For a print version of this flyer please click here
Introduction to Bethel Youth Drop-In Center
The Bethel Youth Drop-In Center partners with Bethel Lutheran Church at 5658 N Denver Ave, Portland OR 97217, to operate a six-week Summer Day Camp Program for children entering first through sixth grade. The 2025 Day Camp will be in session 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM from June 30 through August 8 — our 29th season. The Center is a partnership between Bethel Lutheran Congregation and neighborhood families, offering a safe space for children to learn, play, make friends, and explore adventures in the community. While housed at a church, the program is secular, offers no religious instruction, and welcomes children of all backgrounds. Contact the Center by email at ydic@bethelpdx.org (attention Director or Board member Karen Anderson or Board member Ronda Bard).
Here are some pictures of our space
Welcome Marie Houk, Director for the 2024 Summer Day Camp
Hello! My name is Marie Houk and I will be the Director for the 2024 Drop-In Center here at Bethel! I worked with Bethel last summer as the Assistant Director for the camp and I am thrilled to be returning! I am a current sophomore at Gonzaga University studying English and History and pursuing a career in education. I have worked with kids in various capacities all my life and find it to be a great passion of mine. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with friends and family. I look forward to meeting community members at Bethel and working with families in the Portland area. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or just a chance to chat! You can reach me by email at mhouk@zagmail.gonzaga.edu. I hope to hear from you!
Family Applications
Applications for the 2025 Summer Day Camp at the Bethell Youth Drop-In Center will be available late February-early March. Drop-In staff, board members, and supporters are excited to welcome your child to Day Camp and to build a strong partnership with your family and others in the Bethel Neighborhood.
To apply, download the Family Registration Packet, fill in information for your child(ren), and return the packet to the Center–choose one of these options:
- Scan the completed packet and email it to the Center at ydic@bethelpdx.org.
- Send it by snail mail to The Bethel Youth Drop-In Center, 5658 N Denver Ave, Portland OR 97217.
- Drop off the packet in person during office hours, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Ring the bell at the N. Jessup St. side entrance of Bethel Lutheran Church.
Download Application Packet HERE
If you have questions about the program or application process, email the Center at ydic@bethelpdx.org.
Camp Staff Recruitment
The Center is actively seeking applicants for these staff positions.
- Assistant Director (eight weeks FT @ $22/hr)
- Lead Camp Counselor (seven weeks FT at $20/hr)
- Camp Counselor (seven weeks FT or PT @ $18/hr)
- Volunteer Camp Counselor (up to seven weeks FT or PT)
- Cook (seven weeks PT @ $18/hr)
Successful staff applicants will have excellent abilities to work directly with children. Classroom leadership experience is a plus for the Assistant Director and Lead Counselor, who may be responsible for daily opening or closing and other duties as assigned by the Director. Camp Counselor may include high school juniors and seniors with experience as a leader or participant in camps, scouting, tutoring, etc. Volunteer Camp Counselor may include first year high school students and sophomores. All applicants must pass a criminal background check and, if licensed, have clean driving records. All staff must attend orientation and training sessions scheduled for June 24-28.
Email the Center’s Board of Directors at ydic@bethelpdx.org to submit your application or to request more information. The priority application deadline for staff positions has not been determined yet.
Download Application Packet HERE