17 minute read
COMMUNITY
United Way of Central Oregon secures funding for families in need
By Caitlin Richmond
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We’ve all heard about how COVID has upended the lives of people all over the country, whether it be through job loss, financial difficulties or many other negative consequences. But what is easy to forget or overlook is that even before COVID, thousands of families in Central Oregon were already struggling.
“In Central Oregon, in 2018—before the pandemic—37,500 of our households were living on the edge,” says Diana Fischetti, Director of Development and Marketing for United Way of Central Oregon. “27,000 were ALICE households—households that earn incomes above the federal poverty level but less than what it takes to survive in their communities.”
This information comes from a financial hardship study that United Way of Central Oregon commissions every two years. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained Employed, which would describe someone who is employed with an income above the federal poverty level but is living paycheck to paycheck with no savings, or has to decide between things like having childcare or paying rent, according to unitedforalice.org.
United Way Central Oregon has realized that typically when people fall into a vulnerable category, it requires a multifaceted approach to help them. For example, just because someone has the resiliency to figure out how to make ends meet every month doesn’t mean they are financially stable or are really thriving in their community. So, the mission of UWCO is to “fight for the health, education, financial stability and resiliency of every person in our Central Oregon community,” Fischetti says.
To make this possible, UWCO takes a three-step approach. The first step is a needs assessment, like the financial hardship study. From there they work on finding funding through grants and other opportunities. The final step is to take collective action, which oftentimes means distributing money to other organizations in the area that are already well established.
This has been the process for the almost 70 years that UWCO has been a part of the Central Oregon community. During that
-Diana Fischetti, United Way of Central Oregon
time, they have been pivoting and shifting to help the needs of the community as those needs change as well.
“Our United Way knows how to rapidly mobilize funding and redirect it immediately to be in the hands of those who need it most, and how to allocate resources so that they can make the greatest impact on those who need the most help,” Fischetti explains.
Although the name of the organization used to focus more on Deschutes County, it was in name only as UWCO has always helped residents of Crook and Jefferson counties, as well as members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
-Diana Fischetti, United Way of Central Oregon
One specific program that UWCO has been focusing on recently is TRACEs—Trauma, Resilience and Adverse Childhood Experiences. This movement is a collective partnership between over 150 private, public and nonprofit partners in the Central Oregon area.
“Since it started, TRACEs has touched over 8,200 lives in an effort to tackle the root cause of challenges faced by many in our community,” Fischetti says. “It’s raising awareness of the effects of trauma, reducing its impact in the community, and building resilience in individuals, families, and our community.”
Trauma that happens during childhood can have long-lasting impacts throughout an individual’s life, especially if never truly addressed. Chronic exposure to trauma affects how a child’s brain develops, which is why it can literally change an individual’s life for the worse.
United Way of Central Oregon and TRACEs take a two-pronged approach to addressing these traumas. One approach is immediate - giving people assistance to address the needs they are currently facing. This is where the flexibility and timeliness of the organization can have a huge impact, especially in the short term. One way they do this is by giving funding to other organizations in the area, such as Bethlehem Inn, Family Access Network and KIDS Center. These organizations are already working with people who need support, so the funding can be used right away.
The other approach they take is more long term, but just as impactful. By looking into why childhood trauma occurs, TRACEs and UWCO can address the long-term cause and effect so that hopefully the trauma can stop because people are getting the assistance they need.
“Not everyone is dealt the same hand in life,” Fischetti says. “Often, circumstances are a vigorous and robust pipeline to failure. United Way Central Oregon is working upstream to address the root cause of issues that are immediate today, so that they don’t exist tomorrow.”
There are many ways community members can get involved with UWCO, whether it’s on an individual level, or as a company/employer. Giving a financial gift is the best way to ensure someone in Central Oregon gets the assistance they need. For more information, email info@unitedwaycentraloregon.org
Abstract in Motion Camp
Drop off the kids for parkour, games and nerf battles at the new facility (check out the new spring floor)! Camp begins at 9am and ends at 2pm Monday-Thursday. Session dates are: June 28-July 1, July 12-15, July 26-29, August 2-5 & August 16-19.
