Forging the Future
Imagine an alternative. Imagine your child’s day: They wake up, wolf down breakfast, get dressed and then head off to school-only “school” isn’t inside a fluorescent-lit, rectangular box. School takes place inside a traditional Native American tipi, replete with heated floors, swivel chair desks, a modern whiteboard and two teachers whose effervescence fills the room.…
Best Family Night Out
Sun Mountain, built and operated by the Ramsey family of Bend, has been dishing up fun in Central Oregon since 1995. During the pandemic, the facility underwent a major renovation, offering a more adult-friendly atmosphere as well as adding some new, active games for the kids. Owner Scott Ramsey talks more about the updates. The…
Best Summer Camp
Wildheart offers unique, nature-oriented educational programs for kids of all ages. In addition to spring and winter camps, classes are available throughout the school year for after-school or home school students. A mixed, preschool- Kindergarten class is Wildheart’s newest addition. Co-founders Amara and Rainbow Dreamer tell us more. How would you describe a typical day…
Best Art Instruction
Artist and curator, Marlene Alexander, has been teaching children art in Central Oregon for 37 years. She recently shared about how the program began and what kinds of art she teaches today. How did you get started teaching art to kids? It came up one day when a group of us (former members of Art…
Best Nonprofit Serving Children
Family Access Network began meeting the needs of Oregon families in 1993. Since then, the organization has expanded its scope from Deschutes County to greater Central Oregon, now serving almost every school district in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook Counties. FAN Executive Director Julie Lyche tells Bend Nest more about the program. How did Family Access…
Best of the Nest 2022
Local parents and families voted, and these are our 2022 winners in the Best of the Nest! Best of Shops & Services Best Nonprofit Serving Children Family Access Network (FAN) KIDS Center Best Photographer for Children & Families Natalie Stephenson Danae Swan Photography \ Julia Duke (tie) Best Toy Store Leapin’ Lizards Toy Company Learning…
Summer Safety
Summer in Central Oregon means soaring temperatures, water play and of course, loads of festivals and events. Parents are right to experience some level of worry as they head out into the High Desert heat with the kids in tow. With a little education and preparation, though, parents can keep the summer carefree and focus…
Health Expert Q&A with Katie Powell, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Q: My son is in the first grade and his teacher complains that he is not attentive during the day. How can I encourage him to pay attention? He loves school, so I don’t want to discourage him in any way, but I am feeling pressured by his teacher. A: This is a great question, and…
Best Family Brewpub
There’s a very good reason that Crux has become known as the best family-friendly pub – it was by design. Founder and Brewmaster, Larry Sidor, describes how a family-oriented philosophy steered the direction of the space. Crux has a family-friendly vibe, even as you’re walking up to the lot. Is it the open-space seating in…
Refreshing Summertime Dessert Made Easy
Gather the family and a fork and get ready to make a summertime dessert that’ s sure to become a favorite! Ok, you’ll also need a blender, a cake pan and some fruit to make a delicious, icy granita, but that’s about all. A granita is a semi-frozen dessert typically made from fresh fruit, sugar…
Family Sojourning
You’ve been looking forward to that summer family vacation for months now and, finally , the date is just around the corner. Ah…what to bring? If you notice a panicky feeling arising just at the mention of suitcases and carry-ons, then you are not alone. Packing light is the way to go, but how do…
Summer Camps Directory
Ah, summertime! Here in Central Oregon, there is never a shortage of places to go, rivers to paddle, trails to explore and concerts to attend. We’ve got it all and everyone loves to take part. When it comes to activities for the kids, we’ve got summer camps galore, but with one caveat: most camps fill…
Bookshelf
Big and Small and In-Between Written by Carter Higgins Illustrated by Daniel Miyares What do you see up, down and around you? Enjoy an interactive picture book filled with imaginative surprises about the size of experiences. Turn the page and picture the sun, a mess, a blue sky, a donut and an elephant tea party.…
It’s All About the Kids
South of Reed Market Road, on American Loop, sits a slice of Bend not many people visit. As I drove down the gravel street, I thought I had made a wrong turn and double-checked the address, but then suddenly noticed an area teeming with life. I knew I was in the right place. Welcome to…
