Tucker Arts Camp
Voted Best Arts Camp for four years running, Tucker Arts Camp returns this summer! Over eight weeks, children in preschool (age 4+) through fifth grade explore the art of storytelling through crafts, music, theatre, and visual arts. Check out our fun weekly themes below!
The beautiful campus in SE Portland offers a large organic garden, tree house studio, goats, and gym. There is plenty of space for inspiration from the natural world and fun in the summer sun. Air conditioned studios; 8:30-2:30 plus aftercare available until 5:30 PM.
2025 Camp rates:
Early bird (before April 15) $399/wk
Week 2 only (4 day camp week) $319/wk
General rate (after April 15) $439/wk
Week 2 only (4 day camp week) $351/wk
Please familiarize yourself with our cancellation and other policies in the Important Camp Information section at the bottom of this page.
Summer 2025 Schedule
Week 1 June 23 – 27 Time Warp Week
We’re kicking off Tucker Arts Camp 2025 with Time Warp Week! We’ll blast through the past, present, and future, making pit stops to appreciate the art, cultures, and innovations that shaped the course of history. No flux capacitor necessary.
Week 2 June 30 – July 3 (no camp on July 4) Natural Wonders Week
During Natural Wonders Week, campers will navigate our natural world through artistic expression. We’ll learn the importance of sustainability and celebrate Earth’s majestic beauty. Happy birthday, America! You have some amazing natural wonders!
Week 3 July 7 – 11 Tucker Games Week
Celebrate friendship, teamwork, and sportsmanship during Tucker Games Week! We’ll make our own team flags and cheers, engage in friendly competition, and participate in spirited activities in the Tucker Olympiad!
Week 4 July 14 – 18 Fairytale Fantasy Week
Enter the enchanted realm of storytelling during Fairytale Fantasy Week! We’ll create our own whimsically wacky tales, construct forts and castles, and much more. With a little magic and a lot of imagination, anything’s possible.
Week 5 July 21 – 25 Colorful Cosmos Week
Dive into our vibrant universe and explore the Colorful Cosmos through creativity! We’ll immerse ourselves in the sounds of the planets, paint the glorious galaxies, and more extraterrestrial fun. The sky is anything but the limit.
Week 6 July 28 – Aug 1 Wild Safari Week
Unleash your wild side during Wild Safari Week! We’ll embark on an artistic and adventure-filled expedition through the jungle, come together in a camper-led drum circle, and more. Our resident goats aren’t the only wild animals you may see…
Week 7 Aug 4 – 8 Mythical Masterpiece Week
Immerse yourself in mysticism and mythology during Mythical Masterpiece Week ! This week, we’ll bring legendary characters to life, embark on epic quests, and create new myths and masterpieces of our own.
Week 8 Aug 11 – 15 Farewell Festival Week
Celebrate another memorable camp summer with Farewell Festival Week! Complete with camper-made games, attractions, and balloon animals, we’re sure to send this summer off with a bang.
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A Day at Tucker Arts Camp
For children entering Preschool (ages 3-5) in Fall 2020
The day begins at 8:30 a.m. when our younger artists gather in their Home Studios to engage in creative and imaginative play. They sing, dance and move their bodies to rhythms from around the world. Next, children participate in art projects in their Home Studios, including ceramics, mixed media and painting.
Creative exploration
Creative time is a balance of free exploration and expression as well as structured, adult-guided projects. Next, the daily schedule includes lunch and ample time to explore the natural world. During lunchtime, children play on the beautiful outdoor campus. Lastly, the camp portion of the day concludes at 2:30 p.m. After camp, an Extended Care option available until 4:30 p.m. for an additional fee.
For children entering K-5th grade in Fall 2020
Morning art studios
Children gather at 8:30 a.m. each day to listen to live music, do movement activities, get the creative flow moving, and make new friends. Campers then break into smaller groups to begin their first Art Studio rotation. Studios include ceramics, mixed media, painting, photography, music, and dance. Talented and passionate artists lead the Art Studios supported by studio counselors.
