SUMMER CAMPS

Youth Programs

Summer Better Than Others

Day Camp

Day Camp Classes
Summer Better Than Others is a series of week-long day camps for students between the ages of 8 and 15. From rock climbing, to Lego engineering, to foundations in fencing, sessions are designed for students of all interests!

Camp sessions generally run from late June to early August, with options to attend multiple classes over a variety of weeks.

2026 Course Offerings
Our summer day camp courses can be viewed below (shown by week). Registration will open via our online portal on Wednesday, April 1. We are also excited to announce that we have expanded our age range and will now have programming for students aged 8 – 17.

June 29 - July 3

Rock the Wall
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 8 – 12
Price: $215
Climb to new heights on the state-of-the-art climbing wall in the SOU Student Recreation Center! Beginners will learn all the tricks of experienced climbers: knot-tying basics, gear use, movement skills, and, of course, climbing techniques. Our knowledgeable instructors will help you scramble your way to the top in this exhilarating outdoor sport. No previous experience is required. Students must have the ability to follow staff directions and participate in collaborative discussion.

Ceramics Handbuilding Technique
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 9 – 13
Price: $220
Explore your creativity in this week-long handbuilding class. Students will learn a variety of handbuilding techniques such as slab building, stamping, pinching, and coil building to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Projects include functional dishes like bowls, mugs, and plates, as well as adorable animal sculptures. Experienced students can work with the instructor to develop their own ideas. This class is great for creative students who like to make things with their hands. No prior experience is necessary, all you need is your creativity, and all other supplies are provided. Playing with mud is a messy business: closed-toe shoes are required and we recommend that students wear clothing that can get dirty. Prerequisites: Students will need to be able to work independently, follow instructions, and be comfortable learning difficult techniques.

Rock the Wall
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Ages: 13 – 17
Price: $215
Climb to new heights on the state-of-the-art climbing wall in the SOU Student Recreation Center! Beginners will learn all the tricks of experienced climbers: knot-tying basics, gear use, move-ment skills, and, of course, climbing techniques. Our knowledgeable instructors will help you scramble your way to the top in this exhilarating outdoor sport. No previous experience is required. Students must have the ability to follow staff directions and participate in collaborative discussion.

Beginning Pottery Wheel Workshop
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Ages: 13 – 17
Price: $220
Jump into the world of wheel-thrown ceramics in this hands-on pottery workshop! Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of using a pottery wheel: centering, pulling, and shaping clay to create functional and one-of-a-kind pots. Near the end of the week, students will learn how to trim and glaze their pieces. No prior experience is necessary, all you need is your creativity, and all other supplies are provided. Playing with mud is a messy business: closed-toe shoes are required and we recommend that students wear clothing that can get dirty. Prerequisites: Students will need to be able to work independently, follow instructions, and be comfortable learning difficult techniques.

July 6 - 10

Rock the Wall
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 8 – 12
Price: $215
Climb to new heights on the state-of-the-art climbing wall in the SOU Student Recreation Center! Beginners will learn all the tricks of experienced climbers: knot-tying basics, gear use, move-ment skills, and, of course, climbing techniques. Our knowledgeable instructors will help you scramble your way to the top in this exhilarating outdoor sport. No previous experience is required. Students must have the ability to follow staff directions and participate in collaborative discussion.

Intro to Lego Robotics – EV3
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 10 – 14
Price: $200
This class is designed for students with little or no experience coding robots with Lego’s EV3 system. Beginning with the basics, students will learn all the essentials of how to build and program a Lego robot.

Scientific Illustration
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 8 – 10
Price: $200
Draw like a scientist! Students investigate natural specimens, including ethically sourced skulls and bones, while learning anatomy through observation and drawing. Campers explore multiple drawing techniques and create detailed scientific artworks to take home. No prior art experience needed.

Python Programming Camp
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 14 – 17
Price: $200
Python is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, and this camp is a great place to start learning it. Students will write real code, build projects, and work through problems hands-on. No prior experience is needed, and those with some background will find plenty of room to grow.

