Vancouver Family Magazine August 2026

• WHERE TO FIND LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS in Southwest Washington, p. 10

• NW GETAWAY: Exploring Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park, p. 16

• THE ARCTIC EXPLORER NEXT DOOR: One Vancouver Mom’s Extraordinary Journey, p. 22

Graduation is just the beginning.

We partner with caring people to support the journey beyond high school.

Students know where they want to go. Scholarships help them get there. We make the legwork easier.

Want to fuel student success? Open a scholarship fund to help ensure more students can reach their goals.

Planning your next step? Read our tips and resources to prepare for scholarship season.

Scan the QR code or visit cfsww.org/back-to-school

Two-year / Four-year College or University Vocational, Technical or Trade School Career Training or Apprenticeship

FEATURE ARTICLES

Where to Find Local Scholarships in Southwest Washington

Learn where Clark County students can find local scholarships, financial aid resources and funding for college or career training.

NW Getaway: Exploring Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park

Get inspiration for a family adventure through St. George, Zion and the Grand Canyon North Rim, complete with The Narrows hike, desert wildlife and more.

The Arctic Explorer Next Door: One Vancouver Mom’s Extraordinary Journey

After facing tragedy, Vancouver mom Ashley Bugge found healing through creating The Seabirds Foundation, taking citizen scientists and youth on expeditions to some of the world’s most remote oceans.

Vancouver Arts & Music Festival Returns with World-Class Performers • Help Keep Free Books Coming to Southwest Washington Children • Firefly Market Shines a Light on Local Makers and

• Splash Spots: The Best Places for Waterplay in Clark County

• Evergreen Pediatric Introduces Two New Doctors

• Enter Our Giveaway For a Chance to Win a 6-Pack of Dozer Day 2026 Tickets

Our Back-to-School Issue

August is the bridge between carefree summer days and the promise of a new school year. We’re soaking up the last long days of summer while preparing backpacks, school supplies and getting ready for new routines. Summer still feels in full swing, but we know back-to-school is just around the corner.

As students prepare for the school year ahead, we know many families are already thinking beyond graduation. On page 10, we share a comprehensive guide to local scholarships available right here in Southwest Washington. Whether your child is college-bound, pursuing a trade or still considering all their options, it’s never too early to start planning for the future.

If you’re still in vacation mode and want to get inspiration for a future trip, read about a family adventure through Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon on page 16. Our writer shares details about her unforgettable family road trip.

In this issue, you’ll also meet an inspiring mother in our community. Vancouver mom Ashley Bugge shares her remarkable journey from unimaginable loss to becoming an Arctic explorer and nonprofit founder. Read the article on page 22.

Whether your family is heading to kindergarten, high school, college or somewhere in between, here’s to another wonderful school year and making the most of these final days of summer.

Catherine Stacks, Editor/Owner catherine@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com

Volume 25, Issue 8

Editor/Publisher Catherine Stacks Catherine@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Graphic Designer I-Shüan Warr Ishuan@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Jessica Becker, Emily Corak, Sarah Mortensen

Ad Sales sales@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Vancouver Family Magazine is published monthly by Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC

Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-605-0168

Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC and staff do not recommend or endorse any service, product, or content represented in this magazine or on our website. The sole purpose of this publication is to provide information on available services and/or products. It is the consumer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of information given. Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC, and/or Catherine Stacks and staff do not assume and disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by error or omission in this magazine or on our website. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. @VancouverFamily

Copyright 2002-2026. All rights reserved. No portion of Vancouver Family Magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

On the Cover:

Emma and Ada Wright, ages 7 and 4, are homeschooled sisters who love exploring the PNW with their mom, Lindsey Wright, creator of @pdxadventuremom on Instagram. Through outdoor adventures, local discoveries and kid-friendly experiences, they’re making memories together and embracing the magic of childhood one adventure at a time.

Photo by Lydia Ball Photography. @lydiaballphotography

AUGUST 2026

Vancouver Arts & Music Festival Returns with World-Class Performers

The 2026 Vancouver Arts & Music Festival is back this year and will celebrate arts, culture and community on August 7–9, 2026. The free festival brings together music, dance, visual art and interactive experiences performed and presented by artists who reflect the many cultures, stories and creative voices that shape our region.

“The Vancouver Arts and Music Festival reflects the shared commitment of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the City of Vancouver to serving the Pacific Northwest by weaving culture, arts and heritage into everyday life,” says Dr. Igor Shakhman, chief executive officer of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA.

The Vancouver Arts & Music Festival has grown to feature more than 60 performances across multiple stages. The Festival Art Exhibit showcases hundreds of visual artists, and the fun continues with family activities, street performances and a wide range of food and art vendors. The 2025 event was named Southwest Washington Event of the Year by the Washington Festivals and Events Association.

Indie music group Ants Ants Ants will be just one of the all-ages performances throughout the festival weekend. Pegasus Puppet Theatre will perform and work with festival-goers all weekend, inviting

guests to decorate a gigantic dragon puppet, create dragon hats and march in an all-ages “Dragon Parade” on Sunday, August 9 at 10:30 a.m.

Each evening culminates with a free Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA concert held at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver. Featured soloists include violinist Pinchas Zukerman, pianist Shelly Berg and cellist Julian Schwarz, performing under the direction of music director & conductor Maestro Salvador Brotons and Maestro Gerard Schwarz.

The Friday VSO-USA concert celebrates great film music with a Star Wars tribute to John Williams and favorite selections from Disney’s Fantasia. Following Friday’s concert, the festival will offer a screening of Fantasia (1940) in Esther Short Park. On Saturday, VAMF presents the VSO Youth Virtuosi, USA, an all-star ensemble made up of exceptional student musicians, in advance of the VSO-USA performance.

For updates and full festival information, visit vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com. For orchestra and artist information, visit vancouversymphony.org

The Queer Community Network is hosting its second Made with Pride Market, Firefly Market, on August 8 at Fourth Plain Community Commons from 4–9 p.m. The Firefly Market is part of the new seasonal pop-up markets celebrating queer, BIPOC and other historically underrepresented makers, artists and small business owners. It is free to attend, free to vend and everyone is welcome.

Their inaugural Made with Pride market happened in May and was a huge success. Made with Pride Markets are on a mission to create visibility for emerging artists, small makers and micro-entrepreneurs – especially those from historically underrepresented communities. At the event, expect family-friendly activities and entertainment, vendors, community and connection.

These markets are entirely run by volunteers and fueled by local community. Interested in volunteering? Learn more at queerpnw.org/markets

Firefly Market Shines a Light on Local Makers and Community Help Keep Free Books Coming to Southwest Washington Children

Our local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF), is looking for more support to keep the program going in our community. SELF serves over 11,000 children in Southwest Washington, providing free books for children enrolled in the program under the age of 5.

