Oregon

Oregon summer camp for children of military families seeks state funding help

Published

2 days ago

January 4, 2025

Oregon summer camp for children of military families seeks state funding help

In this undated photo provided by Oregon Summer Star, campers fold a flag in honor of those who serve in the military. A new bill would support the camp, which supports children from military families. The camp has recently faced financial struggles.

Courtesy of Oregon Summer Star

Active duty federal military installments are for more than just national defense. Forts, bases and outposts offer grocery stores, bowling alleys, churches and other centers of civic life that provide community for families and support children whose parents serve.

Oregon is one of a handful of states that doesn’t have any active duty bases. Since 2006, Oregon Summer Star, the state’s only overnight summer camp for children of military families, has sought to fill that gap by bringing these kids together and helping them through the challenges of being apart from an enlisted parent. But recently, funding the camp has gotten harder.

“The last five years, we have been retreating to a place where we can barely pull it off,” said Ethan Erickson, the founder of Tsuga Community Commission, a nonprofit that sponsors and administers the camp. “And we’re at a point now where if we don’t have $50,000 by a certain date, we’re not going to be able to do it.”

Sen. Suzanne Weber, R-Tillamook, is proposing a bill during this upcoming legislative session that would allocate more than $100,000 for the camp, which supports families of veterans, the Oregon Army National Guard, and children with other military connections.

The camp has “been operating purely on donations for many years now and it has come to our attention that this much needed service for military affected youth could come to an end very soon without help,” Katy Cvitanovich, Weber’s chief of staff, said in an email. “With assistance they could continue providing the vital support and sense of community Oregon’s military impacted youth deserve.”

Lawmakers review hundreds of spending requests like this during any legislative session. It will be months before they have a firm sense for the state’s financial picture and the costs of the largest issues they plan to address during the upcoming session, including housing and transportation.

Ultimately, this will determine how much is left to spend on other projects, so it’s unclear whether the bill stands a chance of passing. Cvitanovich said in a text message that lawmakers have yet to determine how they would fund it.

In this undated photo provided by Oregon Summer Star, campers paddle canoes on a summer day. The camp used to host about 200 children from military families each year, but now hosts about 50. The camp's goal is to provide community to children with military ties. — In this undated photo provided by Oregon Summer Star, campers paddle canoes on a summer day. The camp used to host about 200 children from military families each year, but now hosts about 50. The camp’s goal is to provide community to children with military ties.
*Courtesy of Oregon Summer Star*

Oregon Summer Star used to serve nearly 200 kids annually, at locations that included Central Oregon, Southern Oregon, the Willamette Valley, and most recently Camp Cedar Ridge in northern Willamette Valley off Highway 26 in Vernonia.

Campers pay $350 to attend, but the new bill would cover the cost for military families to participate, Erickson said. Other camp costs, including staffing and extracurriculars, would still be funded by donations. There are more than 2,000 children in Oregon with active-duty parents, and more than 7,200 with parents in the National Guard or military reserve, according to Dec. 31, 2023, data from the Department of Defense.

In recent summers, the camp hosted about 50 children annually. It costs about $50,000 to run the camp annually, and food costs, property taxes and associated costs of facilities have increased, making it harder to fund the maintenance staff, cooks, nurses and others who keep it running.

“We literally can’t afford the cost of feeding and giving somebody a bed for the night at the camp itself,” said Erickson, who served as a lieutenant with the Oregon Army National Guard.

The week-long camp offers children the chance to play games such as capture the flag and recreational activities like swimming, volleyball and basketball. Throughout the week, campers take part in activities designed to teach them about plants and stream biology and more. Like any summer camp, attendees sing songs and perform cabin skits.

But the camp also includes activities aimed at relating to experiences of families in the military, including raising and lowering the flag and singing a version of “Taps” at the day’s end. By Thursday of camp weeks, when the campers are comfortable and opening up, the kids get an up close look at their parents’ lives in the military: The Oregon Army National Guard brings out vehicles like Humvees and, once, a Black Hawk helicopter. Kids try on camouflage uniforms and helmets and use a radio.

“It’s a way to close that gap a little bit,” Erickson said.

The camp is an important way to help kids in an emotionally turbulent moment in their lives, Erickson said. There’s mental health help and sharing circles with social workers where kids get to talk about experiences that only other campers understand, everything from missed birthdays to picking up an absent parent’s chores to the challenges of growing up without a supportive adult nearby.

“Kids serve, too,” Erickson said. “They didn’t make the choice to get in uniform, but they have to serve, too. They have to do their part within the family.”

