SUMMER CAMPS!

June through August 2026
9am - 3pm*, Monday - Friday
theARTScentered
1007 East Mill Plain Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98663

 

Get ready for a summer full of curiosity, creativity, and play!

Columbia Play Project Summer Camps invite kids to build, imagine, experiment, and collaborate through hands-on activities designed for all kinds of learners. We’re committed to inclusive, welcoming play spaces where every child can explore, create, and feel at home.

*Columbia Play Project will not be offering before- or after-care for summer 2026

REGISTER TODAY!

weekly sessions

Weekly sessions for grade levels 1-3 and 4-5
$495 per camper, per week

Week 1: June 15 - 19
Urban Ecosystems – Nature in the City

Campers will discover nature in the city as they explore the VITA pollinator garden, observe insects and plants using a digital microscope, and learn how animals and people share urban habitats. Through outdoor exploration, along with art and science projects, they will imagine life as pollinators, birds, and other city wildlife while learning how ecosystems work together.

Week 2: June 22 - 26
Mapping & Camping – Adventure Explorers

Campers will explore the science and art of navigation by learning about compasses, scale, and topography while designing their own maps. Younger campers will enjoy imaginative play in our camping exhibit, while older explorers create treasure maps, navigate scavenger trails, and discover how explorers chart the world.

Week 3: June 29 - July 3
LEGO Engineering Lab

Build, design, and invent with one of the world’s favorite building tools! Campers will engineer their own LEGO worlds, experiment with moving LEGO creations like spinning tops and fidgets, and explore LEGO mosaics and art. Through playful challenges, campers learn how creativity and engineering work together.

Week 4: July 6 - 10
Art & Color Lab

Campers will step into a vibrant world of creativity as they experiment with different mediums, learn brush techniques, and discover how colors mix to create new shades. They’ll collaborate on a large-scale mural, explore still-life drawing outdoors, and use observation and science to capture the world around them.

Week 5: JUly 13 - 17
Math Makers

Math becomes a hands-on adventure as campers explore patterns through origami, beading, and tessellation art, hunt for numbers in outdoor scavenger challenges, and experiment with geometric design. Using textiles and quilting patterns, they’ll see how math shapes art, design, and everyday life.

Week 6: July 20 - 24
Theatre & Storytelling Studio

Every great adventure begins with a story! Campers will explore storytelling traditions from around the world while learning how characters, settings, and plots come together. They’ll create puppets, shadow plays, and original performances, bringing their own imaginative stories to life.

Week 7: July 27 - 31
Building & Design Lab

Campers will think like engineers as they design and construct imaginative structures using giant blue blocks and other building tools. By sketching ideas on graph paper, they’ll explore the engineering process—planning, testing, and improving their creations.

Week 8: August 3 - 7
History Explorers

Campers will step back in time to explore the stories of our region as they investigate how people lived, worked, and built communities. Activities include a local history walking adventure to Ft. Vancouver, exploring fabric arts as both necessity and storytelling, and using engineering to solve challenges.

Week 9: AUgust 10 - 14
Chemistry Lab

Campers put on their scientist goggles and experiment! They will mix colorful potions, explore light and nature with sun prints, and discover how simple chemical reactions create surprising results. This week is full of hands-on science experiments that make chemistry magical.

Week 10: AUgust 17 - 21
Farmers Market & Garden Lab

From seed to table! Campers will plant and grow their grass pets, explore how food grows, and play in a lively farmers market exhibit. Through planting, harvesting, and imaginative market play, they will learn about food systems, sustainability, and community.

register for camp!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Click the registration button to view all camp weeks in Zeffy. Scroll to find your desired week and select the correct age group before registering.

  • Yes! Each week is a completely different theme.

  • Item

    • Water bottle

    • Snack and lunch

    • Weather-appropriate clothing (we go outside!)

    • Anything your child needs to feel comfortable and supported.

  • Details will be emailed after registration, including timing and authorized pick-up guidelines.

    Camp is held at theARTScentered
    1007 East Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98663

    Camp hours at 9am-3pm.

    We will not offer before- or after-care in 2026.

  • Use your best judgment based on your child’s comfort level and experience. If you’re unsure, reach out—we’re happy to help place them.

  • Yes. Our programs are designed to be flexible and welcoming, with multiple ways for children to participate and engage.

    To help ensure a safe and positive experience for all campers, we ask that children attending camp are able to:

    • Participate in a group setting with a consistent routine

    • Follow basic directions from staff

    • Use the restroom independently

    • Manage personal needs (such as eating, dressing, and transitions) with minimal assistance

    If your child has specific needs or you’re unsure if our camp is the right fit, we encourage you to reach out—we’re happy to talk with you.

  • We understand that plans change, and we aim to be as flexible as possible while ensuring camp quality for all families.

    Cancellations by Families

    • Full refund (minus processing fees) if canceled at least 14 days before the first day of the registered camp week

    • 50% refund if canceled 7–13 days before the camp week

    • No refunds within 7 days of the camp start date

    Transfers & Changes

    • Camp registrations may be transferred to another week or camper (if space is available) at no cost up to 7 days before the session begins.

    Missed Days

    • We are unable to offer refunds or credits for missed camp days due to illness, vacation, or other personal reasons

    Camp Cancellations by Columbia Play Project

    • If we must cancel a session, families will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to another week

    Emergency Exceptions

    • We recognize that unexpected situations happen. Requests outside this policy may be considered case-by-case

  • We recommend joining the waitlist through Zeffy or selecting another week. Spots can open up!

  • Camps are led by trained Columbia Play Project staff who specialize in play-based learning and early childhood development.