Find your summer camp fit
By Alandra Johnson / Alandra Johnson
Published: April 11. 2008 4:00AM PST
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While the finicky Central Oregon weather may not always make it seem that way, summer really is just around the corner. That is particularly true for parents who want to find a way to fill their children’s summertime schedule. Some of the most coveted camps and activities fill up quickly, so parents and kids alike need to make decisions early.
Students in Central Oregon have a wide variety of camps and activities from which to choose this year. From rock music camps at the Cascade Community School of Music to rock climbing classes through Bend Metro Park and Recreation District, there are plenty of fun options out there.
This year, The Bulletin’s summer camp listing is divided into three parts:
• Day camps, for general camps that offer fun activities while often helping fulfill child care needs.
• Arts and enrichment, for classes and camps that focus on theater, music, art, cooking and other enriching activities.
• Adventure and athletics, for camps that emphasize the outdoors and being active as well as those that focus on a particular sport.
For more information, contact the organization directly using the Web site or phone number provided.
DAY CAMPS
A Child’s Garden
Weekly camp celebrates a different country through music, stories, crafts, games and cooking each week. Ages: 2½-5 and 5-7
When: Weekly, June 2 to Aug. 22; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with extended care options available from 7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Where: Northeast Bend Cost: $20 a day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and $3.50 per hour for extended care Contact: www.achildsgarden bend.com or 390-7386
Athletic Club of Bend
The summer children’s programs are open to the public and include the ABC Club, which is run like a preschool, but with lots of fun games. Ages: 3-6 When: 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. Where: Southwest Bend Cost: $125 per week or $25 a day (members receive a discount) Contact: www.athleticclubof bend.com or 322-5820.
Bend Metro Park and Recreation District
The district offers several general day camp options. Scholarships are available for all camps.
• Cougar Camp , a weekly camp featuring crafts, games and an overnight stay in Shevlin Park, is June 30 to Aug. 21 for grades 3-6. Weekly cost is $139 in district, $187 out of district. The camp runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, with an overnight stay Wednesdays, and campers getting picked up at noon on Thursdays.
• Clubhouse Day Camp , which focuses on games, sports, art, music and outdoors, is June 19 to Aug. 15 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sky View Middle School for grades 5-6. Daily cost is $36 in district, $49 out of district.
• Operation Recreation , a weekly camp that focuses on daily field trips, cooking projects, science experiments and lots of swimming, is from June 19 to Aug. 15 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lava Ridge Elementary School for grades 1-4. Weekly cost is $170 in district, $228 out of district.
• Magic in the Park is a free camp that provides recreational activities for kids ages 4-10 from 1 to 4 p.m. Held at Al Moody Park on Mondays and Wednesdays June 23 to Aug. 13 and at Harmon Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays June 24 to Aug. 14.
• Camp Tumalo offers weekly half- or full-day sessions (7 a.m. to noon and noon to 5 p.m.) for kids ages 4-12 in Tumalo. Cost is $107 in district or $145 out of district. Contact for all camps: www .bendparksandrec.org or 389-7275
Camp Fire
Camp Fire offers two day camps for kids this summer.
• Camp Fire Day Camp , a weeklong day camp that focuses on kids learning camping and survival skills, is June 23-27 at Tumalo State Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for grades 1-7. Cost is $55-$86.
