Summer Programs for Tweens & Teens in the Columbia Gorge (2025 Edition)
Summer can be tricky territory for tween and teens — too old for day camps, too young for full independence. If your teen isn’t quite ready for a job (or isn’t interested in finding one…), you’re not alone. That’s why we rounded up local options just for tweens and teens.
May 28, 2025
Whether they’re looking to create, climb, dance, lead, perform, or paddle, there’s something for every interest, age, and schedule in the Gorge this summer (and beyond). From hands-on art to athletic training, wilderness adventures to watersports, here’s your guide to teen-specific camps, classes, and programs happening across the Columbia Gorge.
🎨 Creative & Performing Arts
Tokki Art Camps:
Tokki offers a creative lineup of summer camps designed to inspire young artists through painting, storytelling, animation, and sculpture.
Teen Art Camp - July 14–18 | 1:00–4:00PM | Ages 11–16 | $200
Painting, sculpture, drawing, and mixed media. Camp ends with a gallery showcase for friends and family.
Specialty Art Camps - Ages - up to 14 years old | $150 each
Comic Book Camp
July 22–24 & August 18–20 | 9:00AM–12:00PM
Design characters, compose panels, and create your own mini graphic novel. Ends with a Comic Book Expo.
Animation Camp
July 22–24 | 1:00–4:00PM
Learn stop-motion and hand-drawn animation techniques and create your own short film. Final screening for family at the end of camp.
Paper Craft Camp
August 18–20 | 1:00–4:00PM
Explore origami, pop-up cards, 3D paper sculptures, and more.
Fruit Loops Art Center:
Summer Art Club (Grades 3–8)
Learn about new mediums, the creative process and self expression during our Visual Arts Club. Each day will include art exploration, opening crafting time with weekly creative prompts, and a chance for young artists to show and share their work!
Summer Theatre Club (Grades 3-5)
Explore your creativity using your body, voice, and imagination in this Theatre Arts Club! Acting games, scene work, tech crew roles, and confidence-building fun.
Theatre Club (Grades 6–9)
Explore your creativity using your body, voice, and imagination in this Theatre Arts Club! Acting games, scene work, tech crew roles, and confidence-building fun.
Joy's Art Studio
Teen Art Camp - June 9, 10, 11 - 3:30PM - 6:30PM
Columbia Center for the Arts:
Ages 12+
Learn the art of woodburning in a hands-on workshop with artist Paint by DeLoné. All tools and materials provided. No experience needed!
TWO SESSIONS: MAY 31st at 11am and 2pm (this week!)
This summer, young singers of all experience levels are invited to join Choir Camp with music director and vocal coach Duncan Krummel. Explore vocal technique, music theory, poetry, and performance in a supportive, creative environment.
Choir Camp (Ages 10–13): July 21–Aug 1, 12–2PM
For ages 10-13, a two week track adds deeper learning with topics such as solfège and conducting skills, and ends with the performance of 3 new choral works.
Choir Camp (Ages 14–18): July 14–Aug 1, 2–4PM
For ages 14-18, a three week track continues to build upon a solid foundation of teaching with more in depth analysis of poetry and discussions on form and analysis, and ends with the performance of 3-4 new choral works.
Missoula Children’s Theatre: The Princess & The Pea: Aug 4 - Aug 9
Calling all young actors (up to 8th grade)! Join Missoula Children's Theatre and 50-60 other local youth for a production of the classic, The Princess & The Pea.
Theatre CamilleLynne:
Ages 13–19
A welcoming space for teen performers and tech crew to tackle meaningful productions.
- Upcoming Show: Ride the Cyclone — June 20–22, 27–28 (Columbia Gorge Center of the Arts)
Next Auditions: December for Ordinary Days
The Rabbit Hole Jewelry:
Metal Smithing & Jewelry Making (Middle & High School)
High School Class: June 30–July 3 | 9AM–12PM or 1–4PM
Learn foundational jewelry-making: annealing, soldering, stone setting, and more. All materials—including silver—provided.
Middle School Class: July 16–17 | 1–4PM
Kickstart their jewelry-making journey. Students will be introduced to foundational metalsmithing techniques such as annealing, sawing, forming, texturing.
Clay Commons:
Teen Wheel Throwing Workshop
July 7–11 | 1:00–4:30PM | Ages 14–17
A hands-on introduction to wheel throwing. Teens will learn centering, trimming, and glazing while building creative confidence.