After announcing the loss of state funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Washington, temporary funding has been secured to help stabilize operations in the short term, but long-term support is still needed.

The John and Tami Marick Foundation has stepped forward with a temporary, step-down funding commitment to help cover a large portion of the former state contribution through June 2027. This critical investment provides immediate stability and ensures that children will continue receiving free monthly books without interruption, for now.

Program leaders expressed deep gratitude for the foundation’s commitment, noting that this support provides relief and valuable time to work toward long-term sustainability. However, the funding need has not been fully resolved.

SELF still faces a large funding gap. Continued community investment will be essential to ensure that more than 11,000 children across Southwest Washington can continue receiving highquality, age-appropriate books delivered directly to their homes each month.

This program helps children build early literacy skills, prepare for kindergarten and develop a lifelong love of reading. Research consistently shows that access to books in the home is a key factor in a child’s educational success.

“For years, this program has been a powerful partnership between the State of Washington, The Dollywood Foundation and local affiliates,” said Debbie Ham, executive director of SELF. “We are incredibly grateful for the John and Tami Marick Foundation stepping in at this critical moment, but we still need the community to help us close the remaining gap so children do not experience disruption.”

Community members, businesses and partners are encouraged to contribute to sustain the program and ensure that children continue receiving books.

“This is a critical moment for our community,” said Ham. “The future of this program in Southwest Washington will depend on local support.”

How the Community Can Help:

• Make a donation to Support for Early Learning & Families. Every contribution directly supports monthly book deliveries for local children. selfwa.networkforgood.com/projects/161083-selfsupport-for-early-learning-families

• Become a Community or Business Sponsor. Local business and organizational sponsorships are essential to sustaining the program.

For more information on donations, volunteer opportunities or sponsorships, contact Debbie Ham at Debbie.ham@selfwa.org.

To register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, please visit: selfwa. org/dolly-parton/register

Where to Find Local Scholarships in Southwest Washington

By Jessica Becker

As high school seniors go back to school, it’s time to start thinking about scholarships. There are many national and statewide scholarships, but did you know that there are quite a few local scholarships available to graduating high-schoolers? Most of the local scholarships are managed by the Community Foundation of Southwest Washington, which is an amazing resource for local families. There are also a few other notable independently managed local scholarships that families should consider.

Before getting started with any scholarship applications, high school students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). The reason for this is that many need-based private scholarships require verification of financial need. In general, these applications are also a good idea because they are required for any type

of state or federal student aid like grants and loans. The website for the Washington Student Achievement Council (wsac.wa.gov/apply) has an online questionnaire that can help you decide if you should complete the FAFSA or the WASFA, as well as videos and information explaining the two applications. This website also educates about the Washington College Grant, which provides free college or career training funding based on need. Read on to learn more about local scholarships and how to apply for them.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington manages more than 70 local scholarships that provide opportunities for students pursuing any postsecondary

Members of the Community Foundation’s General Scholarship committee, who volunteer their time to read applications and help determine the recipients of the General Scholarship Fund.

pathway. The Community Foundation offers both need- and merit-based scholarships, with most geared toward graduating high school seniors. In 2025 alone, the organization awarded 499 scholarships totaling $1.4 million!

The average Community Foundation scholarship award is approximately $2,500, but amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000. Some scholarships provide funding for a year while others are renewable for up to four years.

What’s unique about the Community Foundation’s scholarship program is that it allows local donors to create scholarship funds with eligibility requirements that reflect their personal interests. Donors can honor a loved one, support graduates at their alma mater or encourage specific educational paths, such as nursing or engineering. This means that the

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number and types of scholarships are often growing and evolving.

People can also donate any amount to the program through open funds like the General Scholarship Fund. Deanna Green, Senior Scholarship Officer and Development Associate for the Community Foundation, describes this fund as a second-chance scholarship because it gives students who narrowly miss other scholarship opportunities a deeper look. Last year, this meant 50 additional students received a financial boost that helped them reach their educational dreams.

“There is a common misconception that scholarships are only available for academic or athletic all-stars,” Green said. “That’s just not the case. Our scholarships support all types of students along every educational pathway.”

As you search the Community Foundation’s website (www.cfsww.org), you’ll find scholarships specific to certain geographic areas, career paths, organizational affiliations and high schools. Green reminds families that “the best way to find out if a student is eligible, and to receive support, is by applying.” Beyond scholarship opportunities, the Community Foundation’s website also offers helpful information for current and future students. For example, the Student Resources page includes guidance on financial aid, scholarship preparation and educational planning.

How to Apply:

At any time of year, students can search the Community Foundation website for available scholarships based on status (high school

senior, college student, etc.) and read the scholarship summaries to identify which scholarships might be a good fit. But the best time to look is during the application window from December through April, according to Green.

“This is when students can access the Eligibility Quiz on our website, which is a simple tool that matches applicants to eligible scholarships,” Green said. “Then, using our common application, students can apply to all these eligible scholarships through a single application.”

When to Apply:

The Community Foundation operates two timelines for its scholarships:

The Vancouver Rotary Scholarship application window is usually open for 12 weeks. Dates vary from year to year but typically run from October to February.

All other scholarships are open for at least 16 weeks. Opening dates may differ, but the application cycle lasts from December through April every year.

How Scholarships are Awarded: Green said the Community Foundation

recognizes that students do not all have access to the same opportunities and resources, and that these inequities contribute to achievement gaps. Part of her job is to ensure the scholarship program uses a holistic review process when evaluating applicants.

“We train and encourage our reviewers to consider how students of different races, genders, cultures and backgrounds exhibit leadership, service and success,” Green said. She also emphasized that the program is intended for all types of students throughout Southwest Washington, including graduating high school seniors, current college students, graduate students and returning or older students (including parents and grandparents). The Community Foundation also defines “college” broadly to include post-secondary education, technical and career training, and professional certifications or proficiencies.

“We strive to meet students where they are on their path to their own goals and successes,” Green said. “Everyone is worthy of a scholarship.”

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Learning to save is a skill that lasts a lifetime.

We started the OnPoint Savers Account for children 17 and under so that kids can get a head start on learning healthy savings habits. Just open your child’s membership with a minimum of $25 and we’ll deposit an additional $55*. Plus, they’ll earn 5.00%* on the first $500. Not a bad way to start for a beginner, don’t you think?

