SPRINGFIELD – Singing Creek Education Center – a nonprofit that provides hands-on history and nature programs that connect children to the heritage and ecosystems of the Willamette Valley – will soon host a lineup of hands-on spring break and summer camps for participants of all ages.
“We are thrilled to have this new space, and the feedback so far from parents and teachers has been great,” said Karen Rainsong, executive director, noting that a highlight is the rental of the living history village at Dorris Ranch, which will host a variety of field trips, including new nature programs such as Healing with the Land workshops for teens and adults, as well as nature camps for children.
During Spring Break from March 23-25, the center will host an “Old School History Camp” at the historic Shelton McMurphey Johnson House in Eugene. This three-day experience for children ages 6 to 10 focuses on pioneer homesteading, with activities such as churning butter, grinding grain, and playing traditional games in the setting of a Victorian mansion.
The summer lineup at Dorris Ranch in Springfield offers a variety of week-long themed camps running from late June to mid-August. Options include the Forest Path Nature Camp, which focuses on local ecosystems and features “insect safaris.” The Earth Ways Indigenous Camp allows participants to learn from Native culture-bearers, who share traditional crafts, music, and stories. Other highlights include the Lewis & Clark Explorers Camp and the Opal Whiteley Nature Fairies Camp, inspired by the famous local figure from Cottage Grove.
Most summer sessions run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are designed for children ages 6 to 11, with scholarship opportunities available for low-income families.
For more info, and to sign up, visit singingcreekcenter.org and contact Rainsong at [email protected] and 541-968-1986.