Hood River New School
Summer Art Classes with Michelle Yamamoto
August 18–21 | Grades 6–8 | Hood River New School
Join local artist and teacher Michelle Yamamoto for two creative art classes designed for tweens and teens!
- Painting for All: 10AM–12PM – Explore acrylic painting, layout, and color mixing
- Comic Art: 1PM–3PM – Learn comic storytelling, layout, and illustration techniques
🛠️ STEM & Makers Camps
Hands-on creativity meets real-world skill-building at Gorge Makerspace. Whether your teen wants to code, sew, build, or invent, these camps offer engaging, empowering experiences led by expert instructors.
Gorge Makerspace
June 16–19 | 9:00AM–12:00PM | Ages 11–14
A 4-day deep dive into basic electronics and microboards like Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Campers will design and program simple circuits while learning how to prototype their own ideas.
Tool Up!
June 16–20 | 9:00AM–3:00PM | Ages 16+
Thinking about a career in the trades? This immersive program introduces teens to basic construction skills through job site visits, tool training, and guidance from local contractors and tradespeople.
June 30–July 4 | 9:00AM–1:00PM | Ages 10+
Design and build creative, rolling contraptions—from bike trailers to go-karts—and debut your creation in the Hood River 4th of July Parade! A wild and wonderful week of collaboration, engineering, and community pride.
Cost: $425
Woodworking Camp: Whimsical Boxes
July 1–3 | 9:00AM–2:00PM | Ages 11–14 (or with instructor consent)
Learn to use the bandsaw and other woodworking tools safely while creating a whimsical keepsake box that’s totally one-of-a-kind. Great for beginners—no prior experience required.
Cost: $300
Craft Camp: Sewing Mini Backpacks (July Session)
July 9–11 | 9:00AM–12:00PM | Ages 10+ (or with instructor consent)
Back by popular demand! Create your own denim mini backpack in this guided, beginner-friendly sewing class taught by Anne Gengler.
Cost: $150
Machine Sewing: Cross Body Bag
July 23–25 | 9:00AM–12:00PM | Ages 11–14 (or with instructor consent)
Design and sew your very own cross body bag in just three mornings! Campers will learn how to work with patterns, install a magnetic closure, and select from a variety of colorful fabrics. Sewing machines and supplies are provided. No experience necessary—beginners welcome!
Instructor: Theresa Perry
Cost: $150
Machine Sewing: Summer Wrap Skirt
August 6–8 | 9:00AM–12:00PM | Ages 11–14 (or with instructor consent)
Interested in making your own clothes? This beginner-friendly class is the perfect place to start. Campers will learn how to choose fabric, adjust skirt length, and sew on buttons as they create a stylish summer wrap skirt from start to finish. Sewing machines and supplies provided—just bring your creativity!
Cost: $150
August 11–15 | 10:00AM–2:00PM | Ages 10+
Turn your creative skills into a small business! In this hands-on camp, students will explore the full process of bringing a product to market—from design and budgeting to branding, production, and sales. Campers will spend the week creating products, laser cutting signage, making custom stickers, and wrapping it all up with a real sales booth at the Hood River Farmers Market.
Great for artists, builders, and aspiring entrepreneurs!
Cost: $350 + $50 materials budget per student
Hood River New School
July 7–11 | 9:00AM–2:00PM | For students entering 3rd–5th grade
Back for its third summer, RoboCamp is a student-designed and run day camp packed with hands-on robotics, coding, science experiments, arts and crafts, and outdoor games. Led by Hood River New School alumni, this fun and supportive camp fosters creativity, teamwork, and curiosity—no prior coding or science experience needed.
Cost: $280
July 14–18 | 9:00AM–2:00PM | For girls entering 4th–6th grade
Created and led by Hood River New School alumni, this hands-on camp empowers girls to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun experiments, real-world connections, and outdoor play. No prior experience needed—just curiosity!
Cost: $280 | Limited to 18 campers
💃 Dance and Movement
NK Studios:
Teen Hip Hop Dance Series
Starts July 14 | Registration Open
4:00–4:45PM: 5th Grade & Up with Ali
5:15–6:10PM: 7th Grade & Up with Giselle
High-energy choreography that builds rhythm, confidence, and joy in a fun, all-levels environment.
Columbia Gorge Dance Academy:
Summer Intensives in technique, improvisation, hip hop, theatre jazz, contemporary, and more, with special guest teachers.