To sign up, email: Info@abstract-in-motion.com
Art Camp Bend (formerly ARTdog)
Each week of camp is a uniquely magical experience where creativity buzzes throughout the studio. Days flow between open create, guided workshops, outdoor exploration and creative games. Camps are designed for ages 5-11 with various themes, including Wild Artists, Building Wonder Lands, Magical Creations, Explorers of the World and Tiny Wild Things.
Check their website for listings and schedules: artcampbend.com
Athletic Club of Bend
Offers a wide variety of summer day camps with activities for kids of all ages.
Check their website for listings and schedules: athleticclubofbend.com
Avid4 Adventure
Nothing compares to that soaring confidence you get when you overcome your fears and try something new as a kid. Avid4 Adventure summer day camps take K-7th graders from beginner to expert to some of the best outdoor recreation areas in Bend, Oregon. They also offer overnight camp programs leaving from Portland for 5th-9th graders.
Find out more and register online: avid4.com/oregon-bend-camps
BEAT Children’s Theatre
Come spend some of your summer exploring the world of theatre! Camps include a plethora of themes including Junior BEAT, Aliens & Astronauts, Sasquatch, Doing-it-all-Storytelling, Move It and Groove It! Theater Games, Hip Hop Shakespeare and the Wonderful World of Costumes. Camps are intended for children ages 7-16.
Check the website for specific dates and times and appropriate ages. beatchildrenstheatre.org
Bend Endurance Academy
Do your kids love the outdoors and want to go hard? BEA offers cycling and climbing camps for different ages and abilities and multi-sport camps too. There’s a wide array of cycling offerings including one for Little Ones, a Girls Only camp and there’s even something for Mom this year! Their climbing camps are a great way for kids to experience something a little outside the box.
Check out their schedule and register online at bendenduranceacademy.org
Offers two sessions for boys and girls ages 5-12. Camp takes place at Bend FC Timbers Soccer Complex and includes a camp T-shirt. July 19-22 and July 26-29. Times: Full Day: 9am-3pm (lunch 12-1pm). Half Day: 9am-12pm.
bendfctimbers.com
Bend Hoops
Bend Hoops offers basketball camps for boys and girls in the 2nd-8th grades.
Check their website for all offerings and to register: bendhoops.com/camps/
Bend Park and Rec
Is the leading provider of summer camps for all ages in the community. Check out their PlayBook or visit them online for all the listings and to register.
Bendparksandrec.org
Bend Rock Gym
Learn how to climb this summer! Bend Rock Gym offers weekly sessions (Monday- Thursday) for kids ages 4-17 grouped by age and starting June 21 through August 23. Camp includes daily climbing instruction and all equipment. Camp hours are 9am-3pm.
bendrockgym.com/summer-camps/
Bend Science Station
If your kids haven’t experienced the thrill of learning that comes through the Bend Science Station, look no further! With themes like Extreme Explosions, Hogwarts Summer Academy, Mighty Mineralogy and Drone Design their Elementary Camps (grades 1-2), Junior Scientist Camps (grades 3-5) and Youth Scientist Camps (grades 5 and up) are sure to delight all budding scientists in the family. Hours are 9:30am – 3:30pm.
Find out the schedule at: bendsciencestation.org/classes/ summer-camps
Big Lake Youth Camp offers a wide variety of exciting camps for different ages (7-17) and interests. All camps for 2021 will be run Sunday through Friday. Bus transportation to/from camp will not be available for the 2021 summer.
Best to check out their website for the current information! biglake.org/summer-schedule
Camp Courage
Camp Courage is an art day camp for children experiencing loss and grief. Campers engage in activities to express their feelings in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
Contact Partners in Care for more information: 541-382-5882
Camp Invention
Camp Invention is currently offering a virtual camp, but they are hoping to provide an in-person opportunity in Bend as well. If a physical location can be secured they will provide details of an in-person camp.
