When your neighbors vote you Best Orthodontist in Bend – Again! – it’s worth celebrating. Woods Ortho is also excited to be named the top Invisalign provider in Central Oregon for three years running! If you haven’t met Dr. Woods, now’s the perfect time to see what you’ve been missing. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or your own smile tune-up, you’ll notice the difference the moment you walk in. Book your free exam today and discover why Bend keeps voting Woods Ortho the best. You deserve the best!
Publisher A aron Switzer
Editor Angela Switzer
Associate Editor Nicole Blume
Contributing Writers Afton Cyrus
Cherie Gough
Joshua Savage
Nicole Blume
Paige Bentley-Flannery
Calendar Editor Maddie Franz
Copy Editor Nicole Vulcan
Design & Layout Rise Graphic Design
Photography Darris Hurst
Maile Mason
Natalie Stephenson
Advertising Executives A shley Sarvis
Ban Tat
Chad Barnes
On the Cover
Illustration by Beatrix Potter, from “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” (1902), public domain (via Wikimedia Commons).
At Seven Peaks School, theater arts are a vibrant part of learning—from first steps on stage to confident performances under the spotlight. Students across grade levels explore acting, movement, music, improv, and public speaking, often sharing the stage with peers from different grades—whether it’s a 1st grader performing alongside a 7th grader or a middle school student delivering a Shakespearean monologue. Many Seven Peaks graduates continue on to perform on local stages—and we couldn’t be prouder.
Now accepting applications for Pre-K (ages 3, potty-trained) through 8th grade. Discover the power of performance at Seven Peaks School. Visit us online or book a tour today.
19660 NW Mountaineer Way | Bend, OR | (541) 382-7755
26 A DIFFERENT TYPE OF VACATION
TRENDING – Interested in volunteering abroad? If you’re planning a family vacation, this type of activity could fit nicely into your itinerary.
40 CHECK MATE!
KIDS IN ACTION – Not surprisingly, chess is making a strong comeback as a popular pastime for children of all ages. Learn the benefits of this classic game for the whole family.
44 A DARK LABYRINTH
OUTDOORS – If you’ve ever wondered what’s beneath your feet, Joshua Savage informs us of the many spectacular caves here in Central Oregon and beyond. Grab a headlamp and get ready to explore!
or at bendnest.com
There comes a moment in every parenting journey when we pause and realize the end of a very important chapter is in sight. Graduation looms, and then comes college, a gap year or a child living on their own for the first time. For me, I remember it well as a humbling, bittersweet time. In this issue, Cherie Gough offers thoughtful guidance on how to make the most of college visits—and with spring break just around the corner, a college-sleuthing road trip might be the perfect adventure.
In Education, we explore a discipline that has quietly gone from many classrooms, including the Bend-La Pine School District: cursive handwriting. Once second nature, cursive is now unfamiliar to most students. Is it still necessary for kids to learn this art form?
Family Time brings a delightful hands-on activity inspired by Beatrix Potter’s beloved “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” After reading this charming story together, head to the kitchen to whip up a blackberry sweet treat straight from the pages of this classic tale. Be sure to flip to the center of the magazine, where you’ll find your Best of the Nest ballot. Vote for all your favorites—Best Day Care, Best Place for a Play Date, Best Family Restaurant and more…
EDITOR’S NOTE
and more! Your voice matters, and this cherished tradition wouldn’t be possible without you. Thank you for helping celebrate the people and places that make our Central Oregon community so special. As families begin planning summer vacations, we share a meaningful idea for travel: volunteering abroad as a family.
From environmental projects to teaching English or working with underprivileged children, these opportunities offer a chance to give back while creating lasting memories together.
With chess clubs popping up and families rediscovering the game, Kids in Action breaks down this trend. Nicole Blume shares an abundance of resources to help your child get started.
Finally, Outdoors takes us beneath the surface where Joshua Savage explores the fascinating world of caving in Central Oregon and beyond. Learn how lava tubes and underground chambers form a hidden labyrinth beneath our feet.
Happy Spring! —and don’t forget to vote for all your faves!
QMy eight-year-old seems to be sick all the time. She’s had several ear infections and colds this school year. How can we help her stay healthy?
AFrequent childhood illnesses are actually the immune system’s "workout"—it is the normal process of building long-term immunity. However, constant cycles of illness are exhausting for both the child and parents.
Beyond basics like hydration and sleep, you can support her system with specific antioxidants to combat oxidative stress:
• Vitamin D: 1,000 IU daily (the standard dose for an eight-year-old).
• Vitamin C: 1,000 mg daily (Emergen-C packets are low-sugar and palatable).
• Zinc: 10 mg daily, taken with food.
• Probiotics: A daily children's formula to support gut health.
DR. JOCELYN COOPER
INTEGRATIVE FAMILY MEDICINE OF BEND
QMy four-year-old is obsessed with his iPad. Despite rules, he begs for it constantly and has tantrums when told no. Help!
AThe key is structure and high-quality content. Ensure the device has parental controls and focuses on educational apps like PBS Kids.
To end the "begging" cycle, use a visual timer. Establish a fixed daily schedule so he knows exactly when screen time starts and ends. When the timer goes off, the iPad is put away immediately. Consistency is the only way to move past the tantrum phase; if you give in once, the begging will continue.
QDo my kids actually need vitamins, or is it just clever marketing?
AAs a Naturopathic Physician, I recommend targeted supplementation rather than a "onesize-fits-all" approach.
• Multivitamins: These are most beneficial for picky eaters. If your child eats a wide variety of vegetables, you can likely skip the multi.
• Vitamin D: Most children are deficient without supplementation; I recommend this for almost everyone.
• Iron: This is crucial for growth. I recommend iron for pediatric patients once they turn one. For a kid-friendly option, try Renzo’s Iron Strong chewable tablets (9 mg). Always confirm specific dosing with your pediatrician.
AQMy baby has cradle cap, and we can't get rid of it. I’m worried her hair will fall out. What can we do?
Cradle cap often has a fungal component that many "natural" baby shampoos aren't strong enough to clear.
Surprisingly, traditional Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo is often the most effective. Lather it into the hair, let it sit for a few minutes to soften the scales, then use a fine-tooth baby comb to gently exfoliate the scalp. Repeating this several times a week usually resolves the issue within a month.
QMy three-year-old wakes up crying and wants to sleep in our bed. How can we encourage independent sleep?
AThere is no one-size-fits-all solution, but the goal is to build your child's confidence.
• The "Walk Back": Accompany him back to his room and sit or lie with him until he falls asleep. Celebrate in the morning when he wakes up in his own bed.
• The "Floor Bed": If he needs proximity to feel safe, place a small mattress on your bedroom floor. He can stay in the room without being in your bed, which maintains a boundary while providing comfort.
No matter the method, focus on rewarding small steps toward independence rather than punishing the nighttime wakeups.
Photo by Ben Cooper
Where Young Minds Thrive
Central Library on Target to Open This May
By Angela Switzer
Located at the junction of 27th Street and Wilderness Way in east Bend, the new central library is in its final phase of construction and scheduled to open this May. To prepare for the move, the downtown branch will close in April and remain closed for one year while renovations are completed.
Featuring three floors, the central library’s design incorporates thoughtful amenities like community meeting and study rooms, co-working spaces, a children’s discovery center, a teen lounge, a creative DIY zone, computer stations and more.
Incorporating Central Oregon’s natural beauty, expansive patios line the building’s perimeter inviting the public to relax outdoors and take in the surrounding views. In addition, patrons will enjoy an onsite café and drive-up window for collecting and returning materials.
The energy-independent building encompasses 10,000 square feet on 8.5 acres in the Stevens Ranch area of Bend and is meeting its net-zero goals by maximizing the use of solar panels, as well as providing EV-charging stations in the parking area.
Funding for the central library comes from the $195 million bond measure approved by voters in 2020 which also paid for the Redmond Public Library, as well as numerous renovations to existing branches in the Deschutes County Library system.
Preparing the Next Generation for Fire Management
By Kayvon Bumpus
This March, environmental nonprofit Discover Your Northwest will host its inaugural Youth Wildland Fire Career Camp, a free program open to people ages 16 to 20. The camp is meant to familiarize youth with the professional world of wildfire mitigation—work that can be both boots on the ground and behind a desk.
Uncontained wildland fires greatly threaten forest biomes and the natural life found within them. For humans, consequences can range from loss of access to loss of property and life for particularly vulnerable communities.
Emily Curtis, the nonprofit’s wildland fire community educator, said the idea for the program came in 2024 after a U.S. Forest Service fire management officer reached out to them hoping to promote workforce development. “We developed a program that we had hoped to launch last March, but with the pause on federal funding grants, we had to cancel last year.”
The unfreezing (for now) of Urban and Community Forestry Program funds has allowed outreach like this youth camp to resume, representing opportunity for the next generation to get involved.
“We’re committed to fostering career development within the fire service,” stated Discover Your Northwest. “This program is a crucial step in empowering the next generation of firefighters.”
But not just firefighting in the traditional sense; according to Curtis, the program will also introduce youth to a “vast variety of wildland fire careers,” including public information work, fuels management (controlled and prescribed burning) and even aviation.