Rock the Wall
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Ages: 13 – 17
Price: $215
Climb to new heights on the state-of-the-art climbing wall in the SOU Student Recreation Center! Beginners will learn all the tricks of experienced climbers: knot-tying basics, gear use, movement skills, and, of course, climbing techniques. Our knowledgeable instructors will help you scramble your way to the top in this exhilarating outdoor sport. No previous experience is required. Students must have the ability to follow staff directions and participate in collaborative discussion.

Intro to Lego Robotics – Spike Prime
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Ages: 10 – 14
Price: $200
This class is designed for students with little or no experience coding robots with Lego’s Spike Prime system. Beginning with the basics, students will learn all the essentials of how to build and program a Lego robot.

Web Development Camp
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Ages: 10 – 14
Price: $200
This camp covers the fundamentals of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students will get hands-on experience designing and building their own websites from scratch. It’s a practical introduction to how the web works.

July 13 - 17

Rock the Wall
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 8 – 12
Price: $215
Climb to new heights on the state-of-the-art climbing wall in the SOU Student Recreation Center! Beginners will learn all the tricks of experienced climbers: knot-tying basics, gear use, move-ment skills, and, of course, climbing techniques. Our knowledgeable instructors will help you scramble your way to the top in this exhilarating outdoor sport. No previous experience is required. Students must have the ability to follow staff directions and participate in collaborative discussion.

Esports
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 8 – 12
Price: $200
Esports is experiencing an ongoing rise in popularity. This class will explore the history of Esports/gaming, the Esports industry & its ecosystem/s, Esports events both nationally and internationally, and the nature of what it takes to become a professional gamer.

Entrepreneurship
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 11 – 14
Price: $200
Young entrepreneurs will dive deeper into business planning, marketing, and pitching as they turn creative ideas into real-world ventures.

S.M.Art Camp: Spirit Art
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 8 – 10
Price: $200
Art powered by sunlight and science! Students experiment with anthotype and cyanotype sun printing while exploring the history and chemistry behind these early photographic processes. Campers design and create their own luminous “Spirit Artworks” inspired by story and imagination.

S.M.Art Camp: Insect Art
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Ages: 8 – 10
Price: $200
What’s bugging you? Inspired by historical and contemporary artists such as Jan van Kessel the Elder, Maria Sibylla Merrian, and Raku Inoue, students study insect anatomy and create their own insect-inspired artworks using foraged materials and art supplies. Science, history, and creativity combine in this detailed, hands-on camp.

Beginning Pottery Wheel Workshop
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Ages: 13 -17
Price: $220
Jump into the world of wheel-thrown ceramics in this hands-on pottery workshop! Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of using a pottery wheel: centering, pulling, and shaping clay to create functional and one-of-a-kind pots. Near the end of the week, students will learn how to trim and glaze their pieces. No prior experience is necessary, all you need is your creativity, and all other supplies are provided. Playing with mud is a messy business: closed-toe shoes are required and we recommend that students wear clothing that can get dirty. Prerequisites: Students will need to be able to work independently, follow instructions, and be comfortable learning difficult techniques.

Esports
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Ages: 13 – 17
Price: $200
Esports is experiencing an ongoing rise in popularity. This class will explore the history of Esports/gaming, the Esports industry & its ecosystem/s, Esports events both nationally and internationally, and the nature of what it takes to become a professional gamer.

Entrepreneurship
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Ages: 15 – 17
Price: $200
Young entrepreneurs will dive deeper into business planning, marketing, and pitching as they turn creative ideas into real-world ventures.

July 20 - 24

Rock the Wall
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 8 – 12
Price: $215
Climb to new heights on the state-of-the-art climbing wall in the SOU Student Recreation Center! Beginners will learn all the tricks of experienced climbers: knot-tying basics, gear use, move-ment skills, and, of course, climbing techniques. Our knowledgeable instructors will help you scramble your way to the top in this exhilarating outdoor sport. No previous experience is required. Students must have the ability to follow staff directions and participate in collaborative discussion.

