About Gorge Youth

Welcome to Gorge Youth, the ultimate resource for families, kids and teens in the Columbia Gorge! This site was created with one big goal: to make life easier (and a lot more fun!) for families by providing a one-stop shop for all things youth. From sports and camps to health resources and creative classes, Gorge Youth is here to connect you with the activities, events, and opportunities that make our community so vibrant.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• A Comprehensive Directory: Find everything from after-school programs and camps to art classes and wellness resources—all sorted by age and category to make searching a breeze
• Events Calendar: Stay in the loop on everything happening in the Gorge, from storytimes and playgroups to community festivals and big events.
• Our Blog Hub: A go-to source for helpful guides, practical tips, local stories, and more, our blog is packed with resources to help you navigate youth activities, community connections, and everything the Gorge has to offer.

At Gorge Youth, we believe that raising kids is a community effort. That’s why this site is designed to not only connect families to resources but also to foster connections between parents, local businesses, and community groups. It’s all about creating a stronger, more supportive community for our kids to grow up in. 

Submit Events for Free

Do you have an event for families, kids or teens? We make it easy for everyone to contribute to our community events calendar. Simply click on the Submit Event button under our Events tab and add your event—it’s completely free!

Become a Listing Member

Want to feature your business or organization in our directory? Sign up to create an account and choose a listing plan that works for you. We offer a range of affordable options, from free basic listings to premium plans packed with extra visibility and features.

Why We Charge

Building a platform like this has been a labor of love—but it’s also a significant investment. Between design, development, SEO, and marketing, plus ongoing costs like hosting, security, and content creation, maintaining a high-quality site requires considerable resources.

Your support as a listing member helps us keep the site running smoothly, secure, and filled with fresh, valuable content for the families who visit every day.

Every contribution goes directly toward improving Gorge Youth and making it a vibrant, reliable resource for our community. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re building something truly impactful for the families and businesses of the Gorge!

Debbie Dennis

Hi there! I’m Debbie—the dreamer, doer, and organizer behind Gorge Youth. As a proud Gorge mom, I wear a lot of hats:

⚽ Soccer Coach & Sports Mom: I’ve spent the past five years coaching rec league soccer and now serve as Vice President of Columbia Gorge Youth Soccer, expanding youth soccer opportunities in the Gorge. My car often doubles as a locker room, snack station, and the perfect spot for carpool conversations.

🤝 Community Builder & Active Volunteer: Whether organizing events, rallying volunteers at May Street Elementary, or supporting youth programs, connecting people and ideas is my superpower. I love bringing our community closer together.

📋 Organizational Enthusiast: If making lists were an Olympic sport, I’d have a gold medal. (Aries fire energy and ENFJ all the way!)

📢 Marketing Maven & Strategist: With a Sports Marketing degree from the University of Dayton and an extensive background in sponsorship activation, integrated marketing campaigns, experiential marketing, and event management, I specialize in bringing big ideas to life—blending creativity, strategy, and execution.

Fifteen years ago, my husband and I chose the Columbia Gorge for our destination wedding. During our honeymoon, we made a bold decision: return to Florida, quit our jobs, and move to Hood River. We knew we wanted to raise a family in a place filled with adventure, natural beauty, and like-minded, outdoor-loving families.

Before settling in the Gorge, I spent eight years in the fast-paced corporate world of NASCAR, managing sponsorships and marketing initiatives. After moving here in 2010, I shifted gears—consulting for Nike Vision on digital marketing projects and launching Riverhood Rentals, a local party and event equipment rental business.

The idea for Gorge Youth came from my own experience as a busy mom, constantly hunting for activities, resources, and events for my kids. I kept thinking, Why isn’t there just one place for all of this? After years of wishing and waiting, I finally decided to create it—because if there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s a good challenge.

When I’m not working or dreaming up my next project, you’ll find me soaking up everything the Gorge has to offer—chasing my kids from one activity to the next, hiking a favorite trail, boating on the river, or enjoying an evening with friends by the fire.

I’m passionate about this community and excited to help families feel more connected through Gorge Youth. Thanks for stopping by—I’m so glad you’re here!