A SUMMER TO CELEBRATE
As summer draws to a close and we look ahead to the upcoming school year, I am happy to report just how wonderful this summer has been at the Funhouse.
Our summer is bookended by two special community traditions: FunFest on the last day of school and the Back-to-School Celebration on the first day back. These two joyful gatherings mark the beginning and end of summer—but it is everything that happens between them that makes this season so special.
And what a summer it has been!
Between those bookends, the Funhouse has been alive with creativity, music, adventure, friendship, and fun. We welcomed young people to Summer Camp and Camp Create, created art, made quilts, baked berry cobblers, played water games, hosted pizza parties, made podcasts, planted gardens, and took field trips around the island to visit local artists and explore their studios.
Music filled the Funhouse every Tuesday, when our local musicians, aka Musical Superheros, came and performed and inspired the kids. We've seen so many young musicians developed their talents through lessons, rehearsals, community performances, and our summer music showcase.
We celebrated the one year anniversary of the Richie Moore Song Shop showcasing the young people who were encouraged to discover their voices, write songs, and express themselves creatively. A special thank-you to Pedro, Mary, and the rest of our music team for sharing their talent, encouragement, and love of music with our kids.
Our young people also enjoyed Fishing Fridays, outdoor adventures, and field trips around the island. Campers attended James and the Giant Peach at Orcas Center, went fishing at the lake with our Outdoor Discovery Squad, and boarded the Funhouse bus for adventures beyond Orcas—including a trip to the San Juan County Fair with a group of high school sophomores.
The bus itself represents another wonderful example of community partnership. Orcas Island Community Church has allowed us to use it for the past several years and has now generously donated it to the Funhouse.
This gift will help us continue expanding opportunities for young people to experience the arts, recreation, nature, community events, and places beyond our island.
We have also improved safety with a new security camera system, helping us provide a more secure environment for young people, families, staff, and visitors.
And, you may have noticed the vibrant blues and magenta on our freshly painted exterior!
Together, these improvements reflect our continued commitment to maintaining a Funhouse where every young person feels welcome, supported, and inspired.
All of this possible because of the continued generosity of our supporters, which allows us to keep saying yes to young people and ensures that no child is turned away because their family cannot afford to participate.
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