Natural inspiration
Next in the day, children break to eat lunch and explore the gardens, gathering creative inspiration. At lunch time, they play on the beautiful outdoor campus, before rotating to their second Art Studio. To close the day, children gather with the larger Tucker Arts Camp community for more music and fun. The camp portion of the day concludes at 2:30 pm. Lastly, for those who need additional child care, Extended Care is available until 4:30 p.m. for a fee.
- All children have a unique voice, one that is to be encouraged and expressed
- Art, music and culture are vital for the social and emotional well-being of children
- In creating an environment that respects diversity and fosters empathy and compassion for oneself, for one another and for the natural world.
- In nurturing creativity and building confidence.
Become A Camp Counselor
Fill Out An Application Today!
Our Counselors-In-Training are students 15+ years old who have a strong desire to be a part of a team that is creating a meaningful art and life experience for someone else.
Important Camp Information
Who can attend Tucker Arts Camp?
Tucker Arts Camp is open to children from age three to those entering 5th grade in the fall. Children must be able to use the bathroom independently in order to attend camp.
Do you offer special services to children who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Tucker Arts Camp is not specifically designed for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, but invites all to enroll. Our administrators and counselors will work hard to ensure the camp experience is fun for everyone who attends.
Does my child need to bring snacks?
Yes, please pack a snack with your camper each day. If your camper forgets to bring a snack, we are happy to provide one.
What about lunch?
Please pack a lunch for your child each day. We ask families to please refrain from packing nuts of any kind in your child’s lunch.
What are camp hours?
Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with an option for extended care from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. (This is at an additional cost).
Do you offer Extended Care?
Yes. Extended Care begins at 2:30 p.m. for campers. Please pre-register as we are unable to accommodate drop-ins, and pack an extra snack for your camper. Please note, Extended Care concludes at 5:30 p.m. and there is a $1.00 per minute late fee for pick-ups after 5:30 p.m.
How is your staff screened?
Tucker Arts Camp employees go through an extensive interview and reference check process. Criminal background checks are performed on every employee and volunteer and all employees are registered in the State of Oregon Background Registry database.
Can my camper be in a group with their sibling, friend, etc?
Campers are assigned to groups and rotate with their group to activities throughout the day based on their age. If you would like to request a specific group with another camper or campers, please email camp@tuckermaxon.org. It is important to request this at least one week prior to your camp’s start date. In all cases, we will do our best to accommodate the request. Please note that groups are usually determined by age. If your camper is registered for multiple weeks, the group your camper is assigned to may change from week to week to adjust for variations in the changing roster of campers. Please watch for an email in your inbox from us the week before any registered week!
What is Tucker Arts Camp’s behavior policy?
We expect campers to behave appropriately while attending Tucker Arts Camp. In the event that a child is being overly disruptive, time out from the activity may be used. If disruptive or unsafe behavior continues, the camp will call parents to address the issue. If the behavior continues, the child may be asked not to return to camp. Refunds will not be granted in these situations.
Do I need to present a photo ID when I pick up my child?
Yes, everyone that picks up your child must bring a photo ID every day and be on the authorized pick-up list. No exceptions will be made.
Can I make a deposit to hold my child’s place and pay balance later?
No. Payment in full is required to reserve weeks at camp.
Does Tucker Arts Camp offer financial aid?
Tucker Arts Camp will offer financial aid based on need from a fund made possible by generous donations. If you are interested in being considered for financial aid, please email camp@tuckermaxon.org and your child’s name will be put on a list for consideration.
What is the cancellation policy?
- More than 45 calendar days prior to the start of camp registered for, registration fee refunded minus $75.00 administrative fee per week cancelled.
- Cancellations made 21-44 days prior to the camp week’s start day will receive a 50% refund
- There will be no refunds for cancellations within 0-20 days prior to the camp week’s start day. No exceptions are made for illness.
- No partial refunds are given for missed camp days.
