childrensforestco.org DISCOVER FESTIVAL Nature outdoor recreation - nature education - art & wellness Presented by the Children's Forest of Central Oregon SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 11 AM - 3 PM ALPENGLOW PARK FREE
artwork by June Park
COMMUNITY REPORT COMMUNITY REPORT
Who We Are
The mission of the Children’s Forest is to unite our community to inspire lifelong connections to nature for each child We are a network of 30+ organizations that focus strongly on equity and inclusion, helping to connect underrepresented communities to impactful experiences in nature. We recognize that not all kids have equal access to the outdoors, and not everyone feels safe and welcome in outdoor spaces We believe that the health and well-being of children, families, and communities improves when all people connect to the outdoors
OUR WORK OUR WORK
Supporting our network to advance equity and inclusion
We convene leaders and educators in our network to support collective learning and training that builds more equitable organizations and programs
Connecting youth to the benefits of outdoor time
We provide sub-grants and scholarships to support highimpact programs for youth from underrepresented communities through our partner network
Connecting families to nature
We provide enriching family programs in rural communities that promote connections to nature. All programs are free and offered in partnership with local libraries and community
Enriching K-12 education by supporting outdoor learning
We provide one-stop shopping for teachers to connect to nature-based programs and resources. We also support bus expenses for low-income schools through our Field Trip Fund.
Support our Field Trip Fund
Help the Children’s Forest raise $10,000 for our Field Trip Fund, which will support field trips for 4,500 students.
NEW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: GREEN JOBS SUMMER PROGRAM
We launched a new program this summer that provide paid internships to 9 youth who identify as Latinx/o/a Interns were paired with a local outdoor or environmental organization where they gained experience in youth education, outdoor recreation, outreach, wildlife interpretation, and more Interns worked an average of 200 hours and also participated in cohort activities including resume building, reflection, and outings.
WHAT INTERNS HAD TO SAY.
“I was able to gain confidence in myself and a sense of purpose”
“I definitely feel closer and more care towards nature.”
“My greatest achievement was getting better at public speaking.”
“Doing the internship has opened new doors for me ”
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VáMONOS OUTSIDE VáMONOS OUTSIDE
What we do What we do
Vámonos Outside runs outdoor-based programs that serve the Latinx/BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities in Central Oregon We work with youth of all ages, ranging from preschool to high schoolers A cornerstone of Latino culture is the family, so we also engage the family unit in outdoorrelated activities. Our programs introduce participants to a wide range of outdoor activities in an inclusive environment and help to build a sense of belonging in the outdoors All of our programs are free for the community and led by our Latinx/BIPOC staff
Youth Programs
Vámonos Outside provides opportunities all year to connect youth to the outdoors. Our Ski and Snowboard program provides lessons, gear, lift tickets, and mentorship to 25 high school students each winter, in partnership with Mt Bachelor We also offer a teen mountain bike program each spring and fall, and water-based programs in the summer. Our goals for our youth programs are for participants to strengthen their connection with nature, develop social and emotional skills, and build community
Family Programs
Vámonos Outside partners with community programs and organizations to provide a wide range of family programs all year We offer monthly BIPOC climb nights at Bend Rock Gym and summer outings including rafting, camping, and park days with Juntos Aprendemos families
WELCOME CAMP CHICA!
This fall, Camp Chica joins Vámonos Outside and The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon to continue providing bilingual adventure camp programs for elementary-aged girls in Central Oregon Camp Chica will continue providing adventures on early-release Wednesdays, noschool day camps, and summer camps. Their curriculum focuses on connecting girls to nature and place, to themselves, and creating a community that celebrates bilingualism.
Welcome Camp Chica!
“I didn’t have a lot of selfconfidence starting this but now when I fall down, I see it as a learning experience I think about what went wrong, I try and fix it, and then I keep snowboarding ”
donate to donate to vá o monos vámonos outside! outside!
Photo by: Austin White
DISCOVER NATURE FESTIVAL DISCOVER NATURE FESTIVAL
Discover Nature Festival celebrates the diversity of ways that we all connect with nature. The event will provide something for everyone, including nature arts and crafts, STEM activities, outdoor recreation, food, and more. Bring your family out to try a new outdoor activity, connect with amazing community organizations, and learn how we can all help take care of our environment and community. The event is made possible by 20+ incredible community partners! Free!
Saturday, September 23, 11 am-3 pm, Alpenglow Park
Activities
Climbing wall
Fire Truck and Fire Fighter Challenge
Mountain Bike Lessons
Natural Dyes
Watershed Exploration
Who Lives Here? Skulls and Pelts
10 Survival Essentials
Pine Cone Bird Feeders
Monarch Butterfly Crafts
Pop-up Poetry
Pedestrian Safety Game
Wildflower Seed Bombs
Great Garbage Game
Night Sky Education
Mud Kitchen and Nature Crafting
Bird of Prey
Nature Journaling
Leaf Rubbings
Wooden Animal Craft
Green Leadership Coalition
Treasure Hunt
And much more!
Plus, food carts
Thanks to our event sponsors!
OUR SUPPORTERS OUR SUPPORTERS
Thank you to all the organizations, businesses, and individuals who support the Children’s Forest and Vámonos Outside! These programs wouldn’t be possible without their partnership and generosity
Major Supporters
U.S. Forest Service
Oregon Community Foundation
Grey Family Foundation
Meyer Memorial Trust
Mt Bachelor
Central Oregon Health Council
High Desert Education Service District
Bend-La Pine School District
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
Oregon Association of ESDs
National Recreation Foundation
Pattie Gonia
Bottle Drop
PacificSource
Deschutes Brewery
Redmond School District
Roundhouse Foundation
Central Oregon Latino Partnership Program
Share Winter Foundation
The Haven
PGE Foundation
10 Barrel Brewing
Bend Endurance Academy
Sisters School District
REI
The Gear Fix
Cog Wild
Xicha Brewing
Sun Country Tours
Columbia Sportswear
Partners
Deschutes National Forest
Ochoco National Forest
Oregon State Parks
High Desert ESD
Bend-La Pine SD
Redmond SD
Jefferson County SD
Sisters SD
Bend Parks and Rec
Redmond Area Parks and Rec
Mosaic Medical
Bend Forest School
Bend Rock Gym
Boys & Girls Club of Bend
Camp Fire Central Oregon
Camp Tamarack
Deschutes Land Trust
Discover Your Forest
The Environmental Center
Friends of the Children
Heart of Oregon Corps
High Desert Museum
Juntos (OSU)
Juntos Aprendemos
Middle Deschutes Watershed Council
Oregon Adaptive Sports
Sunriver Nature Center
Trout Unlimited
Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
Wildheart Nature School
More event info