Vancouver Family Magazine July 2026

TEEN ISSUE

• BIG KIDS, BIGGER ADVENTURES: Outdoor Fun for Tweens and Teens, p. 10

• RAISING THE GAME: Building a Better Youth Sports Culture, p. 16

• TEACHING TEENS TO DRIVE: Best Practices from a Certified Driving Instructor, p. 22

WELCOME DR. LEILA MESCH!

Dr. Leila Mesch completed pediatric residency training at Albany Medical Center after earning her medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University. Her special interests include development, newborn care, nutrition, neurodiversity, and preventative medicine.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Mesch enjoys hiking, cooking, gardening, traveling, and learning French while embracing the language and culture.

Schedule wellness visits, sports physicals, and routine checkups with our team to keep your child ready for every season.

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FEATURE ARTICLES

Big Kids, Bigger Adventures: Outdoor Fun for Tweens and Teens

Discover creative ways to help tweens and teens build healthy outdoor habits while making meaningful family memories.

Raising the Game: Building a Better Youth Sports Culture

Local youth sports programs are helping kids build confidence, resilience and a love of the game far beyond the scoreboard.

Teaching Teens to Drive: Best Practices from a Certified Driving Instructor

A local certified driving instructor shares expert tips to help parents guide teens toward becoming safe, confident drivers.

• ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Coming to Portland

• Local Author Brings Vancouver’s Historic Apple Tree to Life in New Children’s Book

• Washougal Arts and Music Festival Celebrates 10 Years

• Real Talk with Dr. Krista Bacon: Your Child’s Mental Health Journey — How to Support Them Without Losing Yourself

• Summer Fun is Still Here! Nike Kids Camps Still Have Openings Throughout the Summer, by i9 Sports

• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X @VancouverFamily

Our Teen Issue

July is a month filled with community events and outdoor adventures galore, and we hope you’re enjoying it and soaking it all in with your family.

This month is also our Teen Issue, and many of our feature stories focus on the unique season of growing independence that tweens and teens experience.

In our feature on teen driving, a local instructor shares practical advice for helping new drivers build confidence and stay safe on the road. Read our article on page 22.

Our youth sports feature explores how local organizations and coaches are reshaping the culture of youth athletics, prioritizing confidence, sportsmanship and mental well-being alongside skill development on page 16.

For families looking to reconnect outdoors, we share creative ways to engage tweens and teens in nature through adventure, volunteering and hands-on activities that help build lifelong healthy habits. Dive into these ideas on page 10.

July is also packed with local events and celebrations, including many America 250 events happening throughout the region. Check out our calendar of events and activities on page 28.

As always, thank you for reading and supporting local families, businesses and organizations that help make our community such a special place to raise kids. We hope your summer is full of laughter, connection and plenty of unforgettable moments.

Catherine Stacks, Editor/Owner catherine@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Editor/Publisher

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

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

On the Cover:

Cade Lukens just graduated from Camas High School. He is a four year letterman in both baseball and football, team captain for both sports as well as the winner of the Camas Athletic Booster scholarship. He will be attending Nunez College majoring in business and playing baseball.

Photo by Tija Medina tijamedinaphotography tijamedinaphotography.com

JULY 2026

‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Coming to Portland

B roadway’s spellbinding spectacular “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” arrives at Portland’s Keller Auditorium Aug. 1–15, 2026, marking the show’s first-ever engagement in Portland as part of its inaugural national tour. Join the next adventure and experience the wizarding world in this record-breaking production and six-time Tony Award winner, including Best Play.

When Harry Potter’s headstrong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. Prepare for a mind-blowing race through time, spectacular spells and an epic battle all brought to life with the astonishing theatrical magic. Visit portland.broadway.com/shows/harrypotter-and-the-cursed-child/ for information on tickets. The play, recommended for ages 8 and older, runs just under three hours and includes one intermission.

Broadway in Portland’s full 2026 season has also been announced, with the following coming to Keller Auditorium in the next year:

Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen: July 14–19, 2026

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: August 1–15, 2026

Water for Elephants: September 29–October 4, 2026

The Outsiders: November 17–26, 2026

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: January 5–10, 2027

Hadestown: January 26–31, 2027

Clue: March 2–7, 2027

The Sound of Music: May 11–16, 2027

Broadway in Portland is a partnership between Portland Opera and Broadway Across America. Single tickets for each engagement will go on sale throughout the season. Subscriptions to the 2026-2027 season are also available. Visit www.BroadwayinPortland.com for tickets.

Local Author Brings Vancouver’s Historic Apple Tree to Life in New Children’s Book

Local author and historian Richard Wing is bringing Pacific Northwest history to life for young readers with the release of his new children’s book, “PiP The Old Apple Tree of Apple Tree Park.” Inspired by the nearly 200-year-old Old Apple Tree that lived at Fort Vancouver, the book tells the story of Washington’s apple-growing roots through the eyes of the tree itself.

A resident of Vancouver and a certified interpretive guide volunteer at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Wing has long been fascinated by the people and stories that shaped the Pacific Northwest. After reading about the Hudson’s Bay Company, Oregon Trail pioneers and the development of Oregon’s fruit industry, he noticed there was little information about how Washington’s apple industry began. That discovery inspired him to create a story centered around the famed Old Apple Tree, named “PiP” in the book.

“I knew about the Old Apple Tree and began to formulate a story based on the biography of that apple tree,” he said. “How did she start? Where did the tree come from? What events did she witness in her almost 200 years of life? How did the tree continue to grow and thrive? Who took care of her? Such questions gave me the idea to present the story from her perspective.”

Wing said his experiences speaking with fourth-grade students at Fort Vancouver helped shape the tone and direction of the story.

“In my historical reenactment role as a volunteer at Fort Vancouver, I have spoken with many 4th grade classes from the region while visiting Fort Vancouver,” said Wing. “They have great questions and comments. I decided to approach my story from that grade level resulting in the

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Washougal Arts and Music Festival Celebrates 10 Years

The Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA) will celebrate the 10th Annual Washougal Arts and Music Festival on Saturday, August 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Reflection Plaza in downtown Washougal.

The 2026 festival will feature 20 regional artists, live music from local songwriters presented by Washougal Songcraft Festival, children’s art activities and opportunities for the community to connect through creativity and the arts.

The summer festival is central to WACA’s mission of fostering a thriving local art scene. This year’s festival celebrates that decade-long artistic legacy by honoring the artists who have contributed poster artwork throughout the festival’s first ten years. Featured artists include Liz Pike, Cyndee Star, Wilson Cady, Travis London, Suzanne Grover, Anni Furness, Tamara Dinius, Shirley Bishop, Sandy Moore and Sharon Agnor.

Early founders and volunteers for this event gathered with the shared belief that public art could help build community and inspire creativity in Washougal. Those early conversations eventually led to the creation of the city’s first art festival, public art installations and a growing arts culture that continues today.

“We believed public art could strengthen community and create something lasting for Washougal,” said Janice Ferguson, president and founding member of Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance. “Ten years later, it’s exciting to see how much the festival has grown while still keeping artists and community at its heart.”

