Our annual Summer Camp Guide is back, with camps for all ages and interests!
Biking In Southwest Washington: Two Wheels, One Community Meet the people and places powering our local vibrant biking community.
Ridgefield Youth Orchestra: Spreading the Joy of Music
A new orchestra for kids is striking a chord. Ridgefield Youth Orchestra is bringing students together through music, mentorship and joy.
• 17th Children’s Festival Returns to Vancouver Mall
• Nutter Foundation Presents the First‑ Ever BuildHER Summit
• Handel’s Ice Cream Opens First Washington State Location in Vancouver
Calendar of Events & Activities
• Learn more about Children's Festival 2026 free family fun!
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X, @VancouverFamily
• Read archive issues of Vancouver Family Magazine
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
Spring Into Possibility
This time of year, conversations start to shift -- about summer plans, new activities and how to keep kids engaged once school is out. March is when those ideas begin to take shape, and this issue is filled with local inspiration to help families plan with intention.
Our annual Summer Camp Guide on page 10 is meant to be your go-to resource for summer planning, featuring camps designed to spark curiosity and keep kids engaged long after the school bell rings. From camps that focus on dance, music, sports and so much more, these camps offer children the chance to try something new, build confidence and form friendships that often last well beyond summer.
You’ll also find inspiration in two stories that celebrate connection through movement and music. In Biking in Southwest Washington on page 18, we explore how local bike shops and organizations are helping families get outside, build community and experience the joy of life on two wheels.
In Ridgefield Youth Orchestra: Spreading the Joy of Music on page 24, we spotlight a growing program fueled by passion, collaboration and the belief that every child deserves access to the arts. Together, these stories remind us that whether it’s pedaling down a trail or playing in harmony, meaningful experiences often start close to home.
We’re also hosting our 17th annual Children’s Festival event this month, happening on March 28 from 10am-3pm at Vancouver Mall. Please join us for our free event with face painting, balloon art, activities, resources and more!
Here’s to a spring of planning, possibility and finding inspiration right here in our own backyard.
Graphic Designer I Shüan Warr Ishuan@vancouverfamilymagazine.com
Contributing Writers
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
@VancouverFamily
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:
Brothers Hudson R. (age 4 in this photo) and Hunter (age 7) live in Woodland. They enjoyed a day at Daybreak Park in Battle Ground, exploring and playing. They love to skip rocks across the stream there.
Photo by April Nissen April Nissen Photography www.aprilnissen.com @aprilnissenphoto
Photo
MARCH 2026
M
Returns to Vancouver Mall
ark your calendars! Vancouver Family Magazine’s beloved Children’s Festival is back. The 17th annual Children’s Festival takes place Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Vancouver Mall.
This free, family-friendly event offers a day of fun for kids of all ages, including face painting, balloon art, games, prizes, giveaways and helpful community resources. Families can explore, play and connect while enjoying a lively atmosphere designed just for kids.
The event is sponsored by Parties Inc. and WA529 Washington Education Savings Plans. Admission is free. Don’t miss this annual celebration of family fun!
Saturday, March 28, from 10am to 3pm
Handel’s Ice Cream
Opens First Washington State Location in Vancouver
I ce cream lovers, rejoice – there’s a new spot in town to try. Handel’s Ice Cream opened in Vancouver on Mill Plain Blvd (530 Southeast 192nd Avenue). The grand opening took place in mid-January. This is their first location in Washington.
The shop is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with extended hours during warmer months. Guests can enjoy classic and seasonal favorites, with 48 rotating flavors each month. The 1,600-sq-ft Vancouver scoop shop offers pickup and delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Postmates along with catering services.
Beyond serving premium treats, the owners are committed to making a positive community impact. They plan to support local schools and organizations through fundraising and partnerships. The owners also aim to be a trusted employer for local youth.
“We are especially proud of the opportunity to provide first jobs for young people in Vancouver,” said Heather Portus, co owner of Vancouver Handel’s. “Creating a supportive environment where team members can learn responsibility and teamwork is a priority for us. We hope our store is a positive workplace that helps young employees build confidence they can carry throughout their careers.”
For more information about Handel’s Mill Plain including upcoming events, visit, https://handelsicecream.com/store/mill plain/
Handel’s ice cream is now open in Vancouver.
Photo courtesy Handel’s Ice Cream.
Christian Childcare
is now enrolling in our young toddler and toddler classrooms.
• Small one-teacher class ratios
• 6 students max per toddler classroom
• Loving Christian environment
Call or email today to schedule a tour! 360-574-4900 | 11005 NE Highway 99, Vancouver stjohnchristianchildcare@outlook.com
Nutter Foundation Presents the First‑Ever BuildHER Summit
The Nutter Foundation, the organization behind Dozer Day ®, is taking its mission further by launching The BuildHER Summit—a dynamic, hands on mentorship event designed to inspire girls ages 15–18 to explore and pursue careers in the trades.
The inaugural BuildHER Summit will take place April 22 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm at Nutter Corporation in Vancouver, with lunch provided for all participants. This first- of- its - kind event invites young women to step inside the world of construction, engineering, heavy equipment operation, welding and other skilled trades—guided directly by the women who are already doing the work.
The BuildHER Summit is designed to be immersive, inspiring and practical. Girls will hear directly from tradeswomen representing fields such as:
• Heavy equipment operation
• Carpentry
• Welding
• Electrical
• Engineering
• Mechanics
• Construction management
Panelists will share their stories—how they got started, what the job is really like, what they’ve learned along the way and the advice they wish they’d had at 15. Students will also have opportunities for Q&A, hands‑on exploration and guided mentorship conversations.
Girls ages 15–18, educators and school partners will receive sign‑up information directly through the Nutter Foundation and Vancouver School District as details are finalized. Tradeswomen interested in speaking or mentoring are invited to reach out to: info@nutterfoundation.org
The inspiration for the BuildHER Summit began with Nancy Duncan, Career & Technical Education TOSA (Teacher On Special Assignment) for Vancouver Public Schools, who saw firsthand how many young
women were eager for guidance, real -world insight and the confidence to step onto a jobsite feeling powerful, prepared and capable. Her observations—and her passion for creating meaningful pathways for girls—helped illuminate a gap in mentorship opportunities within the trades.
Duncan’s insight became the spark that ignited the BuildHER Summit, shaping it into a program designed not just to inform, but to empower.
As 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of The Nutter Foundation, which annually brings Dozer Day ® to our community, they celebrate a beloved event that has introduced thousands of children to the excitement of operating real heavy equipment while emphasizing safety, teamwork and future career pathways. Over the past two decades, the Foundation has given back more than $2.5 million and helped bring Dozer Day ® to communities across the nation. In honor of this milestone, the Foundation is proud to add the BuildHER Summit to its growing lineup of youth focused programs.
“Dozer Day ® has always been about building confidence and opening doors,” says Amy Johns (Jazzy), Dozer Day ® Co‑Chair. “The BuildHER Summit takes that mission one step further by creating a space where young women can see themselves in these careers—and meet the tradeswomen who are paving the way.”
eady for summer camp?
Check out our local guide for kids and teens ages 3 and up. Camps are listed in chronological order within categories.
