Acorn Circle 2025: Mulak Man at Lebanon Library
2025-10-21 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lebanon Library, 55 Academy St., Lebanon, OR, 97355
SESSION TWO“Mulak Man” and make a leather pouch
This learning session will include hearing the story “Mulak Man” about traditional elk hunting, and a “moving quiz” testing comprehension for prizes, then make your own leather pouch to take home. Curriculum by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, adaptation and teaching by the staff of Singing Creek Educational Center. Teachers are welcome to attend and a parent/guardian must stay with the child.
FREE. Best for ages 6 – 10, but children of all ages are welcome.
Location: Lebanon Library, 55 Academy Street, Lebanon, OR 97355Date: Tuesday October 21st, 2025Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Acorn Circle 2025: Coyote and the Fish Trap at Eugene Library
2025-10-24 16:30 - 17:30 | Eugene Public Library, 100 W 10th Ave,, Eugene, OR, 97401
SESSION THREE“Coyote and the Fish Trap” storybook, Past/Present tense verbs, and Make Your Own Coyote Mask
This free learning session will include hearing the story “Coyote and the Fish Trap”, learning about tenses in verbs, learning a few words in Chinuk wawa and making a paper coyote mask to take home. Curriculum by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, adaptation and teaching by the staff of Singing Creek Educational Center. Teachers and parents are welcome to attend.
FREE. Best for ages 6 – 10, but all ages are welcome with a parent/guardian.
Location: Eugene Public LibraryDate: Friday October 24, 2025Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Hallows Eve Batty Bash 2025-cancelled
2025-10-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR, 97477
CANCELLED due to weather- Sorry!
Join us for a fun autumn-themed celebration in an old-fashioned style! Make your own crafts, fun kids activities and games, watch a spooky shadow puppet show, and enjoy treats from our bake sale!
All our crafts are plastic-free and candy-free, we are using natural materials to make things like witch’s brooms, lavender ghosts, and more. Learn about local bats with our instructor Willow who knows about them!
Our shadow puppet play will be inside the indigenous-style plankhouse and is a little bit spooky but not scary (suitable for all ages.) We will have homemade baked treats (many will be healthy treats) but some may contain nuts, gluten or other allergens. Please feel free to bring your own snack, but we discourage commercial candy at this event. We also plan to serve hot apple cider at this event.
Feel free to wear a costume that is not too scary (no gore or weapons of any kind) and culturally appropriate. Keep in mind this is a family-friendly event and we want to show respect for all cultures and keep things child-focused (no adult themed costumes.)
Let’s make this a special vintage style Hallows Eve celebration!
***This small, curated and thoughtful event is a good choice for children with sensory issues, special needs or fears of large crowds. Each craft station will have a volunteer ready to help and parents will stay with their children. Unlike some other halloween celebrations, we don’t feature scary images, loud noises or overwhelming crowds. We don’t use plastic (as much as possible) and don’t give out candy. Enjoy a healthy alternative Halloween celebration just right for children with special needs or that just love old-fashioned fun!****
Location: Dorris Ranch Living History VillageSaturday October 25, 20252pm to 4pm

Entry fees$15 per child$25 for two kids$10 each for 3 or more children in the same familyThis is NOT a drop off event; you must stay with your child. Adults are free with a participating child.

Please RSVP below to hold your spot and bring cash or check at the door.There will be a maximum of 25 children at this event.
All ages and abilities are welcome. There are no stairs to get into any buildings but the ground may be uneven or wet, and some paths are gravel. Please use caution and let us know if you need help.

Oregon bats: Come learn why they are important members of our ecosystem and how you can help them!Wear a bat costume if you like!

Pictures of our past Halloween Events:

Acorn Circle 2025: Coyote and the Fish Trap at Cottage Grove Library
2025-10-29 14:30 - 15:30 | Cottage Grove Library, 700 E Gibbs Ave,, Cottage Grove, OR, 97424
SESSION THREE“Coyote and the Fish Trap” storybook, Past/Present tense verbs, and Make Your Own Coyote Mask
This free learning session will include hearing the story “Coyote and the Fish Trap”, learning about tenses in verbs, learning a few words in Chinuk wawa and making a paper coyote mask to take home. Curriculum by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, adaptation and teaching by the staff of Singing Creek Educational Center. Teachers and parents are welcome to attend.
Supported by the City of Cottage Grove.
FREE. Best for ages 6 – 10, but all ages are welcome with a parent/guardian.
Location: Cottage Grove LibraryDate: Wednesday October 29, 2025Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm

