Zach, 10, pumped both fists into the air as the whale-watching boat Sampson shoved off from Depoe Bay Harbor.
This was a surprise trip—one that culminated a series of adventures put on by Neighbors For Kids in 2016, including beach clean-ups, tide-pooling, animal identification and lots of sunny, sandy fun with friends.
“Zach had an amazing trip. He was so excited and got to see several Gray whales and learn about these ocean species he could nearly touch, feeling the rhythmic flow of the mighty ocean beneath his feet,” said Toby Winn, Executive Director of Neighbors For Kids.
With support from the Gray Family Foundation, the Kids Zone Expanded Services & Outdoor Education Project served 150 youth like Zach in Lincoln County with classes, activities and community field trips focusing on reading and literacy, outdoor recreation, environmental education, geography, health, gardening and culinary arts. Through hands-on projects and problem solving the students learned about environmental issues and concerns in their own backyard.
“Due to this informal-style learning, students gained a better understanding of the habitat in which they live and how natural events or human influences can positively or negatively affect the landscape around them,” Winn said.
In Lincoln County, many children with working parents need care outside of regular school hours, and on holidays and teacher in-service days and across the summer months. At the same time, Neighbors For Kids saw the need for increased environmental literacy and stewardship—building students’ sense of place in the remarkable coastal setting where they live. The program meets both of these needs.
“It is an honor for our non-profit organization to be supported by the Gray Family Foundation,” Winn said. “We have a mission and vision that is parallel with the foundation’s goals and objectives, so we were excited to implement our project. Together, we supported the positive development of youth in our region, while helping to create the next generation of stewards who will care for the beautiful environment of Oregon.”