“What’s really valuable, in addition to training and simulations, is the discussions and networking that youth will have with fire professionals who are already in the area,” Curtis said, mentioning that interested participants may be able to find mentors in the field.
The day camp will take place Wed., March 25 to Sat., Mar 28 in Redmond. “Programming will be held from 9 am to 4 pm with lunch and transportation from local communities provided,” per Discover Your Northwest.
Contact Emily Curtis at emily.curtis@discovernw.org for more information.
Photo by Victoria Grattan Photography
Photo courtesy of Discover Your Northwest
Search for the Future
15 Secrets to a Successful College Tour
By Cherie Gough
Spring break is an ideal time to experience college life in action, allowing your child to get a sense of how each college operates on a daily basis. Signing up for the official tour is the obvious first step, but what else can parents and students do to prepare for and make the most of these important visits? Before you hit the road, read on to gain valuable insights. When decision time rolls around, you'll thank yourself for being in the know.
1. Consider conducting most campus visits before senior year. This will ensure adequate time to make a well-informed decision. College applications are time-consuming. Starting early will allow your teen to relax and enjoy senior year. To avoid burnout and unneeded stress, don’t stress formal campus tours until second semester of sophomore year.
Cool Tool: Lauren Carter’s book Mindful Admissions suggests using informal visits as a way to “ take baby steps” that make visiting colleges fun. Anytime is a good time to attend a college basketball game, art show or theater production.
2. Before heading out on tours, take time at home to discuss your teen’s values. Help them clarify their Why for attending college. Being in touch with who and what they want from their college experience helps frame the focus of your tours.
Cool Tool: College consultant Dr. Steven Antonoff offers free, downloadable tools to help families start the discussion. schoolbuff.com/worksheets
3. Engage with a diverse range of people beyond the scripted tour. Ask at least three current students questions about their campus experiences to gain honest answers and valuable insight. Get specific. Instead of ”What’s the social scene like?" ask “What did you do last weekend?” Instead of “How many majors are there?" ask, “Do counselors help freshmen sign up for classes? Is it easy to get classes?”
4. Sit in on a class that interests you. How are students engaged? Does your child like the anonymity of a large campus with lecture halls or prefer smaller classes and building relationships with professors?
5. Ask lots of questions about dorms. Housing availability can play a big role in your child’s stress levels. Ask about availability of on-campus housing beyond freshman year. If not guaranteed, what’s the process to obtain off campus housing? How far in advance do students typically plan? Is it a hassle? Does overpriced housing often place excess pressure on students’ budgets?
Cool Tool: Join Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of over 50,000 parents that discuss important issues. Facebook.com/groups/GrownandFlownParents
6. Observe how people get around campus. Are they riding bikes? Taking the bus? Walking? Is the campus walkable to local shopping and dining? Is there a free campus shuttle to town?
7. Be a people watcher. What are your impressions of the student body? Is there a fun, positive vibe or do people look stressed and exhausted? Does the campus have the right fit of diversity to help you grow and thrive? Can you see yourself happily fitting in among these people and this environment?
8. Safety first. Are safety measures in place around the campus and in the surrounding areas? Look for emergency call boxes. Ask if there are campus security escorts or free shuttles available at night.
9. Beware of Instagram distractions. Universities understand the lure of social media; some spend big money to build luxurious features such as climbing gyms, even lazy rivers. Instead of allowing these tempting features to take center stage, have a checklist of places important to your child: the gym, counseling center, financial aid office, etc.
10. Eat in the dining hall. How well do they accommodate your dietary preferences or needs? Can meal plans be used at cafes campuswid Notice the vibe. Are students eating together or mostly picking up to-go orders? If your child manages food allergies or celiac disease, accommodations should be a major determinant in your college de Cool Tool: FARE’s site offers expert advice on colleges that best support students with food allergies. college.foodallergy.org
11. Take photos. This will help you remember key positives and negatives about each campus. Cool Tool: Use this tracker from College Board to help record your impressions. Secure-media.collegeboard.org/CollegePlanning/media/pdf/BFcampus-visit-score-card.pdf
12. Visit the Career Center. Ask questions about job boards, work study and internships. Ask: How often do students meet with career counselors? What services do they offer?
13. Visit the surrounding neighborhood. Walk into shops and restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores you'll likely frequent. How does the neighborhood feel?
Can't get away for college visits? Here are some great options:
14. Campus Reel is an online guide with real students leading you through a typical day at their university. (dorms, cafeteria, nearby neighborhood) campusreel.org
15. Visit the local universities and colleges in your town, including Central Oregon Community College, Oregon State University – Cascades and George Fox University – Redmond Center. They’ll give you a good indication of what feels right: small, medium or large school, and other factors like natural or urban settings.
Cherie Gough is a college essay coach with over 15 years experience helping students write admissions essays using their authentic voices. Find her at cheriegough.com.
JOIN US
for an informational open house and school tour from 5:30 –6:30pm on the following dates:
Monday March 9th
Monday April 13th
Monday May 4th
Bend – La Pine’s ONLY Tuition-Free Montessori Elementary Charter School
Lottery places open now for K – 6th grade. Desert Sky Montessori is a Bend – La Pine School District Charter School choice option for children entering kindergarten through 6th grade. Desert Sky’s lottery is open until March 20th but we accept applications for our waitlist ALL YEAR! Applications received after March 20th will be added to the waitlist in the order they are received.
Visit our website for more information www.dsmontessori.org
Handwriting IN A DIGITAL WORLD:
Why Cursive Matters
By Nicole Blume
As parents, many of us fondly remember learning cursive handwriting in school as children–the curly letters that looked like calligraphy, the quick dash of a pen across the page, the excitement of handwriting letters to pen pals and family. Learning cursive was both practical and enjoyable for many of us. Linking letters together and keeping them neat was seen not only as an artform but essential for the educated public.
That is why you may be surprised to learn that many schools across the country have now relegated cursive handwriting to the sidelines or even eliminated it altogether from the curriculum. Here locally, our Bend-La Pine school district does not teach cursive handwriting in elementary grades, though some teachers still choose to include it.
In the digital age where laptops and tablets have largely replaced pen and paper, coupled with the ever-increasing intensity of standardized testing, some educators view teaching cursive handwriting as a waste of time. Why bother with this anachronistic artform, when kids today are more likely to type than write by hand?
In 2010, the U.S. government officially removed cursive from the Common Core standards for K-12 education, thus beginning the death knell of cursive education. An estimated two thirds of today’s youth don’t know cursive, according to historian and former Harvard president, Drew Gilpin Faust. Yet there are many drawbacks to this change which are worth considering.
, many critical historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and Civil War era legal documents, are written in cursive. History matters, and when the population lacks the ability to read original source material directly, they become reliant on a small group of trained translators and experts to interpret history for them. This puts the next generation at a distinct disadvantage.
“As a society, it separates us from what has come before and understanding our origins and the meanings of them,” argues Faust in an interview with National Public Radio. “How do we translate this? Who is the translator? And if someone wants to distort the past, they could present documents in inaccurate ways or leave out certain words.”
The children of today may also be disconnected from the past in more personal ways if they are not able to read their ancestor ’s love letters, birthday cards sent from grandparents or family trees written in cursive. How will they even write their own signature when it comes time to sign a legal document?
Secondly, learning cursive handwriting strengthens fine motor skills in the hand, and where the hand flows, the brain learns. From a neurological point of view, science has confirmed that there are many critical learning benefits from handwriting when compared to typing.
One such study published in the National Library of Medicine entitled “The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing—Who Wins the Battle?”, edited by Paolo Taurisano, concludes that, “Handwriting activates a broader network of brain regions involved in motor, sensory and cognitive processing. Typing engages fewer neural circuits, resulting in more passive cognitive engagement. Despite the advantages of typing in terms of speed and convenience, handwriting remains an important tool for learning and memory retention, particularly in educational contexts.”
Writing out information by hand also helps the brain retain new information. If you want your child to have an educational edge, teaching them to take lecture notes by hand can double as an effective study aid, and cursive handwriting is what allows note taking to happen quickly.
Yet not all schools are forgoing the teaching of cursive handwriting. Waldorf schools, which offer an alternative, entirely screen-free elementary education, regularly teach cursive handwriting starting in the third grade. Students are expected to create their own textbooks filled with art and handwriting, most of which is done in cursive.
“The children really love cursive writing and keep asking me when we are going to learn it?” says second grade teacher, Mary Anne Hinton, who teaches at the Waldorf School of Bend. “From my perspective, the continuous fluid motion of cursive writing
brings sustained attention, develops fine motor skills and cultivates rhythmic coordination. Fluid, flowing cursive writing engages the whole body, which connects children to a deeper sense of learning.”
“Fluid, flowing cursive writing engages the whole body, which connects children to a deeper sense of learning.”
– Mary Anne Hinton, Waldorf School of Bend
With all these reasons to learn cursive, why not consider teaching your child cursive if they are not learning it in the classroom? Multiple practice workbooks are available online, and YouTube abounds with free tutorial lessons so your child can learn from home, either from you directly, from an online educator or even with a tutor.
