We focus strongly on equity and inclusion, helping to connect underrepresented communities to impactful experiences in nature. We recognize that not all kids have equal access to the outdoors, and not everyone feels safe and welcome in outdoor spaces. We believe that the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities improves when all people connect to the outdoors.
We are a network
The Children’s Forest believes that we are more powerful when we work together as a community. The 28 organizations that make up the Children’s Forest all have the same goal: to improve health and learning for all children in Central Oregon by getting them outside. Learn more about our amazing partners and how you can get involved.
Support our Field Trip Fund
For some students, outdoor field trips are the only chance to experience all that Central Oregon has to offer in the outdoors. Outdoor field trips enhance learning in so many ways, and also connect students to all of the benefits of just being outside. Help the Children’s Forest raise $10,000 for our Field Trip Fund, which will support approximately 65 field trips for 4,500 students. Your donation helps make outdoor learning possible for all students.
Planting Seeds for Families
Planting Seeds for Families
The Children’s Forest knows that connections to nature start with families. When your kids spend time outside, they grow smarter, happier, healthier, more attentive, and less anxious. The Children’s Forest is here to connect you with fun and simple ways to enjoy nature with your kids. Learn more here.
Forging Trails for Teachers
Forging Trails for Teachers
The Children’s Forest partners with teachers and schools to enhance learning through outdoor education, giving students a learning experience that textbooks can’t provide. Learn about outdoor education programs, field trip funding, and other resources here.
Upcoming Events
Latest News
Seeking Diverse Youth for the Green Jobs Summer Program
Outdoor and Environmental Internships – Summer 2023 About the Program The Green Jobs Summer Program will place high school youth into summer internships with outdoor and environmental organizations. We […]
Now Hiring: Family Nature Program Facilitator
The Children’s Forest is seeking a temporary, part-time educator to support our family summer programs. The The Family Nature Program Facilitator will provide outreach to rural communities through weekly family nature […]
Now Hiring! Full-time NatureHoods Coordinator Position (AmeriCorps)
The Children’s Forest is seeking an individual who is passionate about connecting kids with the outdoors to serve as our NatureHoods Coordinator. This position delivers programs for students and families […]
Now Hiring: Field Science Interns in Prineville
The Children’s Forest is seeking 3 high school students in Crook County for a new Field Science Internship. The program will be offered from June-August 2022, with interns completing 100+ hours […]
Growing Student Naturalists through the NatureHoods Program
by Izzy Mize, NatureHoods Coordinator NatureHoods is an early childhood nature education program put on by the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon. I’m Izzy Mize, and am serving an […]
Green Gifts that Get Kids Outside
There are so many wonderful holiday traditions! From building snow shelters, to hunting for that perfect (or not-so-perfect) Christmas tree, to snuggling inside with some hot chocolate and watching movies, […]
Youth Engagement Project Highlights and Video
Central Oregon community agencies say YES to outdoor programs for kids Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests team up with Children’s Forest of Central Oregon and 10 local agencies to engage […]
Highlights from Discover the Outdoors Camp
Bend Park and Recreation District is wrapping up their 4th year of the Discover the Outdoors Camp aka Aventuras al Aire Libre. This summer, the program reached 79 participants […]