The Washougal Arts and Music Festival is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.washougalarts.org

book being written for 3rd -6th grades. However, I tried to entice older readers, teachers, parents, as well with the many questions the story can elicit for further reading and to answer other questions their children may have.”

Illustrated by Vancouver artist Pamela Gunn, the book highlights themes of resilience, heritage and community. PiP witnesses the growth of the Pacific Northwest while providing shade, nourishment and inspiration to generations. The story also explores the preservation of PiP’s legacy through the care by the community, through educational programs, festivals and the continued propagation of the tree’s descendants, many of which still bear fruit today so that her legacy can continue.

“PiP The Old Apple Tree of Apple Tree Park” is available online through major booksellers including Archway Publishing, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

“I only hope that readers will enjoy reading about ‘history’ without reading history. Just enjoy a biography of a tree,” said Wing.

Big Kids, Bigger Adventures Outdoor Fun for Tweens and Teens

By Jessica Becker

I have been going outside regularly with my tween since she was itty-bitty, but I have noticed that outdoor time has diminished as she has gotten older. The reality is that, as kids get older, they develop new interests and have more responsibilities. They also focus on social relationships more than ever. That said, it is still important to help our older kids get outside. There are many studies that show that getting kids outside improves their mental and physical health, as well as schoolwork and even social skills. There are fewer studies focused specifically on older youths (tweens and teens), but the few that are out there support the study findings of the younger kids. A recent study out of the University of Michigan, focused on youth 14-24 years old, found that “youth in our sample generally report feeling physically and mentally better when spending time in nature and want to spend more time in nature.”

We know that getting outside helps our kids, regardless of age. Yet, a 2025 survey of 4,000 adults shows that the youngest adults (from Gen Z) spend about 25% less time outside than Gen X adults, despite expressing a desire to step away from screens into the outdoors. This highlights the importance of teaching our older kids good outdoor habits before they leave the nest.

Getting outside regularly builds the habit and doing it alongside your older kids can allow for some lovely family time. Read on for some strategies on how to get outside with tweens and teens so that you can build those good outdoor habits and enjoy some quality time together.

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• Personally signed by the Governor and State Registrar.

• Includes the name, date and place of birth, as well as the name and birthplace of the parent(s).

• For each $50 purchase of an Heirloom Birth Certificate, $25 is tax deductible. Order online from the Department of Health: A portion of the proceeds benefits the Children’s Trust Fund of Washington, administered by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) Strengthening Families Program.

Connect socially outdoors

Social connections are important at this age. Have your older kid invite a friend on an outing or look for outdoor group opportunities that cater to teens and tweens.

In April, we checked out the monthly walk of the Vancouver Audubon Young Birders. The walk was focused on ages 11-18 and co-led by Vancouver Audubon board member Ken Pitts and high school sophomore Isaac Lang. The group included 15 individuals of mixed ages, and together we saw 34 different species of birds. It was so neat for my daughter and the other tweens/teens to learn alongside their peers. We used our phones to identify

bird sounds and document the birds we encountered, but otherwise we were strictly in the moment watching and listening. We appreciated that everyone got to borrow high quality binoculars from Vancouver Audubon.

When asked about why tweens and teens should get out birdwatching, Lang said, “birdwatching is a great gateway for youth to appreciate and understand the natural world, fostering care and curiosity for this precious planet. Birdwatching also increases public awareness of the struggles and challenges birds and other animals face in the modern world.”

I agree wholeheartedly. I’ve taken kids and adults of all ages out birdwatching, and I’m always amazed at how quickly people get into the exciting life of birds. It’s life or death out there every day for birds, and migratory birds face special challenges that are quite unbelievable. Sharing those extraordinary details about birds with your tweens and teens and doing it alongside their peers may just be what it takes to launch a new lifelong outdoor hobby.

Try something new or more challenging

As kids get older, they may want to try outdoor activities that were harder or prohibitive when they were younger. Use that to your advantage when looking for ways to get your older kids outside! Find something that was harder to do when they were younger and present it as something that might be easier, more fun or offer more independence now that kids are older.

My daughter recently tried out orienteering with two friends, and they had a lot of fun independently reading the maps and trying to figure out the best ways to reach the next destination. According to Orienteering USA, “orienteering is the sport of navigation, using a highly detailed map.” It can be done competitively or recreationally, and there are many levels of difficulty. There are many courses around, but one of the easiest to get to is the course at Abrams Park in Ridgefield. On the City of Ridgefield website, there is a map for the course, as well as instructions on how to get started. If your older kids really love this new activity, check out the regular events held by the Columbia River Orienteering Club

Some other local activities your older kids might enjoy include: whitewater rafting, longer hikes or backpacking trips, kayaking or paddle boarding (you can rent at Battle Ground Lake, Lacamas Lake in Camas or Lake River in Ridgefield), disc golf, a zipline tour/aerial park, horseback riding or a long bike ride on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.

Play and have fun outside

I found a fantastic article on Medium that discusses the science supporting how important it is for older kids to still get to play. The article makes the argument that

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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

play “gives them a break from stress, helps regulate emotions and reminds them that not everything in life has to be serious.” After recently watching a pack of tweens run around a playground and noticing how they get totally lost in the fun, I completely agree. There is so much evidence that having fun as an adult improves well-being and mental health. As parents, we have an opportunity to share this evidence with our older kids before they are adults, as well as show them in real time how we can have fun too.

Even if you have limited time, you can always find a playground and run around together (try to go at times of day when the little kids might be napping or eating). The North Bonneville Park is a family favorite due to the old school merry-go-round and multiple Bigfoot statues lurking around. It is located near 81 Cascade Mall Dr. in North Bonneville. For a special treat that is sure to be fun, follow up your playground play with a visit to the East Wind Drive-In (395 Wa Na Pa St., Cascade Locks, OR) for a tall ice cream cone and incredible Gorge views. You may even be able to convince your tween or teen to go for a hike on one of the many nearby trails.

Build workforce skills through volunteering outside

Being older means that there are more opportunities to volunteer. Volunteering can be a great way to build self-esteem and improve mental health, build workforce skills and expose older kids to different types of jobs and tasks. As kids get older, many are trying to figure out where their lives are headed. Volunteering may help with that! It also makes people feel good, knowing they are making a difference in their communities. The great news is that not only can older kids participate in volunteer work, they can do it outside!

Here are a few local outdoor volunteer opportunities for teens and tweens:

The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership allows youth aged 15 and older to volunteer to plant native trees in local watersheds without a guardian (with a submitted waiver). Youth under the age of 14 can volunteer with a parent or guardian.

The Clark County Food Bank allows volunteers of all ages to work on Heritage Farm, which provides fresh food for food bank recipients. Youth under 14 need to have an adult present to volunteer.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge hosts regular stewardship events at which volunteers provide other restoration work to natural areas in the Gorge. Youth of all ages can volunteer with them, but those aged 16 or older can volunteer without an adult (with a waiver).

There are more opportunities for outdoor volunteering through the City of Vancouver, Clark County, Columbia Springs or other organizations that do tree plantings, beach cleanups, land stewardship and more. Keep an eye on the Lower Columbia Nature Network for upcoming opportunities.