Acorn Circle 2025: Coyote and the Fish Trap at Lebanon Library
2025-11-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Lebanon Library, 55 Academy St., Lebanon, OR, 97355
SESSION THREE“Coyote and the Fish Trap” storybook, Past/Present tense verbs, and Make Your Own Coyote Mask
This free learning session will include hearing the story “Coyote and the Fish Trap”, learning about tenses in verbs, learning a few words in Chinuk wawa and making a paper coyote mask to take home. Curriculum by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, adaptation and teaching by the staff of Singing Creek Educational Center. Teachers are welcome to attend and a parent/guardian must stay with their child(ren).
FREE. Best for ages 6 – 10, but all ages are welcome with a parent/guardian.
Location: Lebanon Library, 55 Academy Street, Lebanon, OR 97355Date: Tuesday November 4, 2025Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Indigenous Cultural Presentation at Lebanon Library
2025-11-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Lebanon Library, 55 Academy St., Lebanon, OR, 97355
Join us for a wonderful cultural presentation with Deitrich Peters of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde!
Join us at the Lebanon Public Library with Deitrich Peters of the Grand Ronde Tribe. Deitrich (Deitz) has graciously agreed to share elements of his regalia and will play flute music, talk about his culture, and answer questions. SCEC Executive Director Karen Rainsong will attend and display items of Kalapuya material culture.
Great for ages 8 and up.
FREESeating is limited, please arrive 10 minutes early.
Date: Saturday, November 4, 2025Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pmLibrary Address: 55 Academy St, Lebanon, OR 97355

Indigenous Cultural Presentation at Eugene Library
2025-11-08 15:00 - 16:00 | Eugene Public Library, 100 W 10th Ave,, Eugene, OR, 97401
Join us for a wonderful cultural presentation with Deitrich Peters of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde!
Join us at the Eugene Public Library with Deitrich Peters of the Grand Ronde Tribe. Deitrich (Deitz) has graciously agreed to share elements of his regalia and will play flute music, talk about his culture, and answer questions. SCEC Executive Director Karen Rainsong will attend and display items of Kalapuya material culture.
Great for ages 8 and up.
Generously sponsored by the Woodard Family Foundation.
FREESeating is limited, please arrive 10 minutes early.
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pmLibrary Address: 100 West 10th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401

Indigenous Cultural Presentation at Cottage Grove Comm. Ctr
2025-11-15 14:30 - 15:30 | Cottage Grove Community Center, 700 E Gibbs Ave,, Cottage Grove,, OR, 97424, United States
Join us for a wonderful cultural presentation with Deitrich Peters of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde!
Join us at the Cottage Grove Community Center in November, in honor of Native American Heritage Month, with Deitrich Peters of the Grand Ronde Tribe. Deitrich (Deitz) has graciously agreed to share elements of his regalia and will play flute music, talk about his culture, and answer questions. SCEC Executive Director Karen Rainsong will attend and display items of Kalapuya material culture. Best for ages 8 and up.
FREESeating is limited, please arrive 10 minutes early.
Date: Saturday November 15, 2025Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Addess: Cottage Grove Library and Community Center700 E Gibbs Ave, Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Thank you to our generous funders: The Woodard Family Foundation and the City of Cottage Grove

Indigenous Program for Littles at Fern Ridge Library
2026-01-28 11:00 - 11:30 | Fern Ridge Public Library, 88026 Territorial Hwy, Veneta, OR, 97487
Location:Fern Ridge Library88026 Territorial Hwy Veneta OR 97487
Wednesday January 28, 202611amFREE
Join us for the Chipmunk Circle for children ages 3 to 5 and learn about indigenous culture with KwisKwis, a Townsend’s chipmunk stuffy.This engaging and hands-on curriculum will delight your little ones! With story books and simple activities children will begin to learn words and concepts about First Nations culture and healthy relationships with nature.

The teaching staff at Singing Creek Ed. Center may not necessarily be Native themselves but they are well trained and respectful of other cultures. The series uses items from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde including books, the stuffy, and online curriculum.

Learn more about this program here:https://www.singingcreekcenter.org/pre-k-kwiskwis-finds-his-way/

Frontier Heritage Fair SCEC booth 2026
2026-02-14 09:00 - 2026-02-15 17:00 | Lane County Fairgrounds, Eugene
Join us Feb 14th and 15th at the Lane County Fairgrounds at the annual Frontier Heritage Fair!9am to 5pm on Saturday9am to 4pm on Sunday
This indoor family-friendly event features booths, exhibits, crafts, artisans and live music! See the the frontier, wild west and Civil War era goods and demonstrations.We will be doing our always popular corn dollie making craft! Create your own boy or girl doll and dress it up with clothing you create. (Suggested Donation $2 per doll)
There is a small entrance fee to come into the fair but it’s well worth it!
Admission $5, Kids 12 and under Free, when accompanied by an adult.
PLEASE NOTE: Singing Creek is a participant only, not part of the management. The event has a limited scope with displays and merchandise relating to the Fur Trade, Civil War, Old West and pre-1898 period in general. It is not a craft fair. For more information call the director Melody Morrell at 541-689-4281
If you want to volunteer for a shift at our booth you can get in free. Your kids can come along and help if you volunteer. Contact our Director, Karen Rainsong, for more info: director@singingcreekcenter.org.

