Fall 2019
"Kidspirit sets youth up for success..." This article highlighting our program was written for the Synergies magazine by OSU's College of Public Health and Human Sciences.
September 22, 2020
"Several new and revamped programs and services at Oregon State University are seeking to help parents dealing with limited child care options and state mandates requiring many school districts to teach online due to the COVID-19 pandemic."
September 30, 2020
"Oregon State University Professor in College of Public Health and Human Sciences. Director of OSU’s KidSpirit - Youth Empowerment Organization. Karen Goes by Big Mama K. A Mentor in my life"
August 15, 2012
This Saturday, Aug. 18, Many Hands Trading has selected Oregon State University KidSpirit for their monthly fundraiser, "Day of Sharing."
May 24, 2012
Most people scheduled for a lumpectomy a mere month after a breast cancer diagnosis would be inclined to have a spouse or loved one drive them to the hospital. Not Karen Swanger. She ran.
April 28, 2011
Tonight, students will be able to see campus celebrities in Oregon State University's very own version of "Dancing With the Stars."The performance, which will take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at LaSells Stewart Center, will feature the dancing talents of Vice Provost of Student Affairs Larry Roper, Director of Kidspirit Karen Swanger, Memorial Union President Craig Bidiman, Associated Students of OSU president elect Tonga Hopie, OSU Housing Director Linda Kasper, OSU football defensive end Taylor Henry and Department Chair of Animal Science Jim Males. The show will be similar to the popular television show that it is based on.
Check out the April/May edition, page 10, to read about one of our veteran campers....Brian Steele!
April 28, 2010
The Daily BarometerThe KidSpirit program, part of the Health and Human Sciences department, is nothing new. In fact, the program started at OSU in 1961, leaving many questioning why there were over 270 applicants for around 65 staff positions for the 2010-2011 school year.
January 19, 2010
What started as an idea over a meal at Pangea culminated with the first meeting of KidSpirit staff and donors last Friday. With classic Disney songs in the background and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches serving as the entrée, the guests were there to learn more about the brainchild of Adam Aguilar and Kasra Azizian: the KidSpirit Giving Program.
Fall 2012
KidSpirit was featured in the Gazette-Times To Your Health Article! KidSpirit is highlighted in this Daily Barometer Article. Karen "Big Mama K" Swanger is featured in the Daily Barometer. This Synergies article from the College of Public Health and Human Sciences covers the Giving Program as well! The Daily Barometer covered the giving program back in 2010 with this article.
July 17, 2020
"Nationally, research shows that the number of children in need of childcare far exceeds the openings available, and Oregon is no exception. But many parents locally turn to a specialized program on campus during the summer that has been in operation in some form or other since the early 1960s."
August 31, 2017
Check out the summer finale of KBVR TV's Split Screen, where Jeff "Spirit" Baxter reps KidSpirit and shares the experience of a KidSpirit leadership staff, all while playing a game of Splatoon 2!
July 27, 2016
"While many college students flock home during the summer term, kids from kindergarten through eighth grade get to take on the Oregon State University campus at the KidSpirit Summer Day Camp. Around 400 campers gather each week enhancing the atmosphere here at OSU."
July 17, 2015
"Gage Moss was serious as he counted silently down at the start of filming. He held up three fingers, slowly put one down, then another, and another; then he made a fist at zero.
Filming had begun."
July 9, 2013
"New researchers using pedometers to monitor activity levels of campers"
"Kathy Gunter and her research team, which comes from the College of Public Health and Human Sciences and OSU Extension Services, have started research to monitor children’s activity levels while they are at camp. The staff attach pedometers to the campers for a half-day session of classes, snacks and group activities."
On August 14th, 2012, the Gazette Times featured KidSpirit in To Your Health!
KidSpirit is highlighted in this Daily Barometer Article. Karen "Big Mama K" Swanger is featured in the 2011 Daily Barometer for Girls on The Run. The Daily Barometer also covered the giving program back in 2010 with this article