Faust recounts from a reader who shared, “One of my favorites is a story about a man who found that in a sort of free inquiry part of an elementary school class, the class was able to do something of their choice related to learning during a certain segment of the day. One little girl was bringing in cursive workbooks. And there was this little clutter of girls who were teaching themselves cursive. And he mused, he wondered whether it was a cult or an organizing unit or what. But somehow these children wanted to learn cursive and took it upon themselves to teach themselves, even though it's no longer in the curriculum.”
Limited spaces left for fall 2026,
Come for a tour of our quaint little preschool nestled in quiet SW Bend. Fall in love with our friendly, dedicated, caring and professional staff and stay for the exceptional community we have cultivated. See for yourself how play-based learning can spark imagination, inspire curiosity, challenge thinking and still be big on FUN!
Our theme-based learning incorporates elements of social-emotional learning, literacy, math, art, science, movement, music and sensory investigation.
Individualized Instruction • Small Class Sizes Monthly Parent Night Out • Regular Family Gatherings Parent Education Talks • Professional Art/Music Instruction Therapy Dog • Strong Community Partnerships
All tailored to your child’s specific needs and goals www.mudpiesandlullabiespreschoolbend.com
Don’t miss loads of sensory play activities that include everything from paint to slime, and so more! MESSY MONDAY!
9 am - 12 pm
TODDLER TIME! TODDLER TIME!
Big Fun for Ages 5 and Under! 9am-12pm, Monday - Friday 9-10am Saturday - Sunday
9 am - 12 pm BOUNCE HOUSE TUESDAY!
Jump, climb, slide, & burn off energy in a bounce house just the right size for younger children!
10:30 - 11:30 am STORY TIME & CRAFTS THURSDAY!
10:30 -11:30 am MS ME INDA WEDNESDAY! Join us for engaging tales and hands-on fun with Meredith, a local Bend treasure!
Make music, sing along, and create with Ms. Melinda from OTB Arts!
Toys, toys, and more toys! Dive into playful fun with bouncy animals, ride-on toys, blocks, big balls, and more to explore! 9 am - 12 pm FUN FRIDAY!
SIMPLE
Blackberry BREAD PUDDING
Inspired by “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”
Story and photos by Afton Cyrus
Growing up, I was enchanted by the stories and illustrations in Beatrix Potter's classic children's books, like “The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck,” “The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin” and, of course, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.”
The stories are sweet and funny, with cheeky characters usually learning a life lesson after a mishap. The illustrations are incredibly detailed, depicting woodland animals in charming Victorian garb, and, most importantly, tasty things to eat.
About “The Tale of Peter Rabbit ”
The “Tale of Peter Rabbit” tells the story of Peter, a mischievous young rabbit who disobeys his mother and sneaks into the garden of their neighbor, cranky old Mr. McGregor. When the farmer catches Peter eating his lettuces, beans and radishes, he chases Peter out of the garden, causing him to lose his shoes and fine blue jacket in the process. After a harrowing series of events, Peter finally makes it home, where he goes to bed not feeling well, while his sisters get to enjoy dessert.
Recipe Inspiration
“Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail, who were good little bunnies, went down the lane to gather blackberries. But Peter, who was very naughty, ran straight away to Mr. McGregor's garden, and squeezed under the gate!” —Beatrix Potter, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.”
In the story, Peter's siblings are "good little bunnies" who spend the day picking blackberries instead of trespassing in Mr. McGregor's garden. At the end of the story, they get to enjoy "bread and milk and blackberries for supper." Putting aside questions of morality and goodness (sometimes it's good to break the rules!), this did make me think of a delicious dish: blackberry bread pudding.
More than the sum of its parts, bread pudding transforms stale bread and milk (along with eggs and some sugar) into a warm, custardy dessert. Topping it with juicy blackberries sounded like a wonderful addition, and the humble, cozy nature of the dish seemed in perfect keeping with what Mrs. Rabbit might have made for her kits.
River Bend Resale Boutique brings quality preloved clothing to families in Bend.
We offer a mix of new and preloved baby, kids, maternity, and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories—from brands like Hanna Andersson, Boden, Tea Collection, Kate Quinn, Lululemon, Soft Surroundings, and Anthropologie.
Our boutique features a baby changing station, dressing room, and play area for your littles to explore.
200 NE Greenwood Ave Bend, OR 97701 (541) 797-2088
541.848.6642 Offices in Bend and Redmond www.strubleortho.com Dr. Blair Struble Dr. Madeline Peterson Dr. Jacqueline Gambee
We started the OnPoint Savers Account for children 17 and under so that kids can get a head start on learning healthy savings habits. Just open your child’s membership with a minimum of $25 and we’ll deposit an additional $55*. Plus, they’ll earn 5.00%* on the first $500. Not a bad way to start for a beginner, don’t you think?
Get started today. Visit onpointcu.com/onpoint-savers
*Rates subject to change. Stated APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is for balances up to $500; balances over $500 earn posted Regular Savings Account rate. Account must be established for members age 17 or younger by parent or guardian with a minimum $25 deposit. Parent or legal guardian must be on the membership and present to open the OnPoint Savers Account. When primary member attains the age of 18, accounts will be converted to Regular Savings Account, earning that account’s published rate at that time. Fiduciary memberships, including UTTMA and Minor Settlement Accounts are not eligible for OnPoint Savers. One OnPoint Savers Account per member/TIN. One $55 bonus per tax ID for new members only. Bonus will be included on a 1099-INT for tax purposes. Cannot be combined with other offers for opening a new membership, such as new branch promotions or Refer a Friend. Federally insured by NCUA. 4/24
Bend Downtown Bend South Redmond
Simple Blackberry Bread Pudding
Equipment
• 1-cup dry measuring cup
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Large liquid measuring cup or medium bowl with spout
• Whisk
• Spoon
• Oven mitts
• Cooling rack
• 8-inch square or other 2-3 quart baking dish
Ingredients
• 1 small loaf challah or brioche (or half a larger loaf)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch table salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces
• Cooking spray
• 1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen blackberries (6 ounces)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional)
Let’s Cook!
1. Set your oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Use your hands to tear the bread into small pieces until you have about 6 cups total (save the rest of the bread for another use). Spread the bread pieces out into an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until the bread pieces are dry, crisp, and beginning to turn golden, 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a large liquid measuring cup or microwavesafe bowl with a spout, whisk together the milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then add the butter. Microwave until the butter is just melted, 3 to 5 minutes, stopping and stirring with a spoon a few times as
the mixture heats. Remove from the microwave and set aside to cool for at least 5 minutes.
5. When the bread is ready, remove the baking sheet from the oven and place on the stovetop or a cooling rack. Let cool for 5 minutes.
6. Spray the inside of an 8-inch square or other 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the toasted bread pieces to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the blackberries.
7. Add the eggs and vanilla to the cooled milk mixture and whisk until well combined.
8. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the bread and berries in the baking dish. Use the back of the spoon to lightly push the bread and berries down until they’re covered in the custard. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if using.
9. Bake in the preheated oven until the bread pudding is puffed and deep golden brown on top, 40 to 45 minutes
10. Use oven mitts to remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on the stovetop or a cooling rack. Let cool for at least 15 minutes. Serve warm or room temperature.
Afton Cyrus is a former teacher turned professional recipe developer whose passion project is The Reader's Kitchen (thereaderskitchen.com), a recipe resource that brings food moments from beloved children's books to life. @thereaderskitchen on Instagram
BESTof the
E2026
2026
very spring, we gear up for our annual Best of the Nest ballot issue, and this year, we can’t wait for the tally! Here’s where you voice your opinions for all your faves across Central Oregon. Who’s your favorite pediatrician? Kids’ clothing store? Best summer camp? We love hearing from you, and we also love the businesses who show up to provide stellar services and products for your family. Who’s going that extra mile? Let us know!
BEST of the Nest Ballot Categories
BEST OF SHOPS & SERVICES
Best Nonprofit Serving Children & Families
Best Photographer for Children & Families
Best Toy Store
Best Children's Consignment Store
Best Children's Clothing Store
Best Family Law Practitioner
Best Children's Activity Consignment Store
BEST OF DINING
Best Parents' Date Night
Best Grocery Store
Best Family Take-Out
Best Place for a Sweet Treat
Best Family Restaurant
Best Kid-Friendly Brewery
Best Kids Menu
Best Mom's Club Meet Up Spot
BEST OF RECREATION
Best Place for Outdoor Family Fun
Best Family Night Out
Best Place for a Child's Birthday Party
Best Youth Sports Organization
Best Dance Studio
Best Kids Yoga
Best Martial Arts School
Best Place for a Playdate (indoor)
Best Youth Theater Program
BEST OF EDUCATION
Best Summer Camp
Best Day Camp
Best Music Instruction
Best Children's Theater Program
Best Arts Instruction
Best Learning Specialist
Best Tutor
Best Preschool
Best Day Care
Best Supplemental School Program
Best After School Program
BEST HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Best Veterinarian
Best Speech Therapist/Pathologist
Best Alternative Healthcare Practice for Children & Families
Best Midwife
Best Doula
Best OB
Best Children's Optometrist Practice
Best Children's Orthodontist Practice
Best Children's Dental Practice
Best Pediatric Clinic/Practice
Best Pediatrician
Best Sports Physical Therapist
Best Children's Psychologist
Best Children's Therapist
Instructions
1. Please submit only one ballot.
2. Fill in at least 10 categories.
3. Vote for locally owned businesses (no big boxes).
4. Vote for one business no more than twice.
5. Mail or drop off print copies to: 704 NW Georgia Ave., Bend, OR 97703.
6. Cast your vote online at: bendnest.com by 5pm, March 20.
7. Tell all your friends!
How To Draw a Tree
By David LaRochelle, illustrated by Colleen Muske
Are you ready to draw a tree?
