The Salem-Keizer community is full of opportunities to help students stay engaged over the summer. Below are a few of the events, programs and activities available from community organizations throughout the Salem-Keizer area that students can take part in during summer break.
Many SKPS schools are also hosting summer programs to support students as they transition into a new school year and for additional support in many academic subject areas. Families are encouraged to reach out to their students’ school for details about specific school-based summer opportunities.
Check back periodically for updated information about summer opportunities
Boys & Girls Club summer camp
Check out the Summer Camp options at the Boys & Girls Club or register for one of the Teen Centers. Registration is available for the full summer or week to week. Learn more about summer camp, including fees and available scholarships, on the Boys & Girls Club website.
Champions
Champions provides summer Champ Camp to children ages 5-12 to build skills, develop teamwork and provide hand-on activities. Learn more about enrollment and weekly activities at the summer Champ Camp by visiting their website.
CAREcorps
CAREcorps seeks to break negative teen stereotypes by providing a space for cultural, educational and leadership growth, empowering youth to make positive changes in the community. Registration is available for incoming 9-12 grade students. Learn more about the program and how to register on the CAREcorps webpage.
Summer Parks Program Day Camps
The City of Salem is offering day camps, available through the Summer Parks Program, to provide outdoor playtime in a supervised environment. Registration information, including camp themes and available fee waivers, can be found on the City of Salem’s Camps and Activities page.
Salem Public Library
Project R.E.A.D. (Read, Enjoy, Achieve, Develop) is a literacy-based outreach program designed to introduce 1st grade students who are a part of Salem-Keizer Public Schools. The program also brings library services, including book checkout and Summer Reading Club participation, to students enrolled in the Summer Migrant Education program. Learn more about programs provided at the Salem Public Library or apply for an outreach library card on their website.
Keizer Rapids Park
Join the Mid-Willamette Outreach Group & community partners for a family-friendly fishing skills event at Keizer Rapids Park on May 20, ahead of Free Fishing Weekend, which takes place June 3 and 4. Registration for the Learn to Fish event is available on the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District website. Registration is also available for the Learn to Kayak event on July 19.
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (CTGR)
The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has multiple opportunities for students of Native heritage to stay engaged over the summer. For the latest information about summer opportunities, such as the K-5 Summer Program, visit the CTGR educations programs Facebook page.
YMCA
The YMCA is providing Summer Day Camps for students between June and August. Registration information, including financial aid and scholarship options, can be found on the YMCA Summer Day Camp web page.
Gilbert House
See the summer camp opportunities available at the Gilbert house by checking out their summer camps webpage. Information about day admission and other activities can be found on their homepage.
Enlightened Theatrics
Interested in acting, dancing or music? Summer camps are available at Enlightened Theatrics to elementary, middle and high school students August 14-25, Monday through Friday. Registration information can be found on their website. Email jessica@enlightenedtheatrics.org with questions regarding financial assistance.
Summer Art Association
The Bush Barn Art Center & Annex at Bush Park is offering summer art camps between June and August this year. See the camp themes and registration information, including available scholarships, on their Summer Art Camps web page.
Children’s Educational Theatre
Students have the opportunity to work with real-world professionals on a curriculum-based program to hone their skills in the performing arts. The Children’s Educational Theatre is offering three classes over the summer from June 26 through July 29. Students are cast in or work backstage during one of eight productions. Registration and tuition assistance information is available on their website.
Chemeketa Community College
Chemeketa is offering a couple of opportunities for students over the summer. Students ages 14-16 in Marion and Polk counties who are interested in FREE hands-on activities are encouraged to register for CTE Exploration Week, taking place July 17-20. Recent high school graduates or incoming high school seniors in the Chemeketa service district have the opportunity to register for the Bolt Summer Program offering FREE five-week summer courses between June 26 and July 29.