We focus strongly on equity and inclusion, helping to connect underrepresented communities to impactful experiences in nature. We recognize that not all kids have equal access to the outdoors, and not everyone feels safe and welcome in outdoor spaces. We believe that the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities improves when all people connect to the outdoors.
We are a network
NatureConnect believes that we are more powerful when we work together as a community. The 32 organizations that make up the Children’s Forest all have the same goal: to improve health and learning for all children in Central Oregon by getting them outside. Learn more about our amazing partners and how you can get involved.
Support our Work
NatureConnect believes that every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy time outdoors. Time outdoors brings so many benefits including improving our quality of life, health, social wellbeing, and bringing joy into our lives. Every dollar that you invest in NatureConnect works towards making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for children from underrepresented communities.
Planting Seeds for Families
Planting Seeds for Families
The Children’s Forest knows that connections to nature start with families. When your kids spend time outside, they grow smarter, happier, healthier, more attentive, and less anxious. The Children’s Forest is here to connect you with fun and simple ways to enjoy nature with your kids. Learn more here.
Forging Trails for Teachers
Forging Trails for Teachers
The Children’s Forest partners with teachers and schools to enhance learning through outdoor education, giving students a learning experience that textbooks can’t provide. Learn about outdoor education programs, field trip funding, and other resources here.
Upcoming Events
Latest News
Buy Tickets for Our Amazing Raffle!
NatureConnect Fest Raffle! Enter the NatureConnect Fest Raffle for a chance to win some incredible prizes while supporting our work of connect kids and families to nature. Raffle tickets […]
BIG News! We’re now NatureConnect Central Oregon
A letter from our Executive Director… We’re excited to share that our organization is now called NatureConnect Central Oregon! Over the past decade, we’ve grown and changed, and our […]
Camp Chica featured in Legacy Magazine
The National Association of Interpreters (NAI) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the profession of natural and cultural heritage interpretation. Camp Chica founder, Veronica Vega was invited to co-author […]
Our Year in Review
2023 was an amazing year for the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon and Vámonos Outside! Read about our highlights in our Year in Review.
Camp Chica Joins Vámonos Outside and the Children’s Forest!
We are very excited to share this news! This fall, Camp Chica joins Vámonos Outside and The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon to continue providing bilingual adventure camp programs for […]
Seeking Diverse Youth for the Green Jobs Summer Program
Outdoor and Environmental Internships – Summer 2023 About the Program The Green Jobs Summer Program will place high school youth into summer internships with outdoor and environmental organizations. We […]
Now Hiring: Family Nature Program Facilitator
The Children’s Forest is seeking a temporary, part-time educator to support our family summer programs. The The Family Nature Program Facilitator will provide outreach to rural communities through weekly family nature […]
Now Hiring! Full-time NatureHoods Coordinator Position (AmeriCorps)
The Children’s Forest is seeking an individual who is passionate about connecting kids with the outdoors to serve as our NatureHoods Coordinator. This position delivers programs for students and families […]