Explore the outside and pick one or two. What is the bark like? What color are the leaves? Smell it. Touch it. “Examine a leaf, front and back.” Will you dance around the tree? This is a beautiful book about exploring and truly noticing all aspects of different trees. Muske’s illustrations are colorful and inviting. The names of trees are included—and the endpapers have great information too. Will you find a tree by the river? A lake? Explore the outside and draw your own unique tree.
Yule
Together we are Sunshine
By Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Raissa Figueroa
Haala and Sanaa and Munira are sisters. They are three different ages—so can they work together as a team? Explore the sun and skip through the grass. Listen to the wind’s music. Dance, tiptoe to the lily pond and climb the tree. This is an adventurous and heartwarming story about nature, playing outside and the love of siblings. The illustrations capture each outdoor adventure. “We squint when the clouds part.” It’s a wonderful story full of sunshine to get kids ready for spring and exploring outside.
A Different Type of Travel
This organization hosts programs around the world (even here in Central Oregon) with a focus on learning self-sufficiency.
WWOLF volunteers usually stay with a local host family in exchange for offering a helping hand with chores on small, organic farms and in the home. Abroad, WWOLF often requires a lengthy time commitment, but the immersive experience can be incredibly rewarding. Think apple picking and sheep shearing in New Zealand for a dreamy image. As mentioned, though, this experience requires a more in-depth experience that may work better for teens or young adults looking to fill their summers.
With a lesser time commitment, recently, my family and I embarked on a trip to Costa Rica, where we volunteered at Kids Saving the Rainforest, an organization with a similar mission as our own High Desert Museum’s, dedicated to rescuing and
At the rescue center we fed animals, cleaned cages and removed brush and debris on the property after a rainstorm. Having the good fortune of seeing many native animals up close like sloths, parrots, kinkajous, monkeys and others was an unforgettable experience, especially
During my time teaching middle school and high school I have traveled abroad with students several times. Most of our past trips included a volunteering component in addition to a cultural focus. For example, in Peru our group spent time at an orphanage helping with maintenance. My students played with the children, many of whom were similar in age. In Costa Rica, we delivered supplies to a local school, toured the campus and later played a friendly soccer match with the students. Ask any of my students who participated, and they’ll likely recount those volunteer days as the highlight of the trip.
Many of Central Oregon’s public schools offer these types of international trips through companies like Education First and Explorica during spring and summer breaks. As a plus, both students and parents are often welcome to share the experience.
For families interested in exploring options on their own, consult International Volunteer HQ, a website which appears to be the ultimate database for volunteering abroad. It organizes programs by region, project type and even travel style. Whether you want to camp in a tent, stay in a hostel or unwind after a day of volunteering in a luxurious coastal hotel, there’s likely an option to match your family’s style and comfort level.
Through volunteering, we learn empathy, build character, and often pick up new skills along the way.
Every family will differ when it comes to what’s important and where they’d like to go, but hopefully these questions will help you get started on your way to a worthwhile volunteer experience.
If any of these opportunities sound appealing, take some time to research and find the best fit.
Questions to ask before committing:
• How much time can my family commit?
• Will there be downtime to explore independently?
• What is the cost of the program and what does it include?
• What do reviews say about the experience?
• How is safety addressed?
• What are the long-term benefits for the community being served?
• Are there any age restrictions? (Many programs require participants to be at least 16).
In all my travels, the memories of volunteering stand out as some of the most meaningful. The real interactions with local people, the shared work and the simple moments of connection remind us all how similar we are no matter where we live on this planet. Sometimes the impact of these experiences doesn’t fully register until years down the road, but I believe, they shape who we are and deepen our appreciation for the world and for what we have here at home.
More questions about volunteering abroad? Feel free to contact me! savageglobetrotters@gmail.com
Supporting You & Your Children’s Relationship with Food
Our team of non-diet, weight-inclusive dietitians support intuitive eating and eating disorder recovery.
NO-SCHOOL DAY & SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS: Recreation Swim, Kids Inc. No-School Day Camp, Clay Arts, Crafts, Art Camps, Painting, Cooking & Baking, Sports, Multimedia Arts, Robotics, Technology, Learning Workshops
youth activities, visit bendparksandrec.org or call (541) 389-7275.
CALENDAR
Mondays
Homeschool Jump – Midday Fun for Homeschoolers
ACTIVITY – Mountain Air Bend welcomes homeschoolers to a special session which provides a fun, active and social environment where kids can jump, climb and play with friends. Perfect for homeschool groups or individual students, this event encourages physical activity, teamwork and imaginative play, while parents can relax knowing their kids are safe and engaged.
Mountain Air | $14 mountainairbend.com/events/
Mondays – Fridays
Toddler Time Jump
ACTIVITY – Perfect for preschoolers, early learners and active toddlers, Mountain Air Toddler Time encourages physical activity, social interaction and imaginative play in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Watch your little ones thrive in a safe, clean and exciting indoor playground. For children 5 and under. 9am – 12pm.
Mountain Air | $14 mountainairbend.com/events/
Wednesdays
Family Story Time
LEARN – Join in for stories, songs and rhymes designed to support early literacy skill development, social emotional awareness and family engagement. 11:30 –11:55am.
Deschutes Children’s Foundation | Free dpl.libnet.info/event/15036233
Wednesdays and Saturdays Through February 28
Winter In-Depth Observatory Program
LEARN – Seek the stars with the nation’s largest collection of publicly accessible telescopes. Two-hour sessions start with an educational presentation, followed by night sky viewing through various telescopes with staff astronomers and a guided constellation tour. All sessions will take place regardless of weather or visibility and activities may be modified as weather warrants. Capacity for each session is limited. Recommended for ages six and up. 7 – 8:30pm. Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory | $24-$28 snco.org
Thursdays
Board Game Social Club
GAMES – Join the fun from 6-10pm. Bring your friends, family or come alone and make some new friends. Play games from the library, have some drinks and enjoy a great time.
Modern Games | Free moderngamesbend.com/
Saturdays & Sundays Through March 22
Snowshoe with a Ranger
ACTIVITY – Discover Your Forest offers donation-based 90-minute interpretive tours through late March. Learn about winter ecology at Mt. Bachelor, the geology of Central Oregon, the Deschutes National Forest watershed and the plants and animals found throughout this area while on a snowshoe hike led by U.S. Forest Service Volunteer Rangers. 10am and 1pm.
February 19 (Every 3rd Thursday) Teen Open Mic Night at the OAC EVENT – Calling all Central Oregon teens! Take the stage for a night of creativity and community. Share your music, poetry, comedy, dance or any other stage-worthy talent in a welcoming, supportive space. Come perform or just cheer on your fellow teen artists! Bonus points if you incorporate the library's monthly theme. Ages 12-18. 5 – 7pm.
The Open Arts Center | Free deschuteslibrary.org
February 19 – 22
Shrek the Musical THEATER – Shrek the Musical is a stage adaptation of the 2001 animated film, “Shrek,” based on William Steig’s 1990 book. The musical follows the story of Shrek, a reclusive ogre who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona to reclaim the deed to his swamp. Along the way, he befriends a talkative donkey and discovers that Fiona harbors a magical secret of her own. The musical blends humor, heart and catchy songs to explore themes of self-acceptance, friendship and love, celebrating the idea that beauty comes in many forms.
Summit High | $15 - $20 beatchildrenstheatre.org/
Photo Brooklyn Wagner
Ponderosa Players presents “Spring Awakenings,” a performance for teens ages 15 and up – February 19-22 & 26-28.
