Category: FEATURED

Featured: Here we will share the latest and must know resources and Where to Go & What to do for families in Southern Oregon.

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CRAFTS FEATURED Uncategorized

Order Your ~Build a Bat House- Stem Kit~ from BugsRUs

Fall is here and that means OCTOBER and that means HALLOWEEN and that means BATS!


Bats are victims of BAD public relations, specifically because of that FICTIONAL guy, DRACULA!

Bats have been on Earth for more than 50 million years. With over 1,400 species, they are the second largest order of mammals, and those species cover six continents. Globally, bats provide vital ecosystem services in the form of eating insect pests, plant pollination, and seed dispersal, making them essential to the health of our planet.


Making a bat-friendly place in your backyard supports the essential role bats have in the environment. All 15 different species of bats in Oregon eat insects…..mosquitoes, gnats, night flying beetles and moths.


Here’s a few BAT facts:
1.  One Little Brown Bat can eat over 1000 bugs PER HOUR!
2.  The world’s smallest bat is the Bumblebee Bat measuring 1.5 –3 inches in length and weighing  2 grams as a full-grown adult.
3.  The world’s largest bat is the Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox with a wingspan up to 6 feet!
4.  The oldest known bat was a male Brant’s myotis who lived 41 years.
5.  Of the 1,400+ species of bats in the world, only three are vampire bats that drink blood. They ONLY live in Central America NOT TRANSYLVANIA!

It’s time to help our BUG EATING friends….THE BATS!


Here’s your chance – Build your OWN BAT-HOUSE – STEM kit.
You get it ALL…..pre-cut ALL weather re-purposed plywood, screws and nails along with FULL detailed instructions to build your own BAT-HOUSE. Measures 16 in. tall, 8 in. wide and 2 ½ in. deep when finished. All you need is a hammer and screwdriver.
Features galvanized mesh for inside the house…..gives ‘em traction to climb up inside. Will hold about 35-50 little brown bats. They will use it as a roost as well as a NURSERY!
This package also includes a BAT coloring page and detailed 3 page educational fact sheet about all 15 Oregon bats and why bats are SO important.

If you are interested, please send an email to [email protected] with quantity and your address.
This is a PERFECT activity for scouts, homeschoolers or ANYONE who wants to invite these AMAZING mammals to your property.

htttp://www.bugsrus.org

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FEATURED HEALTH PARENTING

Tips for Helping Kids Through The Covid Crisis

The Coronavirus has become a pandemic crisis impacting every aspect of our lives.  Parents are being forced into the role of educator as our children are pushed into a home-schooling situation.  To add to that stress, many of us do not know how long we will have a paycheck or a job as so many industries are having to reduce operations or shut down completely.  We are being asked to limit contact with others.  All of this is causing anxieties to rise in both adults and children. 
Be mindful that your children are looking to you to see if they should be scared. Do not completely ignore what is happening.  Answer your child’s questions in an age appropriate way.  Develop a new routine so that your child can feel safe.  Talk to them about taking the recommended precautions to stay healthy. 
Additionally, do a daily “worry” check in.  With my child it goes something like this, “Let’s check in.  Tell me something you are worried about today?”  or “Are you concerned about anything today?”  It is enlightening what you may find out.  Many days those concerns have nothing to do with what is currently happening and many times it is something that a parent can address easily.  The later is great.  It gives you a boost in your confidence level as a parent and your child is reassured that things are okay.  Soon, you may find that your child is initiating the daily check in.  “Hey Mom!  Tell me how your day went?  What made you happy today?”  At my house, we change the questions up.  Sometimes worried focused questions, sometimes feelings focused questions and sometimes activity focused questions.
Here are some ideas for activities that you can do to keep your child engaged and to help with your own self-care during this unsettling time:
  • Read a book aloud. My child’s class has read aloud time during the school day and it is something he enjoys.  Pick a series and read together for thirty minutes a day.
  • Do an art project together. Draw, make slime, finger paint, color—build with legos.
  • Write a “book” together. Develop a story line, take turns writing paragraphs, create illustrations.  It can be a true or fantasy.
  • Take a hike. Go someplace and enjoy nature together.
  • Watch a movie or find a series on Netflix or Amazon Prime that is family friendly. Gilligan’s
  • Bake or cook with your child. This helps to develop math, reading and survival skills.
  • Teach your child to clean and disinfect.
  • Play outside…basketball, catch, blow bubbles, hide and seek, take a walk.
  • Play tic tac toe, board games, card games, or make up your own game.

