Klamath Outdoor Science School and Local Girl Scouts Work Together to Empower Youth In an exciting development, the Klamath Outdoor Science School (KOSS) is joining forces with Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington (GSOSW), Service Unit 65 out of Klamath Falls, to offer enhanced learning opportunities for the youth in Klamath County.

Introduction to the Collaboration KOSS and GSOSW Service Unit 65 have embarked on a novel initiative to provide hands-on, experiential summer camp experiences for girls in the community. This collaboration will lead to the development of the Klamath Basin Youth Leadership camp - a pioneering program designed to empower and inspire young girls.

About KOSS KOSS, founded in 2004, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering a love for the outdoors among children. With a camp facility nestled in the scenic Sun Pass State Forest, KOSS is a haven for young nature enthusiasts.

About Our Local Girl Scouts In Klamath Falls’ GSOSW Service Unit 65, there are approximately 60 girls who are shaping their futures through outdoor exploration, team-building, and leadership activities. However, the lack of a local camp for the Girl Scouts posed a significant challenge until now.

The Leadership Camp The Klamath Basin Youth Leadership Camp is not just a camp; it’s a movement for change, a beacon of hope, and a platform for young girls to shine.

The idea for the camp was developed by Service Unit Manager and Troop 60002 Leader Michelle Cherrick, and KOSS Program Coordinator Mikaela Lea. A former participant in youth leadership programs, Lea has had the idea to plan a leadership camp for many years, and when Cherrick approached her looking for a local camp program, the pieces began falling into place. Now slated for July 2024, the camp will be planned by a youth planning committee comprising older Girl Scouts, with guidance from KOSS representatives and troop leadership. The camp's agenda will include:

Service Learning Projects

Team Building Exercises

Science Lessons

Nature Journaling

Badge-Earning Opportunities

Creative Expression

KOSS's Other Programs Aside from the Leadership Camp, KOSS also runs various other summer camp programs, such as "Artists & Scientists", "Intro to Camp!", and Family Camps. During the school year, KOSS offers residential Outdoor School for 5th and 6th graders, and field trips for other grades.

Community Support The KOSS-GSOSW Service Unit 65 collaboration has garnered substantial community support. The Roundhouse Foundation has granted $2,500, and individual and business donations have raised $5,900. The target is to amass at least $10,000 to facilitate affordable access to the camp.

Future Prospects The collaborative effort aims to spark interest in environmental and STEAM careers among girls, with the goal of promoting gender equality and diversity in the environmental industry of our region. The project's success could pave the way for more such initiatives, creating a more equitable future for young girls in Klamath County.

Quotes from the Leaders KOSS Executive Director Natalie DiNenno shared her excitement about the collaboration:

“We are so excited to partner with our local Girl Scouts on this project. It’s a perfect match: they were looking for a camp to attend, and we were looking for ways to get more involved with our community."

Michelle Cherrick, GSOSW Service Unit 65 Manager and Troop 60002 Leader, echoed these sentiments:

“By navigating the outdoors, our Girl Scouts build essential life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. These skills empower our girls to become active, informed members of the community."

How to Get Involved Community involvement is key to this pilot camp’s success. KOSS welcomes and appreciates support from local residents in reaching their fund-raising goal.

Conclusion The KOSS-GSOSW Service Unit 65 collaboration is a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in shaping a brighter future for our youth. This initiative is just the beginning, and the potential for positive impact is immense.

References

Klamath Outdoor Science School http://www.klamathoutdoorschool.org

Girl Scouts of Southern Oregon and Southwest Washington https://www.girlscoutsosw.org/

Contact Information For more information, please contact:

Natalie DiNenno, KOSS Executive Director

Email: natalie.dinenno@klamathoutdoorschool.org

Phone: (541) 850-8218

For more information about KOSS, visit www.klamathoutdoorschool.org http://www.klamathoutdoorschool.org or email info@klamathoutdoorschool.org.

Let's join hands to make a difference in the lives of our youth!