It’s Time To Find Summer Camps for Your Kids

The holiday season is done. Decorations are back in the attic, and you feel like there’s finally a lull in the calendar. But wait! Suddenly, you realize it’s already time to find summer camps for your kids. In February.

 

At Julia Monaghan Real Estate, we understand the scramble to find summer care for your children because we have kiddos, too. We strive to be an excellent resource for families throughout the Portland Metro area.

 

From helping you find the right neighborhood to buy a home to lists of vendors and local businesses, we have you covered. Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, our team is ready to go to work for you. Contact us today to get started.

 

Choosing the right camp for your children depends on your family’s needs. As you start your search, it’s helpful to answer a few questions first:

 

• Does your child have specific interests you’d like to support?
• Do you need extended care for your child outside of the camp day?
• How far are you willing to drive for drop-off and pick-up?
• What is your budget?
• Is your child comfortable staying overnight?

 

Determining these answers can help you decide which camps are good fits for your family and your child. Although Google searches are helpful, online parent groups are excellent resources, too. Other moms and dads can share their real-life experiences as you look for the right summer camp experience for your kids.

 

Portland and surrounding areas offer an abundance of great summer camp options, but you do have to move quickly to get a spot in some of them. There are many choices available, from traditional outdoor camps to specialized programs focusing on specific interests.

 

Here are some of the top summer camps for kids in and around Portland.

 

Little Kitchen Academy camps allow your child to build practical life skills while learning about nutrition and sustainability. With programs for kids aged three and up, LKA offers plenty of options for families in their Montessori-inspired facility.

 

If you have a kiddo who is always climbing on something, Portland Rock Gym’s summer camps may be a perfect fit. Their camps can accommodate children ages 9-17, and the staff helps campers learn new skills, set personal goals, and celebrate their achievements.

 

 

At Gilchrist, messiness and fun are all part of the artistic journey. Your kids will have a blast at any of the themed weekly summer camps, and the mess happens in the studio instead of your home! From mermaids and pirates to Harry Potter and Willy Wonka, Gilchrist camps will delight your little artist. And as a bonus, Gilchrist also offers Day Off Camps during the school year to help you fill gaps in your childcare.

 

The Audubon Society’s SWIFTS Nature Camps are ideal for kids in grades 1-8 who love to be outdoors and learn about the world around them. SWIFTS stands for Science, Wildlife, Imagination, Friendship, and Taking a Stand. Campers enjoy learning about the natural wonders right in the city, and with different tracks for various ages, you’re sure to find a good fit for your little nature enthusiast. These camps also have a sliding scale fee structure to help ensure finances aren’t a barrier for children.

 

 

The gold standard for science education in Portland, The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) has many well-established camp and class offerings year-round. From chemistry to archaeology to computer coding, OMSI camps meet your child where their interests are. And they have overnight camps to engage your older kiddos, too.

 

Whether you’re on the east side or the west side, your child can enjoy the fun of Irish dancing. Classes and camps are available in NE Portland and Forest Grove, and they will keep your kiddo busy and happy. Camps include plenty of dance time along with crafts, games, and their unique “Nonfire Bonfire” time.

 

Campers at these weeklong camps get plenty of exercise as they work on skills in their desired sport. With options such as basketball, soccer, and football, Jordan Kent’s camps help kids build confidence and proficiency in a positive environment. You can choose from many locations throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

 

 

If you have a kiddo who wants to learn survival skills, tracking, or other unique knowledge, Trackers is perfect. They offer a wide range of camps that cover activities like boating, foraging, and archery. And Trackers doesn’t forget about us grown-ups! They offer adult classes in blacksmithing and wilderness survival, too.

 

There is something special about connecting with a horse. Horse camps allow children to learn how to interact with these animals safely and confidently. Herrold Stables helps beginners gain the skills they need for successful horsemanship.

 

On the west side of Portland, Hillsboro Parks, and Rec offers an enormous number of camps and classes. With various locations, Hillsboro Parks and Rec provides a great range of opportunities. Does your child want to live out their dream of being a mermaid? Would they like to try throwing pottery on a wheel? Are they an avid skateboarder? There is a camp for them in Hillsboro!

 

 

For old-school, fun-in-the-woods camp experiences, Camp Kiwanilong is the place to be. Camp K offers six weeks of fun and adventure each summer in Warrenton on the Oregon coast. Running from Sunday to Saturday, each week has a different theme, including the ever-popular junior high week, complete with a dance. Kids spend their weeks here canoeing, swimming, hiking, practicing archery, and playing games.

 

Heading south from Portland, you’ll find the YMCA Camp Silver Creek. Oregon families have been enjoying Silver Creek for generations. With options for kids, teens, and families, Silver Creek has something for just about everyone. And since there is a heated pool on site, this camp can feel like it has a touch of luxury while you’re roughing it.

 

If your summer plans include buying or selling a home, now is the perfect time to get the ball rolling. While your children enjoy their camp time, we can tackle your real estate goals. Reach out today to get started.