Structure can help get you through this crisis and as a bonus the “together time activities” will help to strengthen family bonds.
By Tammi Pitzen
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FEATURED GOING PLACES OUTDOOR FUN! Uncategorized WINTER ACTIVITIES

Snow Tubing at Diamond Lake

Our trip to go snow tubing at Diamond Lake was a BLAST!                                We had been planning it for weeks and the kids were ecstatic. Truth be told, Brooke and I were just as giddy to go! Between the two of us we have 6 kids total, including two sets of boy/girl twins, and each a singleton girl!

We decided ahead of time we were going to make it a day trip and pack lunches for a little snow pic-nic together. There is lodging options as well and it would be fun to stay a day or two next time! The drive was nice, only about 2 hours from Grants Pass. There is also a little store with food and snow gear just in case you forgot something like I always do! There is also a few dining options located by the store, hotel and cabins.

At the tubing hill they also have a few snacks available and snow gear if needed. One fun thing we didn’t expect was the music playing outside and families eating what they brought in and bbq’n in the parking lot!

The entire atmosphere was family friendly. When we got to the hill, we selected our tubes. They have single or doubles to choose from. While riding the conveyor belt to the top we all realized how fast everyone was going, we were terrified and excited all at the same time! The ride down is about 25 seconds but feels like 5! Little did we know that about 1 hour before closing it’s less, maybe 20 seconds to the bottom and you start to go further and further past the finish line!

That last hour was probably my favorite. Most the crowd had left or went to the parking lot to bbq so the line was shorter. We had gotten over the initial anxiety of going down and we’re having a blast by then! The kids were going down backwards and on their stomachs and my friend Brooke was able to record her and I going down together, best video ever!
Both of our families are from California and have lived in Oregon 10-12 years and this was by far one of the funnest things I have done in Oregon! There were no electronics involved besides a fun video with lots of laughs and amazing family memories made! I highly recommend going to Diamond lake for your next family trip!
The season usually starts in December to March, but depending on the weather conditions may extend to April.
For dates, hours of operation, costs and more details you can visit:
https://www.diamondlake.net/winter-recreation
or call   541-793-3333
(MAP)
By Jennifer Whitney
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FEATURED GOING PLACES OUTDOOR FUN! SOUTHERN OREGON HOLIDAY MAGIC WINTER ACTIVITIES

Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink in Beautiful Lithia Park

It’s that time of year again to lace up your skates and hit the ice! The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink will officially open on Thursday, December 2019 through February 17, 2020. The outdoor rink, a division of Ashland Parks & Recreation, is located at 95 Winburn Way, across from the Lithia Park playground, around the corner from the Plaza, and at the corner of Nutley Street and Winburn Way.

The 2019-2020 Season will feature something for everyone… Bring the whole family! For more information on prices, schedules, lessons, programming, hockey, scholarships and all we have to offer you, visit AshlandParksandRec.org or call the ice rink directly at 541.488.9189. You may also call the Ashland Parks and Recreation office at 541.488.5340. Watch for details on the annual First Frost event that will be held in December this year. This gala celebration culminates the spirit of the outdoor rink and the holidays! Psst kids, tell your parents Chilly the Snowman and Santa’s elves will be at First Frost on Saturday, December 14. Complete details online at AshlandParksandRec.org.We hope you can experience one of the most magical places in Ashland… that little outdoor rink in beautiful Lithia Park, where the air is fresh, the white lights are twinkling and the music blends with the sounds of nature and blades on the ice… “Let’s skate!”Be sure to check the online schedule BEFORE coming out to the rink – ashland.or.us/IceRink. And, look for the holiday schedule for Christmas break.Follow us on social media… Facebook & Instagram @AshlandParksandRec

#AshlandIceRink #AshlandParksandRec #APRC #LithiaPark #AshlandRotaryCentennialIceRink #AshlandWhatToDo #FunItsInOurNature
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FEATURED SOUTHERN OREGON HOLIDAY MAGIC

Celebrate Victorian Christmas in Jacksonville

 Join in the Victorian Christmas Celebration activities in Jacksonville, Oregon.

