Coding, robotics, engineering, game design, and science camps that inspire the next generation of innovators.
Portland's tech industry presence and maker culture support excellent STEM camps for kids. From the national leader iD Tech at Lewis & Clark College to Saturday Academy's 40+ years of Oregon STEM education, these programs offer everything from coding fundamentals to advanced robotics. Many programs emphasize hands-on learning and real problem-solving, reflecting the maker ethos of the region. Special affinity spaces for underrepresented groups help ensure STEM opportunities reach all kids.
STEM and tech camps in Portland balance instruction with hands-on project time. A typical day might begin with a concept introduction or skill demonstration, followed by extended work periods where campers apply what they've learned. Coding camps alternate between learning new programming concepts and working on personal projects. Robotics camps cycle between building, programming, and testing. Science camps at OMSI combine lab activities, experiments, and exploration of the museum's resources.
Depending on the focus area, kids may learn programming languages (Python, JavaScript, Scratch), robotics construction and programming, engineering design principles, game development, 3D modeling and printing, or scientific inquiry methods. Beyond technical skills, these camps emphasize computational thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and persistence through failure—skills that transfer far beyond STEM fields. Many programs like Saturday Academy explicitly teach the design thinking process: define, ideate, prototype, test, iterate.
Portland STEM camps emphasize creating tangible outcomes. Coding camps typically culminate in completed games, apps, or websites that kids can share. Robotics camps end with functional robots that can complete challenges. Engineering camps produce working models or prototypes. Science camps may result in completed experiments with documented results. Kids leave with something they've made, not just concepts they've learned—reflecting Portland's maker culture.
Portland's tech industry and maker culture create a uniquely supportive STEM camp ecosystem. OMSI runs one of the nation's most comprehensive science camp programs, with options from day camps to overnight adventures at Camp Hancock and Camp Gray. Saturday Academy has provided 40+ years of innovative STEM education and offers robust scholarships (50-80% tuition coverage) plus affinity spaces for underrepresented groups. The region's emphasis on hands-on making means camps here prioritize building and creating over passive learning.
40+ years of Oregon STEAM education with themed weeks at UP and PSU. Robust scholarships (50-80%) and affinity spaces for underrepresented groups.
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One of the nation's most comprehensive science camp programs, with day camps at OMSI plus overnight options at the coast, high desert, and zoo.
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The original tech camp with 25+ years experience, offering coding, robotics, AI, and game development at Lewis & Clark College. ACA accredited.
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National Inventors Hall of Fame program at Portland-area schools, with research-backed curriculum that improves attendance and academic outcomes.
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National engineering education franchise at multiple Portland metro locations, with hands-on activities building critical thinking and social skills.
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