Best Community & Cultural Summer Camps in Portland, OR

Community Programs · 740 SE 106th Avenue, Portland, OR 97216

A full-service Portland Parks & Recreation community center on SE 106th Avenue in the Mill Park neighborhood, with an indoor pool and fitness center. Its school-break camps are split into grades K-2 and 3-5, plus morning and afternoon preschool camps for ages 3-5.

Community Programs · 6820 SW 45th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219

At the Southwest Community Center, your child can enjoy a classic summer camp experience filled with a diverse range of activities. From sports and arts to science and nature, there's something for every interest. This camp focuses on building community and providing a fun, safe, and enriching environment for kids and preschoolers to learn new skills, make friends, and create lasting memories.

Community Programs · 9009 N Foss Avenue, Portland, OR 97217

Regional community center on N Foss Avenue in North Portland's Portsmouth neighborhood, with a gym, fitness center and classrooms. It offers a half-day break camp for kindergarten through grade 5 and a preschool camp for ages 3-5.

Community Programs · 77 NE Knott Street, Portland, OR 97212

Inner Northeast community center on NE Knott Street in the Eliot neighborhood, with an indoor pool. Break camps here are half-day: a morning camp for grades 1-5 and a preschool camp for ages 3-5.

Community Programs · 5530 SE 72nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97206

Southeast Portland community center on SE 72nd Avenue (Mt. Scott-Arleta) with an indoor pool, gym and roller skating. It runs full-day school-break camps, 9 am to 5 pm, in two groups: grades 1-3 and grades 4-6.

Community Programs · 8427 N Central Street, Portland, OR 97203

Neighborhood community center in St. Johns, on N Central Street, with a gym, auditorium and classrooms. Its school-break camps cover kindergarten through grade 5 in the mornings, with a separate preschool camp for ages 3-5.

BIPOC / Diversity · 4915 N Gantenbein Ave, Portland, OR 97217

KairosPDX offers a year-round learning academy for children from preschool to 5th grade, rather than a traditional summer camp. Their educational philosophy is rooted in creating a culturally responsive environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a love of learning. Students at KairosPDX engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to nurture their academic and personal growth within a supportive, multicultural community.

Faith-Based · 11010 SE Camp Howard Road, Corbett, OR 97019

CYO/Camp Howard offers a traditional overnight camp experience with a faith-based focus. Campers can participate in a variety of activities, including sports like basketball and swimming, as well as outdoor education. The camp fosters a sense of community and personal growth in a scenic, natural setting. With programs for different age groups, including a Counselor in Training program for older teens, Camp Howard provides a well-rounded summer adventure.

School-Based Programs · 4300 SW 47th Drive Portland OR 97221

At Champions at Bridlemile Elementary, your child will join the exciting "Champ Camp," a summer program designed to foster creativity and growth. Campers aged 5-12 will participate in a variety of engaging group and individual activities, including art, dramatic play, and hands-on math and science projects. The program provides a safe and supportive environment where children are encouraged to be original, explore new interests, and build confidence. It's a place where summer is all about fun, learning, and personal development.

Community Programs · 8219 NE Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97220

Neighborhood community center on NE Glisan Street in Montavilla, beside Montavilla Park and its outdoor pool. It runs a half-day (9 am-1 pm) school-break camp for grades 1-5.

Community Programs · Varies by school location

Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) Community Schools offer a unique summer experience by transforming local schools into vibrant community hubs. These free programs, a collaboration between Multnomah County, Portland Parks & Recreation, and local school districts, provide a diverse range of enrichment activities, academic support, and family events. The focus is on creating an inclusive and supportive environment where children can thrive, learn, and connect with their community.

Early Childhood / Sensory Play · Portland, OR

Sensory play and creative exploration summer camps for toddlers and young children.

Mindfulness / Buddhist · Molalla, OR (Dharma Rain Zen Center, Portland)

Week-long residential camp for kids 9-18 combining traditional camp activities with Buddhist mindfulness practices.

Language Immersion · 3643-B SW Vermont St, Portland, OR 97219

At Atlas Immersion Academy's summer camp, your child will embark on a bilingual adventure, exploring global cultures through hands-on activities, crafts, and even visits from special guests like the Reptile Man. Whether a native speaker or new to other languages, campers will expand their horizons in Spanish, French, and English. With themed weeks like "Vikings, Dragons, & Midsummer Magic," kids will enjoy a unique blend of learning and fun, including field trips and creative projects.

Community Programs · Oregon 4-H Center, 5390 4-H Road NW, Salem, OR 97304

At Oregon State University's 4-H Summer Camps, your child will dive into a world of hands-on adventure and learning. With a philosophy of 'Learning by Doing,' campers explore natural science, technology, and outdoor skills through activities like canoeing, archery, and hiking. Guided by trained 4-H teen counselors, your child will build confidence, make lifelong friends, and create unforgettable memories in a safe and welcoming environment. Choose from a variety of themed camps, from wildlife exploration to outdoor skill-building, for a truly unique summer experience.