'Kids Week' planned for spring break

Baker County youths won’t have much chance to claim “I’m bored!” during spring break thanks to groups who have developed a whole week of activities.

The collaboration was the idea of Jonathan Richardson, a visitor information specialist at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.

“Where I came from, they did Kids Week in February. I thought, why can’t we do it in Baker?” he said.

The response was positive from everyone he contacted.

“Everyone said ‘that sounds like a great idea,’ ” Richardson said.

Participating groups include the Interpretive Center, the Baker County Library, the Baker County YMCA and Crossroads Carnegie Art Center.

The challenge was to spread out the activities so young people could attend almost everything with no conflict.

“Avoid that two-hour block with all the activity,” Richardson said.

Here is the schedule for Kids Week, March 20-27:

Saturday, March 20

• Baker County YMCA is offering a special spring break deal for open swims — $10 for unlimited swimming for the week. Each day, except Sunday, Sam-O Swim Center will have open swim from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Baker Heritage Museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for those 12 and younger; $5 for those age 13 to 17 and seniors; and $6 for adults.

Sunday, March 21

• “Learn to Observe” nature walk at the Interpretive Center, 10:30 a.m. This two-hour walk takes visitors from the center down to the Oregon Trail ruts. Free

Monday, March 22

• “Pioneer Stories” at the Baker County Library, 10 a.m. to noon. The Trail Tenders (Interpretive Center volunteers) will be in period costume to read stories from the pioneer days. Free

• “Pack Your Wagon” exhibit at the Interpretive Center encourages youths to try packing a wagon for the trip across the plains to Oregon. An interpreter will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This interactive activity is designed for ages 5 to 12, and is free with center admission (free for 15 and younger, $5 adults, $3.50 seniors)

• “Leave No Trace” program at the Elks Lodge, 1896 Second St., from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sponsored by the Interpretive Center.

• Open swim at Sam-O, 1-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m.

• Baker Heritage Museum open, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, March 23

• Baker County Library activity of making “Kid-sized Butterfly wings” (or vampire bats) with paper, paint and glitter, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the library, 2400 Resort St. Includes a walk to the Baker Heritage Museum to see the butterfly collection. Free for ages 3 to 10.

Children’s librarian Melissa Shafer said she’ll need one adult volunteer for every 10 children who take the museum tour.

• Crossroads Carnegie Art Center will offer two pottery classes during the week:

Intermediate Kids Wheel for ages 12 and older meets March 23-26 from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Previous experience with clay is required, or permission from the instructor. Cost is $60 for members or $65 for non-members; scholarships are available. To register, call Crossroads at 541-523-5369.

Beginning Wheel for Kids ages 8 and older meets March 23, 24 and 25 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. each day. No previous experience is necessary. Cost is $45 for members or $50 for non-members. To register, call 541-523-5369.

• “Pack Your Wagon” at the Interpretive Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Open swim at Sam-O, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Baker Heritage Museum open, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, March 24

• “Kid-sized Butterfly Wings” at the Baker County Library, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Includes walk to the museum.

• Crossroads pottery classes continue

• The Interpretive Center will offer a full day of activities. All are free with admission to the center, which is free for youths age 15 and younger, $3.50 for seniors and $5 for adults.

“People can come up, bring a lunch and spend the day,” Richardson said.

The day’s schedule is:

“Pack Your Wagon” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Pinecone Bird Feeder” at 10 a.m. for ages 6-12. Register by calling 541-523-1843.

“Make a Rag Doll” at 11 a.m. for ages 8 and older. Register by calling 541-523-1843.

“Mountain Man Firearms” demonstration for all ages. There are two sessions: at noon and 2 p.m.

“Wagon Train Toys” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See how children played in the mid 1800s.

“Take a Walk” at 1 p.m. for ages 5 and older. This is a short nature hike around the center — those attending should dress for the weather.

“Tracks, Scat and Skulls” at 2:30 p.m. Explore the signs and bones of animals with the help of an interpreter. For ages 5 and older.

• Open swim at Sam-O, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Baker Heritage Museum open, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, March 25

• “Kid-sized Butterfly Wings” at the Baker County Library, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Includes walk to the museum.

• “Pack Your Wagon” at the Interpretive Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Open swim at Sam-O, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Baker Heritage Museum open, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Game Night at the Baker County Library from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Will feature board games, computer games, PlayStation II and chess (or bring your own games).

“The whole point is for families to sit down and play games with each other,” Shafer said.

Friday, March 26

• Baker City Fire Department tours and safety program by the Oregon State Police, 11 a.m. For information, call 541-523-1843.

• Open swim at Sam-O, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Baker Heritage Museum open, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• “Pack Your Wagon” at the Interpretive Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 27

• Open swim at Sam-O, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Baker Heritage Museum open, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.