Holiday Festivities continue on weekends up to Christmas

Christmas Tree Lighting, caroling at 5pm. and visits with Father Christmas from 11am-4pm on  Novemer 30th, 2019.

 Experience an old fashioned Holiday Season every Saturday and Sunday  in December when Historic Jacksonville is transformed into a 19th Century village celebrating Christmas in Victorian style.  Enjoy the buildings decorated with greenery and lights. Listen to  and join in with strolling  Carolers. Sip some hot cider from a street side stand. Take a horse drawn wagon ride.

Don’t miss the Victorian Christmas Parade at 10am.

Stop by Dan McGeorge Photo Gallery to visit Father Christmas. Bring your camera to take photos of your kiddos

Take a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley for just $1 as it makes a short loop around town and lets you off to shop and eat.

Make sure one of your stops is the 1873 Beekman House Museum at 470 E. California. It’s decorated for a Victorian Christmas in the late 1800s. Costumed docents share the origins of holiday traditions during 1- hour tours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every weekend. Find the good luck pickle on the Christmas tree; steal a kiss under the mistletoe; and sample one of Mrs. Beekman’s sugar cookies.

You also can step behind the counter of the Beekman Bank Museum, the oldest financial institution in the Pacific Northwest. Peer in drawers, walk in the vault, and interact with docents sharing stories of late 19th Century banking practices, gold shipping, and handshake deals.

And there are special activities and events every day! For a complete list of event, times, and locations visit www.ChristmasinJacksonville.com and www.historicjacksonville.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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FEATURED FESTIVALS Uncategorized

The Wood House Festivals

Located in Eagle Point, Oregon at 12988 Hwy 62, you may have passed this rustic beauty which is an attraction for Historians, photographers and artists.

The home is circa 1870, homesteader was a wounded Civil War veteran Marvin Sylvester Wood, discharged as a corporal from the United States Army in 1864. Marvin along with his brother Dennis Wood came to Southern Oregon in 1868, Dennis passed away in 1869 leaving Marvin to manage the homestead and land patent. Marvin married wife Susan in 1876 and they had 3 children. Their son Walter Wood born in 1881 living in the house his entire life until he passed away in 1974. All three are buried in the IOOF Cemetery in Central Point, Oregon.

The home has been in jeopardy several times from the widening of Highway 62 and being moved to the present location to abandonment, bad weather, vandalism and real estate sales.

The Wood House is operated on a very small annual budget supported strictly by donations, all work is done on a volunteer basis by The Woodhouse Preservation Group (a non-profit organization). You can learn more about the history and how you can support by visiting : oldwoodhouse.org.

Since 1870 The Wood House still remains to welcome you to come and visit to see how primitive living really was in the 1800’s.

Please bring your family for the upcoming festivities:

May 16 & 17, 2020

150 Anniversary of the Wood House – Farm Festival. Vendors,music, house tours. 12988 Hwy. 62 Eagle Point.

October 3 & 4, 2020

Harvest Festival. Saturday 9-5pm & Sunday 9-4pm.. Collectibles, jewelry, wood products, food vendor, crafts, music.Enjoy a free cookie baked on the wood stove in the Wood House kitchen by the “Cookie Lady”.  Admission is $2 for ages 13 and older, ages 12 and under are free.

October 24, 2020

Halloween Open House. 5-9pm. Come and enjoy, it’s spooktacular. Free tours of the Wood House and candy. Free admission.

December 19, 2020

Old Fashioned Christmas Open House. 2-8pm. Free gifts from Santa for the kids. Free photographs with Santa.  Free admission.