DANCE CAMPS
COLUMBIA DANCE
SUPERHERO TRAINING CAMP
Location: 1700 Broadway, Vancouver, WA 98663
Phone: 360 737 1922
Website: columbiadance.org
Ages: 3 6
Days/Times: June 22 26, 9am 12pm
Cost: $240
Description: Calling all imagina tions! We need new recruits to protect Vancouver and uphold the values of the famous superheroes we love! At this camp, kids will learn about a special superhero characteristic each day. We will get physical with stretching, danc ing and lots of exercise. We’ll play games that encourage teamwork, perseverance and fairness. Crafts and snack time won’t be forgotten! Bring your A game for a fantastic week of fun!
COLUMBIA DANCE UNDER THE BIG TOP CAMP
Location: 1700 Broadway, Vancouver, WA 98663
Phone: 360 737 1922
Website: columbiadance.org
Ages: 3 6
Days/Times: July 20 24, 9am 12pm
Cost: $240
Description: Get ready for some Circus style fun in this camp! We will use our imaginations to
become tightrope walkers and ringmasters. We will focus on cour age, bravery and celebrating our uniqueness through games, dance and crafts. And we will come to gether to learn a dance to music from The Greatest Showman. Bring your boldest, most authentic self to this week of adventure and creativity!
COLUMBIA DANCE GREATEST SHOWMAN
LEVEL 1 DANCE INTENSIVE
Location: 1700 Broadway, Vancouver, WA 98663
Phone: 360 737 1922
Website: columbiadance.org
Ages: 6 10
Days/Times: July 20 24, 10:30am - 1:30pm, early drop off available
Cost: $240
Description: Each day will feature a classical ballet class where we will focus on having the body language of a brilliant performer. Confident posture will take center stage. The daily jazz class will have you singing songs from The Greatest Showman all day long. And let’s not forget that focused dancing re quires a fun play break. Our lunch break will feature time to play in our Under the Big Top Playroom.
COLUMBIA DANCE WICKEDLY WONDERFUL CAMP
Location: 1700 Broadway, Vancouver, WA 98663
Phone: 360 737 1922
Website: columbiadance.org
Ages: 3 6
Days/Times: July 27 31, 9am 12pm
Cost: $240
Description: It’s time to trust your instincts close your eyes, and leap into our Wickedly Wonderful Camp! This week will be all about the importance of friendship and celebrating who we are. Kids will
channel their inner Elphaba, Glinda and Fiyero as they explore both structured and imagination based dances. Games will foster team work and perseverance and craft ing will definitely get a bit green. Join us for a fun-filled week in the Emerald City!
COLUMBIA DANCE EMERALD CITY LEVEL 2 AND 3 DANCE INTENSIVE
Location: 1700 Broadway, Vancouver, WA 98663
Phone: 360 737 1922
Website: columbiadance.org
Ages: 9 12
Days/Times: July 27 31, 10:30am 1:30pm, early drop off available
Cost: $240
Description: Each day will feature a classical ballet class where we will focus on sparkling footwork and elegant port de bras danced to the music of Emeralds. The daily jazz class will help dancers find their inner Glinda, Elphaba or Fiye ro. And let’s not forget that focused dancing requires a fun play break. Our lunch break will feature time to play in our Wickedly Wonderful Playroom.
COLUMBIA DANCE BLUEY BONANZA CAMP
Location: 1700 Broadway, Vancouver, WA 98663
Phone: 360 737 1922
Website: columbiadance.org
Ages: 3 6
Days/Times: August 17 21, 9am 12pm
Cost: $240
Description: Calling all pup lovers! Find your magic xylophone and join us on an adventure to Australia where we’ll use our imaginations to celebrate our favorite dancing dogs! Bluey, Bingo and all of their friends will be celebrated as we dance, craft and play together as
a team. Bring your best Granny impressions, a great friend and a happily wagging tail to Columbia Dance this summer! J
USTFOR FUNCAMP
KIDS CLUB
SUMMER CAMPS FOR BIGS!
Location: 13914 NW 3rd Ct
Phone: 360 546 KIDS (5437)
Website: www.kidsclub4fun.com
Ages: 6yrs old 11yrs old
Days/Times: Monday Friday 7:45am 3pm
Cost: Starting at: $260 / Week
Description: Ready for some wild and crazy fun over the summer? We sure are! Join us for 10 weeks of summer camps! Each week is a different theme, so pick your fa vorites or join us all summer long. We keep things fresh by switch ing up activities every 20 30min. Each day features neat crafts, fun games and lots of active time in our Jungle and Gyms. Hope to see you! Extended care and lunch op tions available. Enroll by April 30th for an Early Bird Discount! https:// www.kidsclub4fun.com/camps
KIDS CLUB SUMMER CAMPS FOR LILS!
Location: 13914 NW 3rd Ct
Phone: 360 546 KIDS (5437)
Website: www.kidsclub4fun.com
Ages: 4yrs old 6yrs old
Days/Times: Monday Friday 7:45am 3:00pm
Cost: Starting at: $260 / Week
Description: Ready for some great fun geared toward the little ones! Join us for 10 weeks of fun and age appropriate camps. Each week is a different theme, so pick your favorites or join us all summer continued on page 12
continued from page 10
long. We keep the little ones mov ing about with time in our Jungle and Gyms. We have lots of time for neat crafts and things to explore to let their creativity blossom. Hope to see you! Extended care and lunch options available. Enroll by April 30th for an Early Bird Discount! www.kidsclub4fun.com/camps
THE LITTLE GYM OF VANCOUVER SUPER KIDS CAMPS
Location: 3000 SE 164th Avenue #111 Vancouver, WA 98683
Phone: 360 800 6242 (Call or Text)
Website: www.thelittlegym.com/ washington vancouver/ Ages: 3 12 years old
Days/Times: Various, Typically Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 12:30pm 3:30pm
Cost: $45/day Enrolled members receive discount
Description: The Little Gym camps offer a balanced mix of move ment and creativity. Campers rotate through guided gymnastics stations in the gym—building strength, coordination and confi dence—along with group games, arts and crafts and themed activi ties outside the gym. Each camp is thoughtfully structured to alter nate high energy movement with calmer moments, helping kids stay engaged and regulated. Led by experienced instructors, our camps support physical development, social skills and independence, so children leave proud of what they’ve tried and happily tired at the end of the day.
MUSIC CAMPS
SCHOOL OF ROCK: ROCK 101 CAMP
Location: 1825 SE 164th Ave #120 Vancouver, WA 98683
Phone: 360 468 7125
Website: https://www.schoolofrock. com/locations/vancouverwa/ music camps
Ages: 8 13
Days/Times: June 22 26, July 20 24, August 10 14, Monday Friday 9am 3pm
Cost: $550
Description: Want to play in a band on stage? Our Rock 101 music camp is designed for beginners 8 13 years old. No experience necessary! Students will explore their instruments through musical
games and activities. Our nurturing environment makes this the perfect camp for budding musicians. Stu dents will work on songs Monday through Friday and the camp will culminate in a concert at the end of the week for family and friends.
Days/Times: June 29 July 3, Monday Friday 10am 2pm
Cost: $365, early bird $325 Feb 1 March 15.
Description: Calling all Swifties! LIFE OF A SWIFTIE is a creative, joy-filled summer camp where mu sic lovers celebrate Taylor inspired style and sound. Campers will sing fan favorite hits in vocal sessions, learn expressive dance moves set to her music, explore songwriting and make Swiftie worthy creations like collages, friendship bracelets and cat ear headbands. It’s a con fidence-boosting week full of cre ativity, collaboration and sparkle!