Old School: History Camp for Today's Kids 2026
2026-03-23 09:00 - 2026-03-25 14:00 | SMJ House, 303 Willamette St., Eugene,, OR, 97401, United States
Join us for a fun three day adventure for kids ages 6 – 10 during Spring Break!
We will have fun learning about the history of Oregon and doing all kinds of activities, indoors and out, at the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House (Eugene’s Victorian mansion).
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am to 2pmAges 6 – 10
Cost: $160 per student and $130 each for siblings.Reserve a spot for a nonrefundable $35 (deducted from your final tuition)Address: 303 Willamette St. (Go to Pearl and Third St and follow the signs)
Camp will be led by an instructor and a teen helper and will have a max of 10 students. We provide all the fun historical games and activities; you get to take home your creations each day. Try churning butter, Victorian flower painting, learning circle songs and music, weaving on a loom, embroidery and more! Camp stays on the site of the SMJ house each day. Open to kids of all gender expressions. We provide non-gendered dress up clothing for different sizes of bodies. You may bring your own lunch and water bottle; however if you are low-income and need help with food let us know and we will provide lunch and snacks.
We are happy to talk with you about any accommodations your child may need. The house does not have an elevator and has three floors. Most of the time we will be on the ground floor of the house but if everyone is able to walk up the stairs we may visit other floors.
This camp is jointly taught by Singing Creek Educational Center and the SMJ house.
Learn more and register: https://smjhouse.org/events/camps/

Forest Path Nature Spring Break Camp 2026
2026-03-23 09:00 - 2026-03-27 15:00 | Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR, 97477
CANCELLED DUE TO ORCHARD SPRAYING CLOSURES ON SITE
Join us during Spring Break week March 23rd- 27th for a fun adventure camp!
Perfect for ages 6 – 10, this camp will get you exploring the woods around the Living History Village (our location) at Dorris Ranch! Learn about plants, animals, seasonal changes, edible foods and medicines, indigenous traditional knowlegde and more. We’ll play games every day and enjoy the historical buildings in the village like the pioneer cabin, the cedar plankhouse and more.
Time: 9am – 3pmMonday – FridayPre-registration required. $40 deposit required to hold your child’s spot.
CostEarly Bird by Feb 15th: $220 ea, $200 ea for siblingsAfter Feb 15th: $250 per student, siblings $220
Cancellation fee: Refund/ Cancellation Policy: There is a $40.00 cancellation fee per registration. Up to 14 days before the first day of the program you may cancel your child’s enrollment and receive your money back (minus the $40 cancellation fee). Cancellations made less than 14 days before the first day of the program will not be refunded. Registrations and fees are non-transferable.
All genders and abilities are welcome at this camp. We are happy to talk with you about any accommodations your child may need. We will be on different surfaces including gravel, grass and pavement and might be walking all the way to the river if all are able. There are many wonderful paths in Dorris Ranch and it is a public park so you can explore there anytime it’s open.
Please let us know if you have questions. Email Karen Rainsong at: director@singingcreekcenter.org.
Scroll down to register

Indigenous Day: Learning for adults, teens and teachers
2026-04-13 13:00 - 15:00 | LCC Longhouse, 4000 East 30th Avenue, Eugene, OR, 97405
Join us for an educational and cultural presentation with Deitrich Peters of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and Nicole Butler-Hooten of Bethel School District
Learn about Indigenous culture, including best practices for sharing about Native culture today, especially for those who are teachers or aspiring teachers. Karen Rainsong of SCEC will open the session with a short presentation about the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Then Deitrich (Deitz) Peters will share culture and elements of his regalia, play flute music and answer questions. Learn about the how local indigenous people are reclaiming culture and connection to the Earth. Hear from Nicole Butler, Bethel School District Equity Coordinator, about cultural appropriation and best practices for sharing about First Peoples in educational settings. If time allows we will make a simple craft related to the four directions and the medicine wheel. SCEC Executive Director Karen Rainsong will display items of Kalapuya material culture.
Group rate available. For teen and adult audiences. Pre-registration required.

Location:Lane Community CollegeLonghouse BLD 314000 East 30th AvenueEugene, OR 97405
Date: Monday, April 13thTime: 1pm – 3:00pmCost: $25 per personTo register: email our director, Karen Rainsong at director@singingcreekcenter.org
Deadline to register is Thursday April 9th at 5pm.