Sessions vary by week / month / genres
Combo Dance Camp - Grades 3 - 6
Session 1 - June 17, 18, 19
Session 2 - June 30, July 1, 2
🚲 Biking
Summer Walk & Roll Club
June 26 – August 21 | Thursdays
Meeting Location: Hood River Middle School Track
Cost: Pay what you can ($0–$100) – includes snacks.
Led by local active transportation advocate Megan Ramey, the Summer Walk & Roll Club invites middle schoolers (5th - 8th graders) to explore the Gorge on two wheels, by foot, and even by transit!
Each Thursday, the group will adventure to local destinations, build confidence navigating the area, and enjoy fresh air and movement with friends.
🧗 Movement & Outdoor Adventure
Chalk School of Movement:
Teen Open Gym
Tuesdays | 7:00–9:00PM | Ages 13+
Open gym for movement, strength, and agility. Popular with snow, wind, and mountain athletes.
Skatespace Skate Camps
Ages up to 15 | White Salmon
Explore Gorge skateparks daily. Drop-off and pick-up at Skatespace under Everybody’s Brewing.
Brimstone Boulders
June 23–27 & August 4–8 | Mon–Fri, 9AM–3:30PM | Ages 11+
Spend the week climbing real rock, hiking scenic trails, swimming, and learning outdoor skills in the heart of the Gorge! Campers will start in the gym, then head to local crags to practice belaying, rappelling, and climbing—all with expert guidance and a healthy dose of fun. The ultimate climbing adventure camp, where kiddos get to spend every day in the great outdoors!
Cost: $550 (Members) / $610 (Non-Members)
July 7–11 & July 28–August 1
Mon–Thu: 9AM–3PM | Fri: 9AM–3:30PM | Ages 8–12
Monday–Friday | Ages 8–12
This hands-on, weeklong camp introduces kids to climbing through fun games and skill-building activities. Campers will learn how to use harnesses, tie figure 8 knots, and belay—then head outside on Friday to climb real rock at a local crag, guided by Brimstone’s certified instructors.
A perfect intro for kids ready to challenge themselves and have fun in the great outdoors!
Cost: $375 (Members) / $415 (Non-Members)
The Next Door
Nature’s Greatest Strength: Free Outdoor Experience Camp
Thursdays, July 3 – August 14 | 9:00AM–2:00PM | For students entering 6th–8th grade
Explore the Columbia Gorge through free weekly field trips that combine adventure, learning, and connection with nature! Each Thursday features a different destination—from hiking at Starvation Creek to paddleboarding at the Hood River Waterfront and visiting OMSI, Maryhill Museum, and more.
Cost: Free | Locations vary weekly
Mitchell Point Summer Camp
Weekly sessions for ages 7–14
This outdoor-focused day camp offers kids the chance to explore, build, move, and learn through hands-on activities and nature-based play. Campers participate in two daily group sessions plus free choice time, with plenty of space to relax, socialize, and connect.
Each week features a new theme to keep things fresh and exciting—perfect for both first-timers and returning campers.
- 3 weeks for ages 10–14
Ages are grouped for age-appropriate programming that grows with your child.
🌲 Leadership, Wilderness & Farm Life
Let’s Get Out Adventure Camp
Aug. 4-8 - Ages 11–14
Adventure-based leadership camp that builds teamwork, self-awareness, and confidence.
Also available: Jr Guide Program for teens interested in mentoring younger campers.
Ekone Ranch Overnight Camps
At Ekone Ranch, campers ages 8–18 become part of a vibrant, inclusive community rooted in connection—to the land, to each other, and to themselves. Days are spent almost entirely outdoors, filled with nature play, creative exploration, and meaningful work like gardening, animal care, and conservation projects.
Campers cook, clean, build, and adventure together—finding joy in responsibility and fun in everyday moments. Campers sleep in a cozy bunkhouse or under the stars, eat garden-fresh meals, and return home a little more alive.
Ages 12–18
- Leadership Camp: June 23–28 – $900
- Wrangler Camp: July 7–12 – $1400
- A Guided Path: July 14–19 – $900
- Horse Connection Camp: July 21–26 – $1200
Blend of horsemanship, hands-on work, and personal growth in a supportive, off-grid setting.
🌊 Watersports & Outdoor Skills
Wylde Wind & Water Youth Programs
Wingfoil Youth Camps Intro & Intermediate Sessions | Small Groups
These progression-based camps introduce young adventurers to one of the Gorge’s fastest-growing sports. Campers start with wing control on non-foiling boards and advance to foil boards as skills build. Beginner and intermediate camps available, all taught by experienced instructors in a safe and supportive environment.