In this undated photo provided by Oregon Summer Star, campers gather around a campfire. During the annual week-long camp, attendees sing songs, perform skits, play volleyball and learn more about their family's lives in the military. Supporters of the camp say it helps children feel less alone during the isolating experience of being apart from an enlisted parent. — In this undated photo provided by Oregon Summer Star, campers gather around a campfire. During the annual week-long camp, attendees sing songs, perform skits, play volleyball and learn more about their family’s lives in the military. Supporters of the camp say it helps children feel less alone during the isolating experience of being apart from an enlisted parent.
*Courtesy of Oregon Summer St*

Annette Caroline, a 15-year-old student, moved to Portland from Washington D.C. in 2019. She said the camp was one of the first ways she made friends after leaving an area with a significantly higher population of families with armed services members. Her father was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. At camp, she said she’s made friends who can relate to her experience, prompting her to return every year since. Now she’s planning to be a counselor.

“Sometimes I’ll mention something to my friends who don’t have any military affiliation, and they’ll just kind of look at me sideways and be like, what?” she said. “But when I get to talk to these people from camp we all get to have this good sense of connection, and we get to relate to each other in a way that’s really difficult to find in other places in Oregon.

If the camp were canceled, she said, the loss would be a big deal to people like her.

“I think it would break a lot of hearts of the campers there and the counselors themselves who are always looking forward to the next week of camp to not be able to have that anymore,” she said.

Should the bill pass, Erickson said it would be enough to buoy the camp for at least two years, giving them time to figure out a long-term funding plan.

Source link

Oregon

Oregon off to fast start with 2026 recruiting class

Published

5 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Press Room

Oregon off to fast start with 2026 recruiting class

While putting together a top-5 recruiting class through the Early Signing Period for the 2025 cycle, Dan Lanning & Co. has also been hard at work getting an early start on the 2026 class.

Already, Oregon has landed 10 prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, including eight blue-chip recruits. This collection of high school football underclassmen is good for the No. 1 class in the 2026 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

There are currently 15 recruits ranked as five-star prospects in the 2026 cycle, and one of them is committed to Oregon: Reidsville (N.C.) tight end Kendre Harrison. Harrison, the No. 1 tight end in America, pledged to the Ducks on Nov. 30.

“I love Coach (Dan) Lanning. I love the coaching staff. I just love the school,” Harrison said of why he committed to Oregon. “I love everything about Oregon. I know Lanning and Coach Drew (Mehringer) and all those wonderful coaches out there are gonna develop me on and off the field. And I’m gonna have fun on and off the field. That’s really the main things right there.”

Harrison is joined in the Ducks’ class by a whopping three top-50 prospects. Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei offensive tackle Kodi Greene is the No. 22 overall recruit in the cycle. Texarkana (Texas) Texas High running back Tradarian Ball ranks No. 42 and Scottsdale (Ariz.) Willamette defensive lineman Tony Cumberland is ranked No. 46 nationally.

Four additional blue-chips are committed to Oregon: Frankfort Heights (Ill.) Lincoln-Way East top-100 quarterback Jonas Williams, American Fork (Utah) Lone Peak DL Bott Mulitalo, Mater Dei DL Tomuhini Topui and Ventura (Calif.) linebacker Tristan Phillips.

Salt Lake City (Utah) Bingham DL Viliami Moala is a top-40 prospect at his position and Riverside (Calif.) St. John Bosco EDGE Dutch Horisk has been committed to Oregon since Aug. 17.

Source link

Oregon

Oregon vs. Maryland: Instant Reactions to Ducks' Win vs. the Terrapins

Published

13 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

Oregon vs. Maryland: Instant Reactions to Ducks' Win vs. the Terrapins

The Oregon Ducks beat the Maryland Terrapins, 83-79, in a thriller on Sunday afternoon. The Ducks trailed by as many as 13, but due to key contributions from star guards Jackson Shelstad and Keeshawn Barthelemy, the Ducks avoided falling to 1-3 in conference play and losing two straight games at home.

In the first half, it looked as though Oregon was going to get blown out for the second straight game. But with just under eight minutes left in the first half, Shelstad scored eight points in 69 seconds. That solo run brought the Ducks alive and into the game, allowing them to shrink Maryland’s lead to three at halftime.

The Ducks started the second half down 45-42, but they quicklywent on a 14-2 run, leading by nine with 15 minutes to in the game. At that point, it looked as though the Ducks might run away with the game, but the Terrapins stormed back, retaking the lead with nine minutes to go.

In the final 10 minutes of the game, neither team could pull away from the other, and with two minutes to go, the game was tied 76-76. Jus then, Barthelemy laced a clutch three-pointer to go ahead, and after that, Oregon several key stops to close out the win.

Oregon vs. Maryland Keys to the Game

The Ducks would not have won this game if not for Jackson Shelstad. The sophomore guard was as productive and efficient as you can be, not missing a shot until nearly 30 minutes into the game. At one point, Maryland was face-guarding Shelstad at half-court without the ball in his hands.
This truly was a game of momentum, the lead changed hands several times and both teams went on multiple massive runs. Without their big run to end the first half, or their 14-2 run to start the second half, the Ducks wouldn’t have come close in this game.
Both teams shot the basketball very well on Sunday. Both finished over 45% from the field and over 40% from three. In a game dominated by offense like this, it’s only fitting that the result came down to defense.
The Ducks defense was much improved from their horrendous showing on Thursday against Illinois, but it still had room for improvement. Down the stretch, Oregon tightened things up on defense, holding the Terrapins to making one of their final nine field goal attempts.