SCHOOL OF ROCK: ROOKIES CAMP
Location: 1825 SE 164th Ave #120 Vancouver WA 98683
Days/Times: June 29 July 3, Monday Friday, 9am 1pm
Cost: $375
Description: Ear training, song structure, rhythm patterns and group playing are all part of this week long introduction to music. In this music camp, students will learn about all the different rock instru ments and begin their introduction to music theory and music appre ciation. This camp is designed for 5 to 7 year old students who have little to no experience with music. This five-day camp runs Monday through Friday with a performance at the end of the last day.
Description: HIP HOP & YOU DON’T STOP is a dynamic sum mer camp where kids can dive into the beats and moves of hip hop culture, its history and influences. Campers will learn dance routines (including breakdancing), create their own beats on professional equipment, design their own album covers and create colorful street art inspired artwork. It’s all about rhythm, art and self expression, making this the perfect place to let loose and have a blast!
SCHOOL OF ROCK: TAYLOR SWIFT CAMP
Location:1825 SE 164th Ave #120 Vancouver WA 98683
Description: Taylor Swift’s impact on music is undeniable, from country to indie rock. Throughout the five days of this music camp, students will learn songs from all stages of Taylor’s career culminat ing in a live performance. This camp features great opportunities for not only vocalists but all instru mentalists as well. Great for young musicians 10 18 who have some previous instruction.
Days/times: July 13 July 17, July 20 24, Monday Friday 10am 2pm
Cost: $365, early bird $325 Feb 1 March 15.
Description: Welcome to OPUS ON BROADWAY, our vibrant summer program where young performers dive into the magic of musical theater! Camp ers will learn choreography inspired by today’s Broad way hits, including the new Wicked, create Broadway themed art projects like
playbills, costume flair and propmaking and train their voices with songs from beloved musicals. It’s a summer full of theatrical fun and stage-ready confidence!
SCHOOL OF ROCK
80s ROCK CAMP
Location: 1825 SE 164th Ave #120, Vancouver WA 98683
Phone: 360 468 7125
Website: www.schoolofrock. com/locations/vancouverwa/ music camps
Ages: 10 18
Days/times: July 13 – 17, Monday Friday 9am 1pm
Cost: $550
Description: The 80s brought us a wave of new sounds and music genres, and produced hits that still rock the airwaves today. In this music camp, we’ll perform hits from artists like Billy Idol, Devo, Cyndi Lauper, Van Halen, Flock of Seagulls and many more. Monday through Friday will be spent learn ing and practicing 80s songs, all culminating in a live performance. Great for students 10 18 years of age who have had some previous instruction.
Days/Times: July 27 31, Aug 3 7, Monday Friday 10am 2pm
Cost: $365, early bird $325 Feb 1 March 15.
Description: Step into the spotlight at K POP STAR ACADEMY, where campers dance like their favorite idols to hit songs such as “Golden” continued on next page
continued from page 12 and “Soda Pop.” Alongside dance and vocal sessions, campers will create K pop–inspired art projects including concert posters, fashion accessories and playful stage props like fake ramen. The week builds into a bold idol experience where confidence gets loud, and music, movement and style come together.
SCHOOL OF ROCK CLASSIC ROCK REWIND CAMP
Location: 1825 SE 164th Ave #120 Vancouver, WA 98683
Description: Campers will learn the music of 60s and 70s rock icons such as The Beatles, Led Zeppe lin and The Rolling Stones in our Classic Rock Rewind music camp. In addition to rock songs, students will learn about rock history and the stagecraft needed to perform on stage. At the end of the week, students will put on a live perfor mance. Great for students 10 18 years old who have had some pre vious instruction.
SCHOOL OF ROCK BEST OF THE 90s CAMP
Location: 1825 SE 164th Ave #120 Vancouver, WA 98683
Description: The 90s were one of music’s most important decades as grunge and alternative music took over the airwaves and popular culture. Come celebrate bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Weezer and many more in our Best of the 90s music camp. Students will spend Monday through Friday learning and practicing songs from the 90s, all culminating in a live performance. Great for students 10 18 years old who have had some previous instruction.
Description: Campers step into a Disney inspired world where young artists and performers explore beloved fairytale themes through music, dance and art. From danc ing to icy sing along favorites to creating bold projects inspired by the latest Descendants film, Moana and the excitement of the upcom ing Toy Story 5, campers dive into storytelling, imagination and cre ative expression all week long. It’s a summer full of magic, creativity and make believe fun!
O VERNIGHT CAMPS
MOUNT ST. HELENS INSTITUTE FAMILY ADVENTURE CAMP
Location: Mount St. Helens
Science and Learning Center at Coldwater, 19000 Spirit Lake Hwy, Toutle, WA 98649
Phone: (360) 207 1777
Website: www.mshinstitute.org/ family adventure camp
Ages: Families with youth of all ages
Days/Times: June 26 28, July 10 12 or July 17 19. 3pm Friday 11am Sunday
Cost: Sliding scale, $87.50 $345/ person; children 4 years of age or younger attend for $25
Description: Adventure awaits at MSHI’s Family Adventure Camp, where curiosity, connection and the great outdoors come together. Families enjoy an unforgettable overnight experience exploring the awe inspiring Mount St. Helens landscape through guided hikes, hands on science, creative art and family friendly fun. Designed for all ages, this immersive camp makes learning exciting while of fering meaningful opportunities to unplug and explore together. With meals provided and expert educators leading engaging activi ties, families can relax and fully enjoy time together in nature. It’s a memorable blend of discovery, play and shared adventure in one remarkable setting.
CROSSROADS
COMMUNITY CHURCH VBS 2026: RAINFOREST FALLS
Location: 7708 NE 78th St, Vancouver, WA 98662
Phone: 360 256 9711
Website: crossroadschurch.net/vbs
Ages: Going into kindergarten through 5th grade
Days/Times: June 23 25
Cost: FREE!
Description: Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids will learn how being rooted in God, their Creator, gives them a safe place to stand through life’s storms. This FREE 3 day adventure is designed just for kids entering kindergarten through 5th grade. Each day fea tures large group skits, upbeat mu sic, fun games, delicious snacks, meaningful missional moments, engaging Bible lessons and plenty of time to build great friendships.
SCIENCE CAMPS
CAMP HOPE OF SW WASHINGTON
OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CAMP
Location: 12800 NE Roper Rd. Battle Ground, WA 98604
Phone: 360 666 9136
Website: www.camphope wa.org/ Ages: 6 17
Days/Times: June 17 19, July 6 8, August 17 21, 9am 3pm
Cost: $180 for 3 days, $300 for 5 days
Description: Outdoor Discovery Camp is packed with adventure— archery and hiking, spelunking in our cave, swimming in the river, team building games and sports. Campers explore nature, hands on science, arts, crafts and drama, creating unforgettable experiences every day!
