Partners Help New Program Serve Local Youth
Beginning this week, through the efforts of the Deschutes National Forest and the Deschutes Children’s Forest, local students will experience learning at a new “Outdoor School.”
On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, thanks to a new Forest Service program called the Deschutes Children’s Forest, fifth-grade classes from Three Rivers Elementary School in Sunriver will wake-up at Cultus Lake Resort for an “Outdoor” School experience.
The Deschutes Children’s Forest is the first national recognized Children’s Forest in the Northwest and is part of a larger effort by the US Forest Service to promote conservation education and getting kids outdoors.
The opportunity to pilot the program came from a fortunate coincidence that Three Rivers Elementary School was meeting with Cultus Lake Resort about an Outdoor School at the same time the Deschutes Children’s Forest was looking to help organize an Outdoor School. Sysco Food, Eberhard’s Dairy, and Frito-Lay are donating food and Cultus Lake Resort is donating all the lodging to support the program for the local youth. Forest Service staff will provide educational talks and guest speakers for the school.
“It is happening so fast, but I’m excited to pilot an Outdoor School and build on this opportunity for future programs,” said Larry Berrin, Coordinator for the Deschutes Children’s Forest.
The Deschutes National Forest, local organizations, agencies, school districts, and the health care industry are joining together to develop the Deschutes Children’s Forest . The goal is to provide a network of outdoor places and programs dedicated to moving all children along a continuum of learning, exploration, and healthy living through engagement with nature.
Contact Larry Berrin, 541-383-4771, for more information about the Deschutes Children’s Forest or the Outdoor School.
