Keep young minds active

Summer is a great time for children to practice one of the most important skills they’ll ever need: how to learn outside the classroom. And it can help them be ready for school in the fall.

Here are a few favorite learning opportunities in our CareOregon communities:

Portland Metro Area

• Vera Katz East Bank Esplanade, Portland—There are 22 historic markers along the 1.5-mile walk. Learn more about the esplanade and its natural history at www.portlandonline.com/parks.

Northwest Oregon

• Fort Stevens State Park, Clatsop County—See the military installation that dates from the Civil War. Or watch history recreated. July 19–20 will feature World War II reenactments and Aug. 30–Sept. 1 will feature the Civil War. It’s $3 per car, but if you walk into the park (ride The Bus, Route 15) it's free. Find out more at www.visitftstevens.com/.

Southwest Oregon

• Storytelling Guild Children’s Festival,
  Jacksonville—The whole town is a National Historic Landmark. July 20–21, it’s also the home of the Storytelling Guild’s Children’s Festival. Find out more at www.jacksonvilleoregon.org and http://www.storytellingguild.org/stg_txp/festival.

Northeast Oregon

• Pendleton Round-up—The rodeo is Sept. 10-13. Find out about Native American arts and crafts and ceremonial dancing. Visit www.happycanyon.com and www.pendletonroundup.com to learn more.