Summer Camps For Outdoor Kids
Summer is a great time to get kids outside to explore and enjoy the lakes, rivers, and mountains of Central Oregon. And with the start of summer vacation just a month away, now is the time to start planning. In addition to spending time outside as a family, here are some great local camps that can help your kids enjoy the outdoors this summer. (Another helpful hint: Pick up a copy of the latest Bend Nest Magazine – pages 34-37 – for even more summer camp ideas.)
Bend Endurance Academy: BEA offers mountain biking, cyclocross and cycling opportunities for youth and juniors! Guided by our trained Coaches, your Rider will develop skills, make friendships and have fun riding bikes.
Bend Parks & Recreation: Plan your next adventure! The 2017 Playbook is full of even more camps for children this year. You can register for all programs online.
Bend Science Station: During the summer, the Bend Science Station offers a variety of themed camps for students of all ages – including elementary science days, you and junior scientist camps, and multi-day adventure camps.
Camp Fire Central Oregon: Camp Fire offers Tumalo Day Camp, where campers learn outdoor and camping skills, play outside and make new friends. In addition, the SummerKids camp for sixth graders allows kids to explore while parents are at work!
Camp Tamarack: Five-day camps offer campers ages 8-13 a wide variety of classes from photography to ceramics, from paddle boarding to snorkeling, and from team sports to wood working – just to name a few! Tamarack also offers a Type 1 Diabetes camp.
Eco-Hero Adventures: Brought to you by the staff of The Environmental Center and Commute Options, kids learn what it takes to grow food, harness solar power, conduct an energy audit, and use bikes and the bus. One camp in July, and one in August. Register through Bend Parks & Rec.
High Desert Museum: The High Desert Museum offers 1-day, 4-day and 5-day camps that teach kids about science, animals and nature! Sign up now, these camps are almost full!
RAD Camps: RAD camps are available for kids and teens, and both emphasize free play!
Sunriver Nature Center: Join the nature center staff for three exciting days of fun-filled nature activities! From ponds to birds of prey, they have it all. Program runs Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday each week. Ages 4 – 10.
Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe: Tumalo Creek offers a paddlesports adventure week and whitewater kayaking camp for kids! Both emphasize safety, adventure and cooperative teambuilding.
Wildheart Nature School: Wildheart offers many options for kids who just want to get outside! Camps cover everything from primitive skills to nature art, including new ones like “Dragon Riders” and “Girls Empowerment.”