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Gilchrist Art Camp — Summer Camps in Portland

Gilchrist Art Camp

4.9(96)4.9 out of 5 stars, 96 reviews Portland, OR

About Gilchrist Art Camp

Gilchrist Art Camp offers a highly engaging and enriching art experience, not only through summer camps but also 'no school day' camps, 'parents nights out,' and birthday parties. It excels in fostering creativity with diverse projects like painting, sculpture, and mixed media, ensuring children come home excited and proud of their 'adorable creations.' Parents consistently praise the excellent staff communication (e.g., 'Lisa is so easy to work with') and the camp's ability to keep children 'very engaged' with 'amazing different themes.'

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Children who are passionate about art and creative expression.Parents seeking high-quality, engaging, and enriching summer art programs.Families needing reliable and fun childcare options during 'no school days' or for 'parents nights out.'Hosting memorable birthday parties for elementary-aged children.Parents who value strong staff communication and a supportive environment for their children.

Why families love it

  • Kids consistently come home excited to share new art projects, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
  • Offers a wonderful blend of creativity, learning, and fun, where creativity thrives.
  • Excellent communication with staff; a specific staff member, 'Lisa,' is noted as easy to work with.
  • Staff is described as 'wonderful' with children.
  • Provides diverse program options beyond summer camps, including birthday parties, 'no school day camps,' and 'parents nights out.'
  • Known for being a 'fun, happy, easy camp option' for parents.

Insider tips

  • Consider Gilchrist for various school breaks and evenings, not just summer (e.g., 'no school day camps,' 'parents nights out').
  • If your child shows interest in art and creative expression, this camp is highly recommended.
  • Inquire about specific themed events, as they are popular and mentioned as 'a ton of fun.'
  • Expect good communication from staff, as 'Lisa' was specifically highlighted for being easy to work with.

Good to know before you go

  • No specific situations or times to avoid were mentioned, as all reviews were overwhelmingly positive.
  • A parent expressed a hope for the return of a 'snocone machine,' suggesting it might not be a consistent offering, which could be a minor disappointment for some.
Value
While no specific pricing details are provided, the consistent 5-star reviews highlight an 'engaging and enriching' program, 'high-quality' experience, and high child satisfaction, suggesting excellent value for money. The camp offers diverse programming and fosters artistic pride, indicating a strong return on investment for parents.
Food
No specific food and drink rules or policies were mentioned. The reference to a 'snocone machine' suggests some treats may be available or have been in the past.
Accessibility
No specific accommodations for special needs were mentioned in the reviews.
Safety
No explicit safety features were mentioned. However, staff being 'wonderful with my daughter' suggests good supervision and care.

What parents say

Mariah Maier
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"Both my daughter and son have been attending summer camps at Gilchrist for years. The camp offers a wonderful blend of creativity, learning, and fun. Every year, my kids come home excited to share their new projects, from painting and sculpture to mixed media and beyond. I highly recommend Gilchrist Art Camp to any parent looking for a high-quality, engaging, and enriching summer program. It’s a place where creativity thrives, and we’re so grateful for the memories our children have made there!"

a month ago

Kristin Rarey
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"We came across Gilchrist when my daughter was invited to a birthday party there and have been putting her in summer art camps ever since. Lisa is so easy to work with and communicate with, and the rest of the staff was wonderful with my daughter. She had a blast at camp (we’re hoping they bring the snocone machine back this year!)"

a month ago

Marlyse McKenzie
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"My daughter has attended several no school day camps and parents nights out. She is always excited to go and has a blast. We brought a friend to the first Disney themed event over the summer and the two girls had a ton of fun. If your kid is into art and creative expression I would highly recommended checking out Gilchrist."

a month ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.