Jr. Devo Team: The DEVO Team builds water confidence and safety through stand-up paddling, prone paddling, and swimming. Focused on teamwork, fun, and personal growth, this program is ideal for youth looking to get comfortable in and around the water while developing lifelong skills.
JET Team – Summer-Long Competitive SUP Program
Designed for youth ready to take their SUP skills to the next level. JET combines competitive paddling training with hands-on water safety education—including interaction with local emergency response teams and rescue tools. Ideal for serious young athletes with a passion for the water.
Wingfoil Team – Summer-Long Training & Team Development
Young wingfoilers will sail together regularly and receive coaching from professional athletes—including Fiona Wylde. The program builds skills in freestyle, racing, swell riding, and water safety, all within a fun, team-focused environment. Team members are encouraged to compete in local events.
Free Offerings:
Wingfoil Try-It Nights: Thursdays in July & August, 5:30–7:30PM at The Hook
Community SUP: Saturdays in July & August – all ages welcome, no registration required
Columbia Gorge Junior Kayak Club
Free Weekly Sessions | Gear Provided
FREE weekly programming throughout the summer aimed at building confidence and safety skills while teaching kayaking basics in and around rivers. We offer weekly flatwater sessions and run sections of river on beginner friendly rapids with expert volunteers to support. We are also able to provide appropriate gear necessary.
Gorge Junior Sailing
Gorge Junior Sailing offers sailing classes from June 30 to August 15. All ages and skill levels!
Big Winds
Combo Windsurf / Wing Surf Kids Camp
June 30 – July 3 | AM: 10AM–1PM • PM: 2PM–5PM | Ages 7–14 | $399
Now in its 35th year, this beloved camp gets kids confident, comfortable, and stoked on windsurfing and wing surfing! Campers spend the first two days windsurfing (learning 180 turns and upwind sailing), with the option to continue or try wing surfing (no foil) for the final two days.
Includes: All gear (wetsuit, booties, PFD, helmet)
Bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water bottle
Prerequisites: Ages 7–14, strong swimmers, love the water
Advanced Junior Windsurfing Camp
July 7–10 | 2:00–5:00PM | Ages 10+ | $489
Take your windsurfing to the next level in this advanced afternoon camp at the Hook. Campers will learn water starts, and how to ride with a harness and foot straps—all in deeper, open water.
Includes: All gear (wetsuit, booties, PFD, helmet)
Bring: Water bottle, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen
Prerequisites: Strong swimming, prior Kids Camp or equivalent experience, ability to beach start and stay upwind
💪 Sports, Training & Performance
Adventure Onward Fitness: Teen Athletic Training
Ages 12–15 | June–August | Hood River
12-week small-group program focusing on injury prevention, explosive movement, strength, and mindset.
Hood River Parks & Rec Sports Camps
Includes:
- Whole Athlete Volleyball Camp
- Nike Volleyball Camp
- Water Polo Skills Camp
- Lacrosse Skills Camp
Hood River Youth Basketball
Summer Hoops Camp - up to 8th grade -
June 11th - June 13th 9AM- Noon
What to Expect:
Team Skills, Ball Handling, Shooting, Offense/Defense, Scrimmage & Games, Awards, Camper T Shirt
Columbia Gorge Youth Soccer
CGYS x Portland Timbers 3v3 Soccer Tournament
Saturday, August 16th @ Hood River High School (up to 8th grade)
Details and Registration HERE
📚 Libraries and Literacy
This summer, libraries across the Columbia Gorge are making space for tweens and teens to explore, create, and connect on their own terms. Whether you're into writing, art, tech, or just hanging with friends in a chill, supportive setting—there’s something here for you.
Programs include summer reading challenges, DIY maker activities, STEM and gaming events, and creative workshops just for your age group. These free programs are more than just something to do—they’re a place to belong.
Hood River Public Library
Fantasy World Creation for Teens - Wednesday 4PM - 6PM
White Salmon Valley Community Library
Henna Designs with Roving Horse Henna
Friday, June 20 | 6:30–8:30PM | For Teens
Teens are invited to relax, connect, and receive a unique design from the talented artists at Roving Horse Henna. All materials provided—just bring yourself and a friend.
📌 Want More?
Check out the full directory and events listings (filter by "teens" or activities) in the Columbia Gorge—updated regularly with open registrations, free events, and new additions.