Use technology to your advantage

Increased technology usage is likely a big contributor to why kids and adults don’t go outside as much as they should. You may have heard the proverb: “if you can’t beat them, join them.” If technology seems to be keeping your tween or teen indoors, consider using the following forms of technology to get them outdoors.

Social Media: There are many local outdoor influencers on various social media channels. Some people feel more motivated to get outside after following them. It is neat to learn about new places and activities, and then go check them out in real life. The key for us is to look at the social media channels together and then make plans together.

Apps: There are various phone apps that help get families outside. These include birding, plant identification, hiking, citizen science, geocaching, stargazing and outdoor scavenger hunts.

Cameras/phone cameras: Older kids may really enjoy playing paparazzi on their outdoor adventures or going on a photo scavenger hunt. A quick online search will get you some great ideas for such a hunt.

Connect the outdoors to interests

If your older kid is into:

• Fitness - Go for a run on the Vancouver waterfront or take weights or yoga out to a local park.

• Photography - Head out to one of the local wildlife refuges, snap some photos and enter the youth photo contest with Vancouver Audubon.

• History - Visit local outdoor historical spots like Fort Vancouver, Fort Cascades and Bonneville Dam, or try a walking tour through Oregon City.

• Cooking - Pick out a recipe and cook together on an outdoor grill at Frenchman’s Bar or fire pit at Lewisville Park. Let your older kids do the majority of the work and teach them how to be safe while cooking.

• Art or Reading - Bring a blanket, books and/or art with you and sit underneath the willow trees at Lewisville Park or on the sand at Vancouver Lake Regional Park.

• Space - Stay up late to catch a meteor shower or stargaze. The Perseid meteor shower occurs mid-July through midAugust. Check out a light pollution map and find a spot that allows visitors after dark.

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Creek Office

Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm

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• Science - Join a guided walk at Columbia Springs, check out the interpretive signs along the CASEE trails, visit Mount St. Helens or participate in a citizen science initiative.

Take basic necessities outside

If all else fails, take your regular day-to-day activities outside. Homework, meals and even board games can all happen in local parks, where there is an abundance of nature. Whatever you do, make it fun and regular to build that healthy outdoor habit!

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.

Raising the Game: Building a Better Youth Sports Culture

By Emily Corak

If you’ve ever sat in the bleachers of a youth sporting event, you know it can be a…mixed experience. Sports for children and teens can be an incredible place of teamwork, life lessons, exercise and joy. Unfortunately, in the wrong environment, it can be stressful, overly competitive and full of parents displaying worse sportsmanship than the kids.

Healthy competition is important. Learning to win and lose with grace is essential. The comradery and discipline, as well as the physical and mental benefits of sports, can be helpful to plenty of kids, whether they deem themselves athletes or not. But fostering a positive sports culture does not happen by accident, and thankfully there are plenty of places in Southwest Washington committed to upholding sports in the right direction.

United States Tennis Association Pacific Northwest (USTA PNW) Elite competitors? Brand new beginners of any age? USTA PNW welcomes everyone. China Kirk, the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Pacific Northwest

section, said that tennis doesn’t just benefit individuals – it strengthens communities. “It’s not just the physical benefits of tennis that are so wonderful,” said Kirk. “There’s something unique about this sport that inspires connection, purpose and sociality.”

A recent Mayo Clinic study found that playing tennis regularly can add nearly ten years to life expectancy. Kirk added, “Tennis really brings people together and forges a mind-body connection.”

By partnering with city, school districts and inclusive groups, USTA PNW offers summer camps, year-round courts, after-school programs, RecTennis and adult courses. “We provide all the equipment, including beginnerfriendly equipment, and if cost is a barrier to entry, we have a scholarship program,” Kirk added. “We promise there will be fun!”

Accessibility is a huge priority for USTA PNW, and their mission to build healthy individuals and communities starts with making tennis feel like a place where everyone belongs. “I want to give a special shout out to our partners at Love Serving Autism, Blind and Low Vision Tennis, Wheelchair Tennis and Special Olympics,” said Kirk. “There is no one, correct way to participate in tennis – there is room for everyone!”

Following the transition of operations to USTA PNW, Vancouver Tennis Center was named the Public Facility of the Year by Racquet Sports Industry Magazine, a coveted national honor. “There’s been such a commitment to creating safe, community spaces, hosting clothing and equipment drives and providing inclusive programming,” said Kirk.

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“Too often, players are tying their self-worth to their outcomes. We want to focus on sportsmanship and positive play so kids remember why they started playing this sport in the first place.”

–China Kirk Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of USTA PNW

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USTA PNW is adamant about fostering good mental health within their programs as well as for their employees. “Too often, players are tying their self-worth to their outcomes,” said Kirk. “We want to focus on sportsmanship and positive play so kids remember why they started playing this sport in the first place.”

The philosophy extends to the internal culture of USTA PNW as well, with the organization being recognized by The Oregonian as one of the top places to work. “You can’t provide

a great culture to play without also fostering that culture internally,” said Kirk, citing as an example, the commitment to provide all employees with resources to strengthen their physical and mental health and wellness.

To find one of their many programs this summer and beyond, visit www.ustapnw.org. Kirk concluded: “Whether someone is picking up a racquet for the first time or pursuing competitive tennis, we want every person to feel like they belong and have a place in the sport.”

Baxter Sports Camp

Brian Baxter, a lifelong athlete and collegiate soccer player, formed his own soccer camp for kids in 2008 while his son was in preschool. After earning his master’s degree in sports psychology, he recognized that many sports camps had potential but weren’t always reaching it. Baxter noted, “I saw than an important part of the game wasn’t being maximized.”

“At a young age, it’s easy to teach kids a few drills, split them into teams and just let them

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play,” says Baxter. “But we’re leaving a lot on the table when we do that – it’s better to find teachable moments.”

While his first camp started as a soccer camp, Baxter Sports eventually evolved into a multisport camp that has been wildly popular throughout Portland. This will be the first year of expanding to Washington and hosting several multi-sport camps in Camas.

The camps still strive to maintain their original mission – to be a holistic space dedicated to learning and building skills, fun, sportsmanship, developing growth mindsets and trying new things. “If you’re great at basketball but a beginner at soccer, it’s going to be a totally new experience and you’re going to develop emotional intelligence,” says Baxter.

The All Sports camps, geared for participants ages 5-14, focus on mental and emotional components alongside sports each day of the week. The RIGHT method teaches social and emotional skills through daily themes of responsibility, inclusion, growth mindset, heart and teamwork.

The goal for the camp is multifaceted – come away with sports-based skills, strengthen attitude and resilience and do it all through the lens of having a good time. “If a kid leaves my camp and thinks that it was fun, they are developing a strong connection between having fun and being active,” says Baxter.

“When kids enjoy being active, they are getting endorphins, confidence and strengthening their mental health.”

Parental support, Baxter acknowledges, plays a pivotal role as well, which is why he created a course specifically designed for sports parents. “It’s important for parents to remember the big picture,” he says. “It’s easy to get lost in every single game, but it’s not the most important thing in the world.”