• Summerkids , a weekly camp that includes free time, arts and crafts, swimming and games, is June 16 to Aug. 22 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Juniper Elementary School for kindergarten-sixth grade. Cost is $37 per day or $150 a week. Contact: 382-4682
Dana’s Discovery Kids
This location offers morning and afternoon themed summer camps. Ages: 3-7 years Dates: June 16 to Aug. 22; 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Location: Old Mill District Cost: $90-$210 per week Contact: 749-9090
Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy
The academy offers Kidnastics Pre-school Summer Adventure Camps that include gym time, snacks, crafts and lunch; themes include bugs, the ocean, space, dinosaurs and fairy tales. Ages: 3-6 When: July 7 to Aug. 22, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Northeast Bend Cost: $75 per week Contact: 815-4595
Morningstar Christian School
Camp Morningstar includes reading, crafts, arts and weekly field trips with a Christian focus. Ages: 4-12 When: June 12 to Aug. 29, full and half days available Where: South Bend Cost: $25 full day, $13 half day Contact: Karrie Newman 382-5091
Redmond Area Park and Recreation District
This organization’s Summer in the Park day camp offers kids arts and crafts, sports, and nature walks. Ages: 5-11 When: Starts when school lets out for the summer; Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Where: Sam Johnson Park, Redmond Cost: $20 a day or $70 a week for in district, $26 a day and $91 a week for out of district Contact: www.raprd.org or 548-7275
Sunriver Owners Association
Group offers weekly themed camps based on outdoor education and exploration including swimming, tennis, and arts and crafts. Ages: 5-12 When: June 16 to Aug. 22 Where: Sunriver Cost: $155 per week or $40 per day. Some scholarships are available. Contact: www.sunriver owners.org or 593-2442
Sunriver Resort
Fort Funnigan is a state-certified facility offering a variety of programs in sports, camp-outs, science, adventure and cooking. Resort offers day camps and evening activities. Ages: 3-10 When: June 14 through Labor Day Where: Sunriver Resort Cost: $40-$50 for evening, $80 for full day
Contact: 593-4609 or www .sunriver-resort.com
Waldorf School of Bend
The school offers Waldorf-based arts and crafts, weekly themes and activities including ceramics, painting, printmaking, beading, puppetry, gardening, music, storytelling and more. Snacks included. Ages: 4-8½ When: June 16 to Aug. 15, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. Where: Waldorf School of Bend, Northwest Bend Cost: $175 per week, $40 full day, $25 for half day and $10 supply fee per week Contact: Jyoti Noel 330-8841 or visit www.bendwaldorf.com
ARTS AND ENRICHMENT
Art Station
This year, the Art Station offers 40 camps, which are grouped by age level (check with each class for specific ages). Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to 11-12 students per camp. All camps are staffed by a professional artist or arts educators. The summer class schedule will be released May 2.
• Ages 4-7: Camps include clay work to create castles, circus creatures and pet-themed creations, painting, collage-making, cartoons and more.
• Ages 6-8: Camps include clay work to create castles, circus creatures and pet-themed creations, painting, collage-making, creating art out of recycled objects, making boxes, making 3-D masks and more.
• Ages 8-12: Camps include drawing, painting, collage-making, designing a guitar, creating art out of recycled objects, cartooning; clay-making, including work on the clay wheel; making a pop-up book; art with animals and more.
• Ages 12 and older: Camps include a clay workshop that focuses on using the potter’s wheel. When: Art camps run Monday through Friday for three hours, either 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. Art Station also offers a supervised lunch period between morning and afternoon camps. Where: Art Station, near Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend
Cost: $112, some need-based scholarships are available. Contact: www.bendartstation .org or 617-1317
Bend Metro Park and Recreation District
The district offers a wide range of art and enrichment camps and activities for kids, including:
• Museum Madness and Fun lets campers visit local museums, swim and more, for grades 1-5 at Hollinshead Barn Aug. 18-22 and Aug. 25-29. Cost is $173 in district, $234 out of district.
• Creative Play, for ages 3-5 at Bend Montessori School, focuses on imagination and art Mondays to Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. from June 23 to July 24. Cost is $65 per week in district, $88 out of district.
• Busy Buddies Club, for ages 3-5, includes arts and crafts, swimming and more at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center for two afternoons Monday to Thursday throughout the summer. Cost is $96 per month in district, $130 out of district.
• Blue Screen Video: Several camps for grades 6-9 focus on moviemaking, including special effects. Camps are Monday to Thursday in the morning or afternoon and cost $160 in district, $216 out of district. Dates vary, based on the specific camp. Contact: www.bendparksand rec.org, 389-7275
Bend Science Station
This local organization, an inquiry-based science facility dedicated to scientific education and research, offers several summer activity options for kids at its northwest Bend facility unless otherwise noted. Camps include:
• Elementary Science Days: Full-day camps that meet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. designed for students who have completed grades 1-2. Topics include rockets, invertebrates, chemistry and more. Cost is $60.
• Junior Scientist Camps: Multi-day camps meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for students who have completed grades 3-5. Topics include Hogwarts magic, Legos and more. Cost is $240.
• Youth Scientist Camps: Multi-day camps meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for students who have completed grades 5 and higher. Topics include photo science and scientific myths. Cost is $240.
• Adventure Camps: Multi-day camps designed for students who have completed grades 5 and higher. Some camps include overnight stays. Locations include the Oregon outback, the Oregon Coast and more. Costs vary. Contact: www.bendscience station.org or 330-0433
Bend Theatre for Young People
The 2008 Summer Conservatory offers several programs. The registration deadline is May 12. Both programs run July 7 to Aug. 1 and include performances July 30-31. Scholarships are available.
• Grades 3-5: Full-day program meets daily for four weeks and includes audition techniques, character work, stage combat and much more. Cost is $395.
