Summer Camps
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: 9:00am-4:00pm
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. 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.
ACCOMMODATIONS: To inquire about special accommodations, please reach out to the Youth Programs Manager, Ava Shannon, 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.
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.
AGES: 6-11 (also open to kindergarteners who attended our After School Time program in 2023)
FEE: $400/week – financial support available through The Community Fund. Click here for more information.
Jun 26-30 – Harry Potter Camp #1
Campers release their inner wizard by creating a unique wand, conjuring art-inspired projects from the world of Hogwarts, and playing Harry Potter-inspired games and sports. Campers will even get to try playing quidditch in the pool! Throughout the week, campers will get the chance to watch parts of the Harry Potter movies (Rated PG).
July 5 -7 – Pokémon Camp #1*
This is a camp for Pokémon lovers! Campers will get the chance to trade Pokémon cards, talk about their collection, create Pokémon inspired art projects, and more! When campers aren’t trading cards they will jump in our warm water pool and head to the park!
*$240/week – no camp on July 3rd or 4th
July 10-14 – 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 that allow us to provide exciting materials to the children!
July 24-28 – Pokémon Camp #2
This is a camp for Pokémon lovers! Campers will get the chance to trade Pokémon cards, talk about their collection, create Pokémon inspired art projects, and more! When campers aren’t trading cards they will jump in our warm water pool and head to the park!
July 31- August 4 – Myth Busters Camp
Our Mythbusters camp is the perfect opportunity for young scientists and engineers to learn how to test and analyze claims and theories! Throughout the week, campers will design and conduct experiments to test common myths and urban legends, use scientific tools and techniques to gather data and analyze results, collaborate with other campers to develop hypotheses and create testable experiments, and learn about inspiring scientists!
August 7-11 – Harry Potter #2
Are you a fan of the magical world of Harry Potter? If so, this is the perfect camp for you.
Throughout the week, campers will participate in a variety of activities that are inspired by the beloved book series. These activities will include magic lessons, Quidditch matches, and crafts such as wand-making and potion-making.
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 14-18 – Space Explorers Camp
Our Space Explorers summer camp is the perfect opportunity for young adventurers to learn about the wonders of the universe! Throughout the week, campers will participate in activities such as building and launching rockets, exploring the solar system, conducting experiments, and creating space-inspired projects. All skill levels are welcome and our experienced instructors will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all campers. Sign up today for an exciting summer adventure in the world of space exploration! On Friday, campers get to take Trimet to OMSI for a day filled with space exploration!
Specialty Camps
July 17-21 – 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: $450 – financial support and sliding scale pricing is available. Contact the NECC Front Desk for more information
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 Coordinator if you want to participate in camp but do not have access to these items.
New Dates Just added 2/28!
July 17 – 21 w/ Graciela *new*
July 24 – 28 w/ Travis
July 31 – August 4 w/ Travis
August 7 – 11 w/ Graciela *new*
DAYS: Monday – Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
FEES: $450 – financial support and sliding scale pricing is available. Contact the NECC Front Desk for more information.
Half-Day Dance Workshops with Marlon | Ages 8-12
Our Half-Day Dance Workshops 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 (and NECC celebrity), 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!
June 19-23
August 21-25
DAYS: Monday – Friday
TIME: 12:30-4 pm
AGES: 8 – 12
FEES: $200 – financial support and sliding scale pricing is available. Contact the NECC Front Desk for more information.
Refund Policy
When a participant withdraws from a Summer Camp, the NECC will provide a class credit or refund by check as follows:
If the participant withdraws at least two weeks prior to the start of camp, the participant will receive a full refund; this refund will be provided by check within 10 business days of the withdrawal, regardless of initial payment method.
If the participant withdraws between 5-13 days prior to camp, the participant will receive a 50% credit for the amount paid for the camp.
We are unable to provide a refund or class credit if the participant withdraws fewer than 5 days prior to the start of camp.
2023 Summer Camp Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring one of our 2023 Summer Camps? Contact Kim Ositis, Development Manager, development@necommunitycenter.org or 503-351-0359 for more information!