MOUNT ST. HELENS INSTITUTE PRIVATE FAMILY ADVENTURE
Location: Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center at Coldwater, 19000 Spirit Lake Hwy, Toutle, WA 98649
Phone: (360) 207 1777
Website: www.mshinstitute.org/pfa
Ages: Families with youth of all ages
Days/Times: Weekday of your choice
Cost: Varies by group size and program length, $120+
Description: Private Family Adventures (PFA) from the Mount St. Helens Institute are small group, guided explorations for families and close knit groups who want to learn and wander together. Perfect for summer days, these customized outings turn the volcano into a living classroom— sparking curiosity, big questions and shared discovery. Each experi ence is led by trained educators who specialize in inspiring youth through hands on science and na ture learning, while helping groups connect more deeply with each other and the landscape. Adven tures move at your pace and follow your interests. Learn more on our website, www.mshinstitute.org/pfa.
continued on page 16
continued from page 14
USTA PNW RECTENNIS SUMMER TENNIS CAMP
Location: Hockinson, Kelso, Ridgefield, Vancouver and Wash ougal
Phone: 971 446 0500
Website: www.rectennis.com
Ages: 5 17 years old
Days/Times: June 22 August 21
Monday Friday, 9am 12pm
Cost: $180/week; Scholarships available
Description: Our Summer Tennis Camps are the perfect way for kids and teens ages 5 17 to stay active, make friends and have fun during the summer. Camps for younger participants focus on the ABCs of tennis—agility, balance and coordination—while teens build on these fundamentals to develop rallying, serving, scoring and court confidence. Using age-appropriate equipment as well as grouping players by age and ability, our camps ensure everyone pro gresses at their own pace. Partici pants will enjoy a fun, supportive atmosphere that promotes healthy lifestyles, fosters social connec tions and inspires a lifelong love of tennis. All equipment is provided.
VANCOUVER TENNIS CENTER SUMMER TENNIS CAMPAGES 5-7
Location: Vancouver Tennis Center Phone: 360 773 5038
Website: pnwtenniscenters.com/ Vancouver/
Ages: 5 7
Days/Times: Camps run weekly June 29 August 28, 9:30am 12:30pm
Cost: $225 members / $270 non members
Description: Children ages 5 7 are in our Red Ball Summer Camp. This is an introductory camp for children who are new to tennis. Campers will learn with the red foam balls that bounce lower and move more slowly through the air, giving beginning players a chance to set up and take a good swing at the ball. We’ll focus on developing the ABC’s of tennis (agility, balance and coordination) while introducing proper technique that will enable these young players to rally and have some fun!
Description: Children ages 8 10 are in our Orange Ball Summer Camp. This is an introductory camp for children who are new to tennis. We’ll focus on developing the ABC’s of tennis (agility, balance and coordination) while introduc ing proper technique that will en able these young players to rally. Orange Ball is a step toward the traditional yellow tennis ball while remaining fun and manageable for players learning the game. Play ers will continue to work on tennis fundamentals and learn to hit with direction, height and depth on a smaller court. We’ll focus on the fundamentals necessary to serve and rally using a game based cur riculum and continue to develop the athletic skills essential to the sport.
Description: Children ages 11 13 participate in our Green Ball Sum mer Camp. This fun camp is ideal
for beginning youths or players who are ready to transition to the traditional Yellow Ball. At this level, players will be able to use a full sized court and net. Players will build athletic fundamentals by learning proper footwork and racquet mechanics. We’ll focus on teaching the basics of rallying and keeping score.
VANCOUVER TENNIS CENTER SUMMER TENNIS CAMPHIGH SCHOOL 1.0-3.0
Location: Vancouver Tennis Center
Phone: 360 773 5038
Website: pnwtenniscenters.com/ Vancouver/
Ages: 14 18
Days/Times: Camps run weekly
June 29 August 28, 1pm 3pm
Cost: $180 members / $216 non members
Description: This camp is for high school players from beginners to Varsity level. Players will be grouped by ability and will focus on skills necessary to play on a high school team, including tennis stroke fundamentals, doubles and singles positioning, strategy and tactics.
USTA PNW RECTENNIS TEEN TENNIS CLASS
Location: Vancouver (Fisher Basin Park)
Phone: 971 446 0500
Website: Rectennis.com
Ages: 14 17 years old
Days/Times: 6 classes Monday & Wednesday, 6pm 7:30pm June 29 July 15 and July 27 Aug. 12
Cost: $108 for 6 classes; scholarships available
Description: For high school students in grades 9–12. Whether you’re picking up a racquet for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, Teen Tennis offers a fun, supportive space to play, progress and connect with others who love the game. Our coaches lead players through engaging drills, match play and team based activities to build skills, confidence and camara derie. Parents can feel assured knowing this program is structured, skills focused and designed to support their teen’s growth both on and off the court. All equipment is provid ed—just come ready to move and have fun!
THEATER CAMPS
JOURNEY THEATER ARISTOCATS KIDS
MUSICAL THEATER CAMP
Location: 1201 SE 136th Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 360 750 8550
Website: www.JourneyTheater.org
Ages: 7 12 year olds
Days/Times: Weeks of June 22 26 and July 13 17. Monday Friday, 9am 3pm
Cost: $365
Description: Journey Theater Kids’ Camp is a fun-filled week for kids who love to be on stage! Campers spend mornings in rotations that include dance, drama and voice to learn material for Friday’s camp showcase. After lunch, campers enjoy game time and a Bible les son. The rest of the afternoon is filled with full company rehearsals. The camp week concludes with Showcase, in front of an audience of family and friends.
JOURNEY THEATER GOT A CLUE?
Location: Various Vancouver locations
Phone: 360 750 8550
Website: www.JourneyTheater.org
Ages: 7 12 year olds
Days/Times: Weeks of July 6 10 and August 10 14. Monday Friday, 9am 3pm
Cost: $365.
Description: Journey Theater Kids’ Camp is a fun-filled week for kids who love to be on stage! Campers spend mornings in rotations that include dance, drama and voice to learn material for Friday’s camp showcase. After lunch, campers enjoy game time and a Bible les son. The rest of the afternoon is filled with full company rehearsals.
BIKING IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON: Two Wheels, One Community
By Emily Corak
B en B., eight years old, learned to ride his bike without training wheels last summer and says, “It was hard, but now it’s really fun because I get to zoom past everyone.” Despite the rain, biking in Southwest Washington is hard to beat. We are lucky enough to live in a gorgeous area that’s meant to be experienced up close and outside of a car.
Thankfully, we have a range of bike shops and organizations for kids, families, serious cyclists and everything in between. Independent bike shops and organizations are full of immense knowledge and expertise so that people don’t waste their time and money on bikes that won’t meet their needs. Every person I met with had such passion for getting more people outside on two wheels to explore everything our corner of the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
VANCOUVER CYCLERY
Will Phillips has owned Vancouver Cyclery for nearly eight years and has been in the biking industry for most of his adult life. “Kids and people with bikes are always happy and positive,” says Phillips. “Cycling is more than a mode of transportation or exercise; it is a powerful contributor to physical health, mental well being and community connection.”
Vancouver Cyclery boasts a range of new bicycles and gear for families and serious bikers, and you will most likely be greeted by Hailey Jo, the adorable shop dog.
A former mountain biker and BMX rider, Phillips says most of his biking is geared towards “doing dad things” and taking his two young kids along for rides on his e bike and trailer. His son has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, so accessibility for everyone on a bicycle is incredibly important to him. “E bikes allow my son to go on adventures and experience the wind rushing past and the world opening wider,” says Phillips. “It gives him not just physical strength but also builds his confidence, plus it’s a great bonding time for us that I treasure deeply.”
“We have an incredible community of people who love to ride bikes,” says Phillips, giving a shout out to the Vancouver Bicycle Club with over 700 members. “There’s a member of the club who shows up to every Vancouver city council meeting when road work is being addressed to make sure bike lanes are accounted for.”