• Grades 6-12: High school students meet in the morning and middle school students meet in the afternoon. The class is limited to 12 students, and auditions may be required. Curriculum focuses on play production. Cost is $225. Contact: www.bendtheatre .org or call 419-1395
Cascade Community School of Music
Summer Programs at the Cascade Community School of Music are in the form of weeklong “intensives”; classes meet every day Monday to Friday. The sessions take place in northeast Bend.
• Week one (July 14-18): Classes include piano (for students in grades 2-6 with some experience), beginning guitar (for grades 3-5 and 5-7), jazz jams for middle school students (with one to three years experience), and Orff Orchestra, designed to introduce musical skills and concepts to kids (grades 1-3 and 3-5).
• Week two (July 21-25): Classes include beginning flute (grades 3-5), intermediate flute ensemble (grades 5-12 with one year experience or more), chamber music for piano and strings, bluegrass/Scottish jam, drum camp (grades 3-5 and 5-8), lead guitar (one year experience or more), and kids create music camp, designed to encourage kids to compose music (grades 1-4).
• Week three (July 28 to Aug. 1): Classes include chamber music for piano and strings and School of Rock (one year of experience or more). Cost: $135-$145. Tuition assistance is available, applications are available on the Web site.
Contact: www.ccschoolof music.org or 382-6866.
Children’s Musical Theatre Group
Local group offers two camps. Scholarships are available.
• Musical Theatre ABCs is an introductory class for ages 6-10 set June 16-20 and June 23-27 from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $145.
• Theatre in the Park is a three-week intensive workshop for performers ages 10-18 with some experience. Camp, which runs July 21 to Aug. 10 Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., culminates in performance in Drake Park. Cost is $490. Contact: www.cmtg.org or 385-6718
Eastmont Church
This local church will host a Summer Jam with games, creative arts and crafts, skits, music and lessons about God’s love. Ages: 3½ to fifth grade When: July 22-25 and July 28-31, morning program Where: Eastmont Church in northeast Bend Cost: $35, scholarships and discounts are available Contact: Jackie Sakasegawa 382-5822
Girl Scouts
The Scouts offer several activities for girls. Girls must register as a Girl Scout to attend, but do not need to join a troop.
• A Sweet Story: Girls can earn badges while making chocolate goodies, for grades 4-6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 21 in Sisters. Cost is $25.
• Women of Wonder is a three-day camp with crafts, stories and songs for girls in grades 2-3 July 8-10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sisters. Cost is $35.
• A Tasty Tale is a one-day camp for girls in grades 4-6 to earn badges while making treats on Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sisters. Cost is $25. Contact: Evelyn Brush at ajoyfulnoise@bendbroadband.com or visit www.wrgirlscouts.org
Heritage Theatre Company
Local group offers Camp Westward Ho!, a performing arts and living history camp. Ages: 5-11 When: June 16-20 or June 23-27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Ranch in east Bend Cost : $275 Contact: 306-6751 or e-mail htc@bendbroadband.com
High Desert Museum
The museum offers two camps, both with overnight options this summer.
• Amazing Animal Adventure offers students close-up encounters with animals, hands-on activities and behind-the-scenes exploration. Students entering kindergarten to second grade can attend July 28 to July 31, 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $120-$162. Students entering grades 3-5 can attend the camp July 28 to Aug. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. with an overnight stay on the last night. Cost is $175-$236.
• People of the Past allows kids to learn what was life was like in the High Desert about 200 years ago through games, role playing and more. Students entering kindergarten to second grade can attend Aug. 11-14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $120-$162. Students entering grades 3-5 can attend Aug. 11-15 from 1 to 4 p.m. with an overnight stay on the last night. Cost is $175-$236. Contact: 382-4754 or www.high desertmuseum.org
Kids Central
This local group offers several enrichment summer camps for children including nature crafts and Spanish language. Ages: 6-16 Contact: For details or a program guide on specific camps including dates, times and costs, e-mail kidscentral.bend@gmail .com or call 410-7178.
Language Institute of Central Oregon
This local group offers language immersion classes and camps including full- or part-time Spanish immersion preschool and a Japanese immersion preschool for ages 3-5, advanced Spanish classes for elementary and middle school students, beginner Spanish immersion camps for ages 3-6 and 7-11. Other classes are available in Mandarin, French, Italian and Portuguese. Classes take place in northwest Bend. Contact: 419-4196.
Redmond Area Park and Recreation District
This organization offers a number of enrichment camps for children on subjects such as guitar, theater, ceramics, dance and classes from OMSI. Details about the activities will be available mid-May on the group’s Web site and in the program guide.
