Summer 2025: Activities, Family Fun, and Resources

Happy Summer, David Douglas Community!

Check the information below to explore a variety of recreational, educational, and community events this summer, including themed camps and local programs. We have also included details about medical and food support available during the summer.

We will update this page throughout the summer. 

Jump to:

Recreational Activities

Portland Parks & Recreation

Summer 2025 with Portland Parks & Recreation offers a vibrant mix of outdoor activities, camps, free meals, and community events for all ages across the city. 

Activities include:

Summer Free for All – Free Lunch and Play offers meal service for anyone under 18.

Summer Free for All – Cultural Events offers concerts, performances, Movies in the Park, and other special events.

Play Swim – Enjoy play swim sessions at 11 different pools across Portland, with discounted rates available online.

Interactive Fountains and Splash Pads offer dozens of interactive fountains and splash pads, all free and open to the public.

Check out the Portland Parks & Recreation website for more summer programs and offerings. 

You can also refer to the Recreation and Wellness Programs Resource Navigation Guide, which provides information about recreation and wellness resources that are accessible and inclusive for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and other disabilities in Oregon communities.

The David Douglas Run Club

The David Douglas Run Club is another way to stay active throughout the summer.
It is a free community event open to all students, staff, families, and friends of the David Douglas community. Each session includes workouts for all levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—and offers a chance to connect and enjoy the sunshine. Plus, enjoy a free watermelon after every session! It will start on July 1st at Lincoln Park. No registration is needed.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: Various locations

For more details, please refer to the Run Club schedule.

Club contact: Grant Collins | 503-896-2750 | grant.collins5799@gmail.com

Summer Camps

There are numerous summer camps available in the community, catering to all age groups. The following is a list of current offerings.

Portland Parks & Recreation Camps

Portland Parks & Recreation also offers summer camps featuring a variety of themes and activities, with reduced rates available for eligible families.

Portland Parks & Recreation summer camps information and registration.

Camp Yakety Yak

An inclusive day camp that supports friendship development and social skills for children with special needs ages 5 to 15, as well as workplace social skills instruction for young adults ages 16 to 22.

Camp Yakety Yak information and registration.

Autistic Community Activities Program

This day camp blends a structured classroom routine with daily community activities, offering a supportive environment for individuals with a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The camp welcomes participants ages 7 to 107.

ACAP camp information and camper application. 

Wayfinders Summer Camp 

This summer camp offers themed weekly sessions that blend hands-on learning with outdoor exploration—all in partnership with local organizations. The cost is based on a sliding scale, ranging from $150 to $390, depending on household income.

Wayfinders Summer Camp information and registration. 

Architects in Schools Virtual Summer Camp

Join the annual virtual Architects in Schools Summer Camp from June 23–27, designed for youth ages 8-12. Registration is free and must be completed by 5 PM on June 13. There is an optional $25 fee for those who wish to support the program.

Architects in Schools Virtual Summer Camp information and registration. 

Building Blocks 2 Success summer camps 

Various hands-on STEM-themed camps for Portland youth ages 7-15. The fee is $102 per registration.

Building Blocks 2 Success summer camps information and registration.

Elevate Oregon Summer Activity Camp

For students entering 1st through 5th grade

June 23–26 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM

 Location: Shaver Elementary School (3701 NE 131st Pl)

Elevate Oregon Activity Camp Sign-Up

Elevate Oregon Basketball Camp

For students entering 1st through 8th grade

 August 4–7 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

 Location: Parkrose High School (12003 NE Shaver St.)

Elevate Oregon Basketball Camp Sign-Up

Elevate Oregon camps promote life skills and character development while helping children stay active and connected to their community.

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers

For students going into Middle School next year (6th, 7th, and 8th grade). Explore STEM through hands-on projects, tech tools, and mentorship—no experience needed. The camp is 100% free for all students and includes lunch and HOP passes.

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers camp registration

Session 1: July 14 – August 1 (accepts applicants until Friday, July 18 if there is space available.)

Session 2: August 4 – August 22 (accepts applicants until Friday, August 8 if there is space available.)

Location: Portland State Science and Education Center (2130A SW 5th Ave. Portland, OR 97201)

Educational Activities

TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) program at Mt. Hood Community College

The college offers a free academic enrichment and college readiness program designed for motivated students in grades 6–12. It serves students all the way through high school and into their first year of college. As a TRIO ETS Scholar, the student will receive personalized academic advising, tutoring, college and career exploration, visits to college campuses, workshops on leadership and financial aid, and exclusive opportunities to prepare for life after high school—all at no cost to families.

To apply for the program, visit Mt. Hood Community College website. 

Contact: trio.program@mhcc.edu | 503-491-7688

Multnomah County Library programs

Summer Reading Program 

Join the free Summer Reading game starting June 16! Kids and teens can build a daily reading habit, earn prizes, and enjoy library events like storytimes, performances, and crafts—online and in person. When participants complete the Summer Reading Challenge in Beanstack, they’ll be entered to win prizes. 

Multnomah County Library web page on Summer Reading Program

My Discovery Pass

My Discovery Pass offers free educational and cultural experiences to Multnomah County Library cardholders. The pass provides free online access to tickets donated by local cultural attractions, such as museums and theaters.

Access the Multnomah County Library’s website to learn how to get My Discovery Pass!

Makerspace

The Makerspace offers free access to arts and crafts, 3D printing, sewing machines, and laptops during drop-in hours.