Get started today. Visit onpointcu.com/onpoint-savers With 8 convenient branches in the SW Washington area

*Rates subject to change. Stated APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is for balances up to $500; balances over $500 earn posted Regular Savings Account rate. Account must be established for members age 17 or younger by parent or guardian with a minimum $25 deposit. Parent or legal guardian must be on the membership and present to open the OnPoint Savers Account. When primary member attains the age of 18, accounts will be converted to Regular Savings Account, earning that account’s published rate at that time. Fiduciary memberships, including UTTMA and Minor Settlement Accounts are not eligible for OnPoint Savers. One OnPoint Savers Account per member/TIN. One $55 bonus per tax ID for new members only. Bonus will be included on a 1099-INT for tax purposes. Cannot be combined with other offers for opening a new membership, such as new branch promotions or Refer a Friend. Federally insured by NCUA. 4/24

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Clark College Foundation

According to their website, the “Clark College Foundation offers $2 million in scholarship and grant support to more than 700 students annually.” There are several scholarships that pertain to high school students. They require a minimum 2.5 GPA and deadlines range from April to May for the following school year. You can find out more information and apply on the Foundation’s website (clarkcollegefoundation.org/ why-we-are-here/scholarships).

Vancouver Methodist Foundation

Clark County High School Scholarship

The Vancouver Methodist Foundation offers around 24 annual scholarships to Clark County seniors. These scholarships support seniors furthering their education at accredited 2- or 4-year college, university, vocational or technical schools. Students do not need to be affiliated with a church to apply. The application, due April 1st of every year, can be found in local high school counseling centers and on the Vancouver First United Methodist Church’s website.

When asked how they balance need and merit when choosing scholarships recipients, Cindy Kraft from the Vancouver Methodist Foundation states that “our committee does look at both financial need for continuing their education as well as their accomplishments in high school (including grade point and how well they communicate with their written essay).” The applications can be found in local high school counseling centers and on the Vancouver First United Methodist Church website (vanfumc.org/programs/ scholarships).

Kraft also notes, “The Vancouver Methodist Foundation is pleased to be able to provide these scholarships, based on generous contributions over the past 50 years. In addition to the Clark County high school recipients, we also have opportunities for nursing students at Clark College and WSU-V.”

Washington State University

Vancouver (WSU-V) WSU-V offers over 100 scholarships just for students attending their school, and those can be found online at studentaffairs.vancouver.wsu. edu/student-financial-services/ wsu-vancouver-scholarships.

There are also broader WSU scholarships available for students attending other WSU campuses. Many of these are available for high school seniors. To understand the possibilities, the first place to visit is financialaid.wsu.edu/ scholarships. Here, you can search for local and statewide scholarships open for high school seniors.

The next step is to complete the WSU General Scholarship Application (futurecoug. wsu.edu/portal/scholarships).

According to the WSU website, this application “enters you into consideration for multiple scholarships. Even if your grades aren’t perfect, apply! Many scholarships consider academic interests, financial need, community service, leadership, campus involvement and more.”

Other Scholarships

There are even more local scholarships for high school seniors to consider.

The Vancouver Emblem Club offers $1,000 scholarships to Southwest Washington high school students who are active in their community and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applications are due in March for the following school year. There is no website for this scholarship, but a quick online search should get you to a description of the scholarship and its application process.

The Filipino-American Association of Vancouver, Washington (FAAV) offers at least two $2,000 scholarships to Clark County high school seniors (and others). Applicants must

Ashley Houston, Woman of Wonder two-time scholarship winner, speaks at the March 2026 White Elephant Book Exchange Event, reflecting the power of opportunity and perseverance. Photo courtesy Woman of Wonder

be of Filipino heritage, as well as meet other criteria. The application deadline is in October for the following calendar year. Learn more on the FAAV’s website (filamvancouver.org/ scholarship).

The Woman of Wonder scholarships support local Southwest Washington women who “face significant financial barriers to higher education,” according to the organization’s founder, Carol Doane. Doane also shares that the organization awards approximately eight scholarships, each starting at $2,200. Information on requirements and the application process can be found on Woman of Wonder’s website (womanofwonder. org/blog/woman-of-wonderscholarships-comeback-story).

There are many local scholarship opportunities available to graduating high school students. It is never too early to start educating yourself and your high school senior on the possibilities. Good luck to all the high school seniors out there!

Jessica Becker is the author of the “little feet hiking” series of kids hiking guides, as well as the new accessible trail guide Strolling and Wheeling Around Vancouver, WA. Her main reasons for writing these guides are to help families get outside in an easy, fun, and safe way, as well as learn about nature. Jessica has been leading family-focused hikes and teaching families about nature in the Clark County area for over 10 years. Jessica is also a homeschooling mom, incorporating local trails into her nature and science studies as much as possible. Jessica lives in the Clark County foothills with her husband, daughter and two dogs.

E xploring Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park

By Sarah Mortensen

Only after I became an adult did I realize how lucky I was when my parents took me to national parks. Where I grew up, we were less than a day’s drive to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Arches and Zion. As soon as my own children were able to enjoy longer hikes, we began taking trips to these beautiful parks too. One national park I had somehow never visited before was the most iconic of them all: the Grand Canyon. So, when my husband asked if I wanted to plan a trip to Las Vegas, I said yes –as long as we plan a road trip and visit the Grand Canyon!

St. George, Utah

My husband originally thought we would fly into Las Vegas, but after showing him all the fun things to do in St. George we changed plans and drove. We stopped in Salt Lake to pick up my parents and continued to St. George the next morning.

While Vegas is fun, in my opinion St. George is a much better place for families. We were grateful to stay in a relative’s vacation home close to all kinds of activities. My kids loved watching lizards scurry along the garden walls

and were in awe of how big the cacti grew in everyone’s yards. We kept our eyes out for a roadrunner, but the coyote we saw may have finally caught him.

St. George is just under an hour away from Zion National Park and three hours from the north rim of the Grand Canyon. We knew this trip would include a lot of driving, but we liked having a home base to come back to. To break things up, we planned to do a long drive one day and then stay in town the next day.

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Tuacahn Amphitheater

While my husband and I enjoyed a night to ourselves in Las Vegas, we bought tickets for my parents and kids to see a one-of-a-kind show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. Built right

into the red rocks, this venue is truly like no other.

There are typically two productions during the summer on their outdoor stage. It was hard to pick, but my kids opted to see Anastasia over Frozen. The show still went on despite the temperature which stayed over 100 degrees Fahrenheit even after the sun went down. My family felt for the performers in their long costumes and wigs but loved the music and the elaborate sets. If you enjoy musicals, this theater company is one of the best in the country!

Grand Canyon North Rim

Since we all had a late night because of our shows, we slept in the next day and left for the Grand Canyon after lunch. Little did I know my husband planned it this way not just to maximize rest, but so we could see the sunset and the Milky Way. Another thing I did not expect to see was buffalo. Though smaller than the ones at Yellowstone, multiple herds were right next to the road entering the park.

My anticipation was enormous when we finally arrived in the parking lot. A friendly volunteer

showed us just one part of the canyon, and I was instantly awestruck. We couldn’t see the bottom and looking left or right, the canyon just kept going. This volunteer said he liked stopping visitors there to whet our appetites because it was only a small taste of what we would see next.