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FEATURED HARVEST FESTIVALS, PUMPKIN PATCHES & MORE!

Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patches & More!

Southern Oregon is ready to celebrate with some Autumn Adventures.            Find family favorite Harvest Festivals and Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, Haunts and more. Bring the family and join in for all the fun Fall Festivities.

                                                Harvest Festivals and Pumpkin Patches

Pheasant Fields Farm Harvest Festival.   Pumpkin Patch, Hay ride, Corn Maze, Music, Local artisans and more! Located at 1865 Camp Baker Rd in Medford, Oregon.  facebook.com/pheasantfieldsfarmoregon 

 

 

Flashlight Nights at Pheasant Fields Farm Corn  Maze.  facebook.com/pheasantfieldsfarmoregon 

 

 

 

Valley View Nursery Harvest Festival. Weekends Oct. 12, 13 &  19 , 20 & 26, 27 , 2019 from 10am-4pm. Activity bracelet available for purchase for all day unlimited. Take a hay ride to the Pumpkin Patch, haystack climb, ride the bug train, slide down squirrel moutain, jump house, corn maze, wood fired pizza, food & beverages available.  Located at 1675 N. Valley View Rd. in Ashland, Oregon.  http://www.valleyviewnursery.com/
Fort Vannoy Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze. Open Daily in October from 11am-6pm. Farm stand, pumpkin patch, kid’s activities. Weekends : Hay rides, zip lines, pumpkin chunker, cow train, monster truck rides, camel rides, petting zoo, bounce house, food vendors.  Located at 5791 Lower River Rd. in Grants Pass Oregon.   www.fortvannoyfarms.com 
Haunted Maze at Fort Vannoy Farms. October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 30, 31 from 7pm-10pm.  Located at 5791 Lower River Rd in Grants Pass, Oregon. www.fortvannoyfarms.com

 

Harry & David Harvest Festival. Oct. 12 & 13, 19 & 20th, 2019 from 11-3pm. Pumpkin and face painting for children ages 12 and under. Live music and delicious treats for the whole family. Beer and wine tastings for ages 21 and older. Free admission, canned food donations to benefit Teresa McCormick Center are encouraged. Located at Harry & David Country Village Store, 1314 Center Dr. Medford, Oregon. https://stores.harryanddavid.com/medford-or?utm_source=local&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
Shooting Star Nursery Apple Tasting & Fall Celebration. Oct. 19th, 2019 from 11-3pm. Apple tasting, music, apple cider, kid’s craft table, food, ice cream and more. Located at 3223 Taylor Rd. Central Point,  Oregon www.roguevalleynursery.com
Scarecrow Festival. Saturday October 5th & Sunday October 6th, 2019 from 11am-4pm. In the centuries-old tradition farmers used to save their crops, you can make your own scarecrow. When you’ve completed your scarecrow you can enter it in the Scarecrow Contest and compete for a People’s Choice Award, OR take your scarecrow home with. Everything you need to make a scarecrow is available in a kit for just $15 ($10 for SOHS Members). While you’re at the farm plan to take a hay ride, paint a pumpkin or bob for an apple, browse the Hanley Mercantile, enjoy lunch prepared by the Jackson County Master Food Preservers, or tour the Hanley House ($5). Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Scarecrow Festival Weekend!  1053 Hanley Road, Central Point. http://www.sohs.org/node/185002
Grants Pass Shopping Center Halloween Festival. Oct. 26th, 2019 from 1-4pm. Trick or Treat at participating store, BugsRUs, Bounce Houses, face painting, kid’s costume contest, balloon animals. 959 NE D St, Grants Pass.