S.M.Art Camp: Be a Color Wizard
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Ages: 8 – 10
Price: $200
Unlock the magic of color! In this playful, experiment-driven camp, students discover their unique “Color Wizard” type, create Wizard notebooks, and transform found and foraged materials into vibrant natural dyes and paints. Through hands-on exploration of pigments and plant-based color chemistry, campers create one-of-a-kind artworks while learning the science behind every hue.

Web Development Camp
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Ages: 10 – 17
Price: $200
This camp covers the fundamentals of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students will get hands-on experience designing and building their own websites from scratch. It’s a practical introduction to how the web works.

July 27 - 31

Amigurumi Story Book
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 9 – 12
Price: $200
Bring your stories to life! Learn to write, illustrate, and produce a real book, AND create your leading character through the amazing fiber art amigurumi! These adorable creatures will steal your heart and bring your story off the page and into real life. Break down all the stages of a great story and grow your own narrative voice. Learn to map your plot, develop your characters, and brainstorm ways to craft the pieces of your short story together to make an unforgettable story. Using yarn and crochet hooks you will learn to craft your amigurumi friend one stitch at a time. At the end of the class, everyone goes home with their own unique handcrafted storybook and Amigurumi friend. Prerequisites: Minimum 3rd grade writing level, able to work independently, follow instructions, and be comfortable learning potentially difficult techniques.

Acrylic Painting: Applying Color Concepts
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Ages: 12 – 15
Price: $200
Sharpen your painting skills by focusing on the way we see color and how our brains perceive it. In this class, you’ll work with a professional artist to use acrylic paints to explore color and value while creating abstract and observational paintings. Bridging the space between science and art, this class will be a fun, experimental way to learn advanced concepts that will help you harness the power of color and observation in your artwork. Prerequisites: Ability to follow staff directions, sustain focused work for an extended period of 40+ minutes, participate in collaborative discussion.

Learn More
For more information about our Summer Better Than Others day camp program, review our frequently asked questions below.

Registration

When does registration begin?
Summer Better Than Others day camp registration generally opens in early April. Students or parents can register through our department’s online portal, Ideal-Logic. Class selection, dates, and tuition rates will be available before the launch date.

How late can a student register?
Registration will close when a class is full, waitlists are available for all classes. The last day to register for a course for the following week is Thursday at 3:00 pm.

Cancellation & Refund

What if I need to change or cancel a student registration?
The following cancellation and refund policy applies to all cancellations, regardless of reason. We cannot credit, refund, or prorate tuition for scheduled absences, no-shows or days missed due to illness or injury.

For courses cancelled a week or more before they begin, families have these options:

A. Receive a full refund, minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. For example, if a course cost $200, a family would receive a refund of $150. The $50 deposit is attached at the course level (not at the registration level).
B. Transfer their account credit to another SBTO course that is open and suitable. Any remaining balance must be paid at the time of transfer to complete the registration for a new class.

For courses cancelled less than one week before they begin, families have these options:

A. Receive a 50% refund, minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. For example, if a cancelled course costs $200, a family would receive a refund of $50.
B. Transfer their account credit to another open and suitable SBTO course. A $25 transfer fee will be added. Any remaining balance must be paid at the time of transfer to complete the registration for a new class.

For courses cancelled after the start date:

Refunds or account credits will not be issued. Students who are late, no-show, or withdraw early from the course will not receive a refund or account credit.
Youth Programs cannot accommodate requests for a transfer after the start date of a class.

What is the non-refundable deposit?
The $50 non-refundable deposit is included with every class registration. This saves your place in the class and will not be returned if the cancellation is initiated by the student or family. Youth Programs also retains this deposit in the case of illness.

Could Youth Programs cancel or change a class?
We maintain the right to assign a temporary substitute instructor and activity in the unlikely event of an unexpected instructor absence. This ensures that families do not face last-minute cancellations.

If Youth Programs must cancel a class in advance, families will receive a full refund, including the $50 non-refundable deposit. This decision is most often made by the Thursday prior to the start of the class; however, a course may be cancelled well in advance due to low enrollment.