Just outside the historic lodge (which sadly burned down during a wildfire in 2025) is where we saw the grandness of the Grand Canyon. All I can say is that no matter how many pictures you have seen with even the most advanced camera lenses, no picture could ever do it justice. Being there in person is the only way to understand how big the canyon actually is.

After getting dinner at the cafe, we drove to multiple lookout points labeled on the park map, walking short trails to take in as much as we could. The flora was particularly interesting and there are countless species that only grow in the canyon. The north rim is about 1,000 feet higher than the south rim, reaching 8,000 feet at its highest point. This meant that despite visiting during a heat wave back in St. George, the weather at the Grand Canyon was lovely

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thanks to the elevation. In fact, it was even a little chilly after the sun went down.

Watching the sunset was a moment I will never forget. Orange, red, pink and yellow reflected along the walls of the canyon adding to the magic of this place. Watching the Milky Way cross the sky on our drive home was almost as magical too.

Living History

The next day we stopped at the Dinosaur Discovery site at Johnson Farm. This is a small museum built overtop hundreds of fossilized dinosaur footprints preserving them in place. The walls are painted to depict what was once the beach of an ancient lake. With that backdrop, you can easily see how countless prehistoric creatures wandered along the shoreline in that very spot. After being in a desert for days, it was amazing to think this place was once green and wet! Young kids will enjoy how many items you are allowed to touch and the dino playground outside.

Another place I recommend for families with kids is Snow Canyon State Park. Slot canyons with petroglyphs that date between 600 and 1300 CE are easily seen in multiple places. Unfortunately, due to the heat, this was the one part of the trip we skipped.

Instead, we met up with some friends at the visitor center of the St. George temple, the first temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built in Utah. The building, completed in 1877, is a stunning bright white surrounded by a gorgeous garden with walking paths, benches and trees that kept us cool. Though only faithful members of the church can enter the historic building, we were able to learn about the founding of St. George from non-proselytizing missionaries who run the visitor center. They shared a video featuring stories of the pioneers who settled the area beginning in 1861. It was inspiring to learn how they constructed the temple despite having no lumber. The few trees they did find were at the very top of the cliffs at what is today Zion National Park, over 50 miles away.

Zion National Park

I remembered very little of this park since I was very young when my parents took me, so this felt like my first time all over again. My dad informed us that Zion had become so popular cars were no longer allowed to drive into the park, and buses now transport visitors. The buses were efficient, though packed full, so we only waited about 20 minutes to get on. A welcome video shown before we boarded emphasized that hikers needed to bring enough water. Unsurprisingly, the most

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common emergency park rangers respond to is dehydration.

We knew it would be too hot to hike the famous Angel’s Landing trail at the peak of summer. Thankfully, a hike in a slot canyon called The Narrows was open the day we visited (it sometimes closes due to flash flood risks or toxic algae blooms). No matter which seasons you visit in, the bus ride takes you through amazing scenes, and our driver slowed down at some of the best spots like The Three Patriarchs so we could take photos. I was grateful he told us to look out for silver foxes, because as soon as we deboarded, we saw one running up the cliffs.

The Narrows is what originally sold my kids on coming on this vacation. When I showed them the National Park Service video of the hike, they knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With walls up to 1,000 feet high and sections only 20 feet wide, the Narrows is the perfect name for this trail. The first mile is

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wheelchair accessible along the Virgin River and completely shaded. If you want to go further, make sure you bring hiking poles and shoes that do well in water, as you will be going against the current. There were some sections where we had to swim and other places where you could rest on rocks and have lunch. We thought we had gone about three miles, but when we checked our watches, we had barely made it over one. At that point, we knew it was time to turn around and head home.

I wore a long-sleeved athletic shirt and hiking pants to prevent sunburn. After exiting the river, it took less than five minutes for me to be completely dry. I pointed that out to my daughter who suddenly stopped, amazed, thinking about how long it takes to dry out in Washington even if all you’re wearing is a swimsuit.

Sand Hollow State Park

Before leaving the desert, we wanted one final taste of it the only way summer really allows—cooling off in the water. We had received paddle boards for Christmas, and our first opportunity to try them out was at Sand Hollow State Park. Other families there had rented water trampolines and other enormous inflatables that also looked like a blast! Just one of many large reservoirs nearby, Sand Hollow is special because of the sand dunes. ATV enthusiasts come from all over to ride in the beautiful pink sand, and is a great place for sandboarding, a unique sport we once tried in Florence, Oregon.

As a transplant to Washington, I’ve learned to love the rain, but the desert holds a special place in my heart. It has a unique beauty all its own. I loved feeling the dry heat again and seeing the joshua trees. Even my husband, who did not enjoy the heat, considered

squeezing in another stop at Bryce Canyon on our way home. But I think we’ll save that one for next time.

Sarah Mortensen holds a degree in marriage and family studies and works for Vancouver Public Schools as a paraeducator. When Sarah is not reading to her kids or students, she is probably in her backyard taking care of her garden. She also enjoys hiking, hot chocolate, and dressing up for Halloween. She lives in Vancouver with her husband, son, and daughter.

Should we buy a home or not? Can we buy a home or not in this economy? Is it even smart to buy a home right now? Do we try to buy a home now, or wait until next year?

These are questions I am hearing a lot right now. I am hearing them on Facebook pages. I am hearing them in my messages.

There is a lot of fear right now...

Buying a home is a big undertaking. It’s exciting, scary, and nerve-wracking. Actually... it’s a lot like having a baby. It all sounds like fun in the beginning, right?

Everyone wants a ‘perfect’ home, but there’s really no such thing. Everyone wants that ‘forever’ home, but again... there is no such thing because guess what? Your ‘forever’ is going to change in five, seven, or ten years. So, what can you do now? Find your top 3 things you want in a home. Get pre-approved & hope like hell those 3 things are in your price range. If they’re not, then what are you comfortable compromising on?

Find the best home you can in your price range and take the jump. Maybe the best home for you right now is an attached home. Maybe the best home for you right now is a small home with a cute yard. Maybe the best home for you right now is a bigger home with a nearby park. A starter home is just that... a place to start at.

We bought our first home in 2001 at a 6.875% interest rate, and yes, it was $160,000. However, my husband and I made $15 per hour...TOGETHER... not separate... together, and yes, my friends, we made over minimum wage... not much over minimum wage, but a bit. Our mortgage was 46% of our income. I am not lying.... I was stressed because our rent was only $600 a month and our mortgage was going to be $1,400! We had cable, phone, internet (AOL!!), a cellphone, insurance, water, sewer, electric, and a minivan payment. We ‘thought’ we would be there for about 5 years

or so and then we would sell for our next home, but about the time we had the equity to sell and buy our next home, the market crashed, and we found we owed more than our home was worth.... so we stayed put, and I am so glad we did. We made that first home work for a few more years, and when we did sell, we took the equity and put it into our current home. If we had not taken the leap of faith on that first home... we never would have been able to be where we are now. You can’t move forward if you don’t take that first step.