The group hosts a fundraiser ride called Ride Around Clark County (RACC) to raise money for charities in the community. “For the past six or seven years, I’ve been able to volunteer and do bike maintenance along the route to get people up and running,” says Phillips.
Vancouver Cyclery also offers a full-service repair shop, and Phillips says, “We are able to fix a lot of things.” If people bring bikes that can’t be fixed, they are donated to Wheel
Deals through Open House ministries. Phillips adds, “Besides bicycles, we also have a large following of people who need repairs for wheelchairs and walkers.”
Like many bikers in the area, Phillips believes Clark County is a spectacular area to ride: “Klineline and Salmon Creek as well as Burnt Bridge Creek are great trails for families.” Most importantly – he wants to see more people on bikes. “It’s good for the body and it’s good for the soul,” he says.
CAMAS BIKE & SPORT
“New bike days are my favorite,” says Pete Clagett, owner of Camas Bike & Sport, also
continued on page 20
Photo courtesy Camas Bike & Sport
continued from page 18
known as Camas Bikes. “There’s something about a kid, or even an adult getting their first bike– you cannot wipe that grin off their face!”
An owner alongside his wife Robin since 2019, Clagett has loved being a part of the Camas and the biking community. “We are a service and a hub for the community,” he says. “We don’t want to just support it – we want to help it grow.”
After a successful corporate career in the Midwest, avid biker Clagett had no interest in retiring and set his sights on moving to the Pacific Northwest. After searching and discovering the bike shop in downtown Camas, they found the perfect fit. “We love this gem of a town,” he adds. “This place has great families, great parks and fantastic outdoor recreation.”
Camas Bikes is an award winning full service bike shop selling a wide range of new bikes and gear for new and experienced riders, while their wheelhouse is mountain biking. “We are known for our service department and it’s the core of our business,” says Clagett. “Customers trust us and we build relationships when they see how we care for their bikes.” They also rent bikes, including e bikes. In the winter months, they also rent snowshoes and poles.
To support the biking community, Camas Bikes partners with Camas Panthers, a composite team of middle school and high school bikers from all over Clark County. “We put on clinics for the team to teach safety, bike maintenance and preparation for race season,” he says.
In the summer, they offer general clinics about bike maintenance 101, and they participate with and sponsor Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, the largest mountain bike trail and advocacy organization in the US.
“Our philosophy is customers first – always. I want to get to know people and understand what the right bike is going to be for them,” Clagett says.
“Coming from the healthcare world and being a cyclist all my life, I know the physical benefits of biking are enormous, but the other side is the mental health benefits,” he says. “There is a freedom to riding a bike; you have to turn
your brain off everything else and focus on the thrill, being outdoors and turning your mental focus to the present.”
PROPAIN BICYCLES
Propain Bicycles (not to be confused with propane) originated 15 years ago in Southwest Germany by a helicopter engineer who wanted to design a better mountain bike for his own use. Patrick Thomas, the marketing manager, says, “It’s hard to talk about bikes without getting super nerdy,” but he kindly breaks it down for me in laymen’s terms. “At our roots,” he explains, “we are a gravity oriented mountain bike brand that makes it really fun to go downhill fast.”
More knowledgeable bikers than I might appreciate that Propain developed their own suspension system. “We created a proprietary design specific to our bikes which translates to a truly unique riding experience,” says Thomas.
Vancouver is home to the only North American location of Propain Bicycles where all the parts are sourced and assembled. The brand prides itself on being a direct to consumer company where bikers can build their dream mountain bike online, but they have an impressive showroom for bikers to check out as well.
“We are good folks to come to because everybody that works here rides all of the time,” says Thomas. “Whether you’re looking to do a literal backflip or want to ride downhill for the first time, we can supply you with the best place to go have fun.”
When asked about the best spots, Thomas says there are so many to choose from, and a perfect place to start is to check out Evergreen Mountain Bike Association and Northwest Trail Alliance. For his personal favorites, he says, “I love Lacamas Lake; it’s an extremely fun place to ride shared use trails and learn a lot of fundamentals.” For riders craving a challenge, he suggests they head to the Tualatin Forest in Scappoose.
Bikers who are curious to try before they buy can head to the showroom and demo a mountain bike for a small rental fee.
Still new to Vancouver but eager to grow and be a part of the community, Propain is sponsoring local teams and lending bikes to Warpaint Outdoors, an organization that aims to increase diversity and equity in outdoor recreation spaces.
With a goal of fun and adventure, Propain Bikes believes that mountain biking can be great for everybody. Patrick, who is his early thirties, says the sport is full of accidental health benefits. “I figured out that I wanted to be able to ride faster, and it encouraged me to quit smoking,” says Patrick. “Biking is one of those sports that’s so fun that you don’t realize you’re being accidentally healthy as well.”
OUTER RIM BICYCLES
Sarah Waits, an owner of Outer Rim Bicycles, took over the bike shop after her dear friend and founder Nadine Jones passed away from cancer. The original location in Portland
continued on page 22
Photo courtesy Propain Bicycles
READ OUR LATEST BLOG POST...
CLOSING COSTS & BUYING DOWN POINTS... WHAT YOU AREN’T ASKING
Every buyer has fees to get into a home. I don’t care what the radio tells you, you can not buy a home without some skin in the game.
First, you need earnest money. Earnest money shows the seller that you are a serious buyer. Earnest money will be deposited to the title company. When you close, your earnest money goes toward your down payment, or your closing costs, and sometimes (only sometimes) you can get your earnest money back after closing. If you do not close, and if you back out WITHOUT a legal reason, then the seller has a right to all or part of your earnest money. We will talk more about legal reasons later.
Second, you need money for inspections. We talked about this recently... home inspections, and sewer scope inspections. You can also do a radon test, & a well test...depending on the property you want to purchase. Inspections are done by 3rd parties, and they will want to be paid for their time, and expertise to come out and perform the inspections. I know... crazy talk... these are out-of-pocket funds you need upfront.
Third, you need to pay for the appraiser. Remember that the inspections are for YOUR information. The appraiser is for the bank’s information. The bank wants to make sure it isn’t lending you more than the house is worth... you know... just in case you don’t pay your mortgage and they end up taking it back. The bank will only lend you either the purchase price OR the appraisal amount... WHICHEVER IS LESS. So no, you can not take out ‘extra money’ as part of your purchase...even if it is for something you want to do to the house. They don’t do that anymore because people didn’t use it for the house. It’s like your mom said, “it only takes one person to ruin it for everybody”, or in this case ... thousands of people.
You can go to the website to read the blog we did on these in more depth.
continued from page 20
opened in 2006, and they recently opened their Ridgefield location in May 2025. “Our belief is that bikes are just good for people, and we want to see more people on bicycles,” says Waits. “Our goal is to remove the blockades for getting people on a bike.”
The shop prides itself on being a family owned and operated bike store with a range of bikes for kids and adults. While their specialty is BMX biking, one of their hottest selling items right now is electric bikes, or e bikes. “I love what e bikes are doing for the industry,” says Waits, citing the accessibility and ease that will allow people to get out on their bikes and keep up with confidence.
“My passion is getting the average person on a bike,” says Waits, who adds that she doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of a traditional biker. “I really believe in being inclusive I want to see kids, families and individuals incorporate cycling into their lives in a meaningful way.”
