Summer Camp 2026
Most kids come home from camp with a story. At Play & Ponder this summer, your camper comes home with a celebration and memories that last forever!
A 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio. Just 8 kids per week. A screen-free, nature-inspired indoor space designed entirely for children ages 4–8. A new theme every week so every week feels fresh. And a Friday celebration that brings the whole family in.
Our Summer Camp runs for 10 weeks, and every week is intentionally small — so every kid gets seen, every project gets time, and every Friday gets celebrated.
Why Families Choose Us
- 🧑🏫 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio — closer to preschool care than most summer camps
- 👧 8 kids per week, max — small by design, so every kid gets attention
- 🎨 A new theme every week — pick the week that matches your camper's spark
- 📵 Fully screen-free — all day, every day
- 🌿 Calm, nature-inspired indoor space — built for kids ages 4–8
- 🎉 Friday Family Celebration — every week ends with a party!
🎨 10 Weeks, 10 Themes
Pick the week that matches your camper. Activities, projects, and the Friday show-and-tell are all built around the week's theme.
- Week 1 · June 15 – 19 — 🌲 Nature Explorers
- Week 2 · June 22 – 26 — 🎨 Little Artists
- Week 3 · June 29 – July 3 — 🦖 Dino Discovery
- Week 4 · July 6 – 10 — 🐠 Under the Sea
- Week 5 · July 13 – 17 — 🚀 Space Adventures
- Week 6 · July 20 – 24 — 🐛 Bug Safari
- Week 7 · July 27 – 31 — 🔨 Builders and Makers
- Week 8 · August 3 – 7 — 🌍 Around the World
- Week 9 · August 10 – 14 — 🔬 Science Fun
- Week 10 · August 17 – 21 — 🦸 Superhero Academy
Not sure which week is right for your kid? Email us — we're happy to help you pick.
🎉 NEW for 2026: Friday Camp Celebration
Most camps end with a quiet pickup. We wanted Fridays to be different.
Every camp week ends with a Friday Camp Celebration, 3–5 pm — the space closes to the public, and your camper gets to share what they made with the people who matter most to them.
- Each camper invites 4 guests — parents, grandparents, a sibling, a cousin, a best friend. Anyone they want in the room.
- First 30 minutes: show-and-tell — every camper shares what they made and learned that week
- Then snacks, then 90 minutes of free play with family
- Hard wrap at 5 pm
- Free, included with camp — every Friday from June 19 through August 21
Camp Format
- Full-day: 9 am–3 pm, Monday–Friday
- Half-day: 9 am–12:30 pm, Monday–Friday
- Ages: 4–8 (we welcome kids turning 4 this summer if they're fully potty trained — just reach out)
- Staff ratio: 1 adult for every 4 campers
- Group size: 8 kids per week, max
- Dates: 10 weeks, June 15 – August 21, 2026
What Parents Are Saying
"They came home happy, tired, and already asking to go back."
"He kept running over proudly to show us what he made."
"The staff was so attentive… they kept the kids engaged and active all day."
★ 5.0 on Google · 187+ reviews · PDX Parent Top 5 Reader's Favorite
A Note on Capacity
We cap each week at 8 kids and staff, every week at a 1:4 ratio. Across 10 weeks, that's 80 spots for the entire summer. Some themes book out faster than others — once a week is full, it's full.
General Rules, Guidelines, and Policies
Age Requirement:
- Camp is for children ages 4–8.
- We're happy to consider kids turning 4 this summer, as long as they are fully potty-trained. Just send us an email, and we'll chat.
- Activities are tailored by age group for safety and enjoyment.
Safety First:
- Our staff is trained to ensure a safe environment for all activities.
- We maintain a 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio at all times.
Play Area Rules:
- No rough play or aggressive behavior.
- Gripped socks are required for children in the play area.
Food and Drink:
- Food and drinks are allowed only in the lounge area.
- For the safety of all children, we ask that food not be brought into the play area.
- Nut-free facility.
FAQs
What's your staff-to-camper ratio? 1:4. One trained adult for every four campers — significantly more attentive than most summer camps and closer to a preschool ratio.
My child turns 4 this summer — can they still attend? Yes, in most cases. We welcome kids turning 4 during the summer as long as they're fully potty trained and comfortable in a small group setting. Email us at contactus@playandponder.com with your child's birthday, and we'll find a good week.
Can my child do more than one week? Absolutely — and many do. Each week has a different theme, so back-to-back weeks feel fresh. Email us if you want help building a multi-week plan.
What should my child bring to camp? Comfortable clothes, grippy socks, and a water bottle. We provide all materials for crafts and activities. Pack a lunch for full-day campers, or a small snack for half-day campers.
Can I stay with my child during camp? For most camps, parents are welcome to either drop off and head out or stay and relax in our lounge area. If your child is younger or prefers having you nearby, feel free to stay and enjoy the space.
What happens if my child has special needs or dietary restrictions? We strive to accommodate all children. Please let us know in advance of any special requirements so we can prepare for a positive experience.
Do children need to be potty-trained to participate in camp? Yes — fully potty trained is required for everyone, including any "turning 4 this summer" campers. This is for the comfort and safety of every child in the group.
Who can come to the Friday Camp Celebration? Each camper invites up to 4 guests — anyone they want. Parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, a best friend. The space is closed to the public from 3–5 pm, so it's just camp families.
Is the Friday Celebration included for half-day campers, too? Yes. Half-day and full-day campers all join the Friday Celebration.
Location
18395 NW West Union RD, Suite A, Portland, OR – 97229
Contact
Email: contactus@playandponder.com Call us: 971 727 3619
