“Just wanted to pass along a quick photo from my COPY kid’s first swim lesson last night. I am told he had a great time and learned lots.” *Bob Moore, Project Coordinator for Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY).
A long-time K.I.D.S.’ community partner, COPY is a program within the Deschutes County Sherriff’s Office that offers mentoring for kids and youth impacted by parental incarceration. K.I.D.S. monies can be used in ways that public budgets cannot–such as swim lessons! It is a win-win-win for everyone! Or rather a swim-swim-swim.
Stressed parents’ lives can be made a little better when there are positive activities and friends for their youngsters. A local mom, I. S., summed it up, saying “It feels so good for them to make friends [and] be part of something good in our community.” Read this mom’s note on the “K.I.D.S. Impact/What We’ve Heard From Parents” page.
Close-in of three children’s legs & feet playing soccer. A red & black soccer ball central focus. Original image from RDNE Stock project.
K.I.D.S. sent fifty Central Oregon children and youth to Summer Camp in 2024. That’s an increase of eight kids over last year. Up by almost 20%. What an awesome ROI. Well done!
One mom shared her thoughts: “My daughter really needs this camp. She is going through a tough time now.” Summer camp can be a refuge, a respite, and a chance to be a kid. That’s what K.I.D.S. monies can help to happen.
Rev. Celine Burke greets an excited young camper.Van ready to “head-out” for Ascension Camp.
The June 7 fundraiser at OnTap was very successful and K.I.D.S.’ wants to thank you all! The Doc Ryan Band attracted a good crowd. Raffle tickets were bought. Silent auction bids were made. There was fun, merriment, and drama (friends of an imminently-expecting Dad-to-be pooled their raffle tickets and won the “Baby Gift Basket” item! Good job guys!!). We’ll hope to see all of you (& more friends) at next year’s event. Info TBA.
Eleven-year-old J.L. wanted to play basketball for her school’s Parks & Rec. team, but there were some big challenges that stood in the way. A grant from K.I.D.S. helped relieve a large portion of the financial burden. Then with coaching from her COPY mentor, her family firmly in her court, and her drive for the goal, J.L. played for her team and realized her first time playing team sports in January. Read Bob Moore’s full account here.
Thirteen middle and high school kids from Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Program will be participating in Hoodoo’s Snow Days with their mentors. These young people will get to take a free ski lesson each Wednesday for four weeks. Hoodoo Ski Resort is providing the equipment and the lessons. K.I.D.S. pitched in by purchasing under layers, socks and snacks. Needless to say we have thirteen excited youth who will be able to participate in an activity that they would never dream possible! Activities like this help kids do what their friends take for granted. Partnering with BBBS, Hoodoo, and K.I.D.S. brings a light into young lives
Forty-two inspired kids from Bend and Redmond attended Ascension School Camp in Cove, Oregon this summer. Five separate camps included kids from preschool through high school. Two former KIDS’-supported campers returned as counselors—there’s proof that “kids inspired do succeed”!
Here’s some of what the kids had to say at the send-off/pick-up gatherings:
“I cried my eyes out when I left camp last year. I am so happy to go again!”
“My brother went to camp last week and he said the food was delicious!”
“I love the campfire songs!”
“I don’t know anyone. I hope I find someone to sit with.” (She did!)
“My favorite part was making a necklace for my mom. Now my younger brother gets to go.” (Mom was wearing her necklace with two purple hearts on it at the return gathering.)
“I’m a little scared.” (Counselors helped her find a friend.)
“I want to keep going when I graduate from high school.” (That can happen through The Junior Counselor Program! Stay tuned.)
