Where Fun Never Takes A Vacation
SummerKids is an exciting and engaging way for 1st-6th graders to spend their summer. Each week, we explore a different theme through games, movement activities, science investigations, songs, arts and crafts, environmental awareness, and community building. More importantly, in small groups of 8-12, all youth get to make new friends, connect with caring adults, and discover their sparks in a low pressure, supportive, and fun environment.
SummerKids 2025 will take place at Bear Creek Elementary in Bend. In case of excessive heat or smoke, kids have room to move, play, and create indoors. Our Zen zone and behavior resources help youth regulate when feeling big emotions — a great way to practice those skills before heading back to school!
For youth in grades 7-12, we offer leadership and junior counselor opportunities.
WHERE: Bear Creek Elementary, 51 NE 13th St, Bend, OR 97702
HOURS AND COSTS:
Scholarships and financial assistance available. Learn more about financial assistance.
Week 1: June 16-20 – Art in Action
Discover the vibrant world of art from cultures around the globe in Art in Action! During this week, we’ll blend creativity with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) as kids explore diverse artistic styles and techniques, from traditional crafts to modern media. Through hands-on projects, they’ll express their creativity while learning how art connects with science, technology, and engineering. Every day is a new chance to create, experiment, and be inspired by the art of cultures near and far!
Week 2: June 23-27 – The Amazing Race
Get ready for a global adventure with The Amazing Race! Youth will explore geography, cultures, and landmarks from around the world while engaging in fun, problem-solving games and friendly competition. Each day, they’ll take on new challenges that test their teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking as they race to complete exciting tasks and unlock clues. Perfect for young explorers who love a little friendly competition, The Amazing Race is an action-packed journey of discovery and fun!
Week 3: June 30-July 3 – The Backyardigans
Adventure awaits right in our own backyard with The Backyardigans! This week’s experience invites campers to explore nature, learn outdoor skills, and discover the wonders of the environment around them. From pitching tents to building campfires and identifying local wildlife, each day is packed with hands-on activities that bring the outdoors to life. Perfect for curious campers ready to embark on new adventures close to home, The Backyardigans turns the familiar into the extraordinary!
** NO program/extended care on FRIDAY 7/4! **
Week 4: July 7-11 – Super Science Sleuths
Become a detective in Super Science Sleuths! This week’s program is perfect for curious minds who love a good mystery. Campers will dive into the world of forensics and investigative science, becoming problem-solvers, and cracking codes using hands-on experiments and critical thinking skills. From fingerprinting to decoding clues, each day presents a new case to solve. Get ready for a week of thrilling mysteries, teamwork, and scientific discovery!
Week 5: July 14-18 – Community Connections
Make a difference with Community Connections! This experience inspires kids to become active citizens and positive change-makers in their own neighborhoods. Through teamwork, civic engagement activities, and local service projects, they’ll learn the importance of helping others and working together. From planning community initiatives to hands-on volunteering, each day offers a new way to connect and give back. Join us for a meaningful camp experience that empowers campers to make a lasting impact!
Week 6: July 21-25 – Innovation Station
Step into the world of invention at Innovation Station! This week, it’s all about creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on engineering. Kids will tackle fun STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) challenges each day, exploring robotics, coding, design, and construction as they bring their own ideas to life. Innovation Station is where future innovators put their skills and imagination to the test.
Week 7: July 28-August 1 – Farm to Table
Get your hands dirty and your taste buds ready with Farm to Table! This program is all about exploring the journey of food from the farm to your plate. Youth will learn simple culinary skills, food science, and the importance of local food sourcing through hands-on cooking activities. From growing ingredients to preparing fresh meals, they’ll discover how food nourishes our bodies and communities. Perfect for young chefs and food enthusiasts, Farm to Table brings the farm-fresh experience to life!
Week 8: August 4-8 – To Infinity and Beyond
Blast off into the cosmos with To Infinity and Beyond! Kids will embark on an exciting journey through space, exploring planets, stars, and galaxies far beyond our own. Through interactive astronomy activities, rocket-building, and hands-on science experiments, they’ll uncover the wonders of our universe and the thrill of discovery. Perfect for young, curious minds, this experience brings the mysteries of the cosmos within reach!
Week 9: August 11-15 – Lights, Camera, Action!
Step into the spotlight with Lights, Camera, Action! This week, we invite youth to unleash their creativity through theater, storytelling, and performance. From acting and scriptwriting to set design and costumes, they’ll get hands-on experience in all aspects of a production. Each day brings new ways to build confidence, teamwork, and self-expression, leading up to a showcase performance for friends and family.
Low cost options and financial assistance are available for all of our programs!
Camp Fire Central Oregon has a long history of providing financial assistance to families in need. We strive to make all of our programs available to as many youth as possible, regardless of the ability to pay.
We recommend applying for assistance far in advance of the programs you are interested in attending, as funds are limited. Programs are open to all and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical challenges, or sexual orientation.
We strive to make all of our programs available to as many youth as possible, regardless of the ability to pay.
Because we schedule staff, invest in supplies, and plan for expenses based upon the number of youth we are expecting, we must adhere to our cancellation policies.
Most of our fee-based programs require a $10-25 non-refundable fee at registration (unless specifically noted in the program description).
Don't wait to register! High-quality youth programs are in high demand and Camp Fire programs are kept small to ensure a great adult:youth ratio and create the best learning experience possible. That means space is limited and many sessions sell out quickly. If the program is sold out, please add yourself to the waitlist.
Read about our registration policies, including making payments, our cancellation policy, and our refund policy.
Young people want to shape the world.
Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.
In Camp Fire, it begins now.
