Once upon a time, in the incredibly lush and leafy state of Oregon, there thrived a group of kids who possessed a chronic case of nature-itis. These weren't your everyday, tablet-tapping, cereal crunching, sock-misplacing rascals. Oh no! These were the Oregon Nature Ninjas! Oregon, the magical state where it seems someone has taken a giant green paintbrush and splashed it all over. From the enchanting Crater Lake to the towering Mount Hood, from the playful Pacific coastline to the whispering Willamette Valley, the state is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Now, let me introduce you to our cool imaginary character, Squiggles, the Squirrely Sasquatch. Squiggles, with his rainbow fur and shoes made of moss, was the ultimate guide for these adventurous kiddos. When the Nature Ninjas embarked on their daily expeditions, Squiggles would pop up from behind a tree or tumble down a hill, always ready with a giggle-inducing tip or a tongue-twisting fact about Oregon’s bewitching biodiversity. The Nature Ninjas, in their grass-stained jeans and sunflower yellow hats, roamed across Oregon’s wild terrains, their laughter echoing through the woods. They’d climb up the tallest Douglas firs, or trace the trails of the Columbia River, their faces lit up with the thrill of discovery and the joy of being one with nature. In Oregon, trees became their towers, rivers their racing tracks, and every pebble, pinecone, or peculiarly shaped cloud was a puzzle waiting to be solved. With Squiggles the Squirrely Sasquatch by their side, the Oregon Nature Ninjas were not just exploring the outdoors, but also embarking on the grandest, funniest, and greenest adventure of their lives.
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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
Most youth organizations talk about preparing kids for the future or future leadership positions. This is great, but we believe kids and teens are leaders now. They don't need to wait for the future to shape the world. We help youth be the best 7-year-old they can be or the best 17-year-old. We guide kids and teens of all ages to boost their confidence and unlock their potential so they can thrive—where they are now. Thrive{ology} is our research-based approach to teaching every kid or teen how to be a better friend, student, son, daughter, member of society, sister, brother...today. Every Camp Fire program across the country uses Thrive{ology} to teach youth to identify sparks, develop a growth mindset, learn goal management, and take time to reflect.