CALENDAR
February 19-22 & 26-28, Spring Awakening
THEATER – Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Spring Awakening” explores the pressures and desires of adolescence. With a contemporary rock score that shook Broadway and transformed the musical theater genre, the play contrasts its 19th century German setting with an electric energy that jumps off the stage. Ponderosa Players is proud to be carrying the torch, which is to tell these powerful, transparent stories through the eyes of young performers. This show is recommended for audiences ages 15+, parental discretion is advised. Ponderosa Playhouse | $20 - $30 ponderosaplayers.com
February 20 & 27, March 6 & 13
Fun with Clay
LEARN – Create something new each class including animals, imaginative creatures, bowls and so much more. Learn hand-building skills and techniques and glaze your pieces with bright colors. The fee includes one child and one required accompanying adult. Harmon Park Studio | Prices vary bendparkandrec.org
February 20, March 20, April 3 & 17
Stargazing at Fork Rock
OUTDOORS – Enjoy a stunning sunset hike at Fort Rock followed by a night of immersive stargazing. Fort Rock is an incredible stargazing destination, lying just north of the newly designated Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary. Wanderlust Tours | $140 wanderlusttours.com/specialevents#fort-rock-2
February 25
Kids Intro to Welding
LEARN – In this hands-on class, kids will cut steel with a torch and weld pieces back together. They'll learn some amazing skills and take their creations home. This can be a powerful experience they won't soon forget! Beginners and intermediate beginners are welcome and will progress in their skill level. 5 – 7pm. DIY Cave | $89 diycave.com/classes/kids-welding
February 25
Kids Woodworking: Build a Birdhouse
LEARN – Get creative in this fun, hands-on workshop where young makers will build and decorate their own birdhouse. Kids will receive all the materials and step-by-step guidance they need to introduce them to the joy of woodworking and design, while creating something of their own. This project is perfect for kids of all skill levels.5:30 – 8:30pm DIY Cave | $99 diycave.com/classes
February 26
Museum & Me
EXPLORE – This event provides a quieter time for children and adults who experience physical, intellectual and/or social disabilities to enjoy the High Desert Museum after hours. Explore the museum’s newest exhibits and revisit your favorites. Sensory packs are available to borrow with headphones, fidgets and more. High Desert Museum | Free highdesertmuseum.org/events/ museum-me/
February 27
Pokémon Day
EVENT – Calling all Pokémon fans. It’s Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, and you’re invited to the party! Every year on February 27, Pokémon fans around the world celebrate Pokémon Day to commemorate the release of the very first Pokémon video games in Japan. Celebrate with battles, trading, snacks and more. 2:30 – 5pm.
EVENT – Bring your gently-used puzzles (no missing pieces) in the original box and take home new-to-you puzzles to enjoy. You're also welcome to take a puzzle even if you don't have one to swap. Puzzles for all ages and of all sizes will be accepted, if they are in good condition. This is an all-ages program—everyone is welcome! 12 – 2pm.
Larkspur Community Center | Free dpl.libnet.info/event/15446717
February 28
High Desert Museum Free Day
EXPLORE – Everyone gets in free! Come to this wonderful museum of exhibits, live animals, raptors, nature experiences, trails and so much more. 10am – 4pm. High Desert Museum | Free highdesertmuseum.org
March 6
Music Together Central Oregon
ACTIVITY – Join this early childhood music and movement program for children ages 0-5 and their grownups. The early childhood music curriculum has decades of research behind it, in both music education and child development. These classes help little ones develop their innate musicality and show parents and caregivers how to help their children become confident music-makers.10:30 –11:15am Sisters Library | Free deschuteslibrary.org
March 6
Piano Flow Live at Meissner Ski Park
OUTDOORS – Ski the candlelit trails under the stars, while award-winning pianist, Paula Dreyer, serenades you with her beautiful piano music. Nordic ski or snowshoe and celebrate the season in the great outdoors while listening to a live piano performance! 6 – 7pm or 7 – 8pm. Virginia Meissner Sno Park | $20-$40 pauladreyer.com
Mar 10
Artrageous
EVENT – Buckle up and get ready for the road trip of your life with Artrageous! This 5-star, internationally touring show has fans raving. Embark on an unforgettable journey where every turn reveals a new adventure. Enjoy a visual concert that blends the mesmerizing music of Artrageous' original recording artists and composers with dynamic live art by award-winning artists. 7:30pm Tower Theatre | $24 - $44 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee) towertheatre.org
Photo courtesy of Mt. Bachelor
Photo courtesy of the Tower Theatre
Subaru Winterfest happens at Mt. Bachelor March 27-29.
March 12 (Sunriver) & 26 (Sisters)
Needle Felt Fungus
CRAFT – Looking to expand your hobbies and learn needle felting? With a bit of wool and a special needle, this workshop will guide you into creating a beautiful threedimensional mushroom. It can be used to create ornaments, mini habitat displays or just for general decoration. Ages 13-18 Sisters and Sunriver Libraries | Free deschuteslibrary.org
March 1
Kids Ninja Warrior Competition
EVENT – Get ready for this adrenaline-pumping competition, which is an area qualifier for the UNAA Season 10. Participants will take on a thrilling array of ninja challenges designed to test their skills. Each kid athlete will get a shot at navigating the obstacle course with expert judges scoring points and time. There will also be a 30-minute open gym.
Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play | Price varies freespirityoganinjaplay.com/events
March 13
Page to Screen Family Movie Night: Wild Robot
MOVIE – Enjoy this heartfelt story based on The Wild Robot series by American author and illustrator Peter Brown about a robot named Roz shipwrecked on a remote island. Chaos ensues when Roz is accidentally activated by local wildlife. Eventually Roz finds purpose in raising an orphaned gosling and prepares him to spread his wings for winter migration. Appropriate for all ages. 6 – 8pm. Free tickets are required and will be available to the public at the Tower Theatre website three weeks before the program.
ACTIVITY – Live or work with tweens and teens? Join us for a fun, insightful weekend filled with self-acceptance tools, anti-bullying strategies, teamwork building and compassionate communication. This course will be a mixture of lecture, discussion and mindful games. No experience in yoga or meditation is necessary. Friday 5:30 – 8:30pm, Saturday 11am –6pm, Sunday 12 – 4pm. Namaspa | $195 namaspa.com/yami-children-s-yogateacher-traini
March 14
EGG-tastic Baskets!
CRAFT – Hop on over to the library. Create and decorate a spring basket, while listening to egg-cellent music. Play games and make seasonal crafts. Registration is required. This activity is geared towards kids 3-11 years old. 1:30 – 3pm.
Redmond Library | Free deschuteslibrary.org
March 14
Winter Carnival at HooDoo
EVENT – Come for the premiere event of the season! Winter Carnival has been a tradition at Hoodoo for 40+ years and includes several free events (no lift ticket required) including the ax throwing booth, frisbee golf, musical chairs, three-legged obstacle race, team tube race, hula-hoop contest, snow sculpture contest and more! The lifts are open 9am – 9pm. There are always a special dinner menu and professional fireworks on the mountain.
RUN – Don’t miss this fun run through the charming town of Sisters. Grab your green gear and run, walk, skip or trot this chip -timed race! Enjoy the Irish finisher party in the grassy knoll thanks to Luckey's Woodsman and Sisters Meat and Smokehouse. Strollers, dogs and kids are welcome! Register by March 1 and receive a beanie or scarf.
Sisters – Near Luckey’s Woodsman | Free-$35 runsistersrun.com/
March 14
Pop Up Exhibits with the Children's Museum of Central Oregon
EXPLORE – Come check out some favorite exhibits during this open playtime. Experiment, create, collaborate and explore! Children’s Museum of Central Oregon is on a mission to inspire curiosity and creativity through hands-on, openended exploration and play. Ages 0-11 with a caregiver are welcome. 1 – 2:30pm Larkspur Community Center | Free dpl.libnet.info/event/15323468
March 15
Prineville Paddy Pint Run
RUN – Head to Prineville for this family fun race sponsored by the Brace Place. Choose your distance, bring the kids and even the dog! Race distances include the two-mile, 5K and 10K options. Kids five and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Tooth Taxi, Crook County Foundation and initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyles in Crook County.
Pioneer Park Prineville | Prices vary paddypintrun.com
March 15
Absolutely Incredible Kid Day!
EVENT – Help Camp Fire celebrate “Absolutely Incredible Kid Day” and Camp Fire’s birthday! Teens will help with setting up at the Pavilion, running party games, crafts, serving cake, helping kids with ice skates and cleaning up. Free skates will be provided for teens to ice skate as well. We encourage teens to bring their own skates and helmets. 11:30am – 4pm.
The Pavilion | Free campfireco.org
March 19
Pokémon Club
EVENT – If you are a big fan of Pokémon, then join this attendeeled club. We will be trading cards, have activities and talking all things Pokémon. Bring your friends, family or rivals, and come see where the Pokémon universe will take you. No registration required.
OUTDOORS – Embark on a guided snowshoe tour through the old growth forests on the lower flanks of Mt. Bachelor. Join local author and historian Glenn Voelz for the hour-and-half interpretive tour that discusses natural and cultural history while exploring the spectacular alpine scenery. The tour covers a two-mile route that gently climbs to a stunning high point for sunset, pauses for a trailside hot chocolate break and returns to the Nordic Lodge at dusk. Enjoy light snacks and conversation as you warm up by the cozy wood stove. Be sure to bring a headlamp! 4 – 7pm.
Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center | $59 mtbachelor.com/nordic/events/ sunset-snowshoe-tour-5/
Photo courtesy of the Tower Theatre
Photo courtesy of DIY Cave
Experience the world of “Wadaiko” at Drum Tao – April 2.