In a youth sports culture that can sometimes operate like a business, Baxter urges parents to take a bird’s eye view. “There can be a pressure to specialize kids with one sport early and romanticize the idea of kids playing in college,” he says. “Most kids need to explore and try new things.”

Most importantly, athletes of all ages are gaining confidence and how to face adversity. “As a parent and coach, with a master’s degree in Sport Psychology, I try to teach athletes that there are certain things within their control and certain things that are not,” says Baxter. “If you’re angry about the ref making a bad call, it’s not benefiting you.”

He says to his athletes and to parents: “What’s most important is how you handle yourself when things happen outside of your control.” He wants athletes to remember that “how they treat themselves, their teammates, their

coach and how they carry themselves is most important.”

At the multisport camps, athletes will build skills and get to try out a wide array of sports, and even kids who might not consider themselves “sports kids” will get a kick out of it.

The camp is complete with talent shows, coach trivia, wacky hair and outfits and a camp-wide Olympics that leaves kids laughing and feeling connected. The previous camp director says he rarely met a child who only signed up for only one summer.

To sign your child up for plenty of memories, visit www.baxtersports.com.

i9 Sports

This spring, my third-grade son tentatively mentioned the idea of wanting to try flag football. Having never played before, he was nervous to join because the other kids were, in his words, “basically professionals.”

It can be intimidating as a child to try a new sport that many kids have been playing since they were old enough to wear cleats. And as a parent with work and multiple schedules to coordinate, signing your child up for another activity that may or may not be “their thing” can be daunting as well.

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to get of the HOUSE? NEEDOUT

Plenty of people recommended we look at i9 sports as a way in without breaking the calendar or the bank to give a new sport a try. With a slew of sports to offer like volleyball, flag football, baseball, basketball and soccer, the teams are designed to build skills, healthy competition, and an inclusive environment.

“We offer co-ed and girls-only leagues and foster a fun, family-friendly environment,” says Stephani Nunez, the marketing director. “There are no try-outs, so all kids will be welcomed and have opportunity and playing time.” The practices and games are also held once per week, making it convenient for busy families, and athletes can apply the skills they build in practice directly in the game.

Nunez adds that she took her own toddler to play soccer in one of the leagues, because i9 sports are open for kids ages 3 through 14. “It’s hard to find a league for young kids, but they were having fun and learning basic skills like how to follow directions and play with others,” she says.

Additionally, the league also hosts Nike Kids Camps during the summer and is working

towards creating a culture that connects kids and families to sporting opportunities. “We want this to be fun for families, and not just for the kids playing sports,” says Nunez. i9 has recently hosted Family Game Nights with the Oregon Ducks and Blazers and hopes to work with other teams to offer discounted tickets and special perks to i9 players and families.

To learn more and sign up, visit www.i9sports. com.

The Elite Competitor

Breanne Smedley, a Hockinson native, is no stranger to high pressure competition. As a high school volleyball player, she was fielding offers from recruiters and dominating her sport but walked away her senior year due to burn out. “It wasn’t the sport I fell out of love with,” says Smedley. “It was the surrounding pressure and the culture, and I was afraid of playing at that level and disappointing people.”

While attending Western Washington University, she found herself missing the sport and connected with the head coach, who invited her to practice. She tried out, earned a walk-on spot and returned to volleyball

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on her own terms. She worked her way up, eventually earning a full-ride scholarship. It was inside that program that she discovered mental training, studying sports psychology as both an athlete and a student of the game. After graduation, she became an educator and volleyball coach at Columbia River High School.

“I noticed the mental game affecting my athletes,” says Smedley. “They had all the talent but were underperforming and struggling in high pressure games.” This spurred her to become a certified mental performance coach, helping her athletes to strengthen their mental game and their sense of self-worth.

“I want athletes to remember their sport is what they do, not who they are,” says Smedley. Her experience as an athlete, a coach and a parent inspired her to co-create her business, The Elite Competitor, which helps female middle and high school athletes (and parents) to develop the mental side of their game. Spoiler alert: this is helpful far beyond the athletic arena.

Smedley and her co-founder created a program called The Elite Mental Game, and they also provide info through Instagram, YouTube and their podcast Raising Elite Competitors. The program utilizes neuroscience and psychology to teach girls how to develop their confidence, stop negative thought spirals and prioritize their mental health and sense of self. “Strategies are important,” says Smedley, “but the deeper work is recognizing that your worth doesn’t come from your performance.”

The program is designed for athletes of all skill levels, but it’s also meant for parents who want

to support their daughters in their quest for confidence and resilience. “Teaching parents is a big focus because so many athletes get the message that they earn praise only through results rather than who they are as people,” says Smedley. “I tell parents that you can’t be in their brains so they need to learn self-talk for themselves, but you can help shape their environment.”

I attended a free training Smedley offers for sports moms and I walked away with tangible strategies to support my twelve-year-old daughter on and off the softball field. She’s already using a quick reset routine to bounce back from mistakes, and I’m learning about the things NOT to say on the car ride home. (Advising her to shake it off was not quite as helpful as I once thought).

The Elite Mental Game is full of self-paced modules, coaching, connection with other

athletes and guest speakers who have faced the athletic pressures at high level. Smedley’s husband is currently working on a component geared for male athletes as well. Whether you’re a parent or a coach, this is a significant resource to help kids apply mental fortitude in their games and beyond. Smedley says, “We have plenty of free resources to get you started, and if you want to go a little deeper, we’ve got you.”

To learn more and access resources, visit elitecompetitor.com.

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.

“I want athletes to remember their sport is what they do, not who they are. ...Strategies are important, but the deeper work is recognizing that your worth doesn’t come from your performance.”

–Breanne Smedley Educator and volleyball coach

at Columbia River High School

and co-founder of The Elite Mental Game program

F

irst, a shameless plug... I am so honored to say that I have once again been nominated for The Columbians Best of Clark County. I am so thankful to be able to do what I do and to everyone who calls me to assist with their home adventures. Being nominated, again, is such an honor. Thank you!

That being said, please vote for me (Best of Clark County, under Home & Garden, and for Realtor), and yes, please share! Being a part of your lives is such a privilege, and one I am continually thankful for.

When is a good time to call your Realtor?

You call when you are excited about buying your first home. We love that!

You call when you are getting married, and maybe it is time for a new home. We love that we get to be a part of your new adventure with your favorite person.

You call when you are having a baby, or another baby, or maybe it is the next baby, and it is time for the next... bigger home... and we are so excited for you as we help you say goodbye to that starter home and hello to the bigger family home.

You call when you get the big job promotion, and it is time for the next move... sometimes it is only across town, and we are helping you sell your first home and buy your next home. This is such an exciting and stressful time for you. Sometimes it is a move across the country, though, and we are helping you sell your home here and assisting you in finding a Realtor in your new home area.

You also call your Realtor when the kids get bigger and need more space... or you do...

You call when the kids start moving out, and maybe you need a bit less space... downsizing is not a bad word after all.

