11 Best Summer Camps in Bend, Oregon
Parents’ Guide to Summer Camps
In just a few short months, your child will trade in their pencils and schoolbooks for popsicles and sunshine. Yep – summer break is just around the corner!
If you have yet to start planning your child’s summer vacation from school, you’ve come to the right place. Not only do camps provide a safe space for your child to learn, grow, and explore, but they offer an abundance of activities that can be difficult to replicate on your own.
Below, you’ll find an overview of the 10 best summer camps for kids in Bend, Oregon. Happy reading!
1. Kids Paddle Sports Adventure Camp at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe
Location: 805 SW Industrial Way, Suite 6, Bend, OR 97702
Dates: Multiple dates available: July 8 – July 11 / July 15 – July 18 / July 22 – July 25 / Aug. 5 – Aug. 8 / Aug. 12 – Aug. 15 / Aug. 19 – Aug. 22
Price: $395 for 4 days
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (groups may not return until 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. on rafting days, which are typically Wednesdays)
Ages: 8 – 15
Your kiddos will learn team building and gain appreciation for Central Oregon’s waterways at this four-day paddle sport and adventure camp from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. They’ll engage in fun water-based activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and rafting – they’ll even learn how to sail on Elk Lake!
Plus, you can rest easy knowing that all Tumalo Creek instructors are certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA).
CALL OUT: Whitewater Kayaking Camp is also available June – August. Click here for more information.
2. SummerKids by Camp Fire Central Oregon
Location: 1001 SW Emkay Drive #100, Bend, OR 97702
Dates: Multiple dates available depending on theme:
- Under the Sea: June 17 – June 21
- Time Travelers: June 24 – June 28
- Survivor Camp (3 Days Only): July 1 – July 3
- Real Life Superheroes (1 Day Only): July 5
- Under the Big Top: July 8 – July 12
- Mad Science: July 15 – July 19
- Through the Stage Door: July 22 – July 26
- Welcome to the Jungle: July 29 – Aug. 2
- Wonderful World of Wizardry: Aug. 5 – Aug. 9
- 3-2-1 Blast Off: Aug. 12 – Aug. 16
Price: 1-day programs: $40 – $45 / 3-day programs: $120 – $135 / 5-day programs: $185 – $210
See specific prices by theme and age.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: Kindergarten – 6th grade
Designed for working families, these theme-based camps will keep your kids busy during the work week (Monday – Friday). They’ll get to participate in movement activities, science investigations, and arts and crafts – all while increasing their environmental awareness.
Special guest speakers and performances are a fun bonus, and 5th and 6th graders will participate in special trips at least once a week!
3. Camp Tamarack
Location: 30901 SW Forest Service Road, Sisters, OR 97759
Dates: June 25 – Aug. 23, 2019
Price: Prices range from $285 – $495
Hours: Start registration to see options.
Ages: 8 – 13
Camp Tamarack has been perfecting its week-long camping experience for the last 83 years. A rotating afternoon activities schedule filled with paddle boarding, snorkeling, ceramics, archery, scavenger hunts, hiking, and exploration will ensure your child never grows bored. Note that Camp Tamarack is just outside of Bend – a short 30ish-minute drive!
NOTE: Camp Tamarack also offers Adventure Team camp exclusively to older campers (ages 12 – 13). This camp features activities like rock climbing, swimming, and crafting, as well as off-site adventures and an overnight backpacking trip. Available July 7 – Aug. 23, 2019 at a cost of $495 per week.
4. All Sports Camp at Cascade Indoor Sports
Location: 20775 NE High Desert Lane, Bend, OR 97701
Dates: Summer 2019 dates to be announced
Price: Summer prices to be announced, but likely on par with spring break session rates (4-hour session: $40 / 4-day session: $140)
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 1st grade – 5th grade
Your elementary schoolers will have almost 50,000 square feet to explore at this sports camp located inside Central Oregon’s premier indoor sports facility. Designed for both boys and girls, this camp will keep your kids active while teaching them the basics of sports like soccer, football, and skating.
5. Youth Camps at the Athletic Club of Bend
Location: 61615 Athletic Club Drive, Bend, OR 97702
Dates: Multiple dates available depending on type of camp:
- Tennis: June 17 – June 21 / July 22 – July 26 / Junior Tennis: Aug. 19 – Aug. 23
- Great Outdoors: June 24 – June 28 / July 29 – Aug. 2
- Stars and Stripes: July 1 – July 3
- Wet and Wild: July 8 – July 12 / Aug. 5 – Aug. 9
- Multi-Sport: July 15 – July 19 / Aug. 12 – Aug. 16
- Send Off to Summer: Aug. 26 – Aug. 30
Price: $57 per day (save $4 per day when you register for a full week)
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ages: 6 – 12 years
Sign your child up for one of the youth camps at the Athletic Club of Bend for a five-day adventure consisting of games, fitness activities, group tennis lessons, crafts, and swimming. They’ll even get to participate in field trips on several Fridays!
