Kindergarten Readiness Summer Camp
Get excited and prepared for kindergarten with our Kindergarten Readiness Summer Camp! Designed by veteran teachers, this camp combines explicit math and reading instruction— balanced with fun, hands-on learning. Our play-based, small group setting helps children develop early literacy, numeracy, number sense, and social skills.
Location: Eastside Jewish Commons 2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
Although our camp is held at the Eastside Jewish Commons, our programs are completely secular and non-religious.
Dates: Weekly camps beginning June 23, 2025
Days & Times: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-1:00pm; Extended Care from 1:00-2:30pm
Early Bird Cost: $399
Additional Weeks Only $349!
Cost After May 1, 2025: $449
Additional Weeks only $399!
Extended Care: $75 per week
*Price includes a healthy snack each day, school supplies, and a personalized, thematic workbook
Give your child a strong start to school while making new friends and having fun this summer!
Why Early Math and Literacy Matter for Your Child’s Success
Research shows that children who enter school with strong early math and literacy skills perform better—not just in kindergarten, but throughout their entire education (Duncan et al., 2007).
Our Kindergarten Readiness Summer Camp is designed to provide your child with the foundational skills they need to thrive in school.
Developing Essential Literacy Skills
Reading and writing skills are developed early, and children who start kindergarten already recognizing letters, understanding sounds, and forming words have a huge advantage (Lonigan & Shanahan, 2009). Our camp helps children build these skills through engaging, research-based literacy activities that make learning fun and interactive.
By the time they start school, they’ll feel confident with phonics and early writing.
Building Early Numeracy & Numeracy Skills
Many parents assume reading is the most important skill for school success, but early math skills are actually the best predictor of future academic achievement (Duncan et al., 2007).
At our camp, children will engage in hands-on games and activities that build number sense and problem-solving skills.
The Right Balance of Learning and Play
We know that kids learn best when they are engaged and having fun. Research shows that high-quality early education programs not only improve academics, but also help children develop confidence, social skills, and a love of learning (Heckman et al., 2010).
That’s why we combine structured learning with plenty of movement, games, songs, and outdoor play to keep your child excited about learning.
Camp Schedule & Details
Monday Mornings - Welcome Coffee & Snacks for Families
8:00 – 8:30am | Morning Stations & Morning Meeting – Start the day with fun and engaging thematic activities and then review the schedule for the day.
8:30 – 9:30am | Math Block – Hands-on number sense and problem-solving stations with individualized support, including 1:1 instruction. Click here to learn more about number sense.
9:30 – 10:00am | Snack & Movement Break – Time to refuel and recharge with a healthy snack (provided) and free play.
10:00 – 11:00am | Reading & Writing Block – Engaging literacy stations to build phonemic awareness, phonics, writing, including 1:1 reading instruction. Click here to learn more about the science of reading.
11:00am – 1:00pm | Lunch & Playground Time – A chance to eat lunch and play with new friends at Oregon Park.
12:30 – 1:00pm | Pick-up begins and teachers connect with families.
1:00-2:30pm | Extended Care at Oregon Park.
Kindergarten Readiness Summer Camps 2025
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Imagination & Creation
Dates: June 23-27
Unleash the creativity! Your child will engage in imaginative play, art projects, and storytelling adventures that bring their wildest ideas to life.
Location: Eastside Jewish Commons
2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
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Animal Planet
Dates: July 14-18
Welcome to animal planet! Your child will discover diverse creatures, habitats, and animal behaviors through fun activities, crafts, and play.
Location: Eastside Jewish Commons
2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
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Construction Zone
Dates: July 21-25
Calling all builders! We will build and explore as we create amazing structures with blocks, tools, and teamwork.
Location: Eastside Jewish Commons
2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
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A Bug's Life
Dates: July 28-August 1
This week is all about bugs! Your child will discover fascinating habitats, play games, and create crafts inspired by our insect friends.
Location: Eastside Jewish Commons
2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
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The Great Outdoors
Dates: August 4-8, 2025
Get ready for an outdoor adventure! We will enjoy nature walks, scavenger hunts, and outdoor games while learning about the local ecology.
Location: Eastside Jewish Commons
2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
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Lights & Illumination
Dates: August 11-15
What do you know about lights? This week we will experiment with different sources of light and illumination through shadow play, outdoor exploration, and glow in the dark fun!
Location: Eastside Jewish Commons
2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
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Farm Frenzy
Dates: August 18-22
A week of farm fun! Your child will learn all about farming, planting, and caring for animals while exploring the wonders of farm life.
Location: Eastside Jewish Commons
2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
Kindergarten Readiness Staff
Sari Tullis, Director
Sari Tullis is the Director of the Kindergarten Readiness Program and the founder of Tullis Tutoring. She holds a Master’s of Education from Vanderbilt University and has over a decade of experience in education. With a strong background in math and science education, school and classroom management, organizational development, and teacher training, she is dedicated to creating enriching learning experiences for children.
As an expert in communication and family engagement, Sari ensures that both students and parents feel supported throughout the kindergarten readiness journey. She brings her extensive experience in curriculum development and instructional leadership to design a program that balances structured learning with play, helping children build confidence, independence, and essential academic skills.
Under her leadership, the Kindergarten Readiness Summer Camp provides a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment where children can develop early math and literacy skills, build social-emotional confidence, and foster a love of learning as they prepare for their transition to kindergarten.
Marye Kellermann, Lead Teacher
Marye Kellermann brings over eight years of experience in early childhood education, specializing in preschool and kindergarten instruction. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado, where she focused on child development, learning methods, and early literacy.
Passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences, Marye fosters a warm and supportive environment where young learners can build confidence, foundational math and reading skills, and a love for learning. She is known for her creativity, enthusiasm, and ability to make learning fun— through interactive lessons, play-based activities, and silly songs that keep kids engaged and excited.
With a natural talent for making every child feel welcome and encouraged, Marye ensures that the Kindergarten Readiness Summer Program is a joyful and enriching experience for all!
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2016). From best practices to breakthrough impacts: A science-based approach to building a more promising future for young children. Harvard University. https://developingchild.harvard.edu
Duncan, G. J., Dowsett, C. J., Claessens, A., Magnuson, K., Huston, A. C., Klebanov, P., Pagani, L. S., Feinstein, L., Engel, M., Brooks-Gunn, J., Sexton, H., Duckworth, K., & Japel, C. (2007). School readiness and later achievement. Developmental Psychology, 43(6), 1428–1446. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.43.6.1428
Heckman, J. J., Pinto, R., & Savelyev, P. A. (2010). Understanding the mechanisms through which an influential early childhood program boosted adult outcomes. American Economic Review, 103(6), 2052–2086. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.103.6.2052
Lonigan, C. J., & Shanahan, T. (2009). Developing early literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel. National Institute for Literacy. https://lincs.ed.gov/publications/pdf/NELPReport09.pdf
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). (2021). Developmentally appropriate practice position statement. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/dap
National Research Council. (2009). Mathematics learning in early childhood: Paths toward excellence and equity. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12519
Stanovich, K. E. (1986). Matthew effects in reading: Some consequences of individual differences in the acquisition of literacy. Reading Research Quarterly, 21(4), 360–407. https://doi.org/10.1598/RRQ.21.4.1