Please check the website for updates: invent.org/programs/camp-invention
Camp Tamarack
Experience a traditional overnight camp here in Central Oregon. With a 1-to-4 staff-tocamper ratio, they offer campers ages 8-14 a wide variety of classes. Due to a limited number of campers this year, many sessions are already full.
To join a waitlist: camptamarack.com/ summer-camp
Camp Fire
Camp Fire offers two popular summer camp options:
Summer Kids: Located at Ponderosa Elementary this year, thisa camp is designed for working families. Weekly camps (June 21-August 20) give kids a place to feel creative, secure and empowered. With great indoor and outdoor spaces, SummerKids offers theme-based camps. Leadership opportunities are available for 7th-9th graders and Junior Counselor opportunities for 9th12th graders.
Tumalo Day Camp is a rich group outdoor learning experience that lets kids share joy and responsibility while making new, lasting friendships. Campers discover, explore and build individual skills as they try new things. Location is Tumalo State Park with two sessions: June 28-July 2 & August 23-27.
campfireco.org
Cascade Indoor Sports
Don’t spend another summer locked down at home. Run, play, laugh, create wonderful memories and meet new friends at Cascade Indoor Sports! All Sports Camps are for kids ages 7-11 years. Several sessions are available throughout the summer. Choose from all-week or daily participation. Full-day Or half-day options available too. June 21September 2.
Cascadeindoorsports. com/kids/sports-camp
Cascade School of Music
Summer classes at Cascade School of Music are full of musical fun! Whether your child is interested in drums or strings, or wants to sing, these summer camps provide an excellent introduction to the world of music or practice for those wanting to keep their skill fresh.
Please consult their website for a complete schedule: cascadeschoolof music.org
Camp CREATE 2021 is set to run seven weeks of full and halfday camps from July 13-August 27 for students entering kindergarten through fifth grade. Camps are full, but a waitlist is available.
Find out more: Cascadesacademy.org
Cascadian Stables
Cascadian Stables offers experiences at the ranch’s scenic horse camp outside Madras for grades 4-12. They provide two nights at Cascadian Stables’ horse-campground with days full of horses and desert wilderness and nights under the stars surrounded by the herd. The programs are limited to just 6-8 campers. Camp dates are TBD.
Check the website for updates: cascadianstables.com/horse-school
The Circuit
The Circuit is proud to offer summer bouldering camps! Sign up your kids to climb in a fun, social environment led by instructors, where they will problem solve and build confidence on and off the wall. Summer camps are for ages 5-12. Scholarships are available for low-income families, please email youth@thecircuitgym.com for more info on applying.
Register at thecircuitgym.com
Dana’s Discovery Kids
Dana’s Discovery Kids offers summer camps for kids ages 3-7 from July 5-29. Hours are 8am-11:55am. Bring a friend! Drop-ins welcome.
Learn more: discoverykidspreschool.com/ summer-camps
Diane’s Riding Place
These five-day riding camps take place Monday through Friday from 9am to 12pm with some weeks extending to 2pm. Camp dates are every week from June 14- September 3. Sign up early as camps fill fast!
For more information: Bendhorseride.com
Forest Explorer camps are for kids in grades K-5 and happen Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm. Check out their website for session dates and to register online:
envirocenter.org/programs/youtheducation/upcoming-programs/
Free Spirit Bend
Nano Ninja Summer Camp (ages 4-6): Kids will have fun climbing, doing gymnastics, and making new buddies! Experienced staff will lead games and set up daily Nano-Ninja challenges. Kids will improve their coordination, climbing, jumping and agility skills: 9am-12pm or 12:30pm-3:30pm, MondayFriday: $155
Kids Ninja Warrior Summer Camp (ages 6-12) Kids will have fun both inside the gym and outside on the beautiful grounds of the Old Mill. Kids will increase their coordination, strength, speed, agility and climbing skills as experienced coaches guide them through exciting timed races: 9am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday, $285
freespiritbend.com/camps
High Cascade Snowboard Camp
High Cascade Snowboard Camp has a 28-acre campus 20 minutes from Government Camp and offers all-inclusive summer snowboard camps for kids at Mt. Hood.
