Unexpected Portland Organizations for Kids
Portland is a creative city. We are well known for our spirit of “Keep Portland Weird,” often in reference to aspects like the adult-themed donuts at Voodoo Donuts, the Unipiper and Purringtons Cat Lounge, a cafe where you can simultaneously interact with cats.
But there’s no reason we should limit all the fun to adults! Afterall, children are the future and in order to keep our edge with this global reputation, we need to start training our children to take over the weird factor.
Fortunately for our city there are plenty of cool opportunities for the little tykes to jump in on the Keep Portland Weird movement, with gusto! Here are just a few of our faves.
Image from My Voice Music
My Voice Music
Being a Cool Kid 101 starts with being in a rock band, right? Knowing how to play the drums, scream lyrics or shred the guitar. That’s what the folks at My Voice Music believe, ayway.
The organization teaches kids ages 7-20 to write, record, and perform original songs. They firmly believe that all kids should have the opportunity to find and share their artistic voice.
But My Voice Music is about much more than simply creating cool music by kids. Founder Ian Mouser was working as a Treatment Counselor for youth in a residential treatment center, struggling to break up fights and keep the kids safe. One day on a whim he started to play his guitar at work, and the kids immediately begin to pay attention. They let their guards down, tuned in and were eager to learn. Ian taught those same kids how to play, and the band they formed later went on to win second place in their school talent show.
Ian quickly realized there could be something special in the teaching of rock music to kids, and My Voice Music was born. The organization now serves over 2,000 youth from all backgrounds every year.
Though many of their programs are now open to the public at MVM Studios, they place a special emphasis on working with youth in treatment centers, foster care, and alternative schools.
Image from The Circus Project
The Circus Project
Kids used to talk about running away and joining the circus but parents, don’t worry! Here in Portland your kids can join the circus and still make it home for dinnertime.
The Circus Project teaches a variety of circus arts skills to kids of all ages.
When she started the organization, Founder Jenn Cohen believed that the unique appeal of circus arts would benefit homeless and marginalized youth in unprecedented ways. She hoped that their unique perspectives on life might propel the growing field of modern circus arts to new heights.
In 2009, the Circus Project expanded programming to include classes available to the general public so that children and adults from all walks of life could experience the circus arts. The Circus Project has since established itself as one of the premiere performance companies and circus training programs in the Pacific Northwest, bringing in internationally acclaimed guest artists, creating new opportunities for collaboration with local and international performance companies. They also oversee the nation’s only circus training programs designed specifically for homeless youth.
Image from Trackers Portland
Trackers Portland
When the apocalypse hits, the kids of Portland just might save us all, thanks to Trackers Portland.
This outdoorsy organization instructs kids in activities and skills such as wilderness survival, archery, environmental stewardship and plant identification.
Though they’re well known for their camps - from day camps to overnight stays for teens and little tykes - they also offer programs for adults.