Registration for this sports-based summer camp begins April 17, 2019 for club members and May 1, 2019 for non-members.
NOTE: Creativity-based explorer camps (ages 3 – 6) and adventure-based “caravan” camps (ages 10 – 14) are available as well. Learn more here.
6. Youth Team Camp at Bend Endurance Academy
Location: 442 NE 3rd Street, Bend, OR 97701
Dates: July 1 – July 3, 2019
Price: $360
Hours: 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ages: 8 – 11
Does your little one have previous climbing experience? If they’re looking to take their skills outdoors, look no further than this three-day camp from Bend Endurance Academy. Climbers will learn how to correctly tie knots, belay, rappel, and even get to boulder on real rocks outdoors!
NOTE: If you have an advanced lead climber age 13 or older, consider the academy’s Advanced Rock Craft camp. They’ll learn everything they need to know about single and multi-pitch climbs.
7. Bend FC Timbers Summer Camp
Location: Big Sky Park, Field 4, 145 NE Revere Avenue, Suite 6, Bend, OR 97701
Dates: July 15 – 18 / July 22-25
Price: Full day: $160 / Half day: $100
Hours: Full day: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. / Half day: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Age: 5 – 12 years
This four-day soccer camp is led by Bend FC Timbers’ coaching directors, staff, and even current and former players. Your child will learn the skills they need to get comfortable with the ball by participating in dribbling, shooting, and receiving drills, as well as by playing games. They’re sure to leave exhausted but happy!
8. Summer Horse Day Camps at Diane’s Riding Place
Location: 65535 Cline Falls Highway, Bend, OR 97701
Dates: Multiple dates available for regular camp hours:
June 24 – June 28 / July 1 – July 5 / July 8 – July 12 / July 22 – July 26 / July 29 – Aug. 2 / Aug. 12 – Aug. 16 / Aug. 19 – Aug. 23 / Aug. 26 – Aug. 30
Multiple dates available for extended camp hours:
June 17 – June 21 / July 15 – July 19 / Aug. 5 – Aug. 9
Price: Regular camp hours: $350 / Extended camp hours: $475
Hours: Regular camp hours: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. / Extended camp hours: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ages: 7 – 16
This summer day camp will help your little equestrian build self-confidence and independence as they learn how to feed, lead, groom, bridle, saddle up, and ride. Open to riders of all skill levels, this camp is sure to be the highlight of your child’s summer.
9. Girls Summer Camp at Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy
Location: 63060 Layton Ave, Bend, OR 97701
Dates: Several dates available:
July 9 – July 11 / July 16 – July 18 / July 23 – July 25 / July 30 – Aug. 1 / Aug. 6 – Aug. 8 / Aug. 13 – Aug. 15
Price: 1 camp: $175 / 2 – 4 camps: $165 each / 5+ camps: $155 each
Hours: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Tuesday – Thursday)
Ages: 6+
This camp, brought to you by the Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy, is all the training your gymnast needs to advance to the next level. Each day includes 2.5 hours of gymnastics instruction followed by an hour and a half of fun games and activities.
Classes are available to all skill levels from beginner to pre-team, and a 6-to-1 ratio of campers to instructors guarantees that your daughter will get the personalized attention she deserves.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no tots class or open gym available during summer programs. If you need a sitter for your other kiddos during this time, check out SnappySitters.com.
10. Music Flow Summer Day Camps
Location: The Fellowship at Bend (TFAB) – 21530 NE Butler Market Rd, Bend OR 97701
Dates: Week 1 will be Mon 7/8, Wed 7/10, and Fri 7/12
Week 2 will be Mon 7/15, Wed 7/17, and Fri 7/19
Price: $200
Hours: 9AM-1PM each day
Ages: Recommended for 6 – 12 yrs (special requests considered)
Fun and motivating instructors teach interactive music. Kids will learn music basics, be introduced to different instruments (ukulele, keyboard, voice, guitar) and make music with fellow students. Activities include ear training, musical games, group songwriting, rhythm work and performance. This is the perfect camp if you want to expose your kids to music in an interactive, exploratory way.
11. Camp Courage at Partners of Care
Location: 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, OR 97701
Dates: July 22 – 25, 2019
Price: Free (registration required)
Hours: 2019 hours to be announced
Ages: Not specified
If your child is grieving the loss of a beloved family member or friend, look no further than this free, four-day summer art camp. Your child will be given the opportunity to explore while learning how to express their feelings of loss through various types of art projects. This healing environment was even recommended by Jenni O’Keefe, creator of award-winning film Children and Grief.
NOTE: Click here to download the registration form for Camp Courage. Call (541) 382-5882 for more information.