Business Details
22 Years
experience
Award-Winning Youth Sports Camps in Portland, OR
Founded in 2004, BaxterSports Camps has established itself as Portland's premier youth athletic program, dedicated to fostering holistic development through sports. Our mission combines teaching technical skills with emphasizing mental resilience, nutrition, and community building. With over 20 years of experience in youth sports, our team of certified coaches creates safe, engaging environments that balance structured learning with exploratory play. We offer seasonal camps for ages 5-14, focusing on physical growth, teamwork, and lifelong sports appreciation. Recognized as NW Kids Magazine's 'Best Summer Camp' for seven consecutive years, we prioritize fun, inclusivity, and character development.Our leadership team brings decades of coaching expertise, including specialized training in sports psychology. We serve the greater Portland metropolitan area with multiple locations and flexible programming tailored to varying skill levels. Our alumni-driven coaching model ensures continuity of values, with former campers returning as staff members. Through year-round offerings including summer, winter, and spring break camps, we maintain a commitment to accessible, high-quality athletic education. Our approach integrates mental performance coaching, injury prevention techniques, and community service initiatives to develop well-rounded athletes.
Services
Sports Camps
Summer Camps
Winter Break Camps
Leadership Programs
Skill Clinics
Spring Break Camps
Youth Coaching
Mental Performance Training
Seasonal Sports Programs
Community Sports Development
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- Portland's premier youth athletic program since 2004
- Holistic approach combining sports skills with mental development
- Certified coaches with 20+ years of youth sports experience
- Safe, inclusive environment with age-specific programming
- Alumni coaching model ensuring continuity of values
Associations and certifications
- NW Kids Magazine Best Summer Camp 2013-2020
What people say
Safe environment
Engaging activities
Qualified coaches
Positive character development
Year-round programming
Services
Sports Camps
Seasonal sports camps for ages 5-14 focusing on technical skill development and character building. Our programs combine traditional sports training with mental resilience coaching and nutritional guidance. Certified instructors lead age-specific groups that emphasize teamwork, inclusivity, and community service while maintaining a fun, safe environment for all skill levels.
Summer Camps
Weekly summer camps offering comprehensive athletic development through structured sports training and creative games. Programs run for grades K-8 with daily activities that balance physical exercise, skill-building, and social development. Certified coaches implement a curriculum that promotes responsibility, gratitude, and teamwork in a supportive outdoor environment.
Leadership Programs
Leadership development initiatives that prepare athletes to become future coaches and mentors. The program combines sports psychology training with practical coaching experience, emphasizing communication skills, conflict resolution, and team dynamics. Participants learn to lead by example while maintaining the organization's core values of inclusivity and sportsmanship.
Mental Performance Training
Specialized mental conditioning programs developed by licensed sports psychologists. The training focuses on improving focus, building confidence, and developing coping strategies for athletic performance. Techniques include visualization exercises, goal-setting frameworks, and mindfulness practices integrated into regular sports training sessions.
Skill Clinics
Targeted skill development sessions for specific sports including soccer, basketball, and baseball. Clinics use progressive training methods that adapt to individual skill levels while maintaining team-oriented learning. The curriculum emphasizes proper technique, injury prevention, and game strategy in a supportive environment led by experienced coaches.
People
Brian Baxter
Owner / Director / Sports Psychologist
Founder with 20+ years in youth sports development, combining athletic coaching with mental performance training. Former collegiate athlete and certified sports psychologist who established BaxterSports Camps' holistic approach to youth athletics in 2004.
Tiare Farris
Executive Assistant
Organizational leader managing operations and camper relations, bringing extensive experience in youth program administration. Advocate for sports accessibility and parent engagement, with direct experience as a camper parent within the program.
Blake Jackson
Director of Programming and Staffing
Baseball background with 10+ years in youth coaching and program development. Former camper turned staff member who oversees coach training and program implementation across all seasonal offerings.
Dupree
Director of Coaching
Community sports leader with 8 years coaching experience in Portland schools. Oversees coaching staff development and implements training philosophy focused on connection, commitment, and personal growth through athletics.
Jake Weiss
Head Coach / Program Director
Special Olympics volunteer and youth advocate with diverse coaching experience across multiple sports. Manages daily operations and camper engagement while maintaining the organization's educational and developmental standards.
Questions
What age groups do your camps serve?
Our camps serve children aged 5-14 with age-specific programming for grades K-4, 5-8, and high school levels.
What sports are offered at your camps?
We offer soccer, basketball, baseball, track and field, volleyball, and multi-sport programs with specialized clinics for skill development.
Are your coaches certified?
All staff hold current certifications in their respective sports and undergo background checks, with many having advanced coaching credentials.
How do you ensure camper safety?
We maintain 1:8 staff-to-camper ratios, require injury prevention training for coaches, and implement structured safety protocols for all activities.
Do you offer before/after care options?
Extended care is available for seasonal camps with supervised activities before official start times and after scheduled sessions.
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refunds available up to two weeks before camp start date with partial refunds possible for later cancellations.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Walter A.
Mar 10, 2020
Report
My son loved all camps, until baxter came into the mix. Now it's the ONLY camp he wants to attend. It's really amazing how happy he is when he gets home. Along with becoming a better soccer player, he loves the extracurricular activities, specifically dodgeball, they coordinate. I couldn't believe it when I heard he only wanted to go to Baxter this summer. A true tribute to this well coordinated camp, and their staff. Baxter focuses on team sports with care for each individual kid.