Find out more and check out the summer schedule: highcascade.com
High Desert Museum
High Desert Museum offers multiple camps for children throughout the summers for those in grades K – 5. Consult the website for a full listing. Register early as these camps fill quickly!
Highdesertmuseum.org/kids-camp/
Camp Furry Friends
Humane Society of Central Oregon Youth Summer Camp: Camp Furry Friends. Camp Furry Friends is a fun-filled opportunity
for kids ages 9-12 years old to learn about pet care/training, create animal crafts and participate in a variety of activities. The purr-fect summer camp for kids who love animals! Dates are: July 19-23, July 26-30 & August 2-6.
Email: rebecca@hsco.org. Registration information is also on the HSCO website: hsco.org/camp-furry-friends-2021
Jordan Kent MultiSport Camps
Jordan Kent Multi-Sport Camps provide beginning to intermediate fundamental training in football, soccer or basketball. Campers participate in skill training, agility training, games and nutrition education. Half-day or full day options include a t-shirt and post camp goodie. Four weekly sessions in Bend: June 25-July 1, July 12-15, July 26-29 & August 9-12 at Pacific Crest fields. Hours are 9am-3pm.
Register at: jordankentcamps.com/ bend-summer-camps/
The Kindred Creative Kitchen
Flaky Pastries? Healthy dinners? Street Foods from Around the World? Check out these very interesting summer cooking camps for youth ages 7-17. Classes run four days a week from 11am-2pm.
Learn more: thekindredcreativekitchen.com
Mt. Bachelor
Head to Mt. Bachelor for summer fun! They have both a two-day and five-day bike camp as well as a new multi-sport adventure camp.
More information available at mtbachelor.com/plan-your-trip/ summer-activities/kids-camps
OMSI Summer Camps
From computer science to forensic science, animation to astronomy, OMSI offers a variety of day camps and classes to spark your child’s curiosity! Although they are not hosting any overnight camps this year, why not make a special trip to Portland for a variety of day camps at the museum?
Find out more: Omsi.edu
Oregon Olympic Athletics
Oregon Olympic Athletics is offering three summer camps this year, Monday-Thursday for ages 5-11. Choose mornings or afternoons or full days. Dates are: July 12-15, July 26-29 & August 16-19. Camp activities include: gymnastics, hip hop, cheerleading, martial arts, ball sports, arts & crafts, science and more!
Ooagymnastics.com/camps
OSU-Cascades Summer Academy
OSU Cascades Summer Academy is a 5-day, in-person summer program for incoming high school sophomores, juniors and seniors located on the campus. Participants choose from a Business Beavs in Action and an Art+Media+Tech option and take part in writing workshops and afternoon outdoor recreation. Students who complete the program earn a $500 scholarship to OSU-Cascades. Dates are August 9-13 & August 23-27.
For more information: osucascades.edu/summer-academy
Out of the Box Arts Camp
Calling all weekend warriors! OTB will be hosting various themed weekend day camps for ages 5-17, focusing on infusing nature into fine arts. Themes include a gift for Father’s Day, enchanted forest, Squatch watch, and even make your own mineral paint! All classes will include an OTB artisan made paint color to take home and a professional portrait of your little Picasso!
For more information find us at otbarts.com
Outward Bound Summer Camps are for kids starting at age 12. If your child loves the outdoors and wants to learn important survival skills, these camps are the way to go.
