Summer Camps
Check back in late December for updated Summer 2025 camp offerings!
2025 Summer Camp registration will happen in February.
See below for our 2024 Summer Camp offerings! The mission of the youth programs at the Northeast Community Center is to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people in Portland to learn, grow, and thrive. Through a variety of engaging and inclusive activities and services, we aim to promote the physical, social, and emotional well-being of youth and empower them to become confident, responsible, and engaged members of their community.
TIMES: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
LUNCH & SNACK: Lunch is not provided, please pack your child a meal and snacks. Families needing accommodation or assistance providing lunch/snacks should contact the NECC’s Youth Programs Manager.
POOL: If you would like your child to have the opportunity to swim, please send your child with a swimsuit, towel, and any extra bathroom supplies you think your child will need. Campers will use the universal locker room with private, individual changing stalls. Children who cannot reach in the shallow end must wear a life jacket. All campers who would like a life jacket are welcome to have one. A camp counselor will be in the pool with the children at all times and our head lifeguard will perform a daily skill check to use the deep end. Children who do not wish to swim will be able to play with camp counselors in our Child Watch room.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: We reserve a limited number of spots in each of our camps for Community Fund participants. If you are already a Community Fund participant, please register by calling or emailing the front desk; they can administer your price reduction. If you need assistance registering, please contact our Front Desk, 503-284-3377 or frontdesk@necommunitycenter.org. Interested in applying? Click here.
ACCOMMODATIONS: To inquire about special accommodations, please reach out to the Youth Programs Manager at youth@necommunitycenter.org. We are prepared to care for neurodivergent children and work with families to meet children’s specific needs. Please note that our program allows kids to have extended periods of free time, which can be challenging for children who succeed with more structure or more individualized guidance and redirection. If you would like to discuss if this would be the right fit for your child, please reach out to the program manager.
EXTREME HEAT & SMOKE POLICY: Our camps spend extended periods of time outside. We are committed to keeping youth and staff safe in extreme weather conditions. Please review our inclement weather policy in section 4 of our refund policy.
Theme Camps | Ages 6-11
Join us for a fun and enriching summer! Our camps allow youth to actively engage with their peers while creating themed crafts with our art teachers, playing group games, splashing in our indoor pool, and visiting Grant Park. All of our camps have optional daily swimming time from 2:25-3:45 in our indoor warm water pool!
AGES: 6-11 (also open to kindergarteners who attended our After School Time program in 2023)
TIMES: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We do not currently offer before and aftercare during Summer Camps.
Jun 24-28 – Harry Potter Camp #1
Is your child a fan of the magical world of Harry Potter? If so, this is the perfect camp for them.
Throughout the week, campers will participate in a variety of activities that are inspired by the beloved book series, including the sorting hat ceremony on Monday! Campers will get the chance to watch parts of the Harry Potter movies (Rated PG). Other activities include magic lessons, spell books, and crafts such as wand-making and potion-making. Costumes encouraged!
In addition to these magical experiences, campers will also have the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activities such as swimming and playing at Grant Park.
July 1-3 – Scientist Camp*
Welcome to Scientist Camp, where every day is filled with awesome science experiments! From making volcanoes erupt to creating cool chemical reactions, get hands-on and discover the wonders of biology, chemistry, and more. On Wednesday, we head to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) on bus & streetcar for extra special science fun! Explore exhibits and join in on amazing experiments. End each day in our warm water pool.
*$250/week – no camp on July 4th or 5th. Price includes OMSI admission and public transportation fare.
July 8-12 – Pokémon Camp #1
Dive into card trading sessions, where you can swap and collect your favorite Pokémon cards with fellow campers. Unleash your imagination in our card-making workshops, where you’ll design and create your very own custom Pokémon cards, putting your unique spin on beloved creatures.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Get your hands dirty in sculpting sessions, shaping Pokemon figures out of air-dry clay. From Pikachu to Charizard, bring your favorite characters to life in three-dimensional form! When campers aren’t trading cards they will jump in our warm water pool and head to the park!
July 15-19 – See specialty camp section below
July 22-26 – Space Explorers Camp
Dive into a galaxy of discovery through fun-filled activities, games, and cosmic adventures, learning about planets, stars, and space exploration.
Every day, campers engage in stellar activities—building model rockets, exploring constellations, and conducting space-themed experiments. Test out your model rocket with our sling shot launcher!
