OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Sewing Club in action!

Meet our three newest staff members.

They made quilts!

Stitching Together Memories


It has been so fun watching our Sewing Club in action. I’m impressed by how quickly these kids are learning to sew and beginning to make their own quilts.


We are fortunate to have three new teachers—Susan Stolmeier, Kathy Staub, and Suzanne McClure—sharing their experience, patience, and love of quilting with our kids.


Quilts can become artifacts of family history and tell stories. Perhaps most important, they provide comfort. In a world filled with screens and devices that can feel cold and comfortless, a quilt offers warmth, softness, and a feeling of being held by the love and care stitched into it.


There’s something wonderful about watching children learn from grandmothers who have been quilting for years. You can see the connection in their eyes and smiles, in the pride of figuring something out, and in the joy of creating together. It’s one of those moments that reminds me why this work matters.


I also learned that these young quilters have been sharing their favorite music with their teachers! It’s wonderful to see the learning go both ways.


Thank you, Susan, Kathy, and Suzanne, for bringing your gifts to this club and helping our young people create something they can treasure.


I’d love for you to come experience the magic of the Funhouse at our Family Fun Night on Thursday, October 22, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. We’ll have Rec & Tech Room activities, Lego Derby Races, arts and crafts, and food that I’ll be preparing for you. Bring your family, try something new, and spend an evening with us.


It takes a Village, and the Funhouse!


Ryan Carpenter

Executive Director

JOIN US AS A SUPPORTER!

Growing the good in our community takes all of us. Please consider making a gift today so we can continue ensuring that every young person on Orcas Island is welcomed, supported, and inspired.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

Thursday, October 22, from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Funhouse.


Come meet the Funhouse team, explore our new Rec & Tech Room, test your skills on StepManiaX, rediscover pinball in the Arcade. The evening will also feature Lego Car Derby races, arts and crafts, and free food.


Most importantly, it will be a fun opportunity for families to connect with one another and discover everything the Funhouse Commons offers our community.

HALLOWEEN PARTY

All 6th-8th grade students are invited to the Funhouse on Saturday 10/31 for our free annual Halloween Party! Come enjoy the arcade, spooky movies, games, crafts, karaoke, pizza, Italian sodas, candy, prizes, a photobooth and....THE BOUNCE HOUSE 

THROWBACK MOVIE NIGHT!

Over 25 people bundled up on a crisp September night to watch youth-made short films, preceding a showing of Bend it Like Beckham! This was the third year that the Funhouse has partnered with Hana Peoples and the Orcas Microcinema for Teen Movie Nights, and we are so grateful for the continued partnership! 

SONGLAB

Fall 2026 Session is beginning this month. Sign ups remain open for our very own songwriting and production class. Focused on ages 11-19, Songlab teaches youth to create their own songs, as it dives into the nitty gritty of songcraft and the philosophy behind lyricism, instrumentation, audio engineering and more. All of this takes place alongside peers, building a vibrant network of young musicians on island. 

YOUTH JAM

Youth Jams are now starting up at the Richie Moore Songshop! Every other Thursday at 4:30pm-5:30pm, you can enjoy a laidback musical environment where youth are encouraged to try new musical skills out, and play together without structure. Drums, amps, mics, and other instruments are available!

REC & TECH

Monday 3:15-5:00- 4th/5th Drop In

Wednesday 3:15-5:00 MS and HS Drop In/Mentoring

Friday 3:15-5:00 MS Drop In

PLAYGROUP

JOIN US and connect with other families while interacting with an array of age-appropriate toys. and play equipment.



sarah@thefunhouse.org to learn more

MUSIC & CREATE CLASSES

Learn and Instrument, Join a Chorus, Make Art!

RAINBOW CLUB

Rainbow Club is now every Friday afterschool from 3:30-5. This is a casual space for LGBTQIA+ middle schoolers and friends to play games, make art, explore music and connect with one another. Come say hi! 

 

NEWS FROM THE PEACH PIT

 
Peach Pit

The Peach Pit is entering the new school year with a uniquely fresh energy; we hired a dozen new staff members who completed a week-long training session this summer. Some new things have been introduced, such as a regular "Fun Friday" for high school students, featuring a new activity or game each week, a bedazzling station, the introduction of Capri Suns to our fridge, and many fun Fall-based activities--with many a pumpkin being painted! Check out our instagram account (@orcaspeachpit) to keep up with all the fun and goofy goings-on happening at the Pit. 


We are also planning our first event of the year: the Fall Harvest. We invite all high school students to join us for mini pumpkin painting, scented candle making, apple treat baking, and getting a fall fortune!

PEACH PIT STAFF

Back to school and back in action! We’re excited to welcome our returning 7th–12th graders and get to know our new 6th graders. Our amazing youth staff spent a full week training this summer in youth development, conflict resolution, leadership, group dynamics, event planning, and more- and we’re already seeing those skills in action!


Our website is always a great place to see what’s happening: www.orcaspeachpit.org


 


Coalition for Orcas Youth


Next Meeting Tuesday, October 13th


Drug Takeback Day, October 24th

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