We love that you call us during these times in your life. I know I have said this before, but it bears repeating: real estate is not about houses, and it is not about sales. Real estate is about relationships. Realtors want to be the ones that you think about calling during these times in your life. I love being a part of my clients’ lives... graduation parties, engagement parties, wedding invitations, anniversary parties, retirement parties, baby announcements... it all just makes me so happy to be a part of it.

However, as we all know... life isn’t all about the ups... life is a roller coaster, and for every up, there are plenty of downs as well. These are the harder calls that we get....

Sometimes you might call your Realtor with the “We are getting a divorce” call. Sometimes, the home needs to be sold, and I need to conduct a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) for the attorneys to determine the possible market value and get it on the market. Sometimes the divorce is amicable, and other times it is less so. Sometimes I am talking or emailing with both parties together, and sometimes I am talking or emailing with them individually. It depends on the situation. A question that I always feel is important is to ask what the ‘next step’ is for the parties involved. Sometimes, in situations like this, there hasn’t been any thought about what to do ‘after,’ as they are just trying to get through the ‘now’. I feel that asking about the ‘after’ is important, as I want to do what I can to help.

Sometimes one or the other spouse would like to keep the home. In this case, the attorneys will still need the CMA to determine the possible net equity (market value minus loan/ fees/taxes/charges/ costs). The spouse who would like to keep it can then consider refinancing to remove the other spouse from the loan, using half (or whatever has been agreed on) of the home’s current equity.

I received one of these calls this past week. She was apologetic, her attorney was asking for information, and she didn’t know who else to call. It is ok. A Realtor is more than the person to call when times are good; yes, I can help her get the information she needs here. She would like to try to keep her home, so I also got her in contact with a lender and asked her to have her attorney reach out to me as well. I am not just here for a good time. I am here to help, whether you guys need to sell the home or want to keep it... Your Realtor isn’t just here for the good times, but here to help for the not-so-good times as well.

Sometimes you call your Realtor with the loss of a family member. These are also tough calls to get. Sometimes it is a sibling, a parent, or an aunt/uncle.Occasionally, it has been a child. Loss...of any kind....is awful. I have assisted many clients through this process. Sometimes there is no will, and the home has to go through probate. If there is a will, there is usually a designated person named in the will to handle the estate. Now, it can get a bit more complicated from here, but it depends on individual circumstances. No one wants to think about it ‘what if,’ but if you own a home, or you are thinking about buying a home, you should have a will put together. If you have children, you should definitely have a will. Vancouver Wills & Trusts in Downtown Vancouver are wonderful if you need someone to talk to about wills and estates. Let them know I sent you. I have worked with Vancouver Wills & Trusts quite a bit and have found them to be knowledgeable, affordable, kind, and responsive.

Something else that comes up with loss and estates is cleaning up and getting the home ready to sell. I had this call a few months ago. It is always a tough call, and he felt just overwhelmed from the loss of his sweet wife and everything that ‘needed’ to be done. Yes, we can help you with this as well. I know you have a lot on your plate right now, and as your Realtor, we are here to help lighten your load. I have the knowledge and the resources; let your Realtor help... if that is what you want or need. He closes on his home this next week and is moving to be closer to family. The final cleanout of the home occurs after he leaves; the house cleaner comes in the day after, and the new homeowners take possession the following day. Their Realtor & I have known each other for a long time, and they are so excited to continue loving and caring for the home as my client has.

One of the times people ‘forget’ to call their Realtor is one of the times they should be calling us sooner.... and we are starting to see more of this again. Sometimes people get behind in their mortgage payments. It happens. Maybe you had a forbearance, and it is coming up due. Sometimes it happens because of a job loss. Sometimes it happens because of a vehicle loss, and the money needs to go elsewhere for a bit. Sometimes it happens because of a medical emergency. Sometimes it happens because payments on X, Y, Z just got too much... and money needed to be redistributed. Either way... it happened, and now you are behind, and the bank is calling. Maybe you came home to a notice on your door? Either way... in Real Estate, we have a saying, “Time is of the Essence,” and this is extremely important here. Once an auction date is set, it is almost too late, and the vultures start circling.

Your mortgage is due on the 1st of every month. It is late on the 15th, with a late fee due, and you’ll get a call: “Hey, did you forget to pay your mortgage?” Once the 1st rolls around again, you have officially missed a payment, your credit has been ‘dinged’, and the bank is now calling.... frequently, and sending notices. The fees are now starting to add up as well. I know that you are beyond stressed out right now, and wondering what you can do.

If you are behind in your payments, you may be able to work with the bank on a loan modification. Loan modifications and refinances are not the same. Loan modifications are for homeowners experiencing financial hardship who are unable to make timely payments, but want to stay in their home. Refinances replace your current loan. What about a refinance? That might work, but you will lose your current interest rate, and you will need to qualify at the new interest rate and the new payment amount... which might be tough if you are already having issues with the current payment, which may be lower if you have a lower interest rate. However, every option is worth considering, and we will help you review all of them first. We will always do what we can to help you keep your home first. You need to know that early communication is key. Please, if you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, I want you to know that you ARE NOT ALONE. I know you feel terrible, and you don’t want to call, but don’t ignore the calls and the letters. For many people, times are tight, and they have to make tough choices. We will do all we can to help you. I have been in real estate for over 20 years. I worked through foreclosures, short sales, and bankruptcies. If there is no other option, you can sell while you still have equity in the home. You will walk away with cash from the sale, and with your credit only slightly tarnished. Don’t wait. Don’t bury your head in the sand. If the bank auctions off the home, you lose your equity, and you tank your credit. I have had a few of these calls in the past few months. You are not alone, and there is never any judgment.

Life happens, my friends... both the good and the not-so-good. Sometimes we are just dealt a crappy hand, and we have to play it the best way we can. Sometimes all the cards fall in our favor, and the sun shines through our rose-colored glasses....and sometimes all we can do is dance in the rain the best way we know how. The clouds will eventually part, and there will be a rainbow. Either way, as a Realtor, I love to be there for your good times, but don’t forget to call, email, or text during your bad times as well. It is during your bad times that the knowledge and care that we have to share with you can assist in making your life, if not simpler, then at least, hopefully, a bit easier.

I apologize if this blog is a bit heavy this week. I have had it written for over a month now, as these phone calls and emails have come through. I love being there for your good times, but I am honored that you think of me during your rough times.

If you have any questions or if someone you know is having a difficult time, reach out to your favorite Realtor or me. Let’s see how we can assist.

Information is power, and as always...May the odds be ever in your favor out there...

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 home-selling adventure.

Teaching Teens to Drive: Best Practices from a Certified Driving Instructor

By Sarah Mortensen

Afew months before my daughter turned 15, one of my friends asked when she would be starting driver’s education. I was confused and replied, “She’s not turning 16 for another year.” Driver’s education was not on my radar. I had no idea it was the norm to sign teens up at age 15, but my wise friend said, “Believe me, you’re going to want her to have all the practice she can get before you hand over those keys.”