CALENDAR
March 27 - 29
Subaru Winterfest
OUTDOORS – Enjoy this oneof-a-kind music and mountain lifestyle tour that invites friends, family, skiers, snowboarders and dog-lovers to bask in their love of winter and adventure! Come enjoy live music, Subaru swag, the latest in adventure gear, free snacks and beverages, activities for your pup and amazing daily giveaways! Mt. Bachelor I Free mtbachelor.com/events-activities/ events/events-calendar/subaruwinterfest-2025
March 27 - 29
Big Wave Challenge
OUTDOORS – Join Mt Bachelor in celebrating the 14th year of the Big Wave Challenge hosted by legendary big wave surfer, Gerry Lopez. This event is a snowboard contest held on a custom-built course, featuring a series of sweeping banked corners, quarter pipes and spines, all incorporating the natural terrain. The result is a series of wave-like features linked up along a flowing course that brings the surf to the mountains! Mt. Bachelor | Prices vary mtbachelor.com/events-activities/ events/events-calendar/big-wavechallenge/
April 1 - 4
High Desert Stampede
EVENT – Check out this fastpaced, entertaining event. Avid rodeo fans will enjoy the world champion athletes and animals. Even if you're just looking for a fun evening, come join the party! Kids under 11 are free.
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center | $25 highdesertstampede.com
April 2
Drum Tao
EVENT – Established in 1993, with the dream of creating the best show in the world using “Wadaiko (Japanese drums)”, the instrument which has a very unique variety of sound expressions, Drum Tao set their base at Oita, Japan and started creating their own music, stage set-ups and costumes to produce their one and only world of entertainment. Show starts at 7:30pm.
OUTDOORS – Check out this Nordic ski event which boasts four different race distances. The 25k is an adventure that winds through the Mt. Bachelor trail system, out to the Todd Lake Road, and back into Dutchman Flat Meadow with picturesque views along the way. The 12.5k event is a shorter loop that shares a portion of the 25k course. The 5k course takes a short loop through the beautiful Dutchman Flat Meadow. All ages welcome. Races start at 9am.
MBSEF | $25-$60 mbsef.org/cascadecrest/
April 5
Nordic Easter Egg Hunt
OUTDOORS – Head to Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center on Easter morning for a family-friendly Easter egg hunt on the ski trails. Colorful eggs with tasty treats will be hidden all over The Upper Trails and will be visible from the groomed trails—look in the snow and up in the trees! Participants must be on skis (or pulled behind) and have a valid trail pass to participate. Be sure to bring a backpack or basket to collect the eggs. Fun and festive outfits are highly encouraged! Easter eggs will be replenished from 10am – 1pm. Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center | Free with pass
LEARN – Join us for stories, songs and rhymes designed to support early literacy skill development, social emotional awareness and family engagement. You and your child will hear great stories while also becoming more familiar with letter sounds, rhyming, vocabulary and print. Plus, there will be directions to follow, which will help prepare for kindergarten.
Deschutes Historical Museum | Free deschuteslibrary.org
April 10-12
Great Northwest BMX Nationals
EVENT – Enjoy one of the premier indoor experiences in BMX. This event features perfectly groomed dirt, climate-controlled comfort and stadium-style seating that puts you right on top of the action. Deschutes County Expo Center | prices vary expo.deschutes.org/
April
11
Babysitters Training
LEARN – Whether you are gearing up to take care of siblings or thinking of making a little extra cash as a babysitter, you won't want to miss this educational and handson learning experience. Youth in 5th-8th grades learn important babysitting skills, including basic childcare, first aid and safety measures, engaging games and activities, as well as some food preparation skills. Participants also learn job ethics and how to present themselves in a professional manner. 9am – 5pm.
Camp Fire Central Oregon, Sunlight Solar Bldg | Free campfireco.org
April 18
Salmon Run
RUN – Kick off the 2025 race season with this exciting Oregon tradition and one of the oldest races in Bend. Draw inspiration from the iconic salmon of the Pacific Northwest, while joining hundreds of runners on their own journeys along the beautiful Deschutes River. With three distances: 5K, 10K and half marathon, there is a race for everyone. All ages welcome. No dogs, please.
Riverbend Park | Prices vary bendraces.com/salmon-run/
April 25
Teen Connects: Earth Day Fair
EVENT – Help Camp Fire celebrate Earth Day! Teens will help Camp Fire at the fair by setting up, running a fun obstacle course game and cleaning up. Please choose a shift: 9:30am – 12:30pm, 12 – 2pm, 1:30 – 4:30pm.
Troy Field | Free campfireco.org
May 12
360 AllStars
EVENT – A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 AllStars connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record holding artists and athletes, 360 AllStars is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. 7pm Tower Theatre | $39 - $59 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee) towertheatre.org
Hula hoop contest at HooDoo’s Winter Carnival – March 14.
Check out the Kids Ninja Warrior Competition – March 1 at Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play.
Photo courtesy of HooDoo
Photo courtesy of Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play
SPRING BREAK CALENDAR
March 23-26
Skate & Scooter Camp
Ages 6-17
Come shred with the best! Each day focuses on progression, safety and fun. Learn new skills and tricks while developing balance, control and confidence with guidance from experienced local coaches in a supportive outdoor environment. Scooter or skateboard, helmet and pads are required. Bring a water bottle, snack and sack lunch too. Program is weather-dependent. Old Ponderosa Skatepark, 10am – 2pm.
Cost: $285 (in district), $342 (out of district) bendparksandrec.org
March 23-27
Abstract In Motion - Parkour Camp
Ages: 7-14
Give your kid a week of movement, confidence, and pure fun this spring break. This full-day camp focuses on progressive parkour skills, safe spotting, run-building, games and themed challenges all taught by experienced Aim Parkour coaches in a supportive, smallgroup environment. Abstract In Motion, 9am – 3pm.
Cost: $500 (in district), $600 (out of district) bendparksandrec.org
March 23-27
Wildheart Outdoor Camps
Ages 6-12
Time and play in nature are vital for healthy child development. Wildheart Nature School offers transformational experiences through their camps in the beautiful wild lands of Central Oregon. Each day of camp features a different theme that will teach kids about the earth and themselves. Choose between these exciting adventures: March 23: Mind Craft Shelter Building, March 24: Hobbit and Faerie Finders, March 25: Special Ops Survivors, March 26: Juniper Jedis, March 27: Witches and Wizards. Skyliner Lodge, 9am – 3:30pm.
Can porcupines shoot their quills? Are bats blind? Why do owls symbolize wisdom? Explore the science behind famous animal myths and find out answers to common misconceptions about animals. High Desert Museum, 9am – 3pm. Extended care offered: 3 – 5pm.
Cost: $350 or $425 with extended care (10% discount for members) highdesertmuseum.org
March 23 – 27
Campfire: Pack Your Passports to Explore Wild Wonders
Kindergarten-5th grades Over Spring Break, “travel” with Camp Fire as we globetrot, learning all about animal science and habitats. We’ll focus on how animals adapt to their environments and, through engaging activities, grow our understanding around food chains, endangered species, habitats and eco-tourism! Join Camp Fire for one or more days of camp! Amity Creek School, 9am –3pm, Extended care offered: 3 – 5:30pm.
Cost: $80/day, plus $14/day for extended care campfireco.org/nsdc-bend/
Photo courtesy of Wildheart Nature School
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Recently, as part of their promotions for the production, BEAT was invited to Root Down Acres, a local family farm in Bend, to take some photos with their charming mini-donkeys.
Local Theater Company Presents “Shrek, The Musical, JR”
By Bree Beal
CCULTURE
elebrating its 20th season this year, BEAT Children's Theatre is excited to present “Shrek, The Musical, JR,” by David Lindsay-Abaire, with music by Jeanine Tesori. This February 20 - 22, BEAT actors will take the stage with this hilarious, touching and joyful story of Shrek and his fairy tale friends on a journey to find love, courage and self-acceptance. Performed by local actors ages nine to 17, this 60-minute musical is perfect for audiences of all ages.
This delightful tale kicks off BEAT’s 2026 season as part of their anniversary party. Executive Director, Bree Beal, says, “Shrek is a beloved story by children and parents alike. We all know the characters and songs so well. And we all cheer (or tear up) at the end when love triumphs and everyone celebrates how perfect we all are, exactly as we are!”
These themes are important to BEAT's mission as they look back on 20 years in Central Oregon of helping young people find themselves through theater. Started in 2006 by Mary Kilpatrick and Howard Schor, BEAT Children's Theatre serves thousands of children in the Central Oregon community every year through plays, camps, in-school programs and community partnerships. Says Beal, “We are now at the amazing place where some of our BEAT graduates are bringing their own children to participate in theater—on stage and in the audience.”
Nine weeks of music, choreography and blocking rehearsals are what’s needed to pull together a production of this size. Beal is codirecting “Shrek, The Musical, JR ” with teen director, Addy Johnson. Johnson started with BEAT when she was just seven years old as a young performer, and ten years later she is skillfully stepping into the director chair. Beal and Johnson are supported by musical director, Barbara Rich, and choreographers Ann Boyd and Jo Maurer. Maurer also began with BEAT as a young actor and now at the age of 15 is ready for the adult responsibilities of being a choreographer.
And what would Duloc—the town where Shrek take place—be without amazing sets and costumes? A team of talented builders, painters, costumers and glue-gun wizards are putting their talents to good use while creating the colorful, joyful fairy tale world. Audiences will be treated to a visual spectacle as well as a musical one!
