From our friends at Portland Community College Community Ed:
A Summer Where Teens Can Discover What Moves Them
When summer arrives, many parents start searching for something that feels meaningful, not just something to fill the days. Portland Community College’s Community Ed Teen Summer Program offers exactly that. It is a place where teens can try something new, build real skills, and connect with others in a way that feels natural and lasting.
These camps are rooted in doing. Teens are not sitting back or scrolling through their phones. They are shaping clay, welding metal, capturing photos, building projects, and learning through experience. In these spaces, confidence grows quietly. Conversations come more easily. Friendships form through shared challenges and small victories.
What makes this program stand out is the freedom to explore. Teens ages 12 to 17 can choose from a wide variety of camps that reflect their interests and curiosity, including:
- Ceramics and Welding
- Urban Farming
- Sailing and Boat Building
- Creative Arts and Fashion Design
- Cooking and Baking
- Aerial Dance and Badminton
This sense of choice helps teens step outside their comfort zones while still feeling supported. Many camps conclude with a showcase, where students can share what they have created and celebrate what they have learned.
Another part of what sets PCC’s teen camps apart is the environment itself. Small class sizes create space for personalized attention, stronger connections, and a welcoming atmosphere where teens can fully immerse themselves in subjects that genuinely interest them. The focus is not only on learning new skills, but also on having fun while discovering something new.
The instructors bring another layer of value to the experience. Local professionals and passionate educators share real-world knowledge in every class. Whether learning from a stylist, a craftsperson, or a scientist, teens gain exposure to new ideas, career paths, and possibilities that feel relevant and inspiring.
Perhaps most importantly, these camps create a place for teens to belong. In a time when many young people feel disconnected, PCC’s Community Ed Teen Summer Program offers a space where they can collaborate, create, and simply enjoy being themselves.
Registration opens May 27 at 7:00 a.m. Families can explore the full range of camps and plan their summer at pcc.edu/community/teen. Before registering, students need to create an account and are strongly encouraged to complete the Consent to Release form. Instructions for both steps are available on the website to help families get ready for enrollment.
