In the wild and whimsical state of Oregon, a group of sprightly young adventurers, known as the "OR Otters", navigate the numerous sapphire-blue rivers and lakes in their stout, sturdy boats and canoes. Oregon, a land sculptured by the hands of nature herself, is a veritable playground for these daring rascals, full of towering pine forests, mighty mountains, and beautiful beaches by the bucketful! The OR Otters are led by a charismatic and somewhat eccentric character -- Captain Quack Sparrow. This fast-talking, feathered friend is a duck of legend, known far and wide for his epic navigational skills and his infamous bandanna. With a gleam in his eye and a hint of mischief in his cackle, he guides the kids through the rushing rapids and serene streams, always on the lookout for new adventures and hidden treasures. Oregon's waters offer no shortage of adventures for the OR Otters. One day, they might find themselves in a thrilling canoe race against the 'Beaver Brigade' on the Columbia River. The next, they may be discovering secret caves along the Oregon coasts or exploring the depths of Crater Lake in their submarines. Yes, submarines, for when they're not paddling boats or steering canoes, the OR Otters are underwater explorers! Through the swift currents and calm waters, the OR Otters learn the special language of nature. They learn to read the ripples on a lake, decode the rustling of leaves, and listen to the whispers of the wind. But most importantly, they learn to laugh loudly, play heartily, and live life as an endless adventure. Just like the magical state of Oregon, every voyage with the OR Otters is a unique, thrilling, and utterly unforgettable experience!
Read morebest boating-canoeing programs in Bend, OR
The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
Most youth organizations talk about preparing kids for the future or future leadership positions. This is great, but we believe kids and teens are leaders now. They don't need to wait for the future to shape the world. We help youth be the best 7-year-old they can be or the best 17-year-old. We guide kids and teens of all ages to boost their confidence and unlock their potential so they can thrive—where they are now. Thrive{ology} is our research-based approach to teaching every kid or teen how to be a better friend, student, son, daughter, member of society, sister, brother...today. Every Camp Fire program across the country uses Thrive{ology} to teach youth to identify sparks, develop a growth mindset, learn goal management, and take time to reflect.