Nicole Butler-Hooton has spent twenty years in education. She was a second and fourth grade teacher in Oregon for 15 years. Over the last five years she has followed her passion of coaching teachers and educational equity spending time as an Instructional Coach and currently in year 3 as the equity coordinator in the Bethel School District. She was named the 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year, becoming the first Indigenous teacher in Oregon to earn this recognition. Butler-Hooton is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians- Chetco Band (Oregon) and the San Carlos Apache Tribe (Arizona). A first-generation college graduate, she values making connections with students, families and the school community, while centering equity and cultural competency in her teaching.
Nicole holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a focus on Ethnic Studies, and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oregon, where she was part of the Sapsik’ʷałá Teacher Education Program. She is currently enrolled in an Ed.D program through Walden University specializing in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction.
Butler-Hooton says her primary professional goal is to engage in decolonization practices, policy change, social justice, anit-racist curriculum, and more humanized approaches to teaching and learning. She believes that Indigenous children need access to a more truthful education that allows them to realize their Indigenous self-identity, language and culture through accurate representation in their lives.

Chipmunk Circle at Fern Ridge Library
2026-04-15 11:00 - 11:30 | Fern Ridge Public Library, 88026 Territorial Hwy, Veneta, OR, 97487
Join us for fun indigenous learning for pre-K children at the Fern Ridge Library!
We’ll read a few stories and do some crafts to take home. Great for ages 2. 5 to 5 years.
Wednesday April 15th, 11am – 11:30am
FREE

Healing with the Land Workshop for Teens and Adults
2026-04-20 13:00 - 14:30 | Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR, 97477
Healing with the Land: Indigenous Worldviews for Nature Connection and Healing
Join us for an adventure at the living history village at Dorris Ranch as we turn our minds as one to open our senses to the gifts and wonder of deep nature connection. Using Indigenous and Land-based healing worldviews, you will be guided through a sensory awareness experience with medicinal plants to develop a new language of reciprocation and gratitude. Led by Ana Bradley, one of the original co-founders of Whole Earth Nature School, Ana brings passion and 20+ years of deep nature and attunement skills to her work with people and nature.
Cost: $15 per person or $120 for a group of ten or moreLocation: Dorris Ranch Living History Village at 205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR
Deadline to register is April 19th.
Monday, April 20th1pm – 2:30pmOr book this as a field trip with your students on another day.For teens and adults.

Ana Bradley is the co-founder of Whole Earth Nature School. She has dedicated her life to deepening her connection with the Earth through nature awareness and attunement, cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness, and supporting others in awakening their natural awareness of the environment, the land, and themselves. Through experiential/psycho-education, nature-based therapeutic practices, and land-based lived experiences, Ana blends person-centered and trauma-informed care practices into her mentoring style. Ana has worked with people of all ages across the lifespan, from one-on-one mentoring to facilitating groups of varying sizes and multicultural backgrounds. Ana is a mother, Clinical Herbalist, musician, and will be receiving her Master’s in Counseling in May of 2026 to blend her skill sets into a nature and experiential-based licensed professional counselor.

Forest Family Day: Native Plants and Cordage
2026-05-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR, 97477
Join us for a wild Spring plant adventure with clinical herbalist and amateur ethnobotanist, Ana Bradley. We will use our owl eyes and raccoon touch to identify, thank, and try a variety of plant friends in the Dorris Ranch wild areas. Meet and learn about lush spring plants such as Stinging Nettle, Plantain, and Licorice Fern. Together we will learn the life-saving skills of ethical harvesting and plant identification to meet our new plant friends for food, medicine, and tools!
While we won’t be harvesting in this class, we will teach you how to safely harvest these plants in your own yard or natural areas for your own use.
Pre-Registration required.
Location: Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St. Springfield, ORDate: May 9, 2026, 1pm – 2:30pmCost: $15 per personAges 8 years old and up, adults welcome.
Registration form is below.

Ana Bradley is the co-founder of Whole Earth Nature School. She has dedicated her life to deepening her connection with the Earth through nature awareness and attunement, cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness, and supporting others in awakening their natural awareness of the environment, the land, and themselves. Through experiential/psycho-education, nature-based therapeutic practices, and land-based lived experiences, Ana blends person-centered and trauma-informed care practices into her mentoring style. Ana has worked with people of all ages across the lifespan, from one-on-one mentoring to facilitating groups of varying sizes and multicultural backgrounds. Ana is a mother, Clinical Herbalist, musician, and will be receiving her Master’s in Counseling in May of 2026 to blend her skill sets into a nature and experiential-based licensed professional counselor.