On Friday, the excitement peaks as we blast off to the planetarium at OMSI via Trimet bus & street car. Campers experience the marvels of the universe through immersive shows and stargazing as well as general admission to OMSI activities. OMSI admission and bus fare included in camp fee.
July 29-August 2 – Harry Potter #2
Is your child a fan of the magical world of Harry Potter? If so, this is the perfect camp for them.
Throughout the week, campers will participate in a variety of activities that are inspired by the beloved book series, including the sorting hat ceremony on Monday! Campers will get the chance to watch parts of the Harry Potter movies (Rated PG). Other activities include magic lessons, spell books, and crafts such as wand-making and potion-making. Costumes encouraged!
In addition to these magical experiences, campers will also have the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activities such as swimming and playing at Grant Park.
August 5-9 – Recycled Art Camp
Campers change the destiny of plastic, metal, cardboard, scrap wood, and clothing by upcycling them into beautiful art with our art teachers at NECC! Learn how to give every day objects a second life. The NECC receives donations from Ridwell Recycling and members of the community that allow us to provide exciting materials to the children!
August 12-16 – Pokémon Camp #2
Dive into card trading sessions, where you can swap and collect your favorite Pokémon cards with fellow campers. Unleash your imagination in our card-making workshops, where you’ll design and create your very own custom Pokémon cards, putting your unique spin on beloved creatures.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Get your hands dirty in sculpting sessions, shaping Pokémon figures out of air-dry clay. From Pikachu to Charizard, bring your favorite characters to life in three-dimensional form! When campers aren’t trading cards they will jump in our warm water pool and head to the park!
Specialty Camps
July 15-19 – Out and About PDX Camp
Campers set out on a new adventure each day using Portland’s celebrated mass transit system. Go on a Portland adventure to discover parks, splash pads, urban farms, and new neighborhoods using Portland’s MAX, Streetcar, and aerial tram!
Throughout the week, campers will participate in interactive activities that teach them how to read maps, plan routes, and use public transit safely and efficiently. They will have the opportunity to put their new skills to the test as they explore the city and discover all it has to offer.
Campers will meet daily at NECC and end the day splashing in NECC’s warm water pool.
AGES: 8-12
FEES: Includes all admission for field trips and daily bus passes. Financial support and sliding scale pricing is available. Contact the NECC Front Desk for more information
EXTREME HEAT & SMOKE POLICY: Our camps spend extended periods of time outside. We are committed to keeping youth and staff safe in extreme weather conditions. Please review our inclement weather policy in section 4 of our refund policy.
Bike Camps | Ages 8-12
Our bike summer camp is the perfect opportunity for young riders to improve their skills and have a blast on two wheels! We will take campers on daily rides through different parks and natural areas, allowing them to discover new trails and see the city from a unique perspective.
Our experienced instructors will teach campers proper bike handling techniques, as well as how to navigate different types of terrain and overcome challenges. In addition to daily rides, campers will also participate in a range of activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, and street safety skills.
At the end of the day, campers will have the chance to cool off in our swimming pool, play games, and make new friends.
Campers must be comfortable riding their bike on neighborhood roads and be able to keep up with a group of similarly aged children. Participants will need their own bike, helmet, and bike lock – please contact our Youth Program Manager if you want to participate in camp but do not have access to these items.
July 15-19 with Graciela
July 22-26 with Travis
July 29-August 2 with Travis
August 5-9 with Graciela *New date*
DAYS: Monday – Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
EXTREME HEAT & SMOKE POLICY: Our camps spend extended periods of time outside. We are committed to keeping youth and staff safe in extreme weather conditions. Please review our inclement weather policy in section 4 of our refund policy.
Half-Day Dance Camp with Marlon | Ages 8-12
Our Half-Day Dance Camps with Marlon are the perfect opportunity for young dancers to improve their skills and have a blast moving to the beat! Led by the professional dancer, Marlon, campers will learn a variety of dance styles and techniques in a fun and supportive environment.
Each day, campers will participate in dynamic dance classes that focus on a specific style or song. Whether they are new to dance or have previous experience, Marlon will work with each camper to help them improve their technique and develop their own unique style. Camp is open to all skill levels but will cover introductory dance moves and may not be a good fit for advanced dancers.
After spending a full-afternoon of dancing, campers will end the day with a swim in our indoor pool!
August 19-23
DAYS: Monday-Friday
TIME: 12:30-4 pm
AGES: 8 – 12
