Summer is here, and that means many local families are looking for fun, safe, and enriching ways to keep kids entertained while school is out. The Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties is helping meet that need with summer camp opportunities for youth (K–12) across Salem and Keizer.
Running from June 15 through August 28, 2026, these camps give kids and teens a place to learn, play, make friends, and enjoy a full summer of memorable experiences.
A Summer Camp Option for Local Families
The Boys & Girls Club summer camps are designed with local families in mind. Campers can attend by the week, making it easier for parents and caregivers to choose the schedule that works best for them. Families can register through the online Parent Portal after signing up for a summer membership.
For students in grades 1–5, camp is available at several local branches, including:
- The Knudson Branch on Summer Street
- The West Salem Branch on Gerth Street NW
- The Keizer Branch on Kennedy Elementary School property
- The Epping Homestead Branch on Lancaster Drive NE.
Elementary camp runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended hours available from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for an additional weekly fee.
Weekly Themes Keep Kids Engaged
One of the best parts of the Boys & Girls Club summer camp program is the variety. Each week has a new theme, giving kids something fresh to look forward to throughout the summer. Campers can explore hands-on activities in areas like sports, building and engineering, culture and cooking, performing and visual arts, comic books, nature, writing, and more.
These weekly themes are focused on helping prevent summer learning loss while still giving kids plenty of opportunities to enjoy themselves, including activities connected to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Throughout the summer, campers also have access to specialty spaces like art rooms, gyms, outdoor play areas, youth gardens, tech labs, and game rooms. It’s a great mix of creativity, movement, learning, and play—exactly what summer should feel like.
Themes at a Glance:
Week 1: Circus Week
Week 2: Sports & Leisure Week
Week 3: Building & Engineering Week
Week 4: Culture & Culinary Week
Week 5: Performing & Visual Arts Week
Week 6: Career Explorers Week
Week 7: Cartoon & Comic Book Week
Week 8: Nature & Environmental Service Week
Week 9: Books & Writing Week
Week 10: Pop Culture Through the Ages Week
Week 11: Skills & Hobbies Week
Field Trips and Special Experiences
Summer camp is also a chance for kids to get out and explore. The Boys & Girls Club schedule includes field trip opportunities like Northgate Bowling, Keizer Rapids Park, Salem Library, local arts experiences, and an August beach trip. Teen field trips also include visits to places like the Oregon State Engineering Department, CTEC, Bonneville Dam, Detroit Lake, and Marion Forks Fish Hatchery.
These experiences help campers connect with the world around them while enjoying some classic summer adventure close to home.
New Kindergarten Camp for Summer 2026
For the youngest campers, the Boys & Girls Club has introduced a new Kindergarten Summer Camp for 2026. Held at the Eastwood Branch next to Hoover Elementary School, this program gives kindergarteners a summer filled with friends, fun, and guided exploration. The kindergarten program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a 4:00 p.m. closing time on Fridays.
This is a helpful option for families who want a structured, age-appropriate summer experience for younger children before the next school year begins.
Teen Programs for Grades 6–12
Older students can also take part in Boys & Girls Club summer programming. Teen camp is available for youth in grades 6–12 at the Knudson, West Salem, and Epping Homestead teen centers. Teen programs run from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended hours available for an additional fee.
In addition to summer activities and field trips, the Boys & Girls Club offers teen services that support leadership, mentorship, academic growth, career exploration, and life skills. It’s a meaningful way for middle and high school students to stay connected, supported, and engaged during the summer months.
Affordable Summer Care with Scholarships Available
Affordability is a major part of the Boys & Girls Club mission. For grades 1–5, summer camp is $90 per child, per week, while teen camp is $60 per youth, per week. The beach trip week has a higher cost due to transportation expenses. New members also pay an annual membership fee of $25 for elementary students or $5 for middle and high school students.
Need-based scholarships are available for families who qualify, and approved scholarships provide 50% off fees. Scholarship support can apply toward summer camp fees, beach trip fees, and extended hours.
Families who register for at least five weeks of summer camp will also receive a free Berry Pass, thanks to a donor partnership with Marion Berries Baseball and local destinations. The pass includes summer perks and experiences for kids throughout the season.
A Summer of Learning, Friendship, and Fun
Finding the right summer camp can make a big difference for local families. With themed activities, field trips, teen programming, scholarships, and locations across Salem and Keizer, the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties is offering a summer option that supports kids while giving parents peace of mind.
Links for further reading:
- Summer Camp – Boys & Girls Club
- Club summer camps coming to Keizer – Keizertimes