Chipmunk Circle: You are the Land for Pre-K to Kinder
2026-05-13 11:00 - 11:30 | Fern Ridge Public Library, 88026 Territorial Hwy, Veneta, OR, 97487
Join us for the Chipmunk Circle for children ages 3 to 5 and learn about indigenous culture with KwisKwis, a Townsend’s chipmunk stuffy.This engaging and hands-on curriculum will delight your little ones! With story books and simple activities children will begin to learn words and concepts about First Nations culture and healthy relationships with nature.
We will be reading You are the Land by Steph Littlebird (Grand Ronde Tribe) and doing nature activities to connect with the concepts. Perfect for busy little bodies!

The teaching staff at Singing Creek Ed. Center may not necessarily be Native themselves but they are well trained and respectful of other cultures. The series uses items from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde including books, the stuffy, and online curriculum.
FREE
Read more here: https://www.singingcreekcenter.org/chipmunk-circle/

Ghost Guest Program at Eugene Masonic Cemetery: Memorial Day
2026-05-24 12:00 - 2026-05-25 15:00 | Eugene Masonic Cemetery, University St & E 25th Ave., Eugene, OR, 97405
Join us at the Eugene Masonic Cemetery on Memorial Day (Sunday and Monday) and meet some ghosts from our town’s past.
Karen Rainsong will be portraying Mrs. Mary Skinner, the wife of Eugene Skinner, and other staff will be there dressed in period costume as other notable folks. Talk with us “in character” of the times and hear about our lives in early Eugene history.
Meet Ed McClanhan and Jennie Eakins, (our staff dressed in period clothing) who will tell you about thier lives.
Time: noon – 3pm
May 24th and 25th
Address: University St & E 25th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405
Mrs. Mary Skinner Obituary:
Mary Skinner Packard – Oregon Pioneer, Dies June 4, 1881

Healing the Heart of the Mother: An Indigenous-led Ceremony
2026-05-24 13:00 - 15:00 | OR
This event is now full. Please look for other events like this in our Events Calendar.
Join us to help heal the heart of the Mother and our own hearts. Led by our Indigenous friends and featuring music, prayers and healing energy, this special ceremony will connect us to the sacred mother Earth and our own internal mother.
The funds raised by this event will allow us to offer substantial scholarships to our Earth Ways summer camps for low-income Native American families. (A week of day camp for only $40.)
Sunday, May 24, 20261pm – 3pmCost: Sliding scale $25- $45If you are experiencing financial hardship, but would like to join us and lend your positive, healing energy, please email us and let us know if there is another way you can reciprocate. Perhaps help with set up or bring something that you made yourself as an offering to our guests.Pre-registration required, use the form below.Best for ages 13 and up.Led by: Deitrich Peters (Grand Ronde) and his wife Kathy Peters, and Katherine K’iya Wilson.
At Mandala Sanctuary in South Eugene on private property (Address provided after you register)

Deitrich Peters, photo by Brittany Lee Mason.

Join us for a wonderful indigenous-led ceremony to bless and heal the heart of the Mother Earth. Using allies such as cedar, camas and sage we will tap into the heart center and connect to the Earth, showing our respect and gratitude to all living beings. After clearing the space and setting our intentions, we will be guided by Deitrich Peters (Grand Ronde) and his wife Kathy, and Katherine “K’iya” Wilson. Listen to stories and flute music and bring a journal to record your thoughts and feelings as we connect to the sacred Mother. In this time of so much stress and disharmony, we will use our voices and hands for healing and tap into the camas flower’s beauty and promise of return. Take home some blessed camas seeds and a heart full of love.

Katherine Wilson, Deitrich Peters, and Kathy Keating-Peters in a ceremony in Blue River, OR. Photo by Brittany Lee Mason.

Karen Rainsong, Deitrich Peters, and Katherine Wilson at the ceremonial opening of a conference at the UO Longhouse. Karen wears items made for her by Deitz.

The Mandala Sanctuary is a beautiful space on private property. There is parking next to the building and there is only one small step to enter the building. Hot water for tea is available; please bring your own travel mug. Please no pets allowed or use of drugs/alcohol at this event.
This event is a fundraiser for Singing Creek Educational Center, a nonprofit providing culturally-responsive living history programming in Western Oregon.
See photos of the space below.