Contact: www.raprd.org or 548-7275
Redmond Humane Society
During the Kids Critter Camp, children can learn about a variety of animals through hands-on interaction, special guests, art activities and more. Ages: 6-9 for Aug. 4-8; 10-12 for Aug. 11-15 When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Redmond Humane Society Cost: $42, T-shirt included Contact: Elise Rothamel 923-0882 or e-mail erbr16@msn.com
Shining Light Christian Preschool
This school offers weekly summer camps with a variety of themes including cooking, dinosaurs, numbers, painting, the beach and more. Ages: 3-5 (must be potty trained) When: Weekly camps begin June 2 and run through July 31; Monday to Thursday; most camps are 9:30 a.m. to noon Where: Northeast Bend Cost: $40 to $50 a week Contact: 306-9484 or www .shininglightchristianpreschool.us
Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation
SOAR is offering programs for all ages this summer including youth sports camps, kids tumbling and gymnastics, and Kids Clubhouse child care with themed activities and field trips. Registration begins April 21.
Contact: 549-2091 or www .sistersrecreation.com Working Wonders Children’s Museum
Working Wonders will offer several activities and workshops for parents and children to attend together.
• Kindermusik camps: Three-day camps, in which an educator leads a group through music and movement activities (ages 18 months-3 and 3-5). Each session lasts 45 minutes and is based on a particular theme. $25 per pair plus $30 for materials.
• Other workshops include: Tie-dye (ages 6-10, $35), science (ages 6-10, $25), water activities (ages 3-5, $20) and portrait-making (ages 6-10, $25). Contact: 389-4500 or www .workingwonders.org
ADVENTURE AND ATHLETICS
Acrovision Sports Center
Camp activities include snowboard training, gymnastics, martial arts, dance, arts and crafts and more. Ages: 5-15 When: July 14-17 and Aug. 11-14, 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Acrovision Sports Center, north Bend Cost: $99-$359 Contact: 388-5555 or www .acrovisionsportscenter.com
Athletic Club of Bend
Club offers youth sports day camps including tennis, rock climbing, biking, camping and more. Ages: 6-12 When: Throughout the summer, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Southwest Bend Cost: $230-$294 a week (members receive a discount) Contact: www.athleticclubof bend.com or 322-5820.
Bend Metro Park and Recreation District
The district offers a range of sports and adventure camps for kids, including:
• Adventure Camp: Kids in grades 5-8 try out river rafting, rock climbing and more during this all-day camp July 14-18, July 21-25, Aug. 4-8 and Aug. 18-22. Cost is $220 per week in district, $264 out of district.
• Deschutes Rafting Exploration: Overnight rafting trip for grades 6-9 July 28-30 or Aug. 11-13. Cost is $262 in district, $314 out of district.
• Go Camp is a low-key overnight camp at Harmon Park for grades 6-8 July 2-3 and July 10-11. Cost is $148 in district, $200 out of district.
• TrackersBend: Weekly camp mixes martial arts and wilderness survival skills with lots of play for kids ages 6-10. Cost is $288 per week in district, $346 out of district.
• Sports camps: These camps include youth baseball and softball, Storm soccer camp for girls, Bend Elks baseball camp, girls softball, girls volleyball, basketball for elementary and middle school students and football. Call or visit the Web site for more information. Contact: www.bendparksand rec.org or 389-7275
Cog Wild
This mountain bike kids camp includes developing riding confidence, bike maintenance and trail work. Ages: 8-16 When: Three three-week sessions from May 5 to July 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. (the last session is also available from 1 to 3 p.m.) Where: Start at Pine Mountain Sports in southwest Bend Cost: $230 per camp Contact: 385-7002 or www.cog wild.com
Coyote Trails School of Nature
Coyote Trails’ programs expose youth and families to wilderness through tracking, awareness, storytelling, music and art. The programs range from one-day mentoring to weekly summer classes to opportunities for the entire family. Ages: 7 and older When: Camps and classes offered June 23 to Aug. 14 Where: Summer classes held on 1,600 acres of wilderness near Ashland; mentoring in Bend Cost: $175-$650 per week, includes meals. Scholarships available. Contact: www.coyotetrails .org or 617-0439
Cub Scouts
Cub Scout Day Camp includes sports, games, archery, rock climbing, first-aid lessons, woodworking and more. Boys must be registered for Cub Scouts to participate. Ages: Grades 1-5 When and where: June 17-20, Les Schwab Park in Prineville; June 23-26, Shevlin Park in Bend; both from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $50 Contact: www.craterlake council.org
Diane’s Riding Place
These weekly horse day camps will teach kids how to ride, feed and groom a horse, which is provided. Ages: 7 and older When: Monday to Friday June 16 to Aug. 29, 8 to 11 a.m. Where: Cline Falls Highway Cost: $250 per week Contact: 385-7933
Eastmont Church
Local church offers basketball camp for boys and girls. Ages: Grades 3-5 When: July 13-17, 4 to 6 p.m. Where: Eastmont Church in northeast Bend Cost: $40 Contact: John Lodwick 382-5822.
