NW Kids Magazine March 2023

Editor’s Note

Welcome, March! After a long winter, we will soon enough be welcoming a Portland spring. Spring Break is on our minds and if you haven’t yet signed your kiddos up for camp, check out our February issue for a roundup of great options. We’re also gearing up for our annual Summer Camp Expo (Saturday, April 22nd at OMSI). The NW Kids Summer Camp Expo is the original camp expo in Portland and we’ve been at it since 2011! This year’s primary sponsor is Aim High Martial Arts Academy and Northwest Children’s Theater and Trackers Earth are our additional sponsors. It is sure to be a fun day and we can’t wait to see you and your families there!

In the meantime, the March issue is packed with summer camps. It is the first of three consecutive Summer Camp Guides and will give you a preview of 50 camp options. There is something here for everyone! Stay safe and enjoy this glorious transition into spring.

Cheers, Mary

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2023 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

It is time to start making summer camp plans and we have all of the best camps to ensure a happy, healthy, fun-packed summer for your kiddos! Whether your kids are interested in learning a new language, staying active outdoors, honing their science skills (or anything in between), this is the place to look! Be sure to add our 10th annual Summer Camp Expo to your calendar as well. This year’s expo will be Saturday, April 22nd at OMSI!

ACADEMIC

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.  jaorswwa.org/ja-biztown-summer-camp-1-1

Old McDonald’s Farm

Sign up for the Jr. Vet. Baby Goat Kid Program at Old McDonald’s Farm, Inc. (a non-profit, children’s program in Corbett). Catch the OMF, Inc. Bus at 16th/Irving NE. Bottle feed and care for a goat kid and big goats too. Learn the diagnostic plan Veterinarians use. Want to be a Vet. or Vet. Tech.? Then this is your class! For students going into 4th9th grades. The Jr. Vet. Baby Goat Kid Program is taught by an Oregon State Certified Teacher with decades of experience.  June 26-29, 8:30-3:00.

OldMcDonaldsFarm.org

PJA Summer Discovery

PJA’s Summer Discovery program offers enriching classes from experienced, passionate, professional teachers who incorporate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) to enhance learning in a fun and nurturing way. pjaproud.org/summer

ARTS & CRAFTS

Art World School

Half day or Full Day camp options for ages 4-14 with drawing/painting, clay, mixed media, yoga, arts and crafts, calligraphy, sculpture, architecture classes daily! Before care option, outdoor playground time, and Early Bird Special available. artworldschool.com

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.

artcampspdx.com

Tucker Arts Camp

Tucker Arts Camp travels the world! Children in preschool through grade 5 explore art and culture from countries around the world at their SE Portland campus, where they will enjoy the gardens, goats and treehouse.

Voted Best Summer Arts Camp 2022! tuckermaxon.org/camp

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. willowbrookartscamp.org

DANCE, GYMNASTICS & ACTIVE PLAY

OMEGA Gymnastics

OMEGA’s Summer Camps keep your kids active with supervised play, gymnastics instruction and craft. Choose half day or full day weekly options. Camp shirt ($15) and annual family membership ($40) required for all attendees. omega-gymnastics.com/camps

DANCE, GYMNASTICS & ACTIVE PLAY (continued)

Oregon Ballet Theatre School

OBT School is excited to continue their Junior Intensive, Pre-Pointe & Conditioning Workshop, and Primary Ballet, and introduce their Youth Summer Camps! OBT School’s summer programs give students an opportunity to continue their ballet training with OBT’s professional faculty. school.obt.org/summer-programs

Polaris Dance Theatre

PRE-K & Ages 6-11 DANCE CAMP. Monday – Thursday, June 12-July 27. Dance! Fly! Create! Students enjoy dance and aerial classes, plus craft time each day. polarisdance.org

The Movement Park - Parkour & More

Experience the ultimate FUN at Parkour camp! Climb through parkour obstacles exploring fictional worlds and storylines, work with new friends to conquer missions and challenges, and enjoy the “Best Day Ever”! Ages 5-11 themovementpark.com/summer-camp

DISABILITIES

ABI: Bike First!

