Day camps around the Greater Portland–Vancouver metro area

Day camps offer students a chance to expand their horizons, meet new friends and try fun activities.

There are a number of day camp options in the Portland–Vancouver metro area.

Photo: Super sleuths day camp at the Jim Parsley Community Center

Register for summer day camps at the Jim Parsley Community Center.

Through the Foundation for VPS, the Jewish Business Network is supporting summer camps with scholarship vouchers to attend Boys and Girls summer programs or a camp offered at the Jim Parsley Community Center. Students 14 years of age or younger may apply.

More events

On June 8, the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will host free National Get Outdoors Day and Brigade Encampment events.


Library rewards summer reading

Sign up for the summer reading program in the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. The library also offers activities and special events.

Little kids, children, teens and adults can earn rewards while keeping their reading skills sharp with the free program.


Water Resources Center

The center offers several free educational activities, including Second Saturdays, Reading in the Wild and Science in the Park.


Intake center at Boys an Girls Club

All new Vancouver Public Schools students who are learning English as a second language may register for school at the intake center at Boys and Girls Club, 4040 Plomondon St., 98661.

The center will be open on the following dates:

  • Aug. 19, 21 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Aug. 20 and 22 from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Interpreters will be available to help complete paperwork. Bring proof of immunization, proof of each child’s date of birth, proof of current address and emergency contact numbers and public assistance case number (if applicable).

Boys and Girls Clubs

Several clubs offer summer activities, but space is limited. Visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington’s website for more information.


early entrance

Kindergarten Jump Start

Kindergarten Jump Start offers academic and developmental opportunities that build learning skills in incoming kindergarten students and familiarize them with their schools. This summer, the program will be offered on weekdays Aug. 5 through Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Anderson, Fruit Valley, Harney, Hazel Dell, King, Lincoln, Marshall, Minnehaha, Ogden, Roosevelt, Truman, Walnut Grove and Washington elementary schools. Jump Start will be offered from Aug. 12–16 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Chinook, Eisenhower, Felida, Franklin, Hough, Lake Shore, Sacajawea and Salmon Creek elementary schools.

There is no cost to participate. Transportation is not provided. Sign up in school offices before June 20 or on the first day of Jump Start at one of the above schools. Note: You must also register your child for kindergarten at this time. Please bring the required documentation.


Summer Meals

Graphic: School's Out! Power Up for Summer Fun!

The Summer Meals Program feeds kids and teens 18 years old and under. Sites are located at places such as schools, parks and community centers.

Boys and Girls clubs also provide summer meals. Membership in the clubs is not required for meals.

Kids ages birth to 18 also can get free meals during the summer thanks to Share


Cascadia Tech Academy

The Cascadia Tech Academy (formerly known as the Clark County Skills Center) is offering summer school classes to students who have completed eighth, ninth, 10th or 11th grade this school year. Students who have completed eighth, ninth, 10th or 11th grade during the 2018-19 school year can earn a 0.5 elective credit and, in some cases, academic credit. Get more information.

Photo: Kids swimming at the Jim Parsley Community Center

Swimming

Jump in! The pools at the Jim Parsley Community Center and Propstra Aquatic Center are open for fun and lessons. Check the links above for schedules and fees, or call JPCC at 360-313-1060 or Propstra at 360-313-3625.


go ready, fcrc, back to school

Go Ready! Back-to-School-Readiness Festival

The first day of school is coming. Will you be ready? Gear up for the first day by attending Go Ready!, a free back-to-school-readiness festival for VPS students and their parents. The event will be held Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hudson’s Bay High School, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd.


Free sports physicals

Physicals are required for middle and high school students who plan on participating in intramural sports, band or cheer. Free sports physicals for Vancouver students will be held at two locations:


Non-district events and activities are not sponsored or endorsed by Vancouver Public Schools.