Once upon a time, in the majestic state of Oregon, sandwiched between the rolling Pacific Ocean and the towering Cascade Mountains, a cheerful gang of kids embarked on an adventurous hike every weekend. Now, these weren't your ordinary kids, oh no! They were part of the "Oregon Chipmunk Squad," led by their fearless, furry leader, Chippy Chip! Chippy Chip, a lively, fast-talking chipmunk, didn't just love Oregon's famous hazelnuts, he adored the state's vast, lush forests and grand, sparkling rivers too. His eyes twinkled brighter than the evening stars when he saw the kids lacing up their hiking boots. "Alright, Chipmunks! The wild awaits!" he'd cheer, his bushy tail whisking with excitement. The chipmunk squad comprised of energetic kids from all over the state. There was Benny, the brave from Beaverton, who could talk to bees, and Lola, the fast from Forest Grove, who could outrun even the fastest squirrels. And let's not forget Daisy, the wise from Willamette Valley, who knew every leaf, every bird, and every pebble in Oregon. These kids were not just hikers; they were protectors of the wilderness, adventurous explorers, and best of all, a band of best friends. They enjoyed wandering through the whispering pine trees, climbing Oregon's rocky paths, and crossing over tinkling, crystal-clear streams. They loved the thrill of spotting a deer grazing quietly or a bird soaring high. And the laughter and stories shared in the soft glow of the campfire were unforgettable. With Chippy Chip at the helm, the Oregon Chipmunk Squad transformed their hiking adventures into epic tales of joy and discovery. Oregon, with its beautiful landscapes and thrilling paths, was their playground, and they wouldn't have had it any other way!
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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
Most youth organizations talk about preparing kids for the future or future leadership positions. This is great, but we believe kids and teens are leaders now. They don't need to wait for the future to shape the world. We help youth be the best 7-year-old they can be or the best 17-year-old. We guide kids and teens of all ages to boost their confidence and unlock their potential so they can thrive—where they are now. Thrive{ology} is our research-based approach to teaching every kid or teen how to be a better friend, student, son, daughter, member of society, sister, brother...today. Every Camp Fire program across the country uses Thrive{ology} to teach youth to identify sparks, develop a growth mindset, learn goal management, and take time to reflect.