Bike First! teaches children with and without disabilities the skills needed to ride typical bikes. nwdisabilitysupport.org/about-bike-first

Camp Yakety Yak

Looking for summer fun? CAMP YAKETY YAK is a social communication & friendship summer day camp for special needs kids, teens, and young adults ages 5-22. July 10-Aug 4, M-F, 10-3pm, located in Lake Oswego, OR CampYaketyYak.org

GENERAL

Adventure Camp

Join Adventure Camp for up to 9 weeks of themed day camps for kids in K - 5th Grade! Each week features field trips, art & cooking projects, water slides, outdoor games on their 26 acre campus, and much more! Adventure Camp is a program by Southwest Bible Church. adventurecampkids.org

Aim High Martial Arts & Events

Aim High’s Martial Arts and Events teams provide 11 weeks of fun, themed summer camps! Camps are packed with themed crafts, special activities/visitors, martial arts lessons and more! aimhighma.org/camps

Camp Wild Oaks

Play, explore, learn and go wild at Camp Wild Oaks! Your pre-K to 5th grade explorer will enjoy art, music, robotics, science, nature and more at the beautiful 72acre Oak Hill School campus in south Eugene. oakhillschool.net/WildOaksCamp

Catlin Gabel School

The 67-acre Catlin Gabel campus is home to a host of weekly camps, June 26-August 11. Options include sports, arts, photography, DJ, robotics, academics, and day camps, with before/after-care available. Camps for ages 4-18. See web for details! catlin.edu/summer

Club K’s Never Stop Exploring Summer Camp

Never Stop Exploring with Club K this Summer! Multiple camp options to fit your needs. clubkafterschool.com/summer-camp

Ekone Summer Camp

Ekone Summer Camps are spent outside, tech-free, and filled with community and exploration! They offer programs in art, music, farming, nature connection, and horses. ekone.org

French International School

Summer camps will run on a weekly basis from July 3 - August 11 with July 4 off as a holiday. Camps are for 2.5 years old to 8th grade. They will have a variety of offerings with options for camps in French or English. Camps run from 8am-4pm. fisoregon.org

MJCC Summer Day Camp

Have an AWESOME summer at MJCC Day Camp! Health + safety is their top priority. Enjoy quality, ageappropriate 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

Old McDonald’s Farm

Learn about chicks, chickens and egg development. Spend time observing and petting the chicks.  Learn to feed babies and adults chickens and what they need to grow and thrive!  Discuss housing and predators too. Meet all the other animals such as horses, pony, donkey, sheep, goats, rabbits, geese, ducks, dogs and cats too. For students going into K-2nd grades.  The “Chicken Chat” Short Summer Program is taught by an Oregon State Certified Teacher with decades of experience.  July 6 & 7, 9:00-2:30. OldMcDonaldsFarm.org

Oregon Episcopal School (OES)

OES offers fun, inquiry-based summer enrichment programs for campers ages 4-17. OES programs help campers build social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills. Offerings include River Runners, Rock Climbing, Theater, Outdoor Exploration, Fencing, Design & Engineering, and more! oes.edu/summer

Steve & Kate’s Camp

Campers choose from a variety of activities including sewing, coding, maker crafts, sports & more! Buy any number of days to use at any time. Unused days are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included. steveandkatescamp.com/portland

HORSES & FARM

4-H Wagon Train

Live the history of the Oregon Trail! This camp is open to ALL youth ages 9-18. Their camp offers introductory leathercraft, woodworking, and blacksmith classes AprilMay, a family camp weekend excursion, and a week-long wilderness trek in June-July. 4hwagontrain.org

Herrold Stables, LLC

Students will receive horse riding experience in Western Equitation, Showmanship, and Horsemanship. Come to all or just one Spring and Summer Horse Camp this year. herroldstables.com

Old McDonald’s Farm

Sign up for The Summer Program (six different session weeks) at Old McDonald’s Farm, Inc. (a non-profit, children’s program in Corbett). Catch the OMF, Inc. Bus at 16th/Irving NE. Learn to care for horses, pony, donkey, sheep, goats, rabbits, geese, ducks, chickens, dogs and cats too. Plant seeds, ride horses, play on a tractor and learn cooperative games at an educational Farm Program for students. For students going into 2nd-6th grades. The Summer Program is taught by an Oregon State Certified Teacher with decades of experience. Weeks of: July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7 and August 14; 8:30-3:00.