My friend also explained that you need to sign up well in advance to get the class time you want. Here in Vancouver, there are multiple driving schools for teens, and some even offer online classes. We chose 911 Driving School mainly because it was close to our home and convenient. However, after attending a parent meeting, I felt confident that the school was going to prepare my daughter for real-life driving scenarios, not just pass the driving tests.

Eddie Michael, longtime instructor at 911 Driving School, is a former Battle Ground police officer. During his presentation to the parents, I

quickly realized how little I knew about helping my teen learn to drive. After his class, I left thinking that parent orientation was the most important class he teaches. I recently spoke more with Eddie Michael about what parents can do to get started on the right foot with their new driver.

SARAH MORTENSEN (SM): What is your favorite part of working at a driving school?

EDDIE MICHAEL (EM): I’ve been teaching at 911 Driving School since 2014 after hearing about the opportunity from other police officers that worked there. My favorite part of working at 911 Driving School is taking kids out on drives and seeing the expression on their faces when they realize they are actually driving!

SM: Teaching a teen to drive has been equal parts terrifying and exciting. I am very much looking forward to her driving herself to all her activities. Still, the new independence is scary for both of us. You spoke about driving being a major milestone in high school and that it helps kids take on even more personal responsibility.

EM: All teens want to become adults. Learning to drive is one of the first adult steps. Time after time we receive feedback from both students and parents that upon completing our program, the student has gained great confidence in their driving ability that they didn’t have when starting out. This newfound confidence carries over into their regular life. They gain a level of maturity that boosts them into the next stages of adulthood.

I had a student who went through our program and he was very nervous about driving. He finally completed the course, all his drives and passed his drive test and the knowledge test on the first tries. He needed his

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driver’s license because he was joining the U.S. military. I watched him grow into a man who is now serving our country.

SM: Most teens start by driving in an empty parking lot, which you also recommend. What skills should you practice there? What are the next skills to practice when you are ready to exit the parking lot?

EM: Parking lot skills to learn would be smooth acceleration, braking and steering wheel control. Next would be left and right turns. If they are capable of doing these skills, I would move them into a neighborhood to apply those same skills. I would then have them change lanes from a travel lane to a parking lane along the curb.

SM: I decided long ago my husband would be the one to teach our kids to drive, not only because he was a police officer like you, but because he was able to stay calm. What advice do you have for parents like me who get scared and frustrated teaching kids to drive?

EM: Kids react differently to parents versus driving school instructors. They tend to be more frustrated with their parents and vice versa. As a parent, you have to exercise your patience. My advice would be to talk quieter to get your student to try and hear what you are saying, rather than raising your voice to get them to learn what you are teaching. I use this same method when teaching students.

SM: What would you say are the skills teens often struggle with, and what tricks do you have to help them master those skills?

EM: 1. Scanning. 2. Checking Blind Spots. 3. Looking at Mirrors.

Students are not seeing the whole picture; they are only looking at the license plate directly in front of them. They need to see not only the car directly in front of them, but also several cars further in front of that car. As we are driving, I ask, “What color are the houses we are passing?” which forces them to scan. I then ask what color the cars behind us are, and that forces them to check their mirrors.

SM: You said most accidents happen because of speed and inexperience. Many of the statistics you shared about teen driving

accidents scared me, but I also remember you saying most accidents happen between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. What else should parents know to help their kids stay safe?

EM: Statistics show that speeding is the cause of the majority of accidents. Most people don’t drive fast to act like a race car driver; they drive fast because they’re impatient or running late to get somewhere. People need to give themselves ample time to travel and exercise patience on the road. When you are in a hurry you don’t take into consideration the safety of others. Individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 are involved in the majority of auto accidents, and they are actually the lower percentage of drivers on the road. Most teens will be involved in two accidents within the first two years of driving. The longer someone drives, the better they become, but they also can become lax with the laws and proper road etiquette.

SM: My daughter was so relieved when she passed her written test on the first try. When she told me some of the questions she encountered, I had no idea what the answer was, such as “If you are riding a bicycle, how far should your lights reach?” What other rules or laws do you think adults forget about?

EM: Laws continually change, and new laws are implemented as time goes on. Laws are made to protect each other. I always ask my students, “Why do people drive correctly around me when I am driving my patrol car, but when I’m in my personal vehicle, they drive recklessly?” If you just drive like a police car is following behind you, you will always drive correctly and most likely not cause an accident or get a ticket.

Specifically, people often forget to follow the law when it comes to lefthand turns, four-way stops and what to do at a yellow light.

SM: It was interesting to learn that unlike Washington, some states, including neighboring Oregon, do not require driver’s education for a 16-year-old to obtain their license. Why do you think driving school is important?

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EM: At 911 Driving School, we strive to produce better, more knowledgeable and courteous drivers who will drive collision-free for a lifetime. This is also the goal of Washington State. Teaching new drivers is a three-way partnership between parents, instructors and students working together to solve issues and produce confident, competent drivers.

Anyone can learn how to drive without using driver education programs, but when people go through driver’s education they also learn the laws and proper etiquette to follow. Obeying laws that have been created to keep the streets safe reduces the number of accidents we have. It is amazing how often students point out reckless drivers to me while we are on drives.

I try to meet the parents after a drive to discuss strengths and weaknesses, and what to work on when they practice drives with their children. I’ve had parents come to me asking for advice on how to

a passion for keeping people alive. I pour my life experiences into the students, hoping to leave a lasting impression on them and to produce the best, safest drivers on the road.

I encourage the students to not be nervous when they come to take the drive test because stress causes you to make mistakes and to forget what has been taught. It is important to go into the testing as relaxed as possible and confident in your skills and knowledge that you learned with us. The Golden Rule applies on the road and in life: Drive around others as you would have them drive around you.

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.

“Time

after time we receive feedback from both students and parents that upon completing our program, the student has gained great confidence in their driving ability that they didn’t have when starting out. This newfound confidence carries over into their regular life. They gain a level of maturity that boosts them into the next stages of adulthood.”

Instructor at 911 Driving School

5

Calendar

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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.

1 WEDNESDAY

Swing Dancing Lessons & Social at The Valiant Ballroom, 109 W 9th St., Vancouver. Every Wednesday learn swing dances featuring East Coast and Lindy Hop Styles. Intermediate Lessons are at 6 pm, Beginner Lessons at 7 pm and the Social Dance from 8-9:30 pm. Visit thevaliantballroom.com for tickets. $5$10. Wednesdays 6–9:30 p.m.

Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Home Game 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 tickets and times. $4-$20. Various dates and times

2 THURSDAY

Go 4th Festival at Lake Sacajawea Park, 1199 W. Kessler Blvd., Longview. Get ready to celebrate Independence Day in style. Events include Kids Fest, Cardboard Boat Regatta, Timber Show, parade, fireworks and more. Free. July 2 & 3 beginning at 9 a.m. July 4 beginning at 8 a.m.

Crown Park Reopening Celebration at 120 NE 17th Ave., Camas. As part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, this special event will feature a ribbon cutting, dedication ceremony and more. Enjoy family-friendly activities including a bike rodeo hosted by Camas Bikes, interactive games and open play with Parks & Recreation and plenty of

opportunities to explore the park’s refreshed amenities 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge, 215 N Hendrickson Drive, Kalama. Bingo happens on the first Thursday of the month in Old 97. Fun prizes for bingos, or win the biggie, an overnight stay at the Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free. All ages welcome. 7 p.m.