Since their opening last year, they are finding ways to contribute to the community by hosting their first annual Kid’s Ride Safe event which taught the fundamentals of bike safety to nearly 200 kids. They also work alongside the “bike bus” program, organized by Ridgefield parents, which collects students
on their bikes so they can ride together safely to school. They’re currently working on a map of bike trails because, as Waits says, “There are just so many incredible places to bike around here.”
While people might be tempted to go the route of buying bikes through big retailers, Waits says that the care and support offered at bike shops is unparalleled. “Building and maintaining a bike is an art,” she says. “You don’t have to spend more money with me to buy local,” says Waits. “And we want to get you matched with the right bike so you don’t end up with an expensive piece of garage jewelry.”
The bottom line, according to Waits, is that more people should be on bikes because “there is no joy like being on two wheels.”
BIKE CLARK COUNTY
Bike Clark County, located in downtown Vancouver, is committed to making bikes accessible and empowering the community with education. Peter Van Tilburg, the executive director, says “We want to get more individuals on bicycles and make biking affordable.” Relying on grants, financial donations and donated bikes, this nonprofit puts hundreds of new and refurbished bikes into the hands of those that need them and gives bikes to over 20 different organizations.
The bike shop, which is housed in a space donated by Burgerville corporation, not only sells bikes at reasonable prices, but offers a free bike clothing rack, a work bench full of tools for community members to use on their own bikes and a full service repair shop.
The programming and the numbers of Bike Clark County are wildly impressive: 180 kids ages 6 14 attend summer camps every year where they learn basic bike maintenance and take daily biking trips around the community. 1,500 middle school kids graduate from the P.E. bike safety programs, and 60 high school students receive a fully refurbished bike after attending a six week holistic Bike2Leadership program.
Van Tilburg wants the public to know that they have even bigger plans for their nonprofit. “We’re always taking funding!” he says. “With more funding, we can grow – reach more people, offer more classes and make an even bigger impact.”
And to commit to their goal of supporting the environment, Bike Clark County partners with the Vancouver Bike Club to haul food from the farmer’s market to local food banks. They’ve also saved an impressive 14,000 pounds of scrap metal from landfills by stripping off usable parts of bikes that are no longer rideable.
“If you can’t afford a car, or teens can’t afford driver’s education, this is another great way to get around the city with health benefits and lower impact on the climate,” says Van Tilburg. If you have a bike that your child has outgrown, check in with Bike Clark County to see if they can put it to good use in the community!
In Southwest Washington, biking is more than recreation. It’s a way to connect with the outdoors, the community and each other. On two wheels, adventure is always within reach.
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.
Ridgefield Youth Orchestra: Spreading the Joy of
By Sarah Mortensen
T
he Ridgefield Youth Orchestra (RYO) may have started small, but founder Charlotte Barnes has big plans. Her goal is to create a musical movement in Ridgefield and northern Clark County so all students can experience the joy of making music and the friendships that come with it.
As a birthday gift, Barnes’ husband bought signs and posted them around Ridgefield in the hopes of attracting new students. Inadvertently, one sign caught the eye of local violin teacher Katherine Landes. Landes was excited for a youth orchestra because she wanted her own students to have the opportunity to play with other instruments, so she reached out to see if Barnes needed help.
It was a fast friendship. “I could just tell from our first real phone call that she had so much joy and enthusiasm and that we would be like minded,” shares Landes. Barnes and Landes both played in orchestras in grade school and into college; and both say that playing music was an important part of their youth, especially
because of the friendships they made. “The Portland Metropolitan Youth Symphony in the nineties was such a source of joy for me.... I knew that I wanted my career to involve violin and teaching kids,” shares Landes.
Barnes had also taught music lessons for years, but her favorite music to play was in large orchestral groups. Even though her own teenage sons play guitar in a rock band and were not currently interested in an orchestra themselves, Barnes kept getting the feeling that the Ridgefield community needed one.
Laying the Foundation of Something Great Barnes began the RYO with just five violinists in the advanced ensemble in 2025. Soon, others were hearing about the orchestra, and in one year it grew from five to ten students. With Landes now on board, there are morning classes for third and fourth graders at both South Ridge (Tuesday and Fridays) and Union Ridge (Monday and Thursdays) Elementaries. The classes are full, and Barnes and Landes are shocked at the level of interest. “It’s so
exciting seeing these kids figure out these difficult but beautiful instruments,” Barnes says. These beginner students will eventually feed into the advanced orchestra taught by Barnes. To help with the transition, they have added an intermediate orchestra.
“The dream is to have regular, daily orchestra classes at both the [Ridgefield] high schools and the middle school, and a morning orchestra at all three Ridgefield elementary schools,” explains Barnes. During practices, Barnes tells her students that as founding members of the RYO they are laying the foundation for future student musicians.
“I want our students to have experiences similar to those enjoyed in Vancouver [School District]: large ensembles, multiple skill levels, festivals, competitions, field trips, etc.” shares Barnes. But above all she hopes her “musicians will create a strong string community, making friends for life, establishing core values and developing a love for music.”
Play a Joyful Song
Daisy, the oldest member of the orchestra, was one of Barnes’ first two violinists. She had previously played in a middle school orchestra before her family moved to Brush Prairie. When she joined the RYO, even though it was smaller, she “felt very back at home every time I went to orchestra.” Now a junior at Summit View High School, she’s been able to brush back up on her skills while also suggesting pieces she loved playing in the past.
continued on page 26
The first-ever group in April 2025.
Photo courtesy Charlotte Barnes.
Audiology
continued from page 24
Lyla, who has played violin for almost two years, loves RYO because of the performing opportunities she now has saying, “I like how I get to practice more and more every week.” She also likes finally playing with an ensemble, “It sounds really pretty with the harmony.” Lyla’s mom, Carmen Benitez, was impressed with how quickly they improved as a group after just a few practices. When asked what she thinks has made the RYO a success so far, she says, “I think Charlotte’s secret sauce is her joy in teaching music.”
Barnes’ joy is instantly noticeable. During a rehearsal I attended, there was a strong focus on having the students listen to each other while feeling the emotions of the songs they were practicing for an upcoming performance. She was endlessly energetic and encouraging as she coached them on dynamics and techniques. Ron Thompson, father to violinist Emma, echoed, “She’s just great at connecting to kids on their level. You can clearly see them respond to it.”
Ron’s daughter, Emma, was inspired to play the violin because of artist Lindsey Stirling. Now that she plays music with the orchestra, she says her note reading skills have improved a lot, but what makes her happy is, “playing the music and hearing all the harmony and melody together.”
Benefits Between the Bars
As a decades long music teacher, Landes knows the dedication it takes to learn to play
an instrument, and how much more practice it takes to play music alongside others. One piece she was particularly proud of was Epic Adventure because it required complicated skills and counting. “I saw a tremendous amount of growth in the students with that,” she shares.
The coordination that must exist for an orchestra to perform well requires “a deep ability to focus,” continues Landes. When young musicians work on that level of coordination, they are using different parts of the brain that “is basically the opposite of video games,” she quips. Since she started teaching twenty years ago, Landes sees the need for this kind of focus and attention to detail for her students “[which] can always help with things like math. Even reading a novel nowadays can be difficult for kids who don’t have much patience because they’re just used to little soundbites.”
Ask any music teacher and they’ll say the same thing: learning to play an instrument is one of the best ways to help children learn other skills such as coordination, pattern recognition and even increase their memories. Additionally, social skills such as emotional regulation, listening and cooperation are all benefits of playing music in a group.
