Recommendations for Summer Camps in Portland, or Metro Area

I have a 14 year old girl we adopted when she was 7 and have done numerous day and overnight camps.

If you use a YMCA day camp, make sure they actually follow through with the field trips and activities planned (talk to the director of the sites, we had one that never did the field trips and switched to one near my husband's work which did all of the field trips).

Local school districts often have fun day camps. School districts and YMCA tend to provide the most consistent, entertaining camps that go along with having a job.

We'd usually throw in a special camp here and there to break up the monotony such as zoo camp or a Saturday Academy Camp (those are super cool).

My daughter did not like Camp Collins but I've heard other kids really do.

My daughter really enjoys Big Lake Youth Camp (which is run by the Adventist Church, my daughter is not Adventist but feels pretty welcome there but definitely a religious theme mixed in with super cool activities). Of all the camps she's tried, this is by far her favorite.

Day Activities program hosted by licensed educators (School Counselor and Speech Pathologist) for children age 5-12.

Activities include nature exploration, sushi making classes, breakdancing, art and fun. Healthy foods and snacks included; all transportation via Tri Met or MAX.

Next session starts Monday, June 23. Camp is $45 per day or $200. per week. M-F, 8-5, references available.

email: ____@____.com

I highly recommend West Wind, the local YWCA summer camp. It is located on the coast near Lincoln City. There office is in down town Portland and they are easy to reach by calling the YWCA or looking online. I attended this camp as a child and loved it so much that I have been sending my very enthusiastic daughter for the last four summers.

Oregon Humane Society has a day camp for a part of the summer. Two of my children are currently in the Junior and Teen club during the year. They go once a month for 2-3 hours and learn and spend time with the animals. Ask your son if he's interested and check it out! mj

I was a counselor at Camp Namanu in sandy oregon. it was so great! lots of fun. the kids all knew eachother since they all got to come each summer! it is through Camp Fire.

I highly recommend Oregon College of Art and Craft for Art Adventures day camp in Portland. For residential, try Camp Namanu in Sandy, Oregon. Another dance/art/performance camp is held at Willamette University (Salem) is Young musicians and Artists.

I am a mom of a 9 and 11 yr old with lots of camp program and director experience! Look for the Camp Guide in Oregonian coming out in March?
Good Luck!

I help run the not for profit program "Adventure on the River". It's a fairly new program but a great opportunity for 14-15 year olds to learn how to sail and power boat. It's a 4 day program with an overnight camping trip on the Columbia River. Check us out at www.adventureontheriver.com. You can also view pictures on our Facebook page (just search for Adventure on the River).