Recently, as part of their promotions for the production, BEAT was invited to Root Down Acres, a local family farm in Bend, to take some photos with their charming minidonkeys, Molly and Little Gem. The cast and crew were ecstatic to spend some time with these loving, warm creatures.
“Shrek, The Musical, JR” will be onstage Feb 20-22 at Summit High Auditorium. For more information or to purchase tickets: beatchildrenstheatre.org
Self-
Expression
WITH A TOUCH OF CAUTION
Navigating the world of beauty products for your tween or teen
By Angela Switzer
Most parents remember that iconic moment in middle school or beyond when they were first allowed to wear make-up and finally dip their toes into the world of beauty products. Kids today have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing their look, including vibrant hair color, extensive skin cleansing products and bold lipsticks. Entering puberty often goes hand in hand with wanting to feel grown up; adding beauty products to the mix can be a part of that rite of passage. Let’s not forget—teens love to experiment with their looks!
The beauty product aisles of today are populated with items that are affordable and readily available: nail polish in thousands of shades, neon bath bombs, hair dyes, edible lip gloss and crazy perfume scents. However, although the product marketing looks playful and fun, many mainstream products may not actually be safe for children.
It’s super important to guard your tween or teen from harmful chemicals or hormone disruptors, which may be found in common beauty products. A child’s body is different from an adult’s and may be more sensitive to strong chemicals. In addition, tender skin may absorb more of a substance than an adult’s since it’s inherently more permeable.
In addition, since kids are generally smaller and weigh less than grownups, their bodies may not handle harmful chemicals as well as an adult’s. In cases where a small amount of a toxic substance may be safe, daily exposure can create some issues with a tween or teen. Small amounts can add up over time.
Here are some ingredients that might cause problems for children:
Synthetic Fragrances
This topic is widely discussed and debated because, while “fragrances” are legal, they are undisclosed chemicals that can cause allergic reactions or rashes. Reports online of children’s hair falling out after using certain shampoos, smoothers or other hair products is enough to make a parent lose their mind.
Solvents
Nail polishes often contain harsh solvents that can release toxic fumes. Always insist on opening a window, or have your child paint their nails outdoors in the fresh air. Nail polish remover is also toxic and may cause health problems if inhaled frequently. Better yet, opt for kid-friendly polishes that skip the chemicals. Try waterbased ones or buy nail stickers to avoid chemicals altogether.
Preservatives
Other suspect ingredients found in beauty products are preservatives. These chemicals can be disruptive to young developing bodies. Ingredients such as parabens or formaldehyde are known to cause hormone imbalances.
Occasional use may be ok, but young people using beauty products more than twice daily can be problematic. If possible, keep exposure to a minimum.
Remember, tweens and teens are in the early stages of puberty, a time when hormones are especially active and sensitive. Some beauty ingredients are potentially endocrine disruptors, meaning they may interfere with hormone signaling—not a worthy risk for your child.
Although research in this area is still evolving, many pediatric and environmental health experts agree on this approach: reduce unnecessary chemical exposure during childhood as a cautionary measure.
All-Natural LIP BALM
Ingredients:
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 Tbsp shea butter
• 1 Tbsp beeswax
• A few drops of essential oil (lavender or geranium)
• A few drops of natural food coloring (optional)
• Instructions: Instructions:
Melt all ingredients in a double boiler, stirring until smooth and well combined. Pour into a small tin and let cool. Enjoy!
Reactions
On another note, product advertising may include terms like, “natural,” or “safe”, but these words may just be marketing since they are not regulated in the industry. Be aware that "hypoallergenic" doesn't mean non-allergenic; read ingredient lists carefully to ensure your child’s safety.
Instead of forbidding and eliminating beauty products altogether, take some time to do a little research. There may be better, healthier products available, and many families find peace of mind by choosing them. Look for:
Age-appropriate products: specifically formulated for kids or tweens, including water-based products.
Natural Ingredients: shea butter, natural oils like avocado or olive, beeswax and natural minerals.
“Free-From” Labels: Avoid parabens, phthalates, talc, synthetic dyes and heavy metals.
Certifications: EWG Verified ®: When you see the EWG Verified® mark on a product, you can be sure it's free from EWG's chemicals of concern and meets the strictest standards for health.
Understanding that self-expression is an important developmental stage is paramount for relating to your emerging young adult. However, for kids and tweens, less really is more. Teaching children not only to love themselves as they look naturally, but to take care of their bodies, is a win on many levels. Choosing gentle beauty products can be less about fear and more about caring for your child during this critical stage of growth. There are certainly many wonderful DIY natural skin care recipes on the internet. Using basic ingredients like bees’ wax, coconut oil, almond oil, cucumbers, berries and more, you and your tween or teen can have fun in the kitchen making lip balms or face masks from wholesome ingredients right at home!
For a great time for you and your kiddos, Bend Park & Recreation District’s fitness and swim centers are the places to be.
• KIDS’ CORNER CHILDCARE: Available at Juniper for ages 6 months to 6 years.
• BUSY BUDDIES PRESCHOOL: Includes weekly swim lessons for ages 3 - 5 years.
• REC SWIM: All ages welcome.
• FAMILY SWIM: All ages with adult.
• PARENT-CHILD SWIM: Ages 6 & under with adult.
• SWIM SPECIAL: $7.00/adult with paid child.
• SWIM LESSONS: Ages 6 months & up.
• PRE- & POST-NATAL, BABY & ME FITNESS CLASSES
Schedules, fees & details at bendparksandrec.org | 541-389-7275 GREAT FUN FOR NO-SCHOOL DAYS!
Two great locations!
Juniper Swim & Fitness Center 800 NE 6th St., Bend
Larkspur Community Center 1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend
MoreTHAN A GAME
Introducing kids to chess
By Nicole Blume
With the popular TV show “The Queen’s Gambit,” many families are newly interested in the ancient game of chess. Recently, I brought my own chess set to a local party where it was a smash hit with the half dozen children in attendance, who were all clamoring for a turn at the board. Parents watched in awe as the kids challenged each other with avid excitement. Who would have thought?
Once considered a niche interest, chess is now more popular than ever among the under 18 crowd, and for good reason. This classic game is fun and interesting while teaching kids the art of strategic thinking. With youth leagues and tournaments in abundance, this hobby can even evolve into a competitive sport for the dedicated. Whatever the motivation, why not introduce your child to the wonderful world of chess this spring?
Where to start? The first step is simply to introduce them to the game and encourage them to check it out. Nothing will inspire your children more than playing with their parent. I recently spent time playing with my five and seven-year-olds which resulted in many cozy nights by the fire deeply immersed in the game. I was amazed at how quickly they picked it up and how passionate they were about it.
If you’ve never tried chess yourself, fear not. Many schools host chess clubs, which is an ideal place to start.
Local La Pine High School teacher, Luke Donahue, for example, started a chess club at his school five years ago, motivated by the kids who were eager to play.
“Really, the energy was already there,” says Donahue. “All I had to do was set up a bunch of boards in the library, and what do you know?—students were almost instantaneously playing on them. They were hungry for chess. When I was a high school student, chess offered something unique: the combination of a fun game and intense intellection. So, I wanted to bring that to Oregon.”
Maybe your child isn’t the academic type, but that doesn’t mean they won’t thrive in a chess club environment. Chess is truly accessible for anyone interested.
“In general, there’s no single type of student who joins a chess club,” explains Donahue. “This is what’s so remarkable about chess. A student who could care less about school and who struggles academically can be an amazing chess player, having a keen insight for tactics and strategy. Chess requires a certain intuitive sense for where pieces go, for how pieces work together—an intuition that comes readily to creative minds. Yet chess also requires step-by-step calculations—a skill that comes readily to mathematical minds.”
“Chess is a battlefield,” explains La Pine high student and chess club player, Ryder Craig, “where you are the composer, the artist, the strategist. The game doesn’t discriminate, and throughout this battle, each game reflects lessons you can apply to the world. I come to chess club for more than a board game. I come to understand my opponents, in a complex, multi-piece system we call life.”
Even if your school doesn’t currently host a club, you can still ask around your social network to see if any other families have children who are into the game who might be willing to practice with your child.
“Chess is a battlefield, where you are the composer, the artist, the strategist.”
– Ryder Craig
La Pine High student, Ryder Craig (left), is a regular at the school’s chess club.
Photo by Luke Donahue
ADVENTURE
Hike scenic trails, ascend rock faces, navigate rivers, explore hidden caves, and tackle mountain bike rides.
LEADERSHIP
Develop
Learn
You might also consider watching chess-related movies or shows like, “Searching for Bobby Fischer,” “Queen of Katwe,” and “Brooklyn Castle,” all of which are based on true stories about famous chess players, or if they are old enough, the aforementioned “Queen’s Gambit” is a lot of fun.
Another option is to check out the local Bend Chess & Go club, which meets every Thursday at 6pm at Crux Fermentation Project brewery in the winter (October - June) and at the Commons in the summer (July - September), to check out the game in action and talk to some of the players. This casual club atmosphere offers a thriving, light-hearted experience with a strong competitive streak for those interested in taking their game to the next level. Originally founded in 2021 at the Midtown Yacht Club, the club has been going strong for close to five years and has even trained four champions thus far. Everything you need, from chess sets to clock timers, is available for use free of charge.