For Barnes, she says she loves seeing her students’ progress throughout each session, but she also loves laughing with them and encouraging them in their own interests. Overall, the best part of being the conductor is, “seeing their joy when we play really well together.”
Opportunity for All
“We are always seeking experienced violin, viola, cello and bass players to help with all three of our orchestra levels,” invites
Barnes. “RYO has several youths from Battle Ground, as their school district does not have an orchestra program [either] and some homeschool youth as well.”
Landes adds, “Everybody is welcome! My hope is that everyone in Hockinson, Battle Ground, Ridgefield and La Center would find a place for their kids to experience what a school orchestra [can] feel like.”
It’s not too late to join the intermediate and advanced orchestra sessions, which run until June. “It’s a small time commitment, low pressure and a joyful environment,” says Barnes. Practices take place Thursdays for the advanced orchestra and Tuesdays for intermediate orchestra, both 2:30 4:00 at View Ridge Middle School. She also hopes any local string music teachers will reach out since many of her students are looking for private lessons.
“With funding cuts happening at schools all over the county, I hope that I can inspire parents and community members to step up and provide youth with important programs independently. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And where there’s an awesome program, there’s happy families supporting you,” says Barnes.
For those wanting to see the RYO in action, their next performances will be at Ridgefield High School’s Performing Arts Center on March 19 and June 5 at 7 pm. Anyone interested in joining or volunteering can email ridgefieldyouthorchestra@gmail.com for details or register through Ridgefield School District’s Community Education website.
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.
Top left: The RYO played their December concert during the Ridgefield School District's Winter Market.
Bottom left: The Advanced Orchestra plays at their Fall Concert in November 2025.
Photos courtesy Charlotte Barnes.
Spring Break
AT THE LIBRARY
Grab your family and join us for some fun events during Spring Break!
These free programs are both educational and entertaining. From fun physics experiments to interactive comedy and magic, we have everything you need for a memorable Spring Break.
OMSI: MOTION COMMOTION
RHYS THOMAS SCIENCE CIRCUS
CREATURE TEACHERS
ANGEL OCASIO’S COMEDY, MAGIC, AND STUFF
MATT BAKER COMEDY + STUNTS
Check our calendar for a full list of Spring Break at the Library programs.
Calendar
March '26
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
1 SUNDAY
Love Street Playhouse Presents: Small Potatoes at 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. Is the cost of chasing dreams worth sacrificing loved ones? David Bareford’s new drama explores the tension between ambition and responsi bility for Depression era immigrants striving for the American Dream. Tickets are $26 at lovestreetplayhouse.com. Dates and times vary through March 15
Free Indoor Community Play at Fourth Plain Community Commons, 301 East 4th Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Experience a free indoor play day, hosted by Columbia Play Project. Create a flying object in the maker space or visit the sensory space. Other activities may include blocks, trains, camping and Farmer’s Market. 1-4 pm
Southwest Washington Wind Symphony Presents: Viva Musica at Union High School, 6201 NW Friberg Strunk St., Camas. Two re nowned guest artists join for this performance: Oregon Symphony’s principal tubist JáTtik Clark and saxophonist Jeff Siegfried from West Virginia University. This performance will be directed by Patrick Murphy from the University of Portland. Free. 3 pm
2 MONDAY
Parents and Guardians Workshop: Ready, Set, Middle School at East County Family Resource Building, 1702 C St., Vancouver. Middle school is a big leap for kids and their families. The BRIDGE workshop, created by author and teacher Krissie Lenahan, offers strategies to build connection and confidence as children enter adolescence. Free. 5-6 pm
2026 Studio Ghibli Film Festival Presents Howl’s Moving Castle at OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland. Howl’s Moving Castle was the second Studio Ghibli film to be nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. $7 $9 at omsi.edu. 7:309:30 pm
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.
3 TUESDAY
Rainbow Reads at the Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Rainbow Reads is a book club for LGBTQIA+ teens and their allies. Join in for YA fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels. Free. 4:30-5:30 pm
4 WEDNESDAY
Kids Read to a Dog at Cascade Park Com munity Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancou ver. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. For ages 5–9. Free. March 4 and 18, 4-5 pm
Teen Songwriting Workshop at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. This songwriting workshop gives tools to bring song ideas to life and learn more about the songwriting craft. Registration required at cityofcamas.us/library. Free. 5-7 pm
Our Vancouver, Our Future 2045 at Cas cade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. What will Vancouver look like in 2045? Join in for a community presen tation and Q&A session on the draft Compre hensive Plan and Zoning Code for the City of Vancouver. RSVP at cityofvancouver.us. Free. 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Brandi Carlile – The Human Tour at Moda Center, 1 N Center Ct. St., Portland. Celebrat ing her new album, Returning To Myself, this highly anticipated run marks her first solo project in four years and promises an intimate, powerful performance. Tickets are $70+ at ticketmaster.com. 7 pm
5 THURSDAY
3D Printer Certification at Ridgefield Com munity Library, 210 N Main Ave., Ridge field. Learn the skills necessary to become certified to use the library’s Lulzbot ® Mini 3D printer. Get hands on training with the basic mechanics of operating and troubleshooting the machine. For ages 9+. Register at fvrl.org. Free. 3-5 pm
Kids & Tweens Fishing for Beginners at La Center Community Library, 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Road, La Center. Want to start fishing but don’t know where to begin? This program teaches about essential fishing equipment and current fishing laws. For ages 5–12. Free. 4-5 pm
Line Dancing Lessons at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, 1535 E St., Washougal. Line dancing instruction for all ages and skill levels. $10 per participant. March 5 and 19 from 7-9 pm
Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge, 215 N Hen drickson Drive, Kalama. Bingo takes place the first Thursday of the month at Old 97. Fun prizes are available for every bingo, with a grand prize of an overnight stay at the Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free. All ages welcome. 7 pm
6 FRIDAY
Tiny Toppings Playtime at Eight Cow Creamery, 4327 S Settler Dr. B, Ridgefield. A social time for little ones to connect, play, make new friends and of course… enjoy a scoop of ice cream with sprinkles! Every first and third Friday at noon. Free. 12-1 pm
Welcome to Jurassic Camas Downtown Camas. Stomp, chomp and roar through Downtown Camas during this big, bold and interactive First Friday. Activities include Jurassic Camas Quest, The Great Dino Egg Hunt Adventure, crafts, games, photo ops and more. Free. 5-8 pm
continued on next page
continued from page 29 for inspiration, recognition and impact at its annual Java for Justice Brunch, returning to raise vital funds for the organization’s Advo cacy Center for Justice. Attendees can expect powerful speakers, a silent auction, awards ceremonies, a delicious brunch and more. 11 am-1 pm
Children’s Business Fair at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, 1535 E St., Washougal. Sup port young entrepreneurs! Children develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy and open for customers at the one day marketplace. 11 am–2 pm