Kalapuya Ways hike and talk at Hendricks Park May 2026
2026-05-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Hendrick’s Park, Summit Ave &, Skyline Blvd,, Eugene, OR, 97403
Learn about the Kalapuya Indigenous people, past and present, with instructor Karen Rainsong, who is the Exec. Dir of SCEC. This presentation and guided hike is best for adults and teens. Learn about native plants and their uses as well as tools such as baskets, digging sticks, cordage, the atlatl and more.
Bring some cash as a donation to the Friend’s of Hendricks park for this presentation. Hike will include some gentle uphill climbs and is not generally considered wheelchair friendly, although the opening talk in the park is accessible.
See items of material culture, and listen to a Kalapuya story (permission for Karen to tell this story has been given by Esther Stutzman, a local Kalapuya elder.) Karen has been learning about and from Indigenous people for 20 years.
See more info on their website: https://friendsofhendrickspark.org/

Trails of Time: An Oregon Living History Festival
2026-06-20 09:30 - 16:30 | Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR, 97477
Join us for a family-friendly gathering with history interpreters, acitivities, live music, meet-a-goat, and indigenous storytelling and food. Local history educators and enthusiasts will be on hand dressed in the time period they are portaying and doing authentic chores, activities and crafts. Learn to wash clothes on a washboard, sit in a canoe with the fur traders, and listen to Native stories in the cedar plankhouse.
Our friend Deitrich Peters and his family members (from Grand Ronde) will be there to talk with you about Native culture today and show some items of regalia, play flute and do some Native storytelling. He may even bring a tipi to set up near the plankhouse, weather permitting.
Admission: FREEBring some cash to buy food, raffle tickets or handmade historical items. Bring your own water bottle as there is no drinking fountain on site.
Bring clean returnable bottles and cans to donate to CASA of Lane County.
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Download the event flyer (PDF)

Our presenters/activities include:

Lane County History MuseumMuseum of Natural and Cultural HistoryKaren Haas Storytelling and SongsBlack history posters from Oregon Black PioneersPioneer Cabin and washing clothes on a washboardGrinding grains

Native American Culture- flute, drum, storiesCanoe ride (on land- get your photo taken)Pet a dwarf goatCovered Wagon- Historical demosSpinning wheel and weaving demosand more!

This is a drug and alcohol free event. Please do not bring dogs or other pets. The festival area in on a gravel path and most activities will be outside, please dress for the weather.
Directions: 205 Dorris St. Springfield, OR (see google maps to get to Dorris Ranch)
VENDORS and Handicapped Parking: When you pull into the driveway, turn left and go to the upper parking lot. Vendors will be asked to move their cars to the bottom lot after unloading.
ATTENDEES Parking:Pull into the driveway and either go straight toward the Tomseth House for parking or go right and park near the barn. Follow the gravel path next to the Tomseth house up a short ways, then you will see the village entrance.
To inquire about being a part of the festival or for more information please contact Karen Rainsong: director@singingcreekcenter.org, 541 968-1986.
PRESS: Download the June 20th press release
Download the flyer here.

BRING YOUR BOTTLES AND CANSPlease bring your clean, dry, empty returnable (10 cents) cans and bottles for CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates for children. We want to help them raise money for the important work they do in our community.

Thank you to our generous festival sponsors!

At the festival: Meet urban goatherd Angela Petty and her two Nigerian Dwarf goats, Oak and Orion! Oak and Orion are male “wethers,” so they don’t produce milk. Instead, they are small-scale urban land stewards! They graze and browse in neighborhood backyards, alleys, and green spaces. Along with prescribed burning, herbivores can support natural ecosystems by eating blackberries and other invasive-species, removing fuel loads, sequestering carbon, providing disturbance, and fertilizing. Oak and Orion also enjoy engaging with human friends through events, school visits, and public grazing.

History Pub 2026: The Applegates and the Kalapuyans
2026-06-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Saginaw Vineyard, 80247 Delight Valley School Rd., Saginaw, OR, 97424
Join us for an informative and interesting talk by Karen Rainsong, the Executive Director of Singing Creek Educational Center. Karen researched the Applegates and their connections to the Yoncalla Valley Kalapuyans and put together this fascinating powerpoint.
Join us for a raffle drawing for prize money, trivia and a good time learning about local Oregon history at a great winery!
June 24th, 6pm at Saginaw Vineyards

