Welcome to Gorge Youth!
Hi there! Welcome to Gorge Youth—a dream that has been years in the making and is finally here! 🎉
April 1, 2025
As a busy mom, community advocate, and self-proclaimed list-making enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours navigating the endless world of activities, events, and resources for my kids. From tracking down summer camps to discovering local health and wellness programs, it often felt like a full-time job just to stay in the loop.
I’ve even made spreadsheets to organize my kids' activity calendars, yet I’ve still missed out on opportunities I didn’t know about—like the 5th-grade girls volleyball team I just found out existed (too late to sign up—mom fail!).
I kept asking myself, Why isn’t there one place where all this information lives?
That question was the spark for Gorge Youth—a one-stop hub for families in the Columbia Gorge to connect with all the amazing opportunities our community has to offer. My vision is for Gorge Youth to be more than just a website. I want it to become a dynamic, ever-evolving resource that grows alongside our community’s needs.
That's my kid in the middle with the mischievous face
Why I created Gorge Youth
The Gorge is an incredible place to raise kids. Between the natural beauty, the vibrant network of community-minded businesses, and the countless opportunities for adventure, there’s so much to explore. But as a parent, finding all those opportunities can be overwhelming.
I wanted to make it easier for families to access activities, programs, and events—whether you’re searching for an art class, a soccer league, or a dentist for your kids. Gorge Youth was built to help parents, caregivers, and businesses connect and thrive together.
What you'll find on Gorge Youth
A Comprehensive Directory: From sports and summer camps to music lessons and health resources, our directory is designed to be your go-to guide for all things youth in the Gorge. You can even filter by age group or category to find exactly what you’re looking for.
A Giant Event Calendar: Never miss a storytime, community or seasonal event again. Our calendar is packed with everything happening for youth in the Gorge—big and small.
A Blog Filled with Resources and Stories: Need tips on navigating parenthood or finding the best parks in the area? Our blog will feature helpful guides, local stories, and even some creative ideas to make the most of family life in the Gorge.
This is Just the Beginning
I’m passionate about making Gorge Youth a dynamic resource that truly serves the community, and I want your feedback to help make it even better. What resources do you wish you had? What activities or events should be included? How can this site better meet your needs?
And if you are a vendor offering services and want to be featured on the site or find out about other partnership opportunities please reach out to me at debbie@gorgeyouth.com
Leave a comment below or send me a message—I’d love to hear your thoughts. This is a project built for our community, and I want you to be part of shaping it.
Let’s Build Something Awesome Together
I’m so excited to share Gorge Youth with you and can’t wait to see how it grows. Whether you’re here to find your child’s next big adventure, learn more about local resources, or connect with other families, I hope you find something valuable.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can create something truly special for families in the Gorge.
Stay tuned for more updates, guides, and stories, and don’t forget to follow us on social media to keep up with all the latest!
Let me know what you think, or share your ideas in the comments below!
