A Letter from our Executive Director
Dear Friends,
At NatureConnect, our vision is simple yet powerful: every child growing up in Central Oregon should have the chance to build a lasting connection with nature. We believe access to the outdoors is a right an essential part of childhood and beyond not a privilege
This past year has been one of growth and milestones. We rebranded as NatureConnect, moved into our first dedicated office space with Vámonos Outside, and stepped into stewardship of Skyliner Lodge a beloved community hub for outdoor learning These moments mark an exciting new chapter as we continue creating opportunities for kids to learn, play, and thrive outdoors.
What inspires me most are the kids themselves from the elementary students on their first field trip to the high school interns stepping into leadership roles. Their curiosity, resilience, and joy remind us why this work matters and why it must continue
Here in Central Oregon, we all share a love for the outdoors it’s part of what makes this community so special. By helping kids build that same connection, we’re investing not just in their futures, but in the future of this place we call home
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our team, the teachers who champion outdoor learning, and the interns who give back by leading the next generation And of course, it wouldn’t be possible without you our community. Your belief in this mission is what makes it grow.
Thank you for believing in this work Together, we’re building a Central Oregon where every child grows up with the chance to discover the beauty in their own backyard.
With gratitude,
Katie Chipko Executive Director NatureConnect
Collaboration in Action - Impact Stories
NatureConnect is much more than a program or a place We focus on finding community solutions to issues around access and inclusion in the outdoors We have a strong network of 35+ partners that have the same goal – to improve health and learning for all children in Central Oregon by getting them outside We know that we are more powerful when we work together as a community NatureConnect sees ourselves as an umbrella organization – from convening partners to tracking regional data to developing shared resources – our role is to look at outdoor access for kids at a community-level, and to leverage and collaborate with our network of partners to develop innovative solutions.
Green Jobs
Bringing Diverse Youth Voice into the Green Sector
32 150+hour internships since 2023
Our network has the collective goal of supporting a more diverse and inclusive generation of environmental stewards and green sector employees The Green Jobs program provides paid internships with non-profits and businesses across Bend - providing BIPOC high school youth valuable career training, while also enhancing their connection to nature. Here’s this summer’s interns are saying:
“After the internship, I feel like I would love to work outdoors, because the relaxation I felt during my time working is something I’d like in other jobs ”
“Being outside with kids really helped me to stop being so involved with social media and enjoy the present I can definitely see a difference in myself ”
“Now even on days off I go out and see all the beauty that nature has to offer. I’ve learned how to value it and not take it for granted.”
Skyliner Lodge: A home for outdoor learning
If you know Skyliner Lodge, you know it’s more than just a building Tucked beside Tumalo Creek, Skyliner Lodge has been a beloved community space for outdoor recreation and learning for generations Effective July 1, NatureConnect proudly took over operational and fiscal responsibility of the Lodge As the leader of Central Oregon’s outdoor learning network, when the need arose for someone to take on this stewardship responsibility, we knew we needed to step up.
This August, thanks to community support and a grant from Visit Bend, we were able to replace the lodge’s aging roof with a fireproof, historically accurate alternative This project ensures that the lodge can continue being a hub for youth programs and outdoor exploration for years to come Looking forward, there are already over 100 days of youth programs booked for the lodge this school year NatureConnect is looking foward to offering more programs and opportunities for the public to visit the lodge and enjoy this space.
Looking Ahead - Goals for the Upcoming Year
Expand outdoor program offerings that have Indigenous content and voices
Build towards Green Jobs 2 0 - an apprenticeship program for 18-24 year olds that provides higher level career training in the green sector Provide more community programs at Skyliner Lodge and support free youth program use through private rental revenue
more!
Spotlight: Vámonos Outside
Mission
We create spaces by and for Latine & BIPOC families in Central Oregon to connect with nature, experience personal transformation, and deepen community & belonging
Elementary Programs
Vision
We envision a just world where Latine & BIPOC families thrive through meaningful relationships with nature, community, and self
Vámonos Outside provides free year-round outdoor programs for youth that instill a love of the outdoors, while also meeting families’ childcare needs The programs help participants build confidence in a variety of outdoor activities, develop social and emotional skills, celebrate culture and bilingualism, and build community
“Vamonos Outside has provided my family with consistent, high-quality childcare and enriching outdoor activities My children have benefited from a safe and supportive space where they can explore nature, engage in physical activity, and build friendships As a result, they spend less time on screens, have gained confidence, developed leadership skills, and shown improved focus and social skills at school.
I’ve seen students who were previously shy or disengaged and blossomed through their involvement in the program Vamonos Outside meets children where they are and creates a welcoming environment where all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel seen and valued ”
Teen Programs
Vámonos Outside provides multi-week programs for teens including a mountain bike program and a ski/snowboard program in partnership with Mt. Bachelor. These programs are free for youth and address barriers for participation by providing transportation, gear, and lessons The programs focus on youth development outcomes by providing challenging, yet attainable activities outdoors where youth can take risks and experience accomplishment Relationship and community building is a core component of programs, and often youth return to participate several years in a row.
