Check out all the ways KidSpirit has been talked about in the news!
MOM Magazine
Read the Latest Mid-Willammette Valley Mom Magazine!
Find KidSpirit's latest Mom Magazine feature in the context of other featured families, experts and organizations!
Dec 2024 Feature: PRAxKids: Parents get out and kids play in!
Oregon State University has proudly opened the doors of the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, also called PRAx. The stunning new venue presents diverse and exciting concerts, performances, exhibitions and much more.
Oct 2024 Feature: Balancing act: gymnastics builds skills for life
Balance is a crucial life skill, whether it’s managing your time or mastering your body’s movements. For kids, gymnastics offers a fun and effective way to develop this balance while enhancing their coordination.
Check Out a Featured Family!
Check out the April/May 2013 edition, page 10, to read about one of our amazing veteran campers: Brian Steele!
KBVR TV
Split Screen Summer Finale episode featuring Kidspirit!
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!
News Features
We build resiliency to unlock the hero inside
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.
Karen Swanger (Breast Cancer Awareness, Being There, Choosing Attitude)
September 30, 2020
Karen Swanger's feature on the podcast capture it with Joseph T. Traeger. "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"
KidSpirit offers much-needed childcare programs
July 17, 2019
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.
OSU summer camp gives kids a lesson on video production
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."
Kids get in the spirit of healthy cooking
On August 14th, 2012, the Gazette Times featured KidSpirit in To Your Health!
Read what parents and staff are saying about Kidspirit!
- "KidSpirit is an incredible program that has a huge impact on kids and families. Kids learn, explore, and grow in so many ways. I highly recommend the program and camps!" - Andrea Fahy
- "My daughter had such a great summer at camp, and I enjoyed getting to know the staff. It's such a fun, energetic, and caring group. Thank you!" - Naomi Hirsch
- "There is no end to the creative and interesting classes and activities at KidSpirit. All that and in a safe and respectful environment. What a win for all!" - Anne Fahy
- "My granddaughter took gymnastics this summer, and I was very impressed. Each class member was kept busy all through the class rotating from one station to another instead of standing in line waiting for a turn to participate. The instructors gave helpful, positive feedback and the kids were loving it!" - Linda Spain
- "Kidspirit is one of the best camps around. The mentality is incredible and the past two summers I've spent there have been the best summers I've ever had." - Christina Torgerson
- "This program is by far one of the best summer jobs I have ever had. Yes, you are pushed to do a lot but I learned so many skills that I have taken to my career. The students really care about the kids and do all they can to make it both fun and educational. The Director, Karen, really cares about everyone's safety and pulls out all the stops to make it happen." - Jeff Baxter
- "Amazing facility (gymnastics) and my daughter absolutely loves it!" - Aurielle Loveall
- "I have been fortunate to work for KidSpirit these last few years and I can say it has been a rewarding experience. It has been great to work with so many inspired staff members and even been better to see kids enjoy themselves at camp. Whether your child has an interest in science, art, sports, gymnastics, cooking, or more, KidSpirit can provide a great opportunity for them. I would definitely recommend this program." - Benjamin Ashraf
- "KidSpirit has positively impacted my children for 15 years! They loved it as campers and now are staff!" - Rachel Swanger
- "My gals have been going to gym class there since my oldest was 2.5 now she is 6. Both of my girls enjoy it. Today the oldest went to the “free” day and had a blast. Great place for children." - Christina Stephens
- "KidSpirit is the best place I've ever worked for! The staff members here are so amazing and inspiring! I also love seeing smiles on kids' faces and having so much fun! It's a great active learning program for both the staff members and the participants!" Chelsea Kwong