 

 

Day of the Dead Race. November 2nd, 2019. 1mi, 5k, 10k race, food, dance, music, culture, face painting, booths, community and more! Located in Talent, Oregon near City Hall. http://dayofthedeadrace.com/

 

 

The Wood House Festival. Halloween Open House. Located in Eagle Point, Oregon. https://southernoregonfamily.com/wood-house/

 

Kruse Farms Pumpkin Patch. Weekends in October from 10am-4pm. Pumpkin Patch, Hayrides, Corn Maze, Hay Maze, food and more. Located at 532 Melrose Rd. Roseburg, Oregon. http://www.krusefarms.com/

 

Young's Fall Festival Youngs Fall Festival.  Open Fridays & Saturdays in October. Located in Roseburg, Oregon. http://www.youngs-garden.com/event/

 

 

Mahaffy Ranch Pumpkin Patch.  Pumpkin Patch, Hay Maze, Corn Maze and more. Located in Coos Bay, Oregon. http://mahaffyranch.com/

 

 

 

Klamath Basin Potato Festival.  Parade, food, vendors, Spud Run, music, exhibits and more. Located in Merrill, Oregon.  http://www.klamathbasinpotatofestival.com/home

 

 

>>>>>>>>>Find Halloween Haunts Here

 

    For more Family Friendly Events and Kids Activities download the current issue at:                                                                       southernoregonfamily.com

October 2019 Cover Southern Oregon Family Magazine

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FEATURED HALLOWEEN HAUNTS & EVENTS

HALLOWEEN HAUNTS & EVENTS

Southern Oregon is getting in the spirit of Halloween with Haunts, Halloween Festivals and more!

                                            It’s going to be Spook-tacular

Flashlight Nights at Pheasant Fields Farm Corn Maze.   facebook.com/pheasantfieldsfarmoregon

 

 

 

Haunted Maze Haunted Maze at Fort Vannoy Farms. October 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th,  30th, 31st from 7pm-10pm.  Located at 5791 Lower River Rd in Grants Pass, Oregon. www.fortvannoyfarms.com

 

Haunted Field Drama- The Boogeyman’s Bride. Dark, moonlight walk guided by lantern through fields with talk of a mysterious woman visitor to the old farm.  Friendly (no gore) is intended for children 5 years and older accompanied with an adult.  Oct. 12th, 13th & 19st. Gates open at 6pm, performances start at 7pm and continues through 9pm. $10 adults/$5children and SOHS member. Located at Hanley Farm, 1053 Hanley Rd. Central Point. Purchase your ticket online. http://www.sohs.org.

 

Brighton Academy presents : Frightmare Theater.  October 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th from 5pm-9pm.  October 26th, from 11am-4pm & 5pm-10pm. October 31st from 5pm-10pm, Nov. 1st from 5-9pm.  $7 person. Kids 5 years and under Free with parent admission. Located at Grants Pass Shopping Ctr, 1111 NE D. ST. (old movies six bldg) in Grants Pass, Oregon.  www.facebook.com/brightonhh
One Eleven Theatre Company Haunted House- Barbie’s Scream House. October 17th-31st.  Wednesdays & Thursdays 7pm-10pm.  Fridays & Saturdays 7pm-11pm.   Oct. 31st. 6pm-midnight. $5 person. Located at 937 NE D St, Suite C. In the Grants Pass Shopping Center next to GNC www.oneeleventheatrecompany.com/haunted-house

 

 

Just Scream Haunted House. October 18th, 19th, 25th & 26th from 7:30-11:30pm. Children ages 7-12 must be accompanied by adult. Children ages under 7 will not be admitted. Childcare is available. Benefits the Southern Oregon Humane Society. $6 person. Located at 2065 Lars Way, Medford. (behind Rogue Karting)

 

 

Circus of Screams.    Located on Hwy 62 in Eagle Point, Oregon. www.circusofscreams.net/

 

 

 

 

Haunted History Tours in Jacksonville.  October 11th & 12th tours feature, brothels, epidemics & hangings,  arson, saloons and Oregon’s oldest Chinatown. $5 person. One hour walking tours leave from the visitors center N. Oregon & C St. at 6pm, 6:15pm, 6:30pm, 6:45pm and 7pm. Located in Jacksonville, Oregon. Reservations required. 541-245-3650.