Outwardbound.org
RAD Camps
RAD Camps offers a unique approach to summer with fun excursions to places like Smith Rock, Newberry Caldera and Devils Lake. If your child loves to explore and be outdoors, this is the one! Camps are geared for kids ages 7-12 and 13-17, Camps run from June 21 to September 2, meeting at 8am and returning at 4 or 5pm depending on the camp.
radcamps.com
Redmond Area Parks and Recreation District
Redmond Area Parks and Recreation District offers a multitude of programs and camps for all ages.
Consult their website for a full schedule of offerings: raprd.org
Rhinestone Ranch
If you have a horse-loving kid, try these weekly riding camps from June 7-September 3. Children ages 5-18 are welcome. All sessions run from 9am-1pm, Monday-Thursday and 9-12 on Friday.
Check the website for exact dates and important information: rhinestoneranchbend.com
Samara Learning Center
Avoid the summer slide! Samara offers several fun camps including Achievement Camp, Hang-Out Days, Math Clinic and more.
Check the website for more information and a full schedule: samaralearningcenter.org
Smith Rock Climbing Camp / Chockstone Climbing Guides
Love to climb? Chockstone offers several overnight climbing camps at Smith Rock for experienced tween and teen climbers. Dates and levels are as follows: 5-Day Camp: June 14-18, July 13-17, Aug 2-6 (for ages 12-15, Intermediate), 7-Day Camp: August 6-12 (for ages 12-17, Intermediate-Advanced), 11-Day Camp: June 23-July 3, July 21-31 (for ages: 12-17, IntermediateAdvanced) and Trad Climbing Camp: Aug 8-18 (for ages 15-19, Advanced)
For more details, go online: goclimbing.com or call: 541-318-7170
Tumalo Creek Kayak
Kids Paddlesports Adventure Camp includes stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, whitewater rafting and kayak sailing for kids ages 8-15. Your child will learn about cooperation and team building in an active and engaged environment. Dates this summer are: June 14-17, June 21-24, July 5-8, July 12-15, July 19-22, August 2-5, August 9-12 & August 16-19. Kids Whitewater Kayaking Camp is an all levels camp for ages 10-15. Dates are: June 28-July 1, July 26-29, August 23-26.
For more information: tumalocreek.com/tumalo-kids
Tula Movement Arts
Tula Movement Arts offers an array of summer camps for various ages including Moving Joyfully Camp (ages 3-6), Circus Ninja Camp (ages 5-8), Mindful Monkeys Camp (ages 3-6), Youth Aerial Dance Camp (ages 8+), Pre-Teen/ Teen Aerial Dance Camp (ages 10+), Youth Acro Fusion Camp (ages 8+).
Find out the schedule and all the details at: tulamovementarts.com/camps
These four-day adventure-filled camps will have participants exploring different sites throughout our watershed. Participants will hike and explore some of the most beautiful areas along streams while engaging in hands-on scientific field studies. These camps focus on nature and science with a good mix of art, fun and games. All camps are from 8:30-3:30pm, Monday-Thursday
upperdeschuteswatershedcouncil.org/ join-us/summer-camp/
Waldorf School of Bend
Waldorf camps are full of fun for Early Childhood (ages 3-6) and Elementary Grades (ages 6-12) and include: Outdoor Adventures, Yoga & Mindfulness, Wilderness Survival, Music & Movement, Biodynamic Farming, Weird Science, Science Exploration, Gymnastics & Tumbling and Speech & Debate. Morning care 8:30am-12:30pm, themed afternoons: 12:30-4pm.
For more information, contact info@Bendwaldorf.com
Wildheart Nature School Summer Camps
Nothing gets our nature spirit moving like the summer season! Camps are divided into groups by age with something for all kids between 3-12 years old. Sessions occur weekly from June 21 through August 20.
wildheartnatureschool.com/ summer-camps/
Youth Camps at COCC
For 2021, all youth camps will be held virtually for kids ages 10-14. From creating an app to video game design to CPR classes, there are over 50 course options available! Some scholarships are offered.
