when they could feel the baby kicking. They would come up to me and rub my belly and say “Hi Baby, we love you””. Krystle
reminisces that explaining surrogacy to her children was a relatively easy thing to do, explaining that “mom is going to have a baby for another family who can’t” and being open and honest with her children from the very beginning of her surrogacy journey.
One of the best parts for Krystle’s boys was being able to meet “the Dads” in person, when they visited the first time for the 20 week ultrasound. She recalls how “they [the Dads] jumped right in and played game with them [the children] and even jumped on the trampoline with them. My kids loved them and it was an immediate connection for everyone.”
After their first journey, Krystle and “the Dads” decided to embark on a second, or sibling, journey together. Krystle’s boys and “the Dads’” were at this point forming their own bond, and would video chat with each other regularly. Krystle was able to take her family on a trip to Israel, and when “the Dads” come to Portland they do everything together as families. They are now on their third journey together, and the familial bond is even stronger than ever.
When talking about her journeys, Krystle says “I knew I would be changing someone else’s life when becoming a surrogate. However, I never thought my life would change so much. We have made life-long family members. To this day one of the most special moment sin my life was the moment the Dads got to hold baby G for the first time. Their pure joy filled my heart in way I hand not thought possible. We are now embarking on our third journey together to complete their family. I am so lucky and blessed to have been matched with them.”
You can follow along with Krystle’s third surrogacy journey on Instagram @familiesbuildingfamilies You can learn more about All Families Surrogacy at allfamiliessurrogacy.com.
LGBTQ2SIA+ Resource Guide
by ERIN BEERYJune 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
GLSEN Oregon
Advocacy, tools, connection, and support for LGBTQ issues in K-12 education. glsen.org/chapters/oregon
New Avenues for Youth
Resources include: 24/7 support services for youth ages 9-17. Art, music, virtual support groups and individual check ins, clothing closet, food pantry, pregnancy & parenting support. newavenues.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
Transgender Services Clinic at Legacy Health
Affirming health care for transgender and genderdiverse youth. legacyhealth.org/children/ health-services/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 gendernonconforming 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 the weekend of July 15-16th. This year’s parade will be on Sunday the 16th at 11am. Check out Pride Northwest’s new website for more information. portlandpride.org
The University of Portland is proud to announce its second annual communitywide race, the Pilot Pride 5k! Join in running, jogging, or walking a 5K on UP’s campus on June 29th.Entry fee includes a free Nike T-Shirt and a full breakfast after the race. Kids 18 and under: $20, Adults: $40
Join the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus at The Schnitz for Disney Pride in Concert! Disney’s beloved catalog of songs has been reimagined in this amazing new show: Disney PRIDE In Concert, a musical celebration of LGBTQ life, love, family, and perseverance. June 24-25, pdxgmc.org/concerts-tickets
Head to Beaverton City Park on June 25th from 11am-6pm for the 6th annual Pride Beaverton 2023! The parade will begin at 11am. pridebeaverton.org
Get your skate on with Gay Skate at Oaks Park on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month (excluding some holidays) from 7-9:30pm! oakspark.com/roller-skating-rink
Browse Powell’s City of Books for an LGBTQ-themed scavenger hunt. Some family-friendly favorites: Julian is a Mermaid, A Family is a Family is a Family and This is our Rainbow.