First Ascent Climbing Services Inc.
This Smith Rock Climbing Camp is for experienced climbers who are interested in a sleepover camp experience. Ages: 10-16
Cost: $2,200
When: July 12-26
Where: Smith Rock State Park
Contact: Carol Simpson, 548-5137 or e-mail goclimbing07@yahoo.com or visit www.goclimb ing.com/KidsPrograms.html Kids Central
This local group offers several outdoors and adventure summer camps for children. Ages: 6-16 Contact: For details or a program guide on specific camps including dates, times and costs, e-mail kidscentral.bend@gmail .com or call 410-7178.
Mountain View Stables
This local stable located between Bend and Redmond offers several camps for young riders this summer, including:
• Horsemanship Camp: A week camp for riders ages 10-18 with experience from June 16-20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $275.
• Pony Camp I: A week camp focuses on riding, horse care and games for ages 7-12 from July 7-11 or Aug. 4-8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $275. Contact: 385-0540 Mrs. Flanagan’s Summer Adventure Camp
This is camp includes kayaking, swimming, hiking, tennis, fishing, golfing and more. Ages: 6-12 When: June 16-20, June 23-27, Aug. 11-15 and Aug. 18-22 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (extended care is available) Where: West Bend Cost: $235 per week Contact: Kimberly Flanagan at www.mrsflanagans.com or 306-3093
OMSI
OMSI Science Camps are one- to two-week camps that take place in beautiful settings ranging from the mountains to the coast to the desert.
Camps include studying the California redwoods, rafting in Central Oregon, searching for whales in the San Juan Islands in Washington, studying tide pools in Southern Oregon and hunting for fossils in Utah. Instructors are science educators. Cost is $480-$1,250. Contact: www.omsi.edu/camps for details on dates, ages, cost and more.
Redmond Area Park and Recreation District
This organization offers a number of sports camps including basketball, soccer and tennis. Details about the activities will be available mid-May on the group’s Web site and in the program guide.
Contact: www.raprd.org or 548-7275
Seventh Mountain Resort • Cascade Kids Eco-Challenge Camp: The Cascade Kids Eco-Challenge Camp includes a different theme each day with lots of activities, including hiking to Mount Bachelor, visiting the lava caves, rafting and more. Ages: 8-13 When: June 16 to Aug. 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Seventh Mountain Resort, west of Bend Cost: $70 a day or $300 a week (includes lunch and transportation) Contact: 693-9124 or www .seventhmountain.com
Tulen Center • Desert Ninja Camp: This local center offers a Desert Ninja camp for kids to learn Indonesian Kung Fu, play games, go on outdoor excursions and more. No experience is necessary. Ages: Grades 3-6 When: July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28 to Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-8; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Where: Tulen Center, downtown Bend Cost: $290-$350 Contact: Emily Ahsoon, 389-1419 or e-mail emily@tcbend .com
Wanderlust Tours
Kids’ camp features a different outdoor activity each day, including caving, hiking, canoeing, using GPS and visits to a local volcano. Ages: 8-14 When: June 16 to July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday Where: Various locations throughout the Deschutes National Forest. Cost: $365 per week Contact: 389-8359 or www .wanderlusttours.com
OTHER
Camp Sunrise
Three-day, two-night camp for bereaved youth to work with counselors, create art and music. There is one counselor for every two campers. Ages: 7-14 When: June 20-22 Where: Suttle Lake Cost: Free Contact: Hospice of Redmond-Sisters, 548-7483 or www .redmondhospice.org
Soaring Spirits Retreat
Cancer survivors and their families are invited to this camp for rest, relaxation and fun at the Soaring Spirits Retreat. It includes kayaking, swimming, hiking and more. Ages: All ages; children attend with parents When: Aug. 15-17 Where: Suttle Lake Cost: $75 per adult or $170 per family with children; scholarships are available Contact: Marlys Johnson, 388-7743, ext. 2.
Suttle Lake Camp
This camp location offers numerous overnight camps and activities throughout the summer that include hiking, swimming, kayaking, archery, team building. The camp is a ministry of the Oregon-Idaho United Methodist Church. Ages, costs and dates vary. Contact: www.gocamping.org or 595-6663
Alandra Johnson can be reached at 617-7860 or at ajohnson@bendbulletin.com.
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