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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 2026 Day Camp will be in session 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM from June 29 through August 7 — our 30th 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 Keymora Goldsby)
Meet Our Director, Keymora Goldsby!
Hello everyone!
My name is Keymora Goldsby, and I am beyond excited to be returning as Director for this year’s Summer Day Camp! This summer marks my fourth official year working here, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting and growing with this amazing community. From helping campers find their voice to creating safe and memorable experiences, being part of this program has been both meaningful and inspiring.
What makes this journey even more special is that I was once a camper here myself. I grew up attending this very camp, and it played a huge role in shaping the person I am today. To now be in a leadership position helping guide the same program that once guided me is an absolute honor. I’m passionate about making sure every young person who walks through these doors feels seen, supported, and empowered to be their best self. I’m looking forward to an incredible summer filled with fun, growth, sports, science and new friends.
Summer Day Camp Schedule
Open your calendars and add these dates related to our 2026 Summer Day:
Feb 1 Camp staff applications open
Mar 1 Family applications open
May 15 Tentative camper attendance schedules due to Bethel
Jun 9 Last regular class day for Portland Public Schools
Jun 10-12 Possible snow days for PPS
Jun 10 Final camper attendance schedules due to Bethel
Jun 22-26 Staff training week
Jun 29 Summer Day Camp opens
Jul 3 Holiday honoring the Fourth of July—camp is closed
Aug 7 Last day of the 2026 Summer Day Camp
Camp Staff Recruitment
Applicant Expectations:
Successful staff applicants will have excellent abilities to work directly with children. Classroom leadership experience is a plus for the Assistant Director and Lead Counselors, 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 or sophomores with experience in camps, scouting, tutoring, etc. 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 22-26.
Application Instructions:
The staff application form posted below is a form fillable .pdf file. You should be able to fill in the form from many different laptop or phone configurations. If you have a problem, download the FREE Adobe Reader app at https://get.adobe.com/reader/. You do NOT need to purchase the Adobe Acrobat app or start a free trial—no matter what Adobe tries to sell you. If you still have problems email ydic@bethelpdx.org or call 503.285.4919 to request a Word version of the staff application packet.
Download the form below, save it on your device, fill it in and return it to ydic@bethelpdx.org
Family Camp Applications
Family applications open on March 1, 2026
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