 

Haunted House and Graveyard in Gold Hill.  October 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th & 31st from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Family friendly and age appropriate, bake sale with ghoulish goodies and spooky treats. $5 ages 13 and older, $3 ages 6 – 12, $1 ages 3-5, free ages 2 and under. Located at the Gold Hill Museum, 504 First Ave. in Gold Hill, Oregon. www.facebook.com/goldhillhauntedhouse
The Nightmare Chamber- Haunted House. October 18 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, Nov. 1st. & 2nd. from 7-10pm.  $13 person. (Not recommended for ages 10 & under) Located at 10 E 3rd St. Medford. (corner of Front & 3rd St.). Presented by Randall Theater.  For discount tickets info go to:  https://www.magicmanshop.com/

 

Discovery Dead Haunted House. October 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 . Tues, Wed. Thurs. from 7-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 8pm-midnight, Halloween 7-11pm. 7455 Crater Lake Ave. White City. $10 person. 100% profits proceeds benefit youth programs in Southern Oregon.
Oregon Tech Haunted House. October 26th from 6:30pm-9pm. Trick or Treat and Haunted House with age appropriate choices- scary, very scary, non frightening activities for children & trunk or treat. Admission is free but donation or a  non perishable food item is encouraged.  Located at Oregon Tech in Klamath Falls, Oregon.  www.facebook.com/events/2146029415715705/
Cyrils House of Horrors.  Located at 749 SE Jackson St. Roseburg, Oregon   www.roseburgfrightclub.org/

 

 

 

 

Monster Mac’s Lunatic Asylum. Due to the nature of our attraction, this is NOT recommended for children under the age of 13. Children 8 (or younger) will NOT be allowed on any evening haunted house. Children 15 (or younger) MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times. Located at 707 High St., Klamath Falls, Oregon. https://monstermacslunaticasylum.com/
Day of the Dead Race.  November 2,2019 from 10am-3pm. 1mi, 5k, 10k race, food, dance, music, culture, face painting, booths, community and more! Located in Talent, Oregon near City Hall. http://dayofthedeadrace.com/

 

 

 

Ashland Monster Dash. Pre register for dash or come to October 25th Monster Ball, pasta party, costume contest, late registration and more. October 26th 1 mile fun run, 5k, 10k run/walk to benefit education. Located in Lithia Park, Ashland, Oregon. https://ashlandmonsterdash.com/

 

Grants Pass Shopping Center Halloween Festival. October 26th 1-4pm. Trick or Treat at participating stores, Hayrides, bounce houses, face painting, kid’s costume contest at 2pm, balloon animals, two haunted houses through October. Located at 959 NE “D” St. Grants Pass, Oregon.                   www.grantspassshoppingcenter.com/

 

 

 

 

>>>>Find Fall Harvest Festivals and Pumpkin Patches Here

 

 

For more family friendly events and kids activities download the current issue at:

SouthernOregonFamily.com 

October 2019 Cover Southern Oregon Family Magazine

 

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FEATURED FESTIVALS Uncategorized

Bear Creek Salmon Festival

Bear Creek Salmon Festival   

Happens in October in Ashland , Oregon.

Bring the whole family to North Mountain Park in Ashland for this free event featuring interactive exhibits, kids activities, live animals, salmon and watershed education, Native American demonstrations, fly-casting, storytelling, live music, and the opportunity to spend the day outside exploring beautiful North Mountain Park.

“Communities Connected by Water” will highlight the connections we all have with our watershed and the diverse habitats that serve watershed health from the highest peaks to the lowest creeks.

bearcreeksalmonfestival.net

North Mountain Park,  620 N. Mountain Ave. in Ashland Oregon.

541-488-6606

 

 

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COMMUNITY FEATURED HEALTH IT'S FREE! LET'S EAT!

Free Summer Meals Program for Kids & Teens

Summer Meals -Nourishing Oregon’s Kids.

There are over 800 summer meal sites in Oregon with free meals for kids and teens ages 1-18.

   Summer meal programs may serve a combination of lunch, breakfast, supper and morning or afternoon snacks. Some programs also offer learning activities for kids before or after meals.

     Click on  the map below to find a site near you.

https://www.summerfoodoregon.org/map/

 

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