Summer 2026: Activities, family fun, and free meals

Happy Summer, David Douglas Community!

Explore the information below for a variety of summer recreational, educational, and community events, including themed camps and local programs. You will also find details about medical and food support available throughout the summer months.

We will update this page throughout the summer. 
Our district office is open during the summer. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 503-252-2900. 

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Recreational Activities

Portland Parks & Recreation

Summer 2026 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.
• Free Open Play Swim – Enjoy weekly free swim sessions at 6 outdoor pools across Portland.
• 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, Advanced) and offers a chance to connect and enjoy the sunshine. Plus, enjoy a free watermelon after every session! 

It will start on July 7 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_collins@ddsd40.org

Summer Camps

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

1. Middle School CTE CAMP for Incoming 8th Graders

Did you know that students involved in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high school statistically achieve higher graduation rates? David Douglas High School is hosting a free CTE Summer Camp.

Participating students will rotate through five high-tech programs: Culinary Arts, Automotive Technology, Metals, Makerspace, and Computer Information Systems (CIS). 

Camp Details

• Who: Incoming 8th graders 
• Dates: June 23–25
• Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Location: David Douglas High School
• Lunch and transportation will be provided
• Registration: Complete the online Registration Form

For questions or additional information, please contact David Douglas High School: 

Kimberly Hermens, School to Career Coordinator, at kimberly_hermens@ddsd40.org

2. 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. Visit the Portland Parks & Recreation summer camps information page to register. 

3. Camp Yakety Yak

• An inclusive day camp that supports friendship development and social skills for children with special needs ages 5 to 18, as well as workplace social skills instruction for young adults ages 16 to 22. Visit the Camp Yakety Yak webpage for more information.

4. Autistic Community Activities Program (ACAP)

• 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 and up. Visit the ACAP Summer Camp webpage for more information and application. 

5. 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. Visit the Wayfinders Summer Camp webpage for more information and registration. 

6. Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) Summer Camps

• Through its Oregon Student Opportunities Hub, the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) helps children and teens ages 4–19 find fun summer camps focused on building, design, and STEM. View their 2026 Summer Camp catalog for complete details. 

7. Building Blocks 2 Success Summer Camps

• Various hands-on STEM-themed camps for Portland youth in grades K-9. The typical fee is $102 per registration. Visit the Building Blocks 2 Success webpage for more information. 

Educational Activities

Multnomah County Library programs

1. Summer Reading Program 

Join the free Summer Reading game starting June 15! Children and teens can build a daily reading habit, earn prizes, and enjoy library events like storytimes, performances, and crafts—online and in person. Everyone who completes the Summer Reading game will be entered into the Grand Prize drawings.

Visit the Multnomah County Library web page on Summer Reading Program page for more details. 

2. Makerspace 

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

The Rockwood makerspace is a collaborative learning environment at Rockwood Library with an emphasis on middle and high school learners.

Location: 17917 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97233
View their page for Makerspace’s events and classes for more details.

3. 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!

SummerWorks Summer Job Opportunities 

SummerWorks offers paid summer job opportunities for youth ages 16–24 in Washington or Multnomah County. 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. 

Health Resources for Youth

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.

Please call for an appointment. 

1. David Douglas Student Health Center: Open June 16-August 20, Tuesdays-Thursday only

Hours: 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM
Location: David Douglas High School
1034 SE 130th Ave, Portland, OR 97233

Contact: 503-988-3554

2. Parkrose Student Health Center: Open June 15-August 21, Monday-Friday

Hours: 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM
Location: Parkrose High School
12003 NE Shaver St, Portland, OR 97220

Contact: 503-988-3392

Sports Physicals 

If your student needs a sports physical for next school year, schedule it before the current school year ends to ensure a smooth appointment.

Call your nearest Student Health Center to make an appointment today.

Food Access

Summer EBT

Eligible families with school-aged children will receive a one-time payment of $120 per child on an Oregon EBT card to help purchase groceries. 

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 2025 and still meet the eligibility requirements. 
• Benefits have been loaded onto existing Oregon EBT cards starting June 5, 2026. Families who need a new card should call 855-328-6715.
• The Summer EBT program does not ask for immigration status and does not use immigration status to determine eligibility.

Online application: June 5 – September 1, 2026
Summer EBT Call Center: 1-833-ORE-SEBT (1-833-673-7328), Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, until September 25, 2026

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 22 to August 21, 2026 (note: no meal services on Friday, July 3). 

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.

ODE’s Summer Meals Program

When school is out for the summer, Summer Meal Programs ensure children don’t miss out on essential nutrition. Summer Meal Programs include the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO). These programs offer free meals to all children and teens ages 1 to 18. 

To find a free meal site near you:

• Call 211 or
• Visit the Summer Meals Site Finder page

You can also visit the David Douglas School District’s Food Resources or Nutrition Services page for more helpful information. 

Enrollment for 2026 -2027

Registration for Kindergarten 2026-2027

Do you have a child who will be five on or before September 1st, 2026?

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, do not hesitate to request translation support. You are 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.

Have a Safe and Fun Summer!

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