Rockwood Library is closed for construction and will reopen in the fall of 2025. During the closure, the makerspace is temporarily located at Midland Library.

Location: 805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233

Drop-in hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 2:30–5:30 PM.

Web page for Makerspace’s events and classes

SummerWorks summer job opportunities

SummerWorks offers paid summer job opportunities for youth ages 16–24 in the Portland Metro area. Applications are now open and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit the SummerWorks’ website to learn more about the opportunities.

Interested students should submit an online application. 

FUTURE MAKERS iBUILD + iENGINEER 

In this program,students in grades 6–12 can explore careers in manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and engineering through hands-on workshops led by industry professionals. Each two-day program includes interactive sessions, an industry tour, lunch, SWAG, and a prize raffle. Register for each program through the links below.

Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop

This workshop covers practical bike maintenance. Bring your bicycle and gain hands-on experience with basic repairs! Free and open to everyone.

August 13, 2025 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Midland Library, Community Room 1B (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233)

Health Resources for Youth

Multnomah County Student Health Centers

Two School-Based Health Centers will be open during summer break to provide health services for all Multnomah County youth ages 5 to 18. All other Multnomah County Student Health Centers will be closed except Aug. 11-19 specifically for Sports Physicals.

Please call for an appointment.

Parkrose Student Health Center: Open June 16 – August 20, Monday through Friday

Hours: 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM

Location: Parkrose High School

12003 NE Shaver St, Portland, OR 97220

Contact: 503-988-3392

David Douglas Student Health Center: Open June 17 – August 20, Tuesdays through Thursdays only

Hours: 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM

Location: David Douglas High School

1034 SE 130th Ave, Portland, OR 97233

Contact: 503-988-3554

Food Access

Summer EBT

Eligible families will receive a one-time payment of $120 per child on an Oregon EBT card to help purchase groceries. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 can participate in the program.

Summer EBT is a joint initiative of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). Most families will receive Summer EBT automatically if they are already receiving other benefits. This includes families who received Summer EBT in 2024 and still meet the eligibility requirements. No application is needed. Benefits have been loaded onto existing Oregon EBT cards starting May 23, 2025. Families who need a new card should call 855-328-6715.

Some families who meet household income requirements and have children attending schools with the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs need to apply for Summer EBT. 

Online application: May 30 – September 3, 2025
Summer EBT Call Center: 1-833-ORE-SEBT (1-833-673-7328), Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, until September 30, 2025. Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services website to learn more and apply.

Summer Lunch in the Park with Portland Parks & Recreation 

This free meal service program offers games, arts and crafts, and more at parks, running Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. It is open to kids and teens ages 1 to 18.

When: June 23 to August 22 (note: no meal services on July 4). 

Locations near you: 

Visit Free Lunch + Play page for a complete list of the locations around Portland. Print friendly schedules are available there in PDF format.

Summer Meals

Free Summer Meals are available to ALL youth ages 1- 18, without paperwork, income verification, and regardless of immigration status. Meals will be served on-site so plan to stay, eat and have fun.

To find an open meal site near you, visit SummerFoodOregon.org, Summer Meals Site Finder 2025, or call 2-1-1

Enrollment for 2025 -2026

Registration for Kindergarten 2025-2026

Do you have a child who will be five on or before September 1st, 2025?

Register for kindergarten in the David Douglas School District today!

Please call the school office to ask about the registration process during office hours. If English is not your home language, don’t hesitate to request translation support. You’re also welcome to ask about ways to connect with your new school community, including possible playground meet-ups, meal programs, and summer activities.

Go to the David Douglas School District website to register your child.

Math Activities

We have created a list of math activities that families can enjoy together during the summer. Explore each activity below and discover how learning math can be playful, creative, and a wonderful way to connect with your child.

MATH-O SUMMER MATH ACTIVITIES

M = Math Games

Play games to build number fluency—see some examples below.

“Guess My Number” link

Card Games slideshow 

Dice Games video

“Number of the Day” link

“Play 24” video 

A = All Around You

Look for math problems in your everyday surroundings.

• At the store
• In the car 
• Trivia
• Sports
• Nature & Science 

You can get some ideas on the Bedtime Math website.

T = Technology

Practice math skills with engaging online games.

Fluency by Amplify sign in page 

Tang Math – Games login page

NUMBER HIVE login page

Khan Academy sign up page

i-Ready 

H = at Home

Look for math activities around your house.

• In the kitchen: Check out the Math in the Kitchen’ article for ideas.
• Books: Find recommendations on MathThroughStories.org.
• Food: Pick your favorite topic from the Bedtime Math website.
• Time: Read clocks together and ask questions about time.
• Legos: See Lego Challenge Cards (PDF).

Learn more in the We Are Teachers article.

O = Outside

Explore the outdoors to discover math concepts while staying active.

• Groups of 10: Collect items you see to represent sets of tens and ones.
• Counting: Take a walk and decide on something to count. Try to skip counting too. 
• Patterns: Read an article about Fractals in Nature. 
• Shape Hunt: Identify and record different shapes found in nature. 
• Skip Counting: Skip count while you walk, jump rope, hula hoop, or wait in line. 

The complete MATH-O Summer Math Activities chart is also available below as a PDF.

MATH-O SUMMER MATH ACTIVITIES chart

For questions, email Rachelle Zimmerman: rachelle_zimmerman@ddsd40.org

Have a Safe and Fun Summer!

Remember to drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. We’re looking forward to welcoming our students and families back this fall!