Press Room
PEEPs summer camps offer students environmental opportunities
PEEPs (Portland Environmental Engagement Program) is a summer program designed to engage kids ages 10-13 in environmentally focused projects and service experiences. The first session begins June 25, and the program runs through August 17. AmeriCorps members serving with the Northwest Service Academy's Lower Columbia Center, all specialists in environmental education and highly qualified in child supervision, designed the day camp and serve as its counselors. The counselor-to-camper ratio is never more than 1:4.
PEEPs was launched in 2006 to great success. As one parent said, "My child talked about her day the whole way home and into the evening! She is inspired by your topics and wants to pursue them." Campers go on field trips and service projects nearly every day, and report that they enjoyed helping out in their community, learning about wildlife, gardening, recycling... even discovering that "carrots taste goooood!"
PEEPs offers five sessions this year, focusing on hunger, nature, conservation, and community; families may register their children for as many sessions as they wish. This summer's schedule: Hunger and Food Exploration (June 25-29); Sense of Place (July 9-20, includes a 2-night overnight trip); Urban Conservin' (July 23-27); A Walk on the Wild Side (July 30-August 10, includes a 3-night overnight trip); and Water You Talkin' About? (August 13-17). Each day begins at 9:00 a.m. (before care available starting at 8:00 a.m.) and ends at 4:00 p.m. (after care available until 5:30 p.m.). Pick-up and drop-off is at the Lower Columbia Center in southeast Portland.
There are still limited spaces available in each session. The cost is $200 per week; some discounts and scholarships are available. To register or to learn more, visit www.portlandpeeps.org, call (503) 234-2383, or stop by the Lower Columbia Center at 55 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214.