ARCHITECTS IN SCHOOLS – VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP
The Architects in Schools Summer Camp is a 2026 Highlighted Program for our Architecture Summer Program.
Camp Dates: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26, 2026
Register by June 12: bit.ly/aiscamp2026
sponsored by the Architecture Foundation of Oregon
Every June, students from across Oregon and beyond are invited to participate in the virtual Architects in Schools Summer Camp. Camp participants explore the world of architecture and design and dive into topics such as future cities, sustainability and resiliency, universal design, community-centered design, and more. Every year explores a new theme and takes participants through the design process to draw, plan, and build an original design. Camp material is designed for youth ages 8-12.
Students work through the entire design process and are encouraged to keep improving their designs.
The 2026 camp theme is Small Changes = BIG IMPACT, Designing Sustainable and Resilient Communities. What are small things that you can do in your community to make it more sustainable and resilient? Let’s explore together! Camp participants will learn about ways they can use design to support some of our smallest community members – birds and bugs! Students will be introduced to technical architecture practices such as drawing, planning, model making, and more. By implementing the design process, they will make small changes in their community that create a BIG impact!
This collage activity helped students explore what a community needs to feel safe, comfortable, and healthy
Each day of camp, students work through a lesson, watch videos featuring architects, engineers, and related professionals, and complete design activities. Participants are encouraged to join the daily live sessions to share their progress and learn additional concepts from design and building professionals. At the end of the week, students who attend the live session have the opportunity to share their designs and receive constructive feedback from design and building professionals, college design students, and fellow camp participants.
In 2025, students were guided by empathic design to create a future city where all residents feel included and valued.
The summer camp was established in 2020 to keep students engaged, learning, and inspired during a time of isolation and uncertainty. While many communities have returned to in-person programming, there is still high demand for at-home learning. The virtual format allows for greater flexibility, accessibility, and levels of engagement. The camp can be tailored to each student’s needs and is self-paced.
Students often go above and beyond when it comes to building their final models. Many continue building after the camp week is over!
The Architects in Schools curriculum is designed for students of all learning styles. The summer camp and school-year program engage students in a non-traditional and creative way and introduces students to the power and possibilities of design. Architects in Schools is proven to make the highest impact on low-income students and non-traditional learners including special education, English learners, and visual and tactile learners.
Architecture Foundation of Oregon
111 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 2600
Portland, OR 97204
Candice Agahan (she/her), Director of Community Engagement