Dinosaurs! at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland. Journey through time with a dinosaur themed concert for all ages. Merging live music with Jurassic excitement and interactive storytelling, this event provides an ideal experience for young paleontologists and music fans. Tickets are $25 $53 at orsymphony.org. 2 pm
Clark College Orchestra Winter Concert at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. The Clark College Orchestra pres ents “Let’s Dance” for their Winter Quarter Concert. Directed by Dr. Rafael Rodriguez, the orchestra performs pieces by Julio Fon seca, Florence Price, Jose Pablo Moncayo and Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony. Free admis sion. 7:30-9 pm
12 THURSDAY
Clark College Treble Ensemble & Chorale Winter Concert at First United Methodist Church, 401 E 33rd St., Vancouver. Clark Col lege Treble Ensemble and College Chorale present their Winter 2026 Concert. Directed by Dr. Jacob Funk and accompanied by Dr. Jeongmi Yoon. Free Admission. 7:30-9 pm
13 FRIDAY
Cirque Mechanic Tilt at Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview. Cirque Mechanics shows, rooted in realism, display a raw quality rarely found in the modern circus making their message timeless and relevant. The stories are wrapped in circus acrobatics, mechanical wonders, and a bit of clowning around. Tickets are $28 $61 at columbiathe atre.com. 7:30-9:30 pm
Stumptown Stages Presents: Avenue Q at Brunish Theatre 1111 SW Broadway Ave., Portland. Filled with gut busting humor and a delightfully catchy score, not to mention puppets, Avenue Q is a truly unique show that has quickly become a favorite for audiences everywhere. Tickets start at $43 at portland5. com. March 13 – April 12, times vary
14 SATURDAY
2026 US World Open Taekwondo Championships at the Oregon Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Portland. Spectate a diverse range of Taekwondo disciplines, from technical Weap ons and Poomsae to full contact Olympic and Kombat sparring. Tickets are $20 at the door, cash only. 8 am – 5 pm
Deciduous Tree Communities Nature Days at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Nature Days are free events designed to bring the community outdoors. The goal is to inspire scientific curiosity, high light the importance of individual perspectives and reinforce the fact that nature is a space for all. Free. 10 am – 1 pm
Washington State Toy Show at Clark County Event Center, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. The Washington State Toy Show features vintage and modern toys, comic books and collectibles from local vendors. Admission is $5, age 12 and older and free ages 0 11. Early bird admission is $10. 10 am – 4 pm
The Ugly Duckling at Metropolitan Perform ing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Broadway Mini’s second showcase will be a joy for the whole family. For the winter session, the minis will take on this delightful classic. See metropolitanperformingarts.org for tickets. 1:30pm
15 SUNDAY
St. Paddy’s Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr. Suite 191, Vancouver. Get ready to splash into a fun-filled day celebrating St. Paddy’s with the whole family at this swim event. Free. Reserve a spot through their Facebook event. 2-4 pm
16 MONDAY
Tales With Tails at Camas Public Library, 625 N 4th Ave., Camas. Improve reading skills by reading to a therapy dog. These 15 minute sessions give the opportunity to boost confi dence and practice skills to the best listener around. Registration is required at cityof camas.us/library. Free. 4-5:15 pm
Scan to check out our website for even more local events. +
18 WEDNESDAY
Beaded Shamrocks at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Make a good luck charm with pipe cleaners and beads to cre ate a shamrock for St. Patrick’s Day. This program is for kids in Grades K 5 with an adult. Free. 1:30-2:30 pm
March Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy., Vancouver. Have you ever wondered how old the fish are out in our round ponds, or how the hatchery works? Find the answers to these questions and more on a tour of our unique historic hatchery. Free. Register at columbiasprings.org. 3-4 pm
20 FRIDAY
Family Bingo Night at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Experience the excitement of Bingo during this library hosted event. Winners receive their choice of Read ing Dragon prize. All ages welcome. Free. 5-6 pm
Little Art Camas 2026 at Fuel Medical Building, 314 NE Birch, Camas. This two day community event exhibits small scale works of art by local creators. Live music, refreshments and a silent auction further enhance the Fri day festivities. Tickets are $5 at the door ages 12+ and are good for both days. March 20, 5-8 pm. March 21, 12-4 pm.
21 SATURDAY
The Princess and the Goblin King at Met ropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A brand new play from the in house playwright Wiliam Johnson brings George MacDonald’s fantasy novel, The Princess and the Goblin, to the stage. See metropolitanperformingarts.org for tickets and times. March 21 and 22
22 SUNDAY
Couve Clover Run at Waterfront Park, 695 Waterfront Way, Vancouver. Run, give back and party on Vancouver’s Waterfront. Join in for the 11th Annual Couve Clover Run and celebrate in festive green while running
continued on next page
continued from previous page
or walking 3, 7 or 10 miles along an extremely fast and scenic course to support local chari ties. Visit whyracingevents.com for details. 9 am
23 MONDAY
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at New mark Theatre, 111 SW Broadway, Portland. A vibrant blend of The Brothers Grimm folklore and Bogdan Pavlovsky’s music, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs offers a fantastic ballet experience for all ages. Tickets start at $40 at portland5.com. 7 pm
25 WEDNESDAY
Kids & Tweens STEM Lab at Washougal Community Library, 1661 C Street, Washou gal. Explore science, technology, engineering and math through hands on activities. For ages 5–12. Free. 4-5 pm
Poetry Street PNW – a Poetry Open Mic at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Read aloud an original or favorite work and listen to monthly featured poets. All ages are welcome. 6:15-7:45 pm
26 THURSDAY
Rhythm of the Dance at Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview. This live extravaganza features world champion Irish
March 22, 2026 3, 7 & 10 Miler
PLUS! 1 Mile Lucky Leap and 3 Mile Walk Benefiting Local Public Schools
COOL SWAG FOR ALL REGISTERED: TECHSHIRT, FOOD/BEER GARDEN & MEDAL!
SAVE 10% USING PROMO CODE WHYVANCOUVERFAMILY KIDS 12 AND UNDER RACE FOR FREE AGES 13-17 RACE FOR 50% OFF
REGISTER & DETAILS AT WHYRACINGEVENTS.COM
3.56x4.8_VFad_ALL.indd 2
dancers and musicians. The performance combines traditional artistry with cutting edge stage technology. Tickets are $23 $56.50 at columbiatheatre.com. 7:30-9:30 pm
27 FRIDAY
English Country Dance at Fern Prairie Grange, 1814 NE 267th Ave., Camas. Open to all ages and experience levels, this fun-filled night offers the opportunity to master a new dance or two. Suggested donation is $5 per person or $10 per family. 6:30-11 pm
28 SATURDAY
17th Annual Children’s Festival at Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, Vancouver. Join Vancouver Family Magazine for our 17th Annual Children’s Festival at Vancouver Mall. Enjoy free face painting and balloon art, games, prizes, giveaways, resources and more. Sponsored by Parties Inc. and WA529 Washington Education Savings Plans. Free. 10am- 3pm.
Camas SpringFest & Egg Scramble at Crown Park, 120 NE 17th Ave., Camas. A fun-filled celebration of spring with activities, games and family friendly entertainment for all ages. Free. 11 am – 3 pm
Northwest Children’s Theater Presents: Alice in Wonderland at The Judy, 1000 Broadway, Portland. Alice tumbles down the rabbit hole and discovers a world of music and madness in this original jazz musical. Most enjoyed by ages 6 and up. Tickets are $20 $35 at nwct.org. March 28 - April 19, Saturdays and Sundays at Noon & 3pm
31 TUESDAY
Les Misérables at Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., Portland. This celebrated musical depicts a story of passion and redemption in 19th century France. Les Misérables stands as an uplifting and iconic masterpiece of theatrical history. Tickets start at $80 at port land5.com. March 31 – April 5, times vary
