Architecture Summer Camp

June 25-27 | PCC Cascade Campus

TBD | Gresham

VOLUNTEER

REGISTER

Empowering young people to affect change in their community through design.

About

In 2006 the National Organization of Minority Architects created an initiative called Project Pipeline with the goal of providing the “pipeline” for a more equitable and diverse profession by introducing architecture to minority students, with a focus on Black students. Using the city as the classroom and connecting young people to real-world architects and planners, we foster the next generation of design professionals, civic leaders, and changemakers. We advocate for increased inclusiveness, diversity, fellowship, equity, and excellence in design.

To continue the legacy, in 2022, the Portland Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA PDX) created an Architecture Summer Camp designed to introduce middle school students (grades 6-8/ ages 11-14), with a focus on those who have been historically underrepresented in the profession, to the field of architecture and design.

The 3-day summer camp guides middle school students through all stages of the design process using design tools and practices such as sketching, diagramming, research, site visits, drawing, and model making, to create a fully realized project that addresses a community-focused issue. Students are mentored by local architects, designers, and community members to develop skills and tools to contribute to their community critically and constructively.

Through the summer camp, young people grasp the significance of architecture in their daily lives, as well as the broader cultural, social, and historical implications.

Days at a Glance

Day 1: What is Design

The camp starts with an intro to the fundamentals of architecture, design, and design justice.
Students are then introduced to the design challenge (local to the camp’s location), go on site tours and interview community members. They work closely with architects and designers who guide them through engaging and collaborative activities.

Day 2: Power of Design

Students continue to explore their project collectively as a group through research, diagramming, drawing, collage making, and begin exploring model making.
They continue to develop the skills and tools to create designs they and the community would like to see.

Day 3: I Can Design!

In the first half of the day students work on finalizing their design and presentation materials.
Students present a fully realized project that addresses the design challenge to their families and invited community members.

REGISTER

Advanced registration is required to participate in the summer camp. There is no on-site registration the day of the event.

Registration Status:

Portland | Architecture Summer Camp
June 26-28, 9 AM - 3 PM - CLOSED

Gresham | Re-Design the Block
Dates: TBD - Open by Invitation Only

Registration opens every March typically after spring break.
Check back on this webpage or follow us on Instagram for the latest updates on registration. Space is limited to 40 students and is first come first served.
Advanced registration is required. There is no on-site registration the day of the event.
This year, we are kicking off our first Bilingual Spanish camp to students from the Gresham community before opening any remaining spots to students from other areas. We are test piloting this model of The Neighborhood Camp, which was created to increase access to architecture and design education by bringing the program directly into a community and includes intentionally engaging and supporting Spanish-speaking families through a bilingual (English and Spanish) camp experience to help make the program more accessible.
If space remains after our initial registration period, we will absolutely open registration to additional students. We'd be happy to add you to our interest list and keep you updated.
Email us at nomapdxsummercamp@gmail.com
Thanks to the support of our sponsors, the camp is FREE and includes all materials, supplies, and a meal each day.
Campers cannot miss any days of the camp. Campers start on their design projects from day 1 and each day builds upon the previous day. There is great programming packed in the camp, and it will make it challenging for campers to catch up on their projects if they miss a day.
The program is open to middle school students (grades 6-8, ages 11-14).
Students currently in 5th grade and entering 6th grade in the Fall are eligible to register.
Students currently in 8th grade and entering 9th grade in the Fall are eligible to register.
High school students (grades 9-12) are welcome to join as a volunteer. Email us for the Volunteer Youth Registration form.
No. Camps run daily from 9 am-3 pm. You drop off and pick up your child/camper each day.

Frequently Asked Questions

SUPPORT

The summer camp is a community-supported program made possible by the support of our volunteers and sponsors in the AEC Community.

Volunteer!

CAMP VOLUNTEER

Middle school students who participate in our summer camp are taught and mentored by Architects, Designers, Planners, and Community Members to create designs they would like to see in their communities.

June Summer Camp Volunteer Sign-Up CLOSED

Gresham Summer Camp Volunteer Sign-Up CLOSED

Click on each volunteer role to learn more.

Volunteer Training: All volunteers are required to attend the volunteer training

Portland Summer Camp: June 20, 2026, from 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM (In-person, location shared in email to volunteers)
Gresham Summer Camp: August 15, 2026, from 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM (In-person, location shared in email to volunteers)

- Lead a small group of middle school students, facilitate design discussions, workshops, and activities, and guide the students through all stages of the design process to help their students/group fully realize a project that addresses a community-focused issue.
- Attendance to all summer camp days required.
- Volunteer training required.
- Open to active NOMA PDX or NOMAS members only.
- For Gresham Summer Camp, Fluent in Spanish is required.
- Assist the Lead Design Mentor with design discussions, workshops, and activities.
- Attendance to all summer camp days required.
- Volunteer Training required.
- Open to non-members and all design professionals and students (architects, planners, designers, and related fields).
- For Gresham Sumer Camp, fluent in Spanish is preferred.
- Assist with various tasks for the camp - from pre/post camp preparation, setup/takedown, registration, nutrition, running a model making station, etc.
- Any time you can commit is welcomed but we would greatly appreciate it if you can participate a minimum of two days.
- As with past years, Fridays and Saturdays need the most support with design production and model making.
- Volunteer assignments will be made based on the needs of the Camp. We ask you all to be flexible in your assignment.
- Open to non-members and all design professionals and students (architects, planners, designers, and related fields).
- (1) Training required
- For Gresham Summer Camp, fluent in Spanish preferred but not required.

PLANNING COMMITTEE - ON GOING

Join the Project Pipeline Summer Camp Planning Committee to support the planning and coordination of the camp. The committee meets every fourth Monday of each month.

Planning Committee Teams