When you rent, you are ‘borrowing’ someone else’s property. There is a level of uncertainty when you are renting someone else’s property. The landlord can decide to sell. The landlord can decide to increase monthly rent to ‘bring it to market value. Who decides market value anyhow? For many people, prices are increasing by $100 a month or more each year.

When you are living in a home, you put your energy into it. When the home is yours, though... it is a different feeling, as that is YOUR space. It is sacred.

Renting is like random dating... some people feel more comfortable than others, but they don’t ‘quite’ fit.... and some don’t at all.

Buying a home is like finding that one person who hugs you until all your pieces fit together again. The person or home may not be ‘perfect’... but it’s right for you. There is a reason for the saying, “he made me feel like coming home.”

Buying a home is about establishing roots. You know where your kids are going to school; they know where they are coming home to every day. It’s yours. It’s putting a wedding ring on it. Renting is just borrowing someone else’s home... It’s never really yours... It’s a placeholder. I can feel the difference in a home when I am showing a rental vs a homeowneroccupied home.

Remember those memes that say you have $5 to ‘make’ a perfect guy, and then they break it down so it’s never enough to actually get everything you want? Buying a home is the same....

Big yard - $3

Attached home - $1

Detached home $2

Great schools - $3

Fully remodeled - $3

Small yard - $1

New home - $4

Ok schools - $1

Needs a lot of work - $1

Needs some work but in good condition - $2

Dated - $2

Big bedrooms - $3

Small bedrooms - $2

Walk-in closet - $2

2 bathrooms - $2

2.5 baths or more - $3

Big garage - $2

Older home - $2

Fenced yard - $1

Cul de sac - $2

Busy road - $1

One story home - $2

In your price range - $2

At the end of the day... it is yours though. You are paying your mortgage & not someone else’s. Your mortgage isn’t going up $100 or more per year & you’re establishing roots. You’re also building equity that you can use for your next home... where you will have $7- $8 to use in the home lottery.

I know that there is fear out there. I know that many people feel that they can not buy a home. I have been a licensed Realtor for over 21 years, and I am here to tell you that the American Dream is NOT dead. More people can buy a home but are either afraid to or can’t afford the home they want. It is ok.... buy a home when it is the best time for you. I know there is a lot of fear out there, but guess what?

There is no crystal ball for what ‘could’ happen. My magic 8-ball is still telling me, “Reply Hazy. Check back later.”

Some folks didn’t buy when rates were superficially low in the 2%-4 % range, & now can’t afford to. Honestly? That was a once-ina-lifetime event. Historically speaking, interest rates in the 5s are still crazy low. If rates get back there, and that is a big ‘if’ as they really might not get back there again, but if they do, the market will go nuts again.

Some people didn’t buy when home prices were superficially low (after the crash), & now never will. You might not remember when you could buy a 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,100 sq ft home for $150,000 (at 6.5%). They kept waiting for those prices to go back down, and now they’re triple what they were in 20102011. Imagine what their ‘perfect home’ budget would’ve looked like if they had taken the leap back then???

For many people, there is the ‘what if’ factor. The 2 worst words in the English language are ‘what if’. What if the market crashes? Hold steady. What if interest rates drop? Well, if that happens, you refinance at the lower rate as you watch people scramble for a home and get into bidding wars..., but if rates go up, aren’t you going to be glad you bought now when they were lower? There is always going to be a ‘what if’. Life is a risk and a gamble every day, and nothing ever happens without taking that first step....

If you have any questions or comments, please get a hold of me anytime. You can call, text, email, or even Facebook me. Please remember that while I mean these emails/blogs to be helpful and educational, I still hope you will call or email me, as I would be honored to help you with your home-buying or homeselling adventure.

The Arctic Explorer Next Door:

One Vancouver Mom’s Extraordinary Journey

by Emily Corak

“There’s nothing that compares to swimming and seeing eye to eye with a humpback whale and her calf.”

– Ashley Bugge

When I learned we had an Arctic explorer in our community, I was instantly intrigued. But after meeting local Vancouver mother Ashley Bugge and hearing the entirety of her story, I became kind of a fangirl. It doesn’t hurt that she’s incredibly warm and kind. Not only is her job unique and inspiring, but she has navigated immense grief and hardship and managed to turn it into a gift for others.

A Deep Love of the Ocean Bugge and her husband Brian had such a deep love of the ocean that they considered it a third element in their relationship. “One of our first dates ever was at the coast exploring Fort Stevens in Astoria,” she says. Not long after that date, they went their separate ways for nearly ten years and packed a lot into their individual lives. Brian enlisted in the Navy, and they both separately spent a decade traveling, learning to sail and living independently.

When they reunited, their love of the ocean found its place as a significant part of their relationship, and they both unknowingly gifted the other scuba diving lessons for their respective birthdays. From then on, they spent their relationship sailing, diving and traveling. “Everywhere we went was centered around the ocean,” says Bugge. “If you feel it, you feel it – it’s just a part of you.”

After marrying and having two children, the family moved to Hawaii where Brian was stationed in the Navy. While six months pregnant with her third child, Bugge received the horrific phone call that Brian had died during a scuba diving accident.

A widow and a mother to two toddlers with a newborn on the way, the grief felt so insurmountable at times that Bugge was having suicidal ideations. While she received incredible support from the Navy community and family, journal writing and blogging became the thing keeping her afloat. “Sometimes it felt like a crazy pregnancy dream, and putting the thoughts on paper made it real and forced me to confront those feelings,” she says. “I also wanted to remember Brian exactly as he was – I wanted to memorialize the tiny moments and not forget the little things.”

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Becoming a Published Author

Bugge’s raw and honest stream of consciousness writing resonated with people, and someone said to her, “This needs to be a book.” She found an editor who was also a military spouse, and turned her words into two memoirs, “The Ocean is Calling” and “Always Coming Back Home.” Bugge and her children also co-wrote a children’s book, “A Hui Hou: Until We Meet Again.”

After moving to her sister-in-law’s house in Boise, Bugge and her three children were living in one room, and she decided she needed something to set her sights on while navigating loss and heartache. She decided on travel: Two months. Eight countries. Three children. “I knew it needed to be grand enough that I could trick my brain into being excited,” she says. “We’ve always been about travel, adventure and exploration and I needed something that would require a ton of planning and give me something to focus on and invest in.”

After their return from Europe, Bugge got an offer she didn’t know what to make of. A woman who had read her work and heard her story called her to offer a ticket on an ocean expedition to the Arctic. “I told her I had a six-month-old baby in diapers – I think you have the wrong lady!” says Bugge. She remembers talking it over with a friend and exclaiming, “This isn’t me.”

Her friend replied, “Actually, this is you.” She ended up going for it.