OldMcDonaldsFarm.org

LANGUAGE

German International School

German International summer camps offer students the opportunity to experience bilingual language camps in a supportive, safe environment no matter their level of foreign language knowledge. All camp teachers are bilingual in English and either German or Mandarin, depending on the chosen camp. gspdx.org

International School of PortlandLanguage Immersion Summer Camp

It’s a world of fun at the International School of Portland’s award-winning summer camp! Chinese, Spanish, or Japanese language and culture come to life through hands-on projects, games, outdoor fun, and more! Learn a new language or practice one that you know!

intlschool.org/summer

Trollbacken Swedish Language & Culture Camp

Trollbacken, Swedish Language and Culture Camp! Trollbacken is a 6 day/5 nights overnight camp August 14 –19 for kids ages 7-13 to learn about Swedish language and culture in a fun and creative atmosphere. No prior Swedish experience necessary. A place to make new friends and have lots of fun! trollbacken.org

MUSIC

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!” orsingers.org/youth-choir/summer-sing

NATURE

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! ilapdx.org/summercamp2023

NW Adventure Company

These week-long Summer Adventure camps focus on building community with one another and the natural environments they explore. Each week is a unique experience that builds upon previous camps and can exist as a stand-alone camp. Their instructors thoughtfully design week-long programming that delves deep into their passions.

nwadventurecompany.com

Oregon 4-H Center Camps

Oregon 4-H Center offers archery, canoeing, ropes course, horseback riding, and so much more! ALL youth grades 3-8 can attend our camps. They offer camps June-August, from Wildlife Stewards Camp to Wild West Camp to International Multi-cultural Camp. oregon4hcenter.org

Portland Audubon

Join Portland Audubon for SWIFTS Nature Summer Camp! Whether kids discover newts along our trails, observe a Bald Eagle soaring over the Gorge, or gain new outdoor skills, campers get to learn, play, & explore, all while making friends!

audubonportland.org/our-work/learn/youth-programs/ camps-for-kids/summer-camp

Trackers Earth

These award-winning summer camps teach real skills with fantastic adventure. Connect with friends while learning with expert teachers and guides. Trackers offers epic camps for all ages. Discover action-packed outdoor skills, arts, DIY crafts and, and role-playing games! trackerspdx.com/youth/camps/summer-camp

OUTDOOR SPORTS

Anthony Newman’s Sports Camps

At Anthony Newman’s Sports Camps, no matter what your skill level is they welcome you at their Multi Sports and Sports Specific camps. anthonynewmancamps.com

Balance Soccer Summer Camps

The most FUN, OVERNIGHT soccer camps ever! Bunk with your friends and teammates after a long day of nonstop outdoor & soccer FUN! NO PHONES or SCREENS for 5 days & 4 nights | 350” slip n slide, outdoor pool, capture the flag, lazy river, 4way soccer tennis | Boys June 22-26 | Girls July 16-20 balancesoccer.com/camps

BaxterSports Camps

Looking for a place to unplug? Get outside with BaxterSports. With a variety of programming–All Sports, All Level and Competitive Soccer, All Girls, and Youth Leadership — their award winning camps for grades K-8 are fun, active, and engaging no matter your child’s experience or skill level. baxtersports.com

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Ready for the summer of a lifetime? Experience OMSI’s overnight camps for young adventurers! Campers can explore the tide pools and coastal landscape at Camp Gray or examine fossils in the high desert at Hancock Field Station.

