Clausen Youth Education Program
May 20, 2010 News: Canyon Creek 6th Graders Take to the Gorge!
What is the Clausen Youth Education Program?
The Clausen Youth Education Program is funded through the Vic Clausen Youth Fund, an endowment fund under the umbrella of Friends’ Nancy Russell Endowment Fund. The Clausen family established the fund in 2008 with a $65,000 gift, and Friends has been raising money since that time to augment the fund. Gifts from donors go into the Vic Clausen Youth Fund where they remain in perpetuity while the program uses fund interest for operating support.
The Clausens created this program out of concern that funding cuts to outdoor school programs have left our children without education in the natural world outside of the classroom, a significant problem for childhood development. Issues include a tendency toward a sedentary lifestyle, fear of the natural environment, and a lack of environmental literacy necessary to face today’s complex environmental challenges.
For the past two years, Friends has provided the Clausen Youth Education Program, a full day of outdoor education in the Columbia Gorge to middle school aged students in the Washougal School District. Over 300 children have gotten outside to learn about the Gorge, its history and habitat first hand.
The Columbia Gorge is one of our nation’s most spectacular and important natural resources. Home to many i
ndigenous plants and animals, filled with the rich history of the Native Americans and early American explorers, and forged through dramatic natural events, the Gorge is the perfect classroom for local students. Students enjoy hands-on projects, such as comparing insect populations in different environments (pictured at left), and learn critical outdoor survival techniques.
Friends will continue the program in the coming years, expanding it to more classes and eventually to more school districts. Friends welcomes additional gifts to support and expand the program.
For more information, please contact Outdoor Programs Coordinator Maegan Jossy at maegan@gorgefriends.org.
Support the next generation's outdoor education!
Make an Endowment Gift to the Clausen Youth Education Fund today.