“I feel like I am a lot more comfortable and confident in nature I am able to use or connect with nature when I’m feeling down or need time to myself” -Teen Program Participant
FAQ: What is the relationship between Vámonos Outside and NatureConnect?
As an umbrella organization, NatureConnect has served as the non-profit home for Vámonos Outside since they were founded in 2020. Our shared goal is for NatureConnect to provide the admimistrative and financial resources for Vámonos Outside to be able to operate as a BIPOC-led program Vámonos Outside has an Advisory Board, in addition to NatureConnect’s Board of Directors, that provides support and guidance to their work
14,921
Total students participating in field trips with our network of partners (with 52,912 student days outside)
2,750 Hours worked by Green Job interns
Trips with bus costs funded by our Field Trip Fund
101 Volunteers
1,579
25 students participating in the 4-lesson NatureHoods program
Teachers attending professional development workshops
44
168
Days of programs led by Vámonos Outside
113
Latine/BIPOC youth reached in Vámonos Outside’s youth development programs
Revenue
Expenses by Program
Total: $579,432
Total: $527,704
Thank you to our Supporters!
Visit Bend
Oregon Department of Education
Gray Family Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation
USDA Forest Service
The River Network
Share Winter Foundation
Roundhouse Foundation
Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation
Mt Bachelor
Herbert Templeton Foundation
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
Meyer Memorial Trust
Ford Family Foundation
Pacific Power Foundation
Les Schwab Tire Centers
Carly’s Kids
National Philanthropic Trust
Amalgamated Foundation
Our Change Foundation
Luno
Columbia Sports
Green Latinos
Gear Fix
Scott’s Roofing
Brooks Resources
Central Oregon Latin Festival
Tacos El Machin
The Dirksen Derby
PacificSource Health Plans
First Interstate Bank
Sage Wellness
Pine Mountain Sports
Mountain Burger Bend
Deschutes Brewery
City of Bend
Trout Unlimited
High Desert Museum
The Environmental Center
Bend Park & Recreation District
Oregon Wild
Think Wild
Discover Your Forest
Oregon State University
Cog Wild
Better Together
High Desert Education Service District
Children & Nature Network
First Story
Bend Rock Gym
Todd Laurence
Ronald Fritz
Peter Ducato
Catherine Flanagan
Anthony Ablack
Katy Aceto
Jade Aguilar
John & Julie Allen
Rika Ayotte
Nichol Biron
Hamilton Brown
Brian Brunsing
Trisha Bruck
Priscilla Calleros
Juan Castillo
Stephen & Paula Chipko
Elaine Cole & Todd Mabee
Carolina Cruz
Natasha Dempsey
Diane Dedrick
Rebecca Easton
Jose Estrada
William & Pam Fisher
Theodore Ford
Jacob Fritz
Nancy Geller
Marieka Greene
Mark Hatfield
Ayano Healy
Gwendolyn Jones
John Bryan Kelly
Rose Kirkendall
Richard & Lea Krouse
Cheri Kropp
Kecia Kubota
Todd Laurence
Brittany Lewis
Anastasia Lugo Mendez
Kimberly Markley
Geneva Mayall
Kyle Moore
Lora Nordquiest
Renee Patrick
Katherine Reeves
Maria Reyes
Gabriela Reyes
Daniel Rivera
Gianna Roscoe
Stephen & Carol Rooney
Lillian Raff McCaulou
Victor Salgado
Nancy Sorlie
James St. Amant
Tess Spellacy
David Tello
Tara Tippy
Joel Vargas
Maria Vega
Leslie Vega
Hosanna Wilder
Molly Wilson
Our work would not be possible without their support!
Board of Directors
Christina Cid (President)
Kathya Avila Choquez
Jocelyn Blevins
Priscilla Calleros
Rebecca Easton
Alex Enna
Kecia Kubota
Anastasia Lugo Mendez
Katie Ryan
Partners
Deschutes Natl. Forest
Ochoco Natl. Forest
Oregon State Parks
High Desert ESD
Bend-La Pine SD
Redmond SD
Crook County SD
Jefferson County SD
Sisters SD
Bend Parks and Rec
Redmond Area Parks & Rec
Mosaic Medical
Bend Forest School
Boys & Girls Club of Bend
Camp Fire Central
Oregon
Camp Tamarack
Cog Wild
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
Mini-Mavericks
Preschool
Nighthawk Naturalist
Oregon Adaptive Sports
Oregon Wild
R A D Camps
Sunriver Nature Center
Think Wild
Trout Unlimited
Upper Deschutes
Watershed Council
Wildheart Nature School
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