Learning Together

KIDS

Us Fest is a family-friendly event because community isn’t just built, it grows and sometimes it grows tiny humans. Where there’s love, there are little ones, and when we include them, we’re not just throwing a party, we’re nurturing a village. Kids bring the wonder, the wiggles, and the wild ideas that make this space truly come alive. From tiny hands to teen trailblazers, they experience a weekend of belonging, connection, discovery, and adventure that encourages friendship, skill building, creativity, and teamwork. The Kid Krew gets to explore hands-on learning from the land and from each other, where wild hearts and curious minds come to play, surrounded by the magic of nature and US as a community.

KID’S WEEKEND ACTIVITIES AND FUN

Nature Prints & Forest Keepsakes

Children will explore the forest through touch and creativity, capturing textures and stories from the land to imprint into art they can take home as a natural keepsake.

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Wander & Wonder Edition

With teens and toddlers teaming up, this playful adventure sparks connection and curiosity as kids explore the land together, uncovering hidden treasures and wild wonders along the way.

Carving Connections – The Art of Whittling & Woodcraft

Through hands-on carving and nature-based creativity, kids will build confidence, develop safe carving skills, and craft meaningful wood tokens rooted in presence and play.

Tween Empowerment Circle

A safe and supportive space for boys and girls to connect, share, and grow. Through guided conversations, creative expression, and fun activities, tweens explore confidence, friendship, and the power of being themselves.

Free Wheel’n Pottery

Come get your hands dirty while learning the ancient technique of throwing pots on a pottery wheel. Make a cup, bowl, or vase then take it home to dry and decorate.

Kids Movie & Game Night

While the grown-ups get their groove on, the youngins can settle in for a cozy night of fun! We’ll have a sweet lineup of age-appropriate movies, board games, and creative play to keep them laughing and entertained. Pajamas welcome, popcorn included, and good times guaranteed. Let the kids chill while the parents dance their hearts out!

* More details in the schedule coming soon!

DAR LYN WACHS

Darci has been part of this community for a LONG time.

She has watched this event evolve since the very first one, realizing how powerful the times of gathering can be. Now that she is a mother to two small humans (5 & 7) and one big mature one (23), she loves incorporating their experience into the purpose of being together. She has witnessed her own children mature over 3-4 DAYS during festival and camping time making new friends, learning new things and navigating nature & music. It is precious to be able to escape our daily life and to have unforgettable and incredible epic memories that include the safe haven for families to bring their children. This is why she is dedicated to creating purpose and intention and creation and connection with all ages during times like these.

WEBSITE

LAURA ELMORE

Laura Elmore loves all things kid oriented! She has been teaching in Waldorf education for 27 years. Laura grew up in Northern Michigan, swimming, hiking, fishing, skiing, sledding, ice skating, and enjoying all the backwoods could offer a child in the 1980s. Upon graduating high school, she left Michigan to continue the adventure of life. In her adveturning she has helped organize and bring creative fun to many kids festivals including Pick-a-thon, 4 Peaks, US Fest, and several small local events.

WEBSITE

NIKKI BLUME

Nikki Blume is an experienced Waldorf teacher and outdoor nature school instructor who has been working with families and children for over a decade. Nikki is inspired by the beauty, wonder and magic of childhood, bringing her love of art, music, dance and nature to her work. She believes children should have ample opportunities to express themselves creatively! Born and raised in California, Nikki now lives in Bend with her partner and two young children.

WEBSITE

JOHN KINDER

POTTERY WORKSHOP

John Kinder has been working with clay for over two decades. He received his BFA and Masters in Ceramics at Ball State University (1991-97, 98-00). There he also received his K-12 Visual Arts Certification. While serving as Graduate Assistant at BSU (1998-2000), Kinder also taught youth and adult clay classes at the Indianapolis Art Center.

From Dec 2000-2006, Kinder developed curriculum, taught all youth and adult clay classes and managed the clay studio at Art Station/Arts Central. John has taught adult enrichment at COCC and provides public school residencies for all Central Oregon Schools.

Co-founder of Cindercone Clay Center, Kinder makes functional stoneware and participates in as many as 15 local and regional craft fairs each year. John’s passion for teaching can be seen in his ever-expanding youth clay program through Bend Parks and Rec. and at credit courses in handbuilding/advanced throwing at Central Oregon Community College. He is also the Resident Artist for NeighborImpacts “Empty Bowls” fundraiser.

When he’s not in the studio or classroom, John enjoys camping in the mountains hanging out with family and friends.

WEBSITE

ALYSSA ABBEY

Girl Tweens Circle and Scavenger Hunt

Alyssa Abbey is a dedicated medical provider, community connector, and longtime US Fest attendee since 2014. Originally from Colorado, she first moved to Bend in 1995 and settled there permanently in 2006. A mother of tweens, Alyssa is passionate about fostering meaningful connections through nature, dancing, live music, and movement. When she’s not caring for her family or patients, she enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and dancing. Alyssa is thrilled to bring back the All Ages Scavenger Hunt and Tween Girls Circle to US Fest, continuing to cultivate joy, connection, and community.

ELISE PORTER

Tween Girls Circle and Community Variety Show

Elise is a newbie to USFest this year but has been connected for years through a multitude of dear friends. If there is one thing she is known for, it’s dancing everywhere and anywhere, and helping everyone remember how to play. She also finds a lot of deep joy in empowering others to break free of the things that hold us back from being our most awesome fully expressive self.