omsi.edu/camps-and-classes

UKANDU

Camp UKANDU is a medically-supported, residential, camp where patients, siblings, and survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer can spend a week together playing games, climbing rock walls, riding horses, and ‘just being kids’! ukandu.org

YMCA Camp Collins

Adventure awaits at YMCA Camp Collins! Learn new skills, make new friends, spend time outside, and discover your best self. Campers will live in cabins and enjoy a variety of camp activities, such as horseback rides, archery, swimming, climbing tower, team buildings, crafts, and much more.

ymcacw.org

PERFORMING ARTS

Lovegood Performing Arts Company

ROAR into summer with Disney’s The Lion King KIDS! With great tech/backstage opportunities, they also have camps focused on dance, acting, and improv! Also, their 1st Family Plays Together lets families perform together in Fiddler on the Roof! lovegood.company

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! nwcts.org/2023-summer-camp

Portland Drama Club

They teach Portland’s youth the power in themselves through play, practice and performance! Theater skills are life skills! Kids will learn to focus their minds and bodies, problem solve, build confidence and pride as they work hard to put on a show! portlanddramaclub.org

STEM

Code Ninjas Hillsboro - Tigard - Beaverton

Code Ninjas camps offer an immersive environment for kid to explore technology, develop new skills, & have a great time with friends. It’s an unforgettable experience for kids ages 5-14! Camps include: Minecraft, Roblox, Python, LEGO, STEM & more! codeninjas.com/or-hillsboro/camps codeninjas.com/or-tigard/camps codeninjas.com/or-bethany/camps

Coding with Kids STEM Camps

They provide online and in-person camps through their unique Coders Pathways®️ for ages 5-18. Online camps are led live by an instructor. Their camps have small groups size, and teach a variety of subjects like Python Programming, Scratch Game Development, Minecraft Modding, Roblox Adventure Games, Little Coders, Robotics, and much more! Their half-day camps are available for AM & PM sessions or combine into a full-day camp. codingwithkids.com

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

The best Aerospace Summer Camps in the Pacific Northwest are back! These interactive one-week programs are filled with exciting, educational experiences designed to engage 3rd – 9th graders and ignite a passion for exploration, innovation, and STEAM in our future aviators and space explorers. evergreenmuseum.org/education/summer-camps

Experiment PDX

Experiment PDX is all about science and art and this summer’s offerings include Lego Explorers, Art Studio and camps offered by Coding for Kids and Mad Science. experimentpdx.com

The PJA Perspective

Portland Jewish Academy (pjaproud.org) provides a rich academic and cultural learning experience for kids from early childhood through 8th grade. We’ve invited budding writers from the middle school Humanities classes and writing exploratory to join our team for a series that gives you a glimpse into thoughts and life - from their perspective.

Rising

by Kai

It’s something that everyone has but not everyone accesses it

Rising to meet the morning sun

Hope

Is a feeling that you obtain by learning and discovering       It makes you feel like you can fly

Flying to meet the moon, full and shining

The power of hope

Compels people to fight back

With their own hopeful hearts

Full of hope, and spreading over the world

Not knowing if everyone will get it and use it  Or toy with it until it breaks

Hope

Hope Hope

is a

To Wake

by Jacob

Up at twelve

On a good day

Up at six

On a bad day

Every day I know

Twenty hours plus some Every day

Every week

Every year

To live each

And every moment of that time    To the fullest it can be

To look at each and every one of you

With compassion and kindness

To wake up every morning and to know

That all our lives can be lived

Higher and higher than expected So go, wake up, look up, and live.

Jacob is a current sixth-grader at PJA.  In addition to writing, he enjoys reading, writing, and being with his classmates.

Shani is a current sixth-grader at PJA.  In addition to writing, she enjoys creating stories, drawing, and socializing with friends.

Kai

current sixth-grader at PJA.  In addition to writing, he enjoys reading, playing video games, and drawing.