Teen Connects offers stand-alone service projects and fun outings roughly once a month for 6th-12th graders looking for more volunteer experience. Many opportunities will be free, while others may carry a small fee. Whether you are looking to participate just once or regularly, we are excited for any teen to join us as we make a difference, and make friends! Register for one or all our upcoming Teen Connects programs!
Think Wild's mission is to inspire the high desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through education, conservation, and rescue/rehabilitation. Camp Fire Central Oregon Teen Connects will be partnering up with Think Wild for an afternoon or volunteering, specifically touring the Think Wild property, learning about their efforts, and working on a service project. The service project will include maintenance in their pollinator garden. We will be pulling weeds and planting new plants. Make sure to wear weather- and project-appropriate clothing and shoes.
When: Saturday, April 8, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Meet in front of Think Wild, 62410 Erickson Rd., Bend
Note: Bring a water bottle and any snacks you may want
Cost: Free
Since 1999, Healing Reins has provided equine-assisted strategies designed to help Central Oregonians with varying disabilities and special needs to thrive. Camp Fire Teen Connects is partnering with Healing Reigns for a volunteer day.
Camp Fire Staff will meet the Teen Connects group at the front of Healing Reins property. The group will tour the property and learn what the organization does. We will then spend a few hours helping with some basic horse/ranch chores and maybe even meet a few of their horses!
When: Note new date: Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Healing Reins, 60575 Billadeau Road, 65325 Cline Falls Rd, Bend
Note: Wear weather- and project-appropriate clothing + shoes. Also bring a full water bottle and a sack lunch.
Cost: Free
The annual, family-friendly celebration of earth and community features a lively and inclusive parade through downtown Bend. All are encouraged to wear costumes to showcase their favorite thing about planet earth. Earth Day Fair food vendors, booths, and performers offer something for everyone. Camp Fire Teen Connects teens will help set up and run a youth obstacle course in front of our Camp Fire booth and encourage kids through the obstacle course so everyone stays on course and has fun. Earth Day Fair is hosted by our partner The Environmental Center.
When: Sat., April 22, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (includes setup and tear down)
Where: Troy Field, 51 NW Louisiana Ave., Bend
Cost: Free
Camp Fire Teen Connects will meet at Dillon Falls day-use area and hike to Benham Falls and back, with the purpose of spending time connecting with each other + nature. Camp Fire staff will bring trash bags and gloves so we can clean up any trash we find along the trail. This is a 6.5-mile out and back hike that can take a total of three hours to complete. There is an elevation gain of 314 ft.
When: Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Note new date!
Where: Meet at the Dillon Falls day-use area, Forest Service Rd 41, Bend
Note: Wear hiking + weather appropriate clothing. Bring a full water bottle and some snacks/sack lunch.
Cost: Free
Camp Fire Teen Connects Group will meet at the Camp Fire Office and make some homemade dog treats which the camp fire staff will take to the Humane Society of Central Oregon the following day.
When we're done making treats, Camp Fire Teens can also take a few home for any of their own dogs at home! Come join us... it's goin' to be a doggone good time!
When: Thurs. May 11, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Camp Fire office located in the Sunlight Solar Building co-working space at 150 NE Hawthorne Ave., Bend
Cost: Free
AGE RANGE:
Open to 6th-12th graders.
LOCATION:
Locations will vary depending on the event and project. Please pay attention to the address indicated on each event's registration page.
PRICE:
Our Teen Connects events are free unless otherwise specified.
WHAT TO BRING:
A water bottle, a great attitude and any other snacks/sack lunches as detailed under each program description above!
SPACE IS LIMITED:
Camp Fire programs are kept small to ensure a great Adult:Youth ratio and create the best growth experience possible. If the program is sold out, please add yourself to the waitlist.
Young people want to shape the world.
Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.
In Camp Fire, it begins now.