A week long youth rugby Spring Break Camp from March 24th – 28th, hosted in collaboration with the Office of Violence Prevention, the Portland Rugby Club, Eastside Tsunami Youth and Rose City Self-Defense.
The Rising Tides Spring Break Camp is a week-long program serving youth ages 11-19, with a focus on empowerment, violence prevention, and leadership development through a combination of:
- Rugby training (flag and full contact) led by former USA Rugby players and local coaches
- Self-defense and violence interruption workshops in partnership with Rose City Self-Defense
- Tutoring and mental health support provided by local educators and specialists
- Culturally specific meals that promote community, nourishment, and shared learning
This program is free for qualifying participants, ensuring accessibility for youth from historically underserved communities in the Portland area. The Rising Tides initiative is part of a broader effort to provide positive, structured activities that build confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
Community Impact
With the support of the Portland Rugby Club – Grackles Youth Team, Eastside Tsunami Youth Rugby, and Rose City Self-Defense, this program directly contributes to:
- Providing a safe, structured alternative for at-risk youth during spring break
- Fostering leadership and teamwork through sports and mentorship
- Promoting healthy relationships and conflict resolution skills via workshops on de-escalation, boundary setting, and mental well-being
Daily Programming
Dates: March 24 - March 28, 2025
Morning Session (8 AM - 2 PM): PCC - Opportunities Center (NE 42nd Ave & Killingsworth)
Afternoon Session (2 PM - 5 PM): Fernhill Park
| Time | Programming |
|---|---|
| 8:00 - 10:00 am | Drop Off + Breakfast |
| 10:00 - 11:30 pm | Violence Interruption Program (VIP) |
| 11:30 - 1:00 pm | Tutoring / Mental Health Talk |
| 1:00 - 2:00 pm | Lunch |
| 2:00 - 5:00 pm | Rugby = Full Contact 15s or FlagX Rugby |
| 5:00 - 6:00 pm | Snack + Pickup |