A Life-Changing Trip

On a trip designed for unconventional explorers, Bugge spent time

experiencing the ocean in a different capacity and bonding with her roommate, Tiff Duong, who had lost her father at a young age. “She was able to help give me a lot of guidance and we bonded so much that we decided this could not be a one-time thing.”

An idea was born – they would create a female-lead nonprofit that focused on two goals. First, to study the ocean and its inhabitants to benefit ocean conservation, and secondly, to bring along citizen scientists and nontraditional travelers who would benefit from this type of novel exploration. “We really wanted to spread the idea that not just rich and fancy people on TV are traveling and making a difference in this field,” says Bugge. “We wanted to blend traditional scientists with citizen scientists to learn about the ocean, data collection and then bring this information into their own community.”

They named it The Seabirds Foundation, and the group has been on over ten expeditions to far corners of the world like Norway, Greenland, Antarctica, the Arctic Circle and the Dominican Republic. While they have tried on many hats, their main focus is the passive acoustic monitoring of sea life, most often North Atlantic Orcas and humpback whales. “We use hydrophones to collect sounds and evidence of life and we pass that information onto NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Association).”

This data collection is open to use by anyone and has provided priceless information about sea life patterns to scientists around the globe.

The Seabirds Foundation Supporting Local Youth

While they’ve taken many unconventional travelers, Bugge says her heart is with the youth. “I love giving them opportunities and I have absolutely seen the proof of impact.” One such individual is Amelia Szewczyk, a recent graduate of Union High School in Camas with an interest in marine biology. Given the opportunity to join the Seabirds on an expedition to Greenland, Amelia spent the summer after her junior year as a youth advisor.

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Kids&Tweens STEMLab

4thWednesday, 4–5pm

Washougal CommunityLibrary

Tween Bad Art

Wednesday, Sep 2, 4–6 pm

Cascade Park Community Library

TeenMagic the Gathering Social Club

Wednesdays, 4–6 pm

Vancouver Community Library

Kids & Tweens Pokémon Club

4th Wednesday, 4–5 pm La Center Community Library

Teen & Tween Tabletop

AdventureRole-Playing

Tuesdays, 4:30–6:30 pm Three Creeks Community Library

Community ClothingSwap

Saturday, Sep19,2–4pm BattleCommunityGroundLibrary

Kids & Tweens Great Build O

Saturday, Sep 19, 11 am–12:00 pm Vancouver Mall Library

Teen 5-Minute Film Festival Premiere

Submit your film by Aug 15! Saturday, Sep 26, 10 am–12 pm Battle Ground Cinema

FVRLibraries has something for ever y tw n & t n–from STEM activities to art, films to games. Free programs all fall at libraries across Clark County.

https://fvrlibraries.org/TweenTeenEvents

continued from page 24

“She was really nervous to go,” says her mother, Susan Szewczyk. “Not about the travel part, but about being a part of something that big and finding how she would fit into it.”

Leading up to the expedition, Amelia helped run summer camps, write blog posts and make tutorial videos. On the actual expedition, her job alongside another teenager was to run the hydrophones and teach others on board how to use them. “I think they gave us that job so we had a clear purpose and wouldn’t be nervous,” says Amelia. “Honestly, it was so cool getting to teach these PhD scientists how to do something – it was completely switching roles.”

While using the hydrophones and listening for sounds of life, there was none to be found. “The lack of noise told us there was a lack of sea life that should have been there, and that was information in itself,” says Amelia.

But the experience was more than the hydrophones – Amelia was surrounded by fjords, snow covered mountains, icebergs, passionate scientists and new friends. “At one point I got to wear a dry suit for the first time, and it just struck me that I was in the water near the North Pole.”

Susan adds, “As we texted and she sent videos from her trip, I saw a change start to happen on around day three when she found her footing, and I started hearing from her a lot less after that!”

Being surrounded by scientists and crew, Amelia notes that she never felt inferior because of her age. “The scientists were excited that we were there too,” she notes. “They got to bring us in and share their stories and wisdom.”

After returning from the 14-day expedition, Amelia came back a changed person with a distinct vision for her future. “She was beaming when she

came off the plane,” says Susan. “She got to see these opportunities for marine biology firsthand, whereas before she may have loved marine animals but wasn’t exactly sure what to do with that.”

Amelia is now headed to the University of Rhode Island this fall with a full-ride scholarship to study marine biology and a plan to head to Antarctica in 2028. “I know I want to work in marine conservation,” she says. “You read about climate change, but being there and seeing the lack of sea life and less ice than there should be – I just know I want to help.”

Bugge says that one of the best things that has come as a result of this role is seeing the ripple effect that these expeditions have. It is bigger than science and bigger than the individuals themselves. Amelia adds, “If I hadn’t gone on this trip, I think I still would be undecided and may not have left Washington,” she says. “I feel like I have a path to follow now – I actually can do this and I want to do this.”

As a mom, I wondered if sending your child to the other side of the world would be challenging, but Susan said, “I trust Amelia, I trust Ashley and I trust The Seabirds.”

The Future of The Seabirds

As for the future for Ashley Bugge and The Seabirds, she’s committing the balancing act of finding donors, organizing expeditions and chauffeuring kids to tennis lessons and jiujitsu. “There’s a lot of mom guilt when you have to ask people to watch your kids while you go on an expedition,” says Bugge. “But it doesn’t just benefit me – it benefits my kids too.” She notes that every time she’s on board, she plans video calls with schools and students are always wildly enthusiastic about the animals she’s studying. Bugge adds, “We are inspiring kids! They see a mom and think, ‘If she can do that, I can do that.’”

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After four expeditions last year, she’s hoping to slow things down with fewer expeditions. In the coming year, the team will be heading to Honduras for coral spawning and to Silver Bank, a continental shelf off the coast of the Dominican Republic where humpback whales come to breed and calf.

“It’s probably a little crazy that I do what I do – it’s so much unpaid volunteer work,” says Bugge. “But I do it because it’s my heart.”

In a story that evolved out of tragedy and heartache, Bugge reflects just how much strength she has gained since losing Brian and navigating life as a single mom of three. Not only is she running the nonprofit of her dreams and raising her children, but she has since become a master diver and earned her doctorate degree as well. “I have learned I am literally capable of anything,” she says. “I could have fallen apart and not done anything, or I could push forward and do it all.”

To learn more about The Seabirds and support their work, visit www. theseabirds.org.

Emily Corak has lived in the Pacific Northwest for the past three decades. A former educator with Vancouver School District, Emily is now a freelance writer, photographer and mom to two young kids with big personalities. She recently earned her MFA in creative writing and, if given the choice, she would spend all her spare cash on travel and books.

1 SATURDAY

Ridgefield Day of Festivals in Downtown Ridgefield, N Main Avenue. Learn about how the city works at City Days, watch Dragon Boat Races at Paddle For Life, shop the Children’s Entrepreneur Market along with the Farmers Market and First Saturday Vendors and witness the Washington State Duck and Goose Calling Championship. Visit ridgefieldwa.us for more information and where to park. Free. 8 a.m.

Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Sunshine and fresh air provide the perfect backdrop for live music and a day strolling through the historic farm grounds during the August Farm Days weekend. The event features multiple musical acts each day alongside a vintage car show. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food, a children’s i-Spy activity, farm animals and more. $3 per person, 3 and under is free. Aug. 1–2, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

2026 Washougal Arts and Music Festival at Reflection Plaza, Downtown Washougal. Join local artists and participate in the outdoor, family-friendly event. Grab a bite to eat, participate in arts activities for children and adults and enjoy music provided by the Washougal Songcraft Festival. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Northwest Children’s Theater Presents: Robin Hood at The Judy, 1000 SW Broadway #T-100, Portland. This fast-paced comedic

of events activities

Have a community event that you want to share? Go to vancouverfamilymagazine.com/submit-event to submit your event. Deadline for print calendar submissions is the 1st of the month prior to the issue.

Scan the QR code to check out our website for even more local events. + Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm.

adaptation turns the classic tale into an adventure packed with over-the-top heists, quick wit and swashbuckling silliness. This unique production features NWCT Alumni on stage and behind the scenes. Visit nwcts.org for tickets. Aug. 1–2 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Summer Train Rides at Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Station, 207 N Railroad Road, Yacolt. The excursion departs from Yacolt, through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. Enjoy a scenic train ride or visit during the special train robbery re-enactment event. See tickets.bycx.org for details. Various dates at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Journey Theater Presents: Into the Woods at Heritage High School, 7825 NE 130th Ave., Vancouver. In James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s modern classic Into the Woods, a baker and his wife, Cinderella, and Jack all venture into the woods to make their wishes come true. However, once their desires are granted, they must face the disastrous, haunting consequences of their actions. Visit journeytheater.org for details and tickets. $22$26. Through Aug. 8, dates and times vary

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Keller Auditorium, 222 Clay St., Portland. The Wizarding World casts a spell over the local stage as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child makes its grand entrance. Nineteen years after the Battle of Hogwarts, a new generation of students faces a mysterious darkness in a Tony Award-winning production filled with mindbending illusions and practical magic. Visit portland.broadway.com for tickets. Aug 1–15

2 SUNDAY

Teen Escape Room at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. Enter the world of underwater adventure in this summer escape room. Navigate the twists and turns, find the clever clues and solve the puzzle before time runs out. This escape room is designed for teens of various skill levels. Free. 3–3:45 p.m. and 4–4:45 p.m.

Sunday Sounds Concert at Columbia Tech Center Park, SE Sequoia Circle at SE Tech Center Drive, Vancouver. Sunday Sounds Concerts are free and fun for all ages. Food and refreshments are available to purchase from local vendors or bring a picnic to enjoy. Enjoy Performances by Petty Fever on Aug. 2, Slicker Band on Aug 9 and Kalimba on Aug. 16. Free. 6–8 p.m.

3 MONDAY

Storytime in the Park at various Camas parks. Join in at a different Camas park

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each Monday for a family story time. Bring a blanket to sit on. Free for all ages. See cityofcamas.us/library for details. Mondays 10:30–11 a.m.

Summer Movie Monday at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Join on August 3 for Mr. Peabody and Sherman and August 10 for Meet the Robinsons. Free with registration at cityofcamas.us/ library. 2–4 p.m.

Summer Lecture Series at Humane Society for Southwest Washington, 1100 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver. Take a deep dive into the training and management of a new puppy with experts. A great lecture for new or future dog owners. Another lecture will be given on August 17 on Canine Behavior. Free. 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Ridgefield Raptors at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, 3101 S. Hillhurst Rd., Ridgefield. Watch Clark County’s hometown baseball team face off against teams from all over the Pacific Northwest. Visit ridgefieldraptors.com for full schedule. 6:30 p.m.

4 TUESDAY

Kids and Tweens Great Build Off at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Put creativity to the test. Use the materials provided to design, build and problem solve through a surprise challenge. 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

Kids Summer Playdates at the Vancouver Mall Center Court, 8700 N.E. Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. On August 4th, meet adorable farm animals and enjoy a day of down-on-the-farm fun and hands-on activities. On August 11th, blast off into an out-ofthis-world adventure featuring space-themed exploration, creativity and discovery for another summer playdate at the mall. Free. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

National Night Out at Abrams Park in Ridgefield and Hathaway Park in Washougal. National Night Out is an annual communitybuilding campaign that promotes policecommunity partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods

safer and more caring places to live. Enjoy free food, activities and more. 6–8 p.m.

5 WEDNESDAY

The Henrik Bothe Library Circus at Washougal Community Library, 1661 C St., Washougal. Prepare to be dazzled and delighted by Henrik Bothe’s uproarious physical comedy show. Join the fun in this whirlwind adventure filled with laughs, juggling, magic and the mesmerizing art of plate spinning. Free. 11 a.m.

Kids Read to a Dog at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. For ages 5–9. Aug. 5 and 19, 4–5 p.m.

6 THURSDAY

Classic Tie Dye Shirts at Craft Warehouse, 9307 NE 5th Ave., Vancouver. Twist, scrunch and splash to create a one-of-a-kind wearable masterpiece. $10. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Bingo Nights at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, 205 E. 39th St., Vancouver. Join for a fun-filled time supporting DogPaw offleash dog parks. Bingo will be held outside on the covered patio, dogs are welcome. $20. 6–8 p.m.

7 FRIDAY

Lunchtime Walking Tours with The Clark County Historical Museum at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver. Join historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly as she explores the hidden stories of Clark County. Meet at Esther Short Park Waterfall Fountain. Learn how the fire of 1910 shaped downtown Vancouver and learn Esther Short Park’s backstory. Another

walk and history tour will be held on Aug 21 at the Clark County Historical Museum. Visit cchmuseum.org for details. Free. 12 p.m.

Kid’s Hero Quest for Young Adventurers at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. New to Dungeons and Dragons tabletop games? Hero Quest is a perfect place to start. Kids and their caregivers will team up to battle monsters, avoid traps and discover great treasure. Recommended for ages 5-9. Aug. 7 and 14 from 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Friday Night Cruise In at Alderbrook Park, 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Each Friday, enjoy a vintage car cruise-in and all the park amenities including disc golf, train rides, beach volleyball, mini golf, bounce houses, play structures, the pool and more. Tickets are $10 ages 14+, $5 for children ages 4-13, veterans and seniors, children 3 and under are free. Fridays 4–8 p.m.

Camas Comic Con in Downtown Camas. Enjoy the Camas version of Comic Con with a focus on creating a fun and friendly First Friday event for everyone. Enjoy a Fandom Fun Passport activity, sticker trading, light saber lessons, slime making, character photo ops, live music and more. 5–8 p.m.