3 FRIDAY

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 per person, $5 for children ages 4-13, veterans and seniors, 3 and under are free. Fridays 4– 8 p.m.

America 250 Celebration at Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds, 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver The Historic Trust is partnering with the City of Vancouver to provide a festive day of fun, family activities you won’t want to miss. 12–5 p.m.

One Community, Many Hands: Celebrating America’s 250th in Downtown Camas. Celebrate the country’s big birthday and the community connections that make this town so wonderful during this First Friday event. This event features family-friendly carnivalinspired games, community service opportunities all throughout town, art shows, dress-up, after-hours shopping, dining, music and more. Visit downtowncamas.com for more information. 5–8 p.m.

Rendezvous Days 2026, various locations in Yacolt. Join in celebrating America’s 250th birthday in Yacolt. There will be a parade, a kid’s zone, opening ceremonies and awards presentation, kickball tournament and more. View the schedule at townofyacolt.com. July 3–5, various times

4 SATURDAY

Fourth of July Kids Parade at Hathaway Park, 732 25th St., Washougal. The City of Washougal is excited to host its second 4th of July Kids Parade. It is a festive, nonmotorized parade perfect for kids of all ages. Bring decorated bikes, scooters, wagons or walking shoes and join in for a relaxed, familyfriendly morning filled with community spirit. Before the parade kicks off, families can enjoy games, activities, prizes and treats. 10 a.m.

Farm Days Kids Fest at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Enjoy a weekend centered entirely around kids. Sunday features a Children’s Entrepreneurial Market alongside guest appearances from local youth organizations. The weekend lineup also includes pony rides, an iSpy children’s activity, farm animals, face painting and more. $3 per person, 3 and under is free. July 4 & 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ridgefield 4th of July Celebration Downtown Ridgefield. Kick off the celebrations with a Fun Run and Zumba, watch a pet and kid

continued on next page

parade and the 4th of July Parade. Other festivities include a pie eating contest, food and craft vendors, children’s activities, street dancing and live entertainment. Visit ridgefield4th.org for details on the day and parking. 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

6 MONDAY

Summer Movie Mondays at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Summer Movie Mondays are back upstairs in the Community Rooms. Registration is required for each movie at cityofcamas.us/library. On July 6 enjoy Ice Age, July 13 “The Croods” and July 20 “The Good Dinosaur.” Free. 2–4 p.m.

7 TUESDAY

Takohachi Duo at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Takohachi Duo brings the ancient art of kamishibai to life. This vibrant Japanese street theater tradition weaves folktales into a dynamic, interactive experience for all ages. Free. 9:30–10:15 a.m., 11:00–11:45 a.m.

Teen Hangout: Introduction to Stop Motion Animation at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Ever wanted to make original movies? This session dives into the basics of stop-motion animation. Participants will create storyboards,

build sets and learn how to shoot a short film. Free. 4–6 p.m.

8

WEDNESDAY

The Henrik Bothe Library Circus at La Center Community Library, 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Rd., La Center. Prepare to be dazzled 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. Visit fvrl.org for more dates and locations with the Library Circus. Free. 10 a.m.

9

THURSDAY

Dinosaur Garden in a Jar at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Build a tiny prehistoric world with a mini dinosaur garden in a jar. All materials are provided for this event. Registration is required at cityofcamas. us/library. Free. 3–4 p.m.

Reptile Man – The Fascinating World of Reptiles at Washougal Community Library, 1661 C St., Washougal. Scales, slithers and surprises await. Join the Oregon Reptile Man for a creepy, crawly adventure featuring live reptiles, big laughs and up-close encounters. Also showing on other dates and at other libraries. Visit fvrl.org for details. Free. 5–6 p.m.

Waterfront Concert Series at Vancouver Waterfront Park, Columbia Way and Esther Street, Vancouver. The north shore of the Columbia River is the place to be on Thursdays this July for the Vancouver Waterfront Concert Series. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music from around the world. The Waterfront Concerts are free and fun for all ages. Visit cityofvancouver.us for concert details. Free. Thursdays 6:30–8:30 p.m.

10 FRIDAY

ZooNights at the Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland. Celebrate summer at the zoo Fridays from mid-June through August at ZooNights. Each evening is filled with live music, food carts, keeper chats and activities for all ages. Plus, animal encounters offer the chance to get to know wildlife up close. Experience the zoo after hours, with plenty of tasty treats. Visit oregonzoo.org for full schedule. $13-$26. 5–9 p.m.

11 SATURDAY

Parks Passport Program at Washougal Parks. The Parks Passport Program is a seasonal youth engagement initiative created to encourage exploration, service and learning in Washougal’s local parks. Participants earn stamps in their personal passport booklets by attending events and completing hands-on service projects that benefit the community and environment. Visit cityofwashougal.us for park locations and dates. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Vintage Car Show at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823, 11605 SE McGillvray Blvd., Vancouver. Enjoy a fun-filled day of classic cars, great food and community. Bring the whole family for a showcase of incredible vehicles, friendly competition and a relaxed summer atmosphere. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Wander Clark County: Old City Tours at various Clark County locations. Explore Clark County’s rich history on foot with the Clark County Historical Museum. Visit cchmuseum. org for various locations and dates. Tours are 1 hour at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the listed dates. Step back in time at the Old City Cemetery, Vancouver’s Main Street, Parkersville, Arnada and more.

GoFest Celebration 2026 at Vancouver Waterfront Park, Columbia Way and Esther Street. Vancouver GoFest Celebration returns for its fourth year. This free, family-friendly festival transforms the Waterfront and Main Street into a real-world Pokémon adventure filled with exploration, creativity and community. Festival highlights: Pokémon themed passport, Find That Pokémon, Kids Zone, continued on page 30

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Interactive Game Shows and more. July 11–12, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

12 SUNDAY

Science Heroes: Digging It at Vancouver Mall Community Library, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. Get ready to dig in. This is a hands-on, high-energy STEM show packed with audience interaction, surprising experiences and enough wow moments to leave kids head-over heels for science. Visit fvrl.org for more dates. Free. 12–1 p.m.

Sunday Sounds Concert Series at Columbia Tech Center Park, SE Sequoia Circle at SE Tech Center Dr., Vancouver. The Columbia Tech Center Sunday Sounds Concerts hit the stage in East Vancouver on Sundays, July 12 to August 16. Enjoy an exciting lineup of genre-defying crowd favorites. Sunday Sounds Concerts are free and fun for all ages. Visit cityofvancouver.us for full lineup. 6–8 p.m.

