Youth Summer Camp

OHS is a small nonprofit organization and our camps are kept small, safe and fun. Our camps are primarily run by volunteers and experts in the field of animal welfare. We are unable to increase the size of camps or add more and we sell out quickly.

Location: Portland summer camps are located at the OHS Portland Campus, 1067 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, 97212

Ages: For campers in grades rising 3rd-8th. Camp curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate for these specific age-ranges. We do not register youth outside of their grade level except to accommodate neurovariance. If this applies to your child, please let us know at the time of registration.

Camp fee: $450. Camp tuition includes a camp t-shirt. It does not include before/after care.

Times: Camp Programming begins at 9:30 a.m. and doors will open at 8:50 a.m. for drop off. There will be free choice time before 9:30 a.m. Camp will end at 4 p.m. See below for extended hours, if needed.

Before/After Care: OHS camps is offering the option to purchase extra hours for pick up and drop off. Drop off will start at 8 a.m. and pick up will end at 5 p.m.

Attire: Be sure your camper is dressed appropriately for a day in the shelter and animal interaction. Closed toed shoes, long pants and shirts that cover the midriff and shoulders are required for safe pet interactions. Campers who are not wearing required clothing will be unable to interact with animals.

Allergies and Fear: OHS summer camps are not appropriate for campers who are fearful of dogs, cats or rabbits. OHS is not a nut-free facility. Because of our interactions with animals and the environment of the shelter, we are unable to accommodate animal and/or peanut allergies. OHS is not a nut-free facility.

Animal Interactions/Socialization: Socializing with animals will be based on the availability and safety of appropriate shelter pets. We may not be able to socialize with animals every day.

Lunch and snacks: will not be provided. Please pack healthy lunches and snacks for energy and fun.

Waitlists: Our camps sell out quickly: If you would like your name added to a wait list for a sold out camp, please email right away to [email protected] and provide your name, phone number and the specific session of the camp you are interested in attending. Your email serves as a timestamp for waitlist order.

2026 Camp Dates

(please choose a session based on your child’s grade in Fall 2026)

Session 1:  July 6-10 GRADES 3&4

Session 2:  July 13-17 GRADES 5&6

Session 3:  July 20-24 GRADES 6-8

Session 4:  July 27- 31 GRADES 3&4

Session 5:  Aug 3-7 GRADES 4&5

Session 6:  Aug 10-14 GRADES 3-5

Session 7:  Aug 17-21 GRADES 6-8

• Cancellations more than 31 days prior to their camp week’s start day will receive a full refund minus a $35 Administration fee.
• Cancellations 21-30 days prior: 75% of tuition is refundable.
• Cancellations 11-20 days prior: 50% of tuition is refundable.
• Cancellations 0-10 days before camp: no refund given
• No partial refunds will be provided for missed camp days.

Oregon Humane Society believes in providing opportunities for children to be able to attend our programs. We are committed to serving as many families as possible. Scholarship funds are limited.

Scholarship applications will be available February 2, 2026.

Applications open March 2025

Oregon Humane Society is seeking applications for Volunteer Camp Counselors to work for the youth summer camps at our Portland campus. Must be a rising 9^th grader and above to apply. Successful candidates are enthusiastic, responsible, self-motivated, and positive communicators. A warm, creative, and compassionate attitude is needed. Two-week minimum commitment is required, in addition to a training week in June. Work weeks are 40hrs.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Camp Lead

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Jr. Counselors are assigned to a group with 8-9 campers and help the campers stay safe and have fun on a daily basis. Jr. Counselors help lead groups to each of their daily activities. As role models, Jr. Counselors create one-on-one relationships with campers and develop a supportive group environment for each session. Jr. Counselors are expected to engage and socialize with campers through conversation, games, stories, and take a lead role in directing the behavior of their campers throughout the day. Jr. Counselors will support the staff and animal wranglers at each activity station by managing camper behavior and assisting with instructional tasks.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide supervisory care for a group of 8-9 children of similar ages as a team with other Jr. Counselors.
2. Assist the camper group in working together: help campers have fun, practice animal safety, solve problems, ease conflicts, and learn to appreciate each other and the environment.
3. Fulfill group obligations to the whole camp: help with set-up and clean-up activities, arrive on time to activities, create a positive culture for the group.
4. Be a positive role model for your campers.
5. Keep the kids safe and help them practice responsible behavior
6. Interact with campers and animals during stations.
7. Be aware of where your campers are at all times.
8. Foster positive relationships among camp staff, campers and camper parents.
9. Share in designing, leading and carrying out free-time activities.
10. Actively engage in OHS’ mission to Create a More Humane Society and to create an inclusive camp.

HOURS:

Vary depending on weekly camp schedule. Commitment is Mon-Fri of chosen sessions, for 8 hour daily shifts. Junior Counselor shifts are scheduled somewhere between 8:00am-5:00pm Monday – Friday. A Mandatory training session is required prior to camp sessions starting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Age: Rising 9th grade and above
• Sincere respect and passion for animals and children.
• Care and understanding of creating a positive learning environment.
• Ability to work well in a small community and have fun!
• Possess punctuality, flexibility, energy and enthusiasm

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous animal experience
• Previous childcare experience
• Previous camp experience