OSU KidSpirit
OSU KidSpirit at Langton Hall, Oregon State University, 2450 SW Jefferson Way, 125 Langton Hall, Langton Hall, Room 125, Corvallis, OR 97331
About
OSU KidSpirit offers activities such as ACES Day Camps, Summer Day Camp, ACES No-School Day Camps, gymnastics, swim lessons, archery, aquatics/swim, cooking, aerobic dance, soccer, basketball, boy's baseball, and swimming. The program also offers KidSpirit Gymnastics Classes, KidSpirit Aquatics - Swim Classes, Cooking Academy, PRAxKIDS Night Out, Special Events & Birthday Parties, and options for birthdays and other parties. Older youth can participate in Junior Leaders Academy, Leadership Training Academy, and the Youth Outdoor Career & Leadership Summit.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Schedule: Office hours Monday–Friday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM during the academic year (subject to change during breaks), and 7:00 AM–6:00 PM during summer day camp; Saturday–Sunday closed; historically, camp sessions have included multiple two-week options and an 11th week of camp
• Price: OSU Staff, Faculty, Students, and OSUAA Members receive an additional discount of $25 per summer camp session
Since 1961, OSU KidSpirit has offered intentional, high-quality, equitable learning and out-of-school time activities and camps for youth ages 2–18, including Oregon State University’s first summer sports program that began in 1961. The program offers sports, arts, science, gymnastics, cooking, and other activities both in Summer Day Camp and in programs offered all year long, and historically has grown enrollment to 400 campers per one-week session with camp hours from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and an added 11th week of camp.
OSU KidSpirit is directed by Karen Swanger, who has an MS in Exercise Sport Science and a minor in Conflict Resolution from Oregon State University and over 30 years of experience recruiting, training, evaluating, and managing large groups of staff and volunteers. KidSpirit employs over 120 annual student workers as Camp Counselors, Head Instructors, Office Assistants, Marketing/Special Projects Staff, and Program Leadership Staff, and individual programs are directed by student leadership staff.
The KidSpirit mission is “empowering lifelong thriving,” with a focus on intentional, high-quality, and equitable out-of-school time learning activities and camps. Its aims and objectives include being a leader in Positive Youth Development and relationship-building with youth; enhancing mental, physical, and artistic competence of participants and staff through various activities; improving and supporting community health and well-being; serving as a functional social network between community youth and adults; building confidence and self-esteem through fun, age-appropriate, and innovative activities; cultivating an atmosphere focused on character and life-skill development; and establishing a safe and caring environment for participants and staff.
As part of Oregon State University Extension and Engagement, KidSpirit is described as a positive youth development program that improves health and wellness and physical, emotional, and artistic development. The program is also described as helping youth develop “thriving” characteristics through non-competitive, recreational, and educational activities, and it continues to expand through community outreach, partnership, and involvement. KidSpirit also offers staff and volunteers chances to develop skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, tech proficiency, empathy, initiative, resilience, self-awareness, and cultural sensitivity, and is hiring for student staff and non-student AmeriCorps positions, including full-time stipend AmeriCorps roles.
Last updated December 28, 2025.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Schedule: Office hours Monday–Friday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM during the academic year (subject to change during breaks), and 7:00 AM–6:00 PM during summer day camp; Saturday–Sunday closed; historically, camp sessions have included multiple two-week options and an 11th week of camp
• Price: OSU Staff, Faculty, Students, and OSUAA Members receive an additional discount of $25 per summer camp session
Since 1961, OSU KidSpirit has offered intentional, high-quality, equitable learning and out-of-school time activities and camps for youth ages 2–18, including Oregon State University’s first summer sports program that began in 1961. The program offers sports, arts, science, gymnastics, cooking, and other activities both in Summer Day Camp and in programs offered all year long, and historically has grown enrollment to 400 campers per one-week session with camp hours from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and an added 11th week of camp.
OSU KidSpirit is directed by Karen Swanger, who has an MS in Exercise Sport Science and a minor in Conflict Resolution from Oregon State University and over 30 years of experience recruiting, training, evaluating, and managing large groups of staff and volunteers. KidSpirit employs over 120 annual student workers as Camp Counselors, Head Instructors, Office Assistants, Marketing/Special Projects Staff, and Program Leadership Staff, and individual programs are directed by student leadership staff.
The KidSpirit mission is “empowering lifelong thriving,” with a focus on intentional, high-quality, and equitable out-of-school time learning activities and camps. Its aims and objectives include being a leader in Positive Youth Development and relationship-building with youth; enhancing mental, physical, and artistic competence of participants and staff through various activities; improving and supporting community health and well-being; serving as a functional social network between community youth and adults; building confidence and self-esteem through fun, age-appropriate, and innovative activities; cultivating an atmosphere focused on character and life-skill development; and establishing a safe and caring environment for participants and staff.
As part of Oregon State University Extension and Engagement, KidSpirit is described as a positive youth development program that improves health and wellness and physical, emotional, and artistic development. The program is also described as helping youth develop “thriving” characteristics through non-competitive, recreational, and educational activities, and it continues to expand through community outreach, partnership, and involvement. KidSpirit also offers staff and volunteers chances to develop skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, tech proficiency, empathy, initiative, resilience, self-awareness, and cultural sensitivity, and is hiring for student staff and non-student AmeriCorps positions, including full-time stipend AmeriCorps roles.
Last updated December 28, 2025.
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