Forest Path Summer Camp June 2026
2026-06-29 09:00 - 2026-07-03 15:00 | Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR, 97477
Join us for summer camp the week of June 29 – July 3 for a fun outdoor adventure camp!
Perfect for ages 6 – 10, this camp will get you exploring the woods around the Living History Village (our location) at Dorris Ranch! Learn about plants, animals, seasonal changes, edible foods and medicines, indigenous traditional knowlegde and more. We’ll play games every day and enjoy the historical buildings in the village like the pioneer cabin, the cedar plankhouse and more.
BONUS: Join staff from Nearby Nature on an insect safari! Use bug nets and magnifiers to look for cool creepy crawlies in the tall grass and soil nearby.
Time: 9am – 3pmMonday – FridayPre-registration required. $40 deposit required to hold your child’s spot.More info and registration: https://www.singingcreekcenter.org/summer-camps/
Cost$250 per student, siblings $220 each
Refunds/Cancellation fee: There is a $40.00 cancellation fee per registration. Up to 14 days before the first day of the program you may cancel your child’s enrollment and receive your money back (minus the $40 cancellation fee). Cancellations made less than 14 days before the first day of the program will not be refunded. Registrations and fees are non-transferable.
All genders and abilities are welcome at this camp. We are happy to talk with you about any accommodations your child may need. We will be on different surfaces including gravel, grass and pavement and might be walking all the way to the river if all are able. There are many wonderful paths in Dorris Ranch and it is a public park so you can explore there anytime it’s open.
Please let us know if you have questions. Email Karen Rainsong at: director@singingcreekcenter.org.

Earth Ways Summer Camp July 13 2026
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-17 15:00 | Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR, 97477
Monday – Friday, 9am to 3pm
Learn about indigenous ways of the Kalapuya and other Native tribes in this outdoor camp at the Dorris Ranch Living History Village. This day camp includes special guest Native people who will share about culture, traditional crafts, and music. Help put up a full size tipi and learn about the meaning of the poles and traditional symbols. Learn some words in the Kalapuya language, make a leather pouch, learn about Pacific Northwest art forms and hear traditional stories. This camp is best for ages 7 – 11 and has a max of ten students.
Our location includes historic buildings and regular bathrooms on a 268 acre wooded park near the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. We will go on nature walks and explore the indigenous-style cedar plankhouse. Students will try out the atlatl (spear throwing tool) and play games of sport. We may go down to a shallow, mellow place by the river if the kids are all able to walk there. We will look for creatures and learn about local plants and trees. We treat all beings with respect and release back all creatures we find. Water shoes and tennies are most appropriate for this camp.
Location: Dorris Ranch Living History Village: 205 Dorris St. Springfield, OR
Hold your child’s spot in this camp for only $40.
More details and registration form here:https://www.singingcreekcenter.org/summer-camps/

Our friend and partner, Deitrich Peters, is a member of the Grand Ronde tribe and loves teaching about his culture. He is a kind and compassionate person and gently teaches about living cultures today and traditional ways. Learn more about Deitz on our Acorn Circle page here.

Pioneer Homesteading Summer Camp 2026
2026-07-20 09:00 - 2026-07-24 15:00 | Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR, 97477
Pioneer Homesteading Summer Camp July 2026
Monday – Friday; July 20 – 249am to 3pm
Each camp will feature crafts, games, stories, outside exploration, walking field trips, cooking, and more! Wash clothes on the washboard, learn felting and sewing techniques, grind grain, make shadow puppets, and help on the farm! Enjoy visits from special guests who will teach us, trade with us, or share stories, such as the medicine healer who will bring her doctoring kit (circa 1850) to share with us about healing of the time. We’ll play games every day and enjoy the historical buildings in the village like the pioneer cabin, the cedar plankhouse and more. Read about the values children learn in our summer camps.
Children aged 6-10 are welcome. Eleven year olds may also register if they are really into the theme and motivated- they may be asked to help out a bit with the younger ones. Children bring their own lunches and water bottle each day.
Cost: $250 per weekSiblings in the same camp: $200 each per week.Hold your child’s spot for only $40 deposit.
Scholarships for low income families are available, see the form below. Camps are limited to 10 children.
Location: Living History Village at Dorris Ranch, Springfield205 Dorris Street, Springfield, OR
All genders and abilities are welcome at this camp. We are happy to talk with you about any accommodations your child may need. We will be on different surfaces including gravel, grass and pavement and will not likely be walking all the way to the river. There are many wonderful paths in Dorris Ranch and it is a public park so you can explore there anytime it’s open.
Please let us know if you have questions. Email Karen Rainsong at: director@singingcreekcenter.org. If there is enough interest we may add a second week of this camp.
Learn more and signup on this page: https://www.singingcreekcenter.org/summer-camps/

Pints for a Cause @ Plank Town Brewing
2026-07-28 11:30 - 21:00 | Plank Town Brewing Co, 346 Main St., Springfield, OR, 97477, United States
Join us at Plank Town Brewing Company in downtown Springfield to celebrate Singing Creek Educational Center! A portion of the proceeds of beer sales all day goes to support our living history programs for kids. Tuesday, July 28th, 2026. Address: 346 Main St., Springfield, OR | Open 11:30am – 9pm | See their website at: https://www.planktownbrewing.com/ We will be there from 6-8 pm on July 28th.