14 TUESDAY

Sensory Storytime at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N Main St., Ridgefield. This interactive Storytime 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. July 14 and 28, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Kids and Tweens Great Build Off at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Put your creativity to the test in a Kids & Tweens Great Build Off. Use the materials provided to design, build, and problemsolve your way through a surprise challenge. Free. 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Cookie Excavation at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Have fun uncovering artifacts like an archaeologist by carefully excavating chocolate chips from a cookie while using an excavation grid. Learn about the tools and terms used by archaeologists on a dig site. For kids in grades 1-5 with an adult. All materials provided. Registration is required for this event at cityofcamas.us/library. 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Hilary Duff: the lucky me tour at Cascades Amphitheater, 17200 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. Hilary Duff is embarking on her first global headline tour in almost two decades. She’ll perform her biggest hits from over the years and new songs from her latest album. $35–$158. 7:00 p.m.

Hell’s Kitchen at Keller Auditorium, 222 Clay St., Portland. Inspired by the life of 16-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys, this production offers a raw and vibrant coming-of-age story set against the rhythm of the 1990s. Visit portland. broadway.com for tickets. July 14–19

15 WEDNESDAY

Hatchery Tours at Columbia Spings, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Ever wondered how old the fish are out in the round ponds, or how the hatchery works? What temperature is the spring water as it comes out of the ground? Find the answers to these questions and more on a tour of the unique historic hatchery. Free. Register at columbiasprings.org. 3–4 p.m.

17 FRIDAY

Shoestring Circus at Hazel Dell Commons, 9811 NE 15th Ave., Vancouver. Shoestring Circus returns to Vancouver this summer under the big top. Step into Dreamland—where aerialists fly, acrobats tumble and a cast of delightful oddballs keeps things just the right amount of ridiculous inside an intimate vintage circus tent. Visit shoestringcircus.com for specific dates and times. $17-$55 July 17–26

Harvest Days in Battle Ground. Enjoy the weekend at Battle Ground Harvest Days. Friday’s activities include a carnival at the high school and Harvest Nights Cruise on Main Street. On Saturday, view the Little Firefighters Challenge, the Rose Planting Citizen of the Year Ceremony, Fun Run, parade, BMX Bike Show and more. On Sunday, visit the car show. Visit battlegroundfestivals.com for full details. Free. July 17–19

18 SATURDAY

Hockinson Blueberry Fest at Hockinson Community Center, 17912 NE 159th St., Vancouver. Celebrate this year’s berry season with the local farmers at the 7th annual Hockinson Blueberry Festival. Live music, flowers and plants, snacks, pie baking contest, pie eating contest and, of course, blueberries. 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Scooped Ice Cream Festival at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Join on July 18th & 19th for an unforgettable experience featuring 50+ flavors of all-you-can-eat ice cream. There will be delicious eats, live music, vendors, roller disco dancers and plenty of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. Ice cream samples are

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included in your ticket, and additional food and beverage options are available for an added fee. Tickets are $25- $40. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Northwest Children’s Theater Alumni Presents: Robin Hood at The Judy, 1000 SW Broadway #T-100, Portland. Robin Hood returns for this NWCT Summer Alumni Show. This fast-paced, comedic adaptation turns the classic tale into an adventure packed with over-the-top heists, quick wit and swashbuckling silliness. Visit nwcts.org for tickets. $20-$25. Saturdays and Sundays July 18–August 2. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Train Robbery at Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Station, 207 N. Railroad Ave., Yacolt. All aboard for a scenic journey—and a classic wild-west hold-up. Keep an eye out for masked bandits along the tracks before the train stops at Moulton Station, where passengers can stretch their legs and view the beautiful Yacolt Falls. Visit tickets.bycx.org for tickets and other summer train ride opportunities. $18-$24. 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

Creature Teachers at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. Get up close and personal with cool reptiles and creepycrawlies to discover the secret, vital roles they play in keeping our planet spinning. Free. 3–4 p.m.

Family Movie at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 North Main Ave., Ridgefield. Looking for the perfect Saturday afternoon hangout? Bring family and friends to the library for a family-friendly movie and free popcorn. 3–5 p.m.

20 MONDAY

Watch and Make at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Enjoy a Summer Blockbuster at Watch & Make. This event features crafting along as Jurassic Park (1993) plays in

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the background. Whether a seasoned crafting professional or just looking for a relaxing way to unwind, this is the perfect opportunity to get creative. Ages 13+. Register at cityofcamas.us/ library. 5–7:30 p.m.

Summer Lecture Series: Pet Nutrition at Humane Society for Southwest Washington, 1100 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver. Hear from an expert from Hill’s Science Diet about the benefits of a consistent, science-backed diet, learn about the risks associated with pet food fads and find out the many advantages of keeping your pet at a healthy weight. 5:30–7:30 p.m.

21 TUESDAY

Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C Tenney Rd., Vancouver. This performance celebrates the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and New Zealand through dance and authentic music. This is a joyful experience for all ages. Visit fvrl.org for more performance dates. Free. 9:30–10:30 a.m.

22 WEDNESDAY

Trainer in the Park at Dakota Dog Park, 1515 NE 164th Ave., Vancouver. The 2026 free community training advice sessions offer an excellent opportunity to chat about tips,

tricks and general advice with Julie Mills from Paws Down Pets. Look for the green DogPaw flags to locate the session. 3:30–5:30 p.m.

23 THURSDAY

4 Days of Aloha at Clark College and Esther Short Park. Immerse in a festival like no other where Hawaiian culture comes alive through hands-on workshops, an exhilarating hula competition and the best in island reggae music. From Thursday to Sunday, this unforgettable weekend brings together world-class Kumu Hula, skilled artisans and top musicians for a celebration filled with learning, laughter and the true spirit of aloha. Visit 4daysofaloha.com for full details. July 23–26

24 FRIDAY

Camas Days Downtown Camas. For two full days, the community of Camas celebrates with parades, music, street vendors, a wine & microbrew street and kid’s activities. Enjoy a kid’s street with an inflatable slide and obstacle course, a kids parade and juggling on Friday. On Saturday, watch the grand parade, bathtub races and participate in family arts and crafts. Visit downtowncamas.com for details. July 24–25

La Center Our Days in Downtown La Center. Our Days is La Center’s premier summer tradition, bringing the ‘Steamboat Celebration’ to life through a weekend of parades, races and local treasures. The community gathers every July to celebrate the unique heritage of this river town. Visit lacenterourdays.com for schedule details. Free. July 24–25

25 SATURDAY

Jenk Music and Juggling at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C Tenney Rd., Vancouver., Enjoy a high-energy music and juggling show that will dazzle and entertain. 9:30–10:30 a.m., 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Angel Ocasio’s Comedy, Magic and Stuff at Van couver Mall Library, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. Comedian Angel Ocasio combines silly antics, magic, juggling, and audience participation to present a fun and wacky show. Free. 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

26 SUNDAY

Picnic in Color in Downtown Camas. The town will be washed with color and art. This is a free family arts and crafts event to celebrate having fun with art. Local artists will be on hand assisting with collaborative art projects. Activities include tie-dye shirts, interactive story time, puppet show, a dance performance and more. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

31 FRIDAY

Summer Concert at Marina Park, 24 South A St., Washougal. Enjoy an evening of entertainment and fun. The concert features 5 Guys Named Moe. Free. Food and beverages available for purchase. 7–10 p.m.