In the wild and wonderful state of Oregon, nestled between the thick, moss-laden forests and the rugged coastline, a band of adventurous kids have taken to the waterways. They aren't pirates, although they do love a good treasure hunt, and they aren't sailors, but they've mastered the art of navigating the water. These brave young souls are the Kayak Krew, a team of kids who have swapped their bicycles for kayaks and their backyard games for wild water escapades. Leading the pack is their trusty guide, Otter Oscar, a giant talking otter with an irresistible sense of humor and a knack for storytelling. Oscar, with his shiny sleek fur and a belly that jiggles when he laughs, is quite the character. He loves nothing more than a good splash and is always ready with a water pun - "Water you waiting for, kids?" he'd yell, and they'd all break into peals of laughter. The kids, dressed in bright life jackets, would paddle along the sparkling rivers, under the watchful eyes of Mount Hood and amidst the lush greenery. The roar of waterfalls and the chirping birds formed the soundtrack to their thrilling adventures. They'd learn about the state's rich history, from tales about the famous Oregon Trail to the legends of the Native American tribes. Whether they were gliding along Crater Lake's mirror-like waters or battling the rapids of the Deschutes River, every day was a new adventure for the Kayak Krew. They had their fair share of spills and thrills, but with Otter Oscar's guidance and their own undying spirit of adventure, they would always emerge laughing, drenched and eager for more!
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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.