Opal Whiteley Nature Fairies Summer Camp 2026
2026-08-03 09:00 - 2026-08-07 15:00 | Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR, 97477
Learn about the famous pioneer girl, Opal Whiteley, as you explore nature! Opal was a nature lover who kept a childhood diary relating her adventures in the woods around Cottage Grove in 1905, including her “explores” with her animal friends. We will make fairy houses, create a journal and write and sketch in nature, play games outside, and discover homesteading life.
Enjoy visits from special guests who teach us about fiber arts and how to take care of the Earth and reduce our waste. Opal would appreciate our lessons on how to be kind to all beings and the Earth.
We’ll have lots of fun as we learn to appreciate Opal’s youthful relationship to the natural world. You can wear your own dress up clothes or borrow some of ours. All genders/gender expressions are welcome to sign up for this camp (and all our programs!)
Ages 6 – 10, ten kids max for this campHold your child’s spot in this camp for a $40 deposit.
Location: Dorris Ranch living history village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR
Learn more and register here.

Lewis & Clark: Explorers Summer Camp 2026
2026-08-10 09:00 - 2026-08-14 15:00 | Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR, 97477
Join us for some fun adventures during our Lewis & Clark: Explorers summer camp August 10 – 14, 2026.
This day camp will feature lots of outside time, learning about the Lewis & Clark Corp of Discovery, creating crafts, exploring, learning about the native peoples they encountered along the way and more. We may have special guests come to camp to share special skills with us. Try your hand at the bow and arrow, hear
Do a trading activity, make your own journal with leather, write a letter to Thomas Jefferson with a quill pen and more. We will share perspectives of Native people whose lives and homelands were impacted by this journey as well as about living Native cultures today. We present this perspective in a respectful, culturally-sensitive way.
Our Executive Director, Karen Rainsong, has developed this curriculum after years of professional development in the area and working with local tribes to understand patterns of inequities and resilience. Feel free to reach out to her with any questions at: director@singingcreekcenter.org.
Monday – Friday, 9am to 3pmLocation: Dorris Ranch Living History Village, 205 Dorris St. Springfield, OR
Hold your child’s spot in this camp for a $40 deposit.
Learn more and register at: https://www.singingcreekcenter.org/summer-camps/

Grandparent's Tea at the SMJ House 2026
2026-09-13 13:00 - 15:00 | SMJ House, 303 Willamette St., Eugene,, OR, 97401, United States
Honor your Grandparent or Grandfriend!
Enjoy a lovely sit down formal tea with your grandparent or grandfriend with Singing Creek Educational Center!
This family oriented tea will be at the historic Shelton McMurphey Johnson house, a Victorian mansion in Eugene. The event will feature two different flights of tea and treats, and live Celtic harp music. Each senior aged 60 and up will be invited to select a handmade gift from our gift table. Each attendee can take a paper heart and write the names of their beloved grandparents and “grandfriends” to string up around the room. In this way all our loved ones can be with us at the tea, whether they are still alive or not. It’s a great way to include relatives that live out of town! Feel free to dress up in historic dress (a fancy hat?) as our servers will also be in historic dress.
Pre-registration required; seating is limited.
One hundred percent of the ticket price supports our non-profit and helps us continue our fun history-based programs for kids and families in Oregon.
Previous tea events have been located at the Camas Country Mill Schoolhouse in Junction City and the Dr. Snapp House in Cottage Grove. We are excited to bring you a tea party in the SMJ House (they are wonderful partners of SCEC!)
Celebrate National Grandparent’s Day on Sunday September 13th!
Date: Sunday, September 13th 2026Time: 1pm- 3pmCost:$36 per adult (age 13 and up)$26 for children (ages 12 and under)
Address of SMJ House: 303 Willamette St. Eugene OR
For questions please contact: director@singingcreekcenter.org, 541 968-1986There are no refunds on tickets after purchase. If you cannot make it, please gift your tickets to someone else. This is a charity fundraiser for SCEC.
Thank you to Mountain Rose Herbs, Market of Choice and Sundance Natural Foods for supporting this event!
SCROLL DOWN TO REGISTER

Thank you to the SMJ House for the use of the house for our fundraiser tea!

Registration coming soon!

Oakshire Brewing fundraiser Fall 2026
2026-09-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Oakshire Brewing, 207 Madison St., Eugene, United States
Join us at Oakshire Brewing in Eugene to celebrate Singing Creek Educational Center! A portion of the proceeds of beer sales all day goes to support our living history programs for kids.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 5pm
Address: 207 MADISON ST, EUGENE, OROpen 11am to 10pm
See their website at: https://oakbrew.com/
We will be there with information on a table for you to look at. Let’s raise a glass to SCEC!
