DAY CAMPS FOR KIDS IN SE PDX

Inspiring creative expression and a love for Urban homesteading

Earth Tenders Day Camps for Kids

We Believe in Child-Led Learning

Earth Tenders is a summer camp, fostering a love for the arts and urban homesteading.

Children are treated with respect, while their natural desires to learn and grow are cherished and facilitated. We are a choice-based program where students forge their own experience. We care for the animals, Work with food, tend the garden, create beautiful art, and foster healthy peer to peer relationships. With a focus on nature exploration, food, and freedom to explore the artist within, Earth Tenders provides a space for children to come together merging human connection with a love for art and earth.

  • Circles Around the Sun

    Date: July 13-17

    9am-2pm

    Ages: 4+
    Cost: $375
    (Tuition assistance available upon request.)

    Exploration of circles in art, food, and the natural world. Activities such as: Cob oven pizza making, circle art & games, nature mandalas, and searches for all things embodying the round.

  • Camp Yarn-Mania

    Date: July 6-July 10

    9am-2pm

    Ages: 6+
    Cost: $375
    (Tuition assistance available upon request.)

    Students will set out to learn new handwork skills or practice the ones they have using the wonderful material of yarn. Where yarn will be the main headliner, several other mediums will come along to back up the show.

  • Fun on the Farm

    Date: August 17-21

    9am-2pm

    Ages: 4+
    Cost: $375
    (Tuition assistance available upon request.)

    This camp will include animal and land care, wild-crafting, food projects, nature crafts, exploring the forest and the farm, running games, and water play.

Register Here

Registration is open for the 2026 camp season. Three weeks of programming will be offered at Jean’s farm (near 36th and Johnson Creek in SE Portland).

Happy kiddos make happy parents

  • “Brooklyn's summer camps are so much fun that my daughter preferred them over our summer vacation! She has talked about returning to camp nonstop since last summer, and we cannot wait for her to attend camp with Brooklyn and teacher Todd again this year. I talk up this all-outdoor, Waldorf-inspired camp every chance I get because my daughter had such a beautiful experience there.“

  • “I signed up my daughter to several of Brooklyn's summer camps last year on a recommendation from her preschool teacher. It was everything we hoped it would be and more. The program was completely outdoors, with many Waldorf-inspired activities. To say she loved it would be an understatement. All she has talked about since the summer is returning to camp. Also, after each camp, she proudly brought home arts and crafts. We still have most of them displayed throughout our home and garden.”

  • "My twins attended summer camps for two years. The teachers create such a warm and inclusive space. My kids loved the art and gardening activities along with making new friends. They still use skills and ideas from camp in their play, and we are excited to return this year."

  • “Brooklyn is a real gem of a child care provider! She is very grounding, gentle, consistent and loving. Both my kids have benefitted from her offerings over the years and I cherish, not only the beautiful art they have created with her, but her magical influence on their lives.”

  • “She LOVED puppets in the garden last year and has been asking to come back to [Earth Tenders] this summer! We will be hoping to sign up for the first three camps when the time comes. Looking forward to hearing about the next steps! “

2026 Earth Tenders will be held at Jeans Farm on Johnson Creek. It’s a summer Program where gardens, art, and friendships blossom!

Our camps offer hands-on experiences that promote artistic exploration, social development, and a passion for gardening and the natural world. We believe children grow best through play, which is why our summer camp takes a choice-based approach to learning.

Our experienced staff creates a nurturing environment where children can learn new skills, build friendships, and engage in sensory-based food and art projects. We invite you to join us this summer to discover the joys of Earth Tenders.

(click photos to enlarge)

Meet Brooklyn

With more than 20 years’ experience, Brooklyn draws on Waldorf, Reggio, and Montessori approaches to create a thoughtful, child-centered program that nurtures a love for nature, art, curiosity and independence. The program centers on respect for children and the earth, fostering a sense of responsibility and wonder. She shares a deep love of art and gardening, gently guiding children through hands-on projects and exploration of the natural world. Brooklyn’s experience over the years has included curriculum and program development for year round gardening and art classes, private childcare, as well as, teaching in early childhood classrooms. Her passion for creating with children is the driving force behind the work she does.

Email

Please send me information about future programming

Details for All Camps

Where: Jeans Farm (near Johnson Creek & 36th)

When: 9 am-2 pm

Camp enrollment: 10-15 students 

Staff: 1 lead teacher, 1 assistant or junior counselor.

What your child/ren will need for camp:

  • Children should arrive pre-sunscreened. We will be in and out of the sun.

  • Please be sure your child is dressed for messy art/ play, and in comfortable (preferably closed toe) shoes or sandals with a sun hat or cap available.

  • Water bottle.

  • Children will need a lunch bag including a healthy lunch and snack! If you would like us to help differentiate snack/ lunch items, please let me know or mark them, so we can support your child/ren with this! It may also be helpful to label their lunch containers with their name, especially if they aren't familiar with it. They will have a designated place for their things. So this should help with any confusion.

  • Optional: change of clothes. If you feel this is necessary for potential accidents, or sensitivities to being a little wet or messy, please send a change of clothes.

  • Optional: bag or backpack to hold said items.