Courses

My child is advanced for their age. Are they able to take a class listed for an older age range?
All class activities are age-appropriate, and lesson plans target age-specific skills. Only students who fall within the designated age range can register for that class.

How do I let my child’s teacher know about my child’s special circumstances or needs?
In the registration form, there is a question: “Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your child?” Provide any important details that the camp should be aware of to improve your child’s experience, such as physical or learning challenges. This information will be kept confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis. We ask that you provide this information before your child’s first class begins.

Where will my child’s class meet, and how will I find specific locations on campus?
All day-camp classes take place on the Southern Oregon University (SOU) campus in Ashland, Oregon. Families will be notified if this location has changed. You will receive a reminder email with detailed information one week before the class begins. The staff will provide the exact class location at that time. To view the SOU campus and building locations, visit sou.edu/map.

Can my child try out a class and switch to another class after the start date if that one isn’t a good fit?
This is not an option we can provide. For guidance on whether a class is a good fit, contact the program coordinator before completing the registration process.

Who’s teaching my child’s class? How can I see what their qualifications are?
Youth Programs takes the safety and oversight of students very seriously. All day-camp instructors are run through a thorough multi-layered vetting process that reviews their subject training, a federal background check, and their experience working with children. All of our primary Instructors are college graduates and many are current or past school teachers. Additional program training is given to all our instructors.

Tuition Assistance

Is tuition support available for those in need?
During registration, there will be a place in the online form you can fill out and submit to request tuition support. Tuition support is limited to one class per child per year, on a sliding scale, based on need. Support is usually limited to half (or less) of the total cost of the class. Once the registration is submitted, our staff will review the information and contact families within two weeks. If tuition support is provided, applicants have one week to pay the remaining balance to confirm their student’s registration.

Supervision

Will Youth Programs staff be able to walk my child to their next on-campus class if I cannot?
Our staff cannot offer supervision before, after, or between scheduled classes. However, for students in a wheelchair or on crutches, Youth Programs will provide appropriate support.

Can I send a friend or alternative adult to pick up my child if I won’t be able to?
Yes, but we must have prior written consent to allow your child to leave with that individual. To designate a new person for pick-up, pre-authorization must be on file with Youth Programs before the student is picked up or dropped off, this authorization change can not happen during pick-up or drop-off. Please be aware that even authorized persons may be asked to present a photo ID when picking up your child.

Food & Supplies

Do students need to bring their own food?
Each student in a class less than four hours in length should bring a non-sugary snack and a water bottle. Every class will include an opportunity to take a break. Students should bring a sack lunch from home each day for classes that last longer than four hours. No food is available to buy on-site. Youth Programs does not provide snacks or lunches.

Will my child need to bring equipment or wear special clothing for their class?
Students should wear attire that is appropriate for the class they are participating in. For example, rock-climbing students should wear closed-toed shoes and long shorts or pants. Class specific information will be provided to families in the reminder email sent a week before class begins. All special equipment will be provided by Youth Programs. No equipment will be needed from home.

Sickness

What if my student is sick?
Students exhibiting any symptoms of illness, such as but not limited to fever, stomach issues, or respiratory infections, will be asked to go home immediately. Guardians and/or Emergency contact(s) must be available and ready to assist with picking up the child if necessary.

To return to class, students must be fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medications (such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen). They also must show improvement in other symptoms for at least 24 hours.

Youth Programs staff must be notified if a student tests positive for COVID.

Upon their return to camp, students are required to wear a mask for the remainder of the week. If the student develops a fever or their condition worsens after resuming normal activities, they should isolate again until they meet the criteria to return to normal activities.

Parental Involvement

Can I come to observe activities and/or take pictures of my child’s class?
If your student’s class features a performance or demonstration open to families, Youth Programs will inform you. All other observations or photography is not allowed.

Can I call or text my child during class hours?
In general, students will not access their phones during class. Should you need to contact your student, or if they need to get in touch with you, Youth Programs will handle this communication.

Are any visitors allowed?
Unregistered individuals, including family members, are not permitted in the Youth Programs classrooms.

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer Better Than Others

SOU Youth Programs