Oregon vs. Team B Players of the Game

Jackson Shelstad: 23 points, 8/10 FGs, 5/5 3Ps, 5 rebounds, 2 assists

Keeshawn Barthelemy: 14 points, 5/8 FGs, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 block

Nate Bittle: 16 points, 6/10 FGs, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal

Bam Tracey: 10 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal

KJ Evans: 10 points, 7 rebounds

Oregon vs. Maryland Notable Stats

Oregon finished 52% from the field and 43% from three. The Terrapins shot 43% from deep as well, but after shooting over 50% from the field for most of the game, Maryland’s FG% fell to 47% in the final minutes.
The Ducks made 13/15 free throws, and the Terrapins were just 14/19. Several of those Maryland misses came in the game’s final minutes
The Ducks’ depth helped make the difference in this game. Their bench outscored Maryland’s 26-12.
Oregon guards Jackson Shelstad and Keeshawn Barthelemy combined for 37 points on 72.2% shooting.

What’s Next for Oregon Ducks?

Jan. 9 — at Ohio State Buckeyes
Jan. 12 — at Penn State Nittany Lions
Jan. 18 — vs. No. 20 Purdue Boilermakers
Jan. 21 — vs. Washington Huskies
Jan. 25 — at Minnesota Golden Gophers

After a two-game homestand to kick off the meat of Oregon’s conference schedule, the Ducks are going on the road for a pair of games against Big Ten opponents. After that, Oregon returns home for a Top 25 matchup and rivalry game against Washington.

Source link

Oregon

How to Watch Oregon Ducks, Maryland Terrapins Basketball: TV Channel, Preview, Prediction

Published

20 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

How to Watch Oregon Ducks, Maryland Terrapins Basketball: TV Channel, Preview, Prediction

The Big Ten Conference competitive nature has been a hard going for the Oregon Ducks thus far. The Illinois Fighting Illini came into Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene on Thursday for the first time, dropping 109-77 in the road victory. The first time any opponent has scored 100 or more since the arena opened back in 2011.

Oregon coach Dana Altman moves onto the next opponent in coach Kevin Willard’s Maryland Terrapins who are coming off a 75-69 loss at the Washington Huskies. Their first hike in the Pacific Northwest trip continues on for the new conference foe.

Dec 29, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dana Altman calls a play during the second half against the Weber State Wildcats at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Maryland’s freshman center Derik Queen will be a lot for any of Oregon’s frontcourt to handle. At 6-10, 246-pounds, he has already made his presence known on the NBA Draft board. According to a recent prediction from On3, Queen is outside of the lottery but to be selected with the No. 17 pick for the San Antonio Spurs. No Ducks are on the radar.

MORE: Can Oregon Ducks Win National Championship in 2026? Schedule Analysis, Prediction

MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Dante Moore Ready To Lead? ‘Heisman Finalist’ Says Receiver Tez Johnson

MORE: Five-Star Recruit Elbert Hill Visiting Oregon Ducks, Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan

MORE: Nick Saban Upset With Oregon Ducks’ College Football Playoff Path vs. Ohio State

Through 14 games with the Terrapins, Queen is averaging 15.6 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game, 2.0 assists per game, 1.3 steals per game, and 1.0 blocks per game.

“Very good low-post scorer with advanced/nimble footwork and use of fakes. Calls for the ball and goes to work quickly, commands double-teams at this level. Uses his body well to carve out space, understands positioning and sealing his man better than almost any prospect you’ll see at this age. Good baseline spin that can end with a drop-step jam.”
– NBADraft.net on Maryland’s Derik Queen
Advertisement

Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) posts up against Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks forward Jalen Ware (24(

Dec 28, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) posts up against Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks forward Jalen Ware (24) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images / Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Oregon’s Nate Bittle will have his hands full down at the low post against Queen. Bittle leads the Ducks with 13.2 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, and 1.8 blocks per game. Georgetown Hoyas transfer Supreme Cook can help down low, putting in 20 points on 8-11 field goals off the bench against Illinois earlier this week.

According to oddsmakers across the major sportsbooks, the Ducks are favored to win against Maryland. The spread is currently four points in favor of Oregon, and the over/under points total is set at 150.

Maryland (11-3, 1-2) is in Eugene to try to knock off the No. 9 Oregon Ducks (12-2, 1-2) on Peacock at 1 p.m. PT. A victory for Altman and his team could potentially keep them within the top-10 of the AP Poll on Monday morning and move them up the March Madness seeding.

MORE: Why Oregon Ducks 5-Star Quarterback Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele Entering Transfer Portal

MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Dan Lanning Takes Blame For Loss To Ohio State Buckeyes

MORE: Peyton Manning Addresses Bo Nix’s Future With Denver Broncos, Sean Payton

MORE: Oregon Ducks Receiver Evan Stewart Explains Injury, Absence vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

Source link