Updated July 2021 / Photo by Nate Wyeth

There’s no better time than the summer for kids in Central Oregon

The wonders and cultural offerings of the High Desert are in full display during the summer months with a variety of youth programs and camps. From acting classes and science camps to adventure sports programs and nature clinics, Bend’s summer camp scene has something sure to interest and entertain just about every kid in Central Oregon.

BEAT Children’s Theatre
Home to summer camps, classes and improve classes, the BEAT Children’s Theatre empowers local youth by fostering creativity, collaboration and self-confidence. BEAT offers instruction in all aspects of the theater, including set painting, dancing and singing, as well as acting classes. Classes are primarily held at the BEAT Children’s Theatre studio in SE Bend, but Redmond sessions are available.
www.beatchildrenstheatre.org

Bend Forest School
Bend Forest School has a goal of bringing innate “natural wildness” back into the lives of our young children. Inspired by the European model of Waldkindergartens – all outside, all weather, early childhood programs – we have created an inclusive nature immersion early childhood program that provides children with the opportunity for adult supported uninterrupted and unstructured play time in nature. For children ages 3-5, the Bend Forest School’s summer session runs from June 18 to July 31.
www.bendforestschool.com

The PAC at the Pavilion
During the summer, the PAC takes over The Pavilion – Bend’s newest recreation center. Each day is different as you get to choose what you want to do. There are always awesome choices whether you want to “play hard or chill out.” We’re talking sports, water play, floating the river, cool art projects, outdoor adventures, your favorite games and just hanging out with friends, both old and new. PAC participants will even get to create activities and special events! Open to kids in grades 3-8.
www.bendparksandrec.org/recreation_programs/childcare

R.A.D. Camps
Recreation. Adventure. Development. R.A.D. Camps explore over 50 unique summer locations and operates under a special use permit in Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. Here at R.A.D. Camps we have designed programs that give kids, ages 7-17, the opportunity to explore pristine destinations while learning about their natural surroundings. R.A.D. Camps emphasizes fun, free play, camaraderie, and an appreciation for the natural world.
www.radcamps.com

Bend Endurance Academy
The Bend Endurance Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to promote healthy living through active, outdoor experiences. We emphasize teamwork, personal growth and community responsibility. Founded in 2009, the Bend Endurance Academy currently features development programs for youth and juniors in rock climbing, cycling and youth, juniors and adults in Nordic skiing.   In 2016-17, more than 900 people participated in our programs and participants ranged in age from 4 – 74 years of age.
www.bendenduranceacademy.org

Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation
The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities through competitive snow sports programs to support athletes in achieving their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals. MBSEF, which traces its roots back to the Bend Skyliners club that originated in the 1920s, offers alpine, Nordic, snowboarding, freeride ski and cycling programs.
www.mbsef.org

Bend Bucks Summer Baseball Camp
Have a blast at Vince Genna Stadium developing your baseball skills and having fun with players from the Bend Bucks – the Bend Elks’ developmental team –  as your instructor. Weeklong camps start June 25. Ages 7-14 and camp times are from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.
www.bendelks.com/fieldhouse/upcoming-camps

Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe Paddle Sport Adventure Camp
For kids who just can’t decide, Tumalo Creek offers a paddlesports adventure week, which includes a day of standup paddleboarding, kayaking, rafting, and learning to sail with our Hobie Adventure Island trimarans on Elk Lake. Your child will learn about cooperation and team building in an active and engaged environment, while gaining a greater appreciation for Central Oregon waterways. Camps start June 25 and run through Aug. 30.
www.tumalocreek.com/tour/kids-paddlesports-adventure-camp

Bend Hoops
This summer, Bend Hoops will be offering three different sessions of camps for boys and girls. Each session is for kids that will be entering grades 1-8 in the fall of 2018. All campers will go at the same time of 1-4 p.m., regardless of age. Camp dates are July 18-20, Aug. 13-15 and Aug. 27-29.
www.bendhoops.com/academy/camps

Bend Rock Gym
Bend Rock Gym’s mission in youth programs and after-school activities is to cultivate a self-sustaining love for physical activity and healthy lifestyles. By promoting safe and educated decisions while teaching valuable life skills both on and off the wall, Bend Rock Gym encourages youth to always strive to be their best possible selves. Bend Rock Gym offers summers camps for children ages 4-15 starting June 25.
www.bendrockgym.com/summer-climbing-camps

Bend Science Station
The Bend Science Station annually provides high-quality, laboratory-based science education for more than 7,000 students and their teachers in Central Oregon. We open minds and open doors, empowering young scientists to change lives, including their own. The Bend Science Station runs camps for children who have completed first grade and above. Camps start June 19.
www.bendsciencestation.com/classes

Camp Fire Central Oregon
Come see why kids return to Camp Fire summer after summer. Our growing, passionate and experienced program team has been working hard to bring even better experiences to every child to lift up their voice, help them find their spark, prepare them for the future… and have fun! Camps are available for kids in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
www.campfireco.org/summer-camps

Oregon Adaptive Sports
Oregon Adaptive Sports provides life-changing outdoor recreation experiences to individuals with disabilities. Participants gain confidence, build self-esteem and strive for independence leading to an enhanced quality of life. Over the summer, OAS offers OASIS outdoor outings every Wednesday, June 20-Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each outing will include a sports-related building activity followed with a fun outdoor activity. Transportation is provided from the OAS office to designated location for each outing and will be brought back to the office at the end of the day for pick-up. All abilities age 8 – 15 are welcome. OAS also features cycling, paddling, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, golf and yoga programs in the summer months.
www.oregonadaptivesports.org/participants/summer

OASIS summer camps are a great way for your child to develop new skills, explore the outdoors, gain exposure and have fun with new friends!