“Chess Wizards Camp” offered through Bend Parks and Rec during Spring Break from March 23-27, for ages 6-12.
According to their website, “While the club is primarily aimed at adults, juniors are always welcome!”
Another great resource is Northwest Chess, which has a scholastic page dedicated to the youth chess scene across the pacific northwest. There is an online resource list for youth coaches, schools and camps, a calendar of tournaments, scholastic opportunities for exchange students, book reviews, article ideas and so much more.
Next, it’s time to obtain a high-quality chess set, easily available for purchase online or at a local game or toy shop. The one I bought serves as both a carrying case and a board, as it opens like a little briefcase that holds the pieces snugly inside a foam padded container, then flips over to become the checkered board. The pieces are magnetic, which is an excellent bonus feature that makes for extra stability.
Next, it’s time to teach your kids how each of the pieces move. Online tutorials abound on YouTube, and there are chess-specific magazines available for subscription as well. The Bend Chess Club recommends Robert Ramierez’s free online chess course as a great starting place.
Then it’s time to practice and play! The website chess.com has a free app where your child can play with friends and players from around the world, which is a great way to log some practice time. Practice equals fun!
If your child happens to fall in love with the game, why not sign them up for “Chess Wizards Camp” offered through Bend Parks and Rec during Spring Break from March 23-27, for ages 6-12. Ultimately, with all these resources at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to get kids interested in chess. The benefits for the whole family are enormous!
Benefits OF CHESS
By Luke Donahue, La Pine High School teacher
1. Chess enhances a student’s critical thinking, calculating skills and strategic planning, requiring them to work on various cognitive levels. Students must think tactically as well as strategically, analytically as well as creatively, all while understanding the spatial arrangement of the pieces on the board.
2. Chess encourages sustained concentration. Even students who regularly bounce off the walls will suddenly sit as still as a statue while playing chess.
3. Students usually develop skills rapidly and can see themselves improve by their hard work. With a little study, students will be beating their neighbors and friends in no time.
4. Chess combines intellectual rigor with fun. When playing chess, thinking becomes enjoyable. This effect can be remarkably powerful for young players.
Resources:
Bend Chess & Go Club: bendchessgo.com Northwest Chess Scholastics: nwchess.com/scholastic/index.htm
Robert Ramirez’s free online lessons: chesslessonswithrobert.com/free-chess-lessons
Labyrinths Labyrinths & Bats
Discover Central Oregon’s magnificent caves and their ecosystems
Story by Joshua Savage
Beneath our feet, Oregon is riddled with a labyrinth of natural tunnels, lava tubes and underground chambers, all shaped by fire and time and home to several species of bats.
Central Oregon’s dramatic landscape was sculpted by ancient lava flows and millennia of geologic upheaval. Situated on the eastern edge of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, this region is a volcanic hotbed! A network of lava tubes is one of the most fascinating results created by this tumultuous past. These are smooth-walled, tunnel-like structures formed when rivers of molten basalt cooled and emptied underground. These caves aren’t just geologic oddities, they are wild, silent places that offer everything from family-friendly walks to challenging, crawl-on-your-belly adventures. Some are icy, others illuminated by skylights. These caves and others in our state are well worth exploring.
Lava River Cave
For those ready to explore the subterranean world, the most popular and family friendly is Lava River Cave located within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon, stretching nearly a mile underground. Like most cave experiences, when visitors descend into the cool, shadowy depths, they will notice a
sudden temperature drop. The cave maintains a near-constant temperature in the 40s. The descent via the metal staircase at the entrance signals the beginning of an otherworldly adventure where explorers wind past glittering mineral deposits and ancient lava formations.
The Redmond Caves
Have time to kill before a flight? The Redmond Caves are near the Redmond airport, walking distance in fact, and a better activity than sitting around the terminal for hours. A short trail surrounded by native vegetation leads to a group of five fascinating caves which are part of the larger Horse Lava Tube system (122 at last count). They are also some of the easiest and closest on this list to explore.
Boyd Cave
Not too far from the previous two caves is Boyd Cave, another less developed and less visited cavern on this list. A spiral metal staircase winds down into a long, straight passage of about 1,800 feet in length. Stalactites and ice formations occasionally appear in the winter months, adding to the magnificence of the cave.
Skylight Cave
The Skylight Cave earned its name from the holes in the ceiling that allow sunbeams to filter into the darkness, creating an ethereal, cathedral-like effect. Located near Sisters, this is one of the more accessible and photogenic caves. For the full experience visit in the morning when the sun’s rays are at their best.
Arnold Ice Cave
Part of a larger system known as the Arnold Ice Cave complex, this cave provides a glimpse into both the natural and human histories of the area. It is famous for its persistent ice formations, which can survive well into the summer thanks to the cave’s unique microclimate. Early settlers even harvested ice here for Bend’s first ice businesses! Though explorers will not likely find as much ice as in the past, it’s still cool to see some during the colder months. Nearby intrepid explorers can visit the Hidden Forest Cave, which offers a taste of the region’s wilder, less visited lava tubes.
Fort Rock Cave
For history buffs, the Fort Rock Cave is interesting and where some of the oldest human artifacts in North America were discovered including ancient sagebrush bark sandals dating back over 10,000 years! Guided tours are usually available with the Fort Rock Valley Historical Society. Nearby, the Fort Rock Homestead Village offers a look into Central Oregon’s homesteading days. Wanderlust Tours also offers a unique experience in fall, Art in Nature, where a Capella group Bend Camerata performs inside the cave.
Oregon Caves National Monument
Farther south, in the Siskiyou Mountains near Cave Junction, sits the Oregon Caves National Monument. The marble cave system is dramatically different from Central Oregon’s lava tubes. These twisting, narrow passages require guided tours but reward visitors with Dr. Seuss like stalactites, flowstone formations and rich biodiversity.
Physical
Behavioral
Ask your child’s therapist if Aquatic or Equine-Assisted Movement
Locations in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and Warm Springs 541-389-1848
Sea Lion Caves
Not all caves are situated inland. On the Oregon coast, the Sea Lion Caves near Florence have the reputation of being the biggest sea caves in the United States and offer something entirely different. This ocean-carved cavern is home to hundreds of loud, bellowing sea lions. Open year round and accessible by elevator, it’s worth a visit. Plus, who doesn’t love watching sea lions flop around?
What to Know
Exploring caves is thrilling, but it’s not as simple as a walk in the park or hiking a wellestablished trail. Preparation is important for both safety and the protection of these fragile environments. Before setting out, always check with the local Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management offices. Many caves require permits or are closed seasonally to protect sensitive habitats, including fragile rock formations and wildlife.
Proper gear is key. Wear sturdy boots with good traction, gloves to protect your hands and minimize contact with delicate surfaces and dress in layers. Cave temperatures stay in the 40s year-round, even in summertime. Most importantly, bring at least two reliable light sources, like headlamps or flashlights, and pack extra batteries. Travel in groups of at least three people whenever possible. In the event of an accident, having more than one companion can make a crucial difference.
Caves aren’t just geologic oddities. They are wild, silent places that offer everything from family-friendly walks to challenging, crawl-on-your-belly adventures.
RESOURCES RESOURCES
For those eager to plan cave adventures, these resources can be very helpful:
• Oregon High Desert Grotto
• US Forest Service
• BLM (Bureau of Land Management)
While underground, practice Leave No Trace principles. Always pack out everything you bring and refrain from leaving any marks or graffiti on the rocks. Caves are extremely sensitive ecosystems. Touching formations can halt growth due to the oils on our skin, and even small amounts of trash or bacteria introduced from the outside can cause long-term harm.
Avoid disturbing wildlife and be mindful of where you step. Although they often seem quiet and lifeless, caves are home to unique ecosystems. Bats are the most wellknown cave residents, but other creatures such as beetles, springtails, spiders and other invertebrates, thrive in total darkness. These animals have adapted to cave life over generations and are often very sensitive to disruption.
One of the greatest threats facing cave ecosystems today is white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease affecting bat populations across North America. To help prevent its spread, some caves are closed during the winter months when bats are hibernating. Visitors are also encouraged to disinfect their gear and clothing before and after entering caves. Respecting seasonal closures and following guidelines helps protect these vulnerable colonies.
Oregon’s caves have long captured human imagination. Indigenous peoples of the region, including the Klamath and Warm Springs tribes, held certain caves as sacred spaces, using them for shelter, ceremonies and storytelling. Artifacts and pictographs discovered in and near some caves hint at this deep, spiritual relationship. In more recent history, lava tubes provided cold storage for early homesteaders, and tales of bandits, hidden treasures and mysterious happenings abound.
As a visitor to Oregon’s caves, you’ll witness an entirely different world— one of perpetual darkness, often scary and eerie, but also mysterious and fascinating. Whether pulled in by geology, history or the thrill of discovery, you’ll likely experience an unforgettable adventure. Just come prepared, tread lightly and show these remarkable underground ecosystems the respect they deserve.