Friday Night Movies in the Park at various locations in Vancouver. Friday night movies are free and open to all ages. All movies are captioned. Food and refreshments are available for purchase, and bring lawn chairs or blankets to get comfortable. Watch a new movie each Friday. See the calendar at cityofvancouver.us for movies, locations and times.

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Clark County Fair at Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 Delfel Rd., Vancouver. Get ready to blast off to fun with a fair that’s truly out of this world. This year’s celebration launches fairgoers into a galaxy of entertainment, food, rides and hands-on space adventures. Aug 7–16

Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver. There is much to explore at this free festival with outdoor stages, local art vendors, a festival art exhibition, family activities and more. Esther Short Park will transform into a playground of creativity, where every corner holds a surprise waiting to be discovered. Visit vancouverartsandmusicfestival. com for details. Free. Aug. 7–9

8 SATURDAY

Smokey Bear’s 82nd Birthday Celebration at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Kids and their families are invited to this free event for fun activities, to learn about wildfire prevention, domestic house fires and, of course, wish Smokey Bear a happy birthday in person. Free. 10–11:30 a.m.

O’Keefe Farms Sunflower Festival, 17604 NE 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie. The Annual Sunflower Festival features the sunflower fields, photo ops, food, music and amazing vendors. It will be held the second and third weekends in August on Saturdays and Sundays only. Admission is $10 for ages 13+, $5 ages 6-12, age 5 and under is free. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Gravity Catastrophe: A Science Show at Davis Park, 337 N 3rd Ave., Ridgefield. Embark on an educational journey through the

realms of centripetal force, the scientific method, acceleration of gravity, center of mass, vortexes and more. Free. 11–11:45 a.m.

Museum Day at Pomeroy Living History Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls, Yacolt. Step back in time to explore the historic grounds, tour heritage buildings and experience life from generations past. Guests of all ages can enjoy a fun scavenger hunt and collect a special passport stamp along the way. Free. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Museum Day at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, 1 Durgan St., Washougal. Come to celebrate WA State’s Museum Day in honor of America 250. Look for special prizes on this special day. Admission ranges from $0-$5. 12–4 p.m.

9 SUNDAY

Puzzle Party at Vancouver Mall Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. Take part in a team jigsaw puzzle challenge, pick a puzzle to complete independently or learn how to craft a custom puzzle. There will also be a Jigsaw Puzzle Swap—bring a puzzle, get a puzzle. All ages welcome. Free. 3–5 p.m.

11 TUESDAY

Sensory Storytime at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N Main St., Ridgefield. This interactive story time provides sensory play and freedom of movement and features visual aids and action. Sensory Storytimes are smaller, reducing group size and noise level for children with sound sensitivity. For ages 3–9. Free. 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Reptile Man – The Fascinating World of Reptiles at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Scales, slithers and surprises await. Join the Oregon Reptile Man for a creepy, crawly adventure

Scan to check out our website for even more local events.

featuring live reptiles, big laughs and up-close encounters. See fvrl.org for other encounters. Free. 2–3 p.m.

13 THURSDAY

Summer Nights Sips and Bites at Downtown Camas. Enjoy sips and bites available throughout Downtown Camas. Enjoy shopping specials throughout town, lively music and tropical vibe. This event is organized by the Downtown Camas Association in partnership with downtown businesses and is a “fun”draiser for Downtown Camas efforts. 21+. $25. 5–9 p.m.

15 SATURDAY

Goat Adventure at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Get to know some new goat friends in this mobile petting zoo. Free. 10 a.m. –12 p.m.

Pearson Museum and Airfield Celebration at Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E 5th St., Vancouver. This special community event honors 101 years of aviation history at one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating airfields. The day-long celebration will showcase the rich history of aviation in the Pacific Northwest while offering exciting activities for all ages. Highlights include museum exhibits, antique aircraft displays, community booths, paper airplane contest, guest author presentation, walking tours and live music. Free. 10 a.m. –3 p.m.

Jenks Music and Juggling at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N Main Ave., Ridgefield. Be amazed by a high-energy music and juggling show that will dazzle and entertain. Free. 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

16 SUNDAY

Living History: Fort Vancouver Dragoons at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. Come see history in action. Learn

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about US Army Dragoons, mounted infantry who were trained to travel on horseback and fight on foot. Explore the equipment and training of US Army Dragoons stationed at Fort Vancouver in 1855 and watch a live demonstration of saber fighting techniques from a licensed fencing instructor. Free. 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

19 WEDNESDAY

Forest Walks at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE E Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Take a guided hike under the guidance of a knowledgeable staff member or expert. Discover the magic the trails have to offer and learn what makes Columbia Springs unique. Free with registration at columbiasprings.org. 3:30–5 p.m.

21 FRIDAY

Family Bingo Night at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Join in for Bingo at the library. Winners receive their choice of Reading Dragon prize. All ages welcome. Free. 5 –6 p.m.

22 SATURDAY

Junior Ranger Day at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E 5th St., Vancouver. Families and young visitors are invited

to take part in a special day designed to help children connect with the history, landscapes and stories that make this national park unique. Set out on a journey with the Junior Ranger Scavenger Hunt exploring the spaces where people lived and worked during the 1840s. Ages 15 and under are free, 16 and older are $10. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Family Pocket Monsters: Ruby and Sapphire Celebration at La Center Community Library, 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Rd., La Center. Calling all Pokémon fans—join the Hoenn league! Armed with a Pokédex, participants will earn badges through activities and games inspired by the Ruby and Sapphire Pokémon games. Free. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

28 FRIDAY

BARK Ranger Led Tour at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E 5th St., Vancouver. Join the Fort Vancouver Volunteer BARK Ranger Ambassador for a guided walk through the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and discover how you and your fourlegged companion can safely enjoy the park while helping protect park resources, wildlife and other visitors. Free. 9:30–11 a.m.

29 SATURDAY

2026 Camas Vintage and Art Faire Downtown Camas. Featuring 60+ vintage and local art vendors all in the charming tree lined streets of Downtown Camas. Vintage offerings include furniture, home and garden items, clothing and accessories, paintings, woodworking and handmade jewelry. Free. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Treat Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, 43907 NE Grist Mill Rd., Woodland. Whole wheat never tasted so good. Cookies, cakes, muffins, scones and even dog biscuits can show up for a fun treat. 1 p.m.

Train at Cascades Amphitheater, 17200 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. “Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere” is a massive 2026 North American summer amphitheater tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of Train’s 2001 Grammy-winning hit song “ Drops of Jupiter.” Tickets start at $45 on the lawn. 6:45 p.m.

30 SUNDAY

Board Game Social Club at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. A selection of board games is available to play, from classic favorites to new titles, in a casual setting. Free. 2:30–5 pm