local organizations

4-H Empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults. Fueled by research-driven programming, 4-H’ers engage in hands-on learning activities in the areas of science, citizenship, and healthy living.

Education Program is committed to promoting the value of arts as basic education.

Animals as Natural Therapy seeks to strengthen the community by developing health, resilient individuals through animal-assisted education and personal growth, with special attention to at-risk youth.

Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization that offers quality instruction in theater, choir, dance, music, and visual arts to youth ages 5-17. The mission of BAAY is to enrich children’s lives through the exploration of the arts.

The mission of Blue Skies for Children is to: grant a Little Wish for each and every eligible child; to increase the capacity to grant Little Wishes for children in need through grants, donations, fundraisers, and the signature program Sponsor-A-Child; and to increase hope and raise self-esteem in our homeless, low-income and foster children, ages six to fifteen.

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Locations in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Lummi Island. The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Camp Fire Samish’s mission is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders. The coeducational programs help both boys and girls cultivate their unique talents and skills. More importantly, Camp Fire offers all families, whatever those families may look like in today’s society, life-enhancing experiences and opportunities to serve, play, and grow together.

To help with the healing process, Camp FIre USA has designed this camp for children who have lost someone they love. Begun in 1998, this program is a one-week session that is especially designed for children who have experienced a loss due to the death of a loved one. This camp provides additional support they need to get through this difficult time.

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Girls on the Run encourages positive emotional, social, mental, and physical development. Participants explore and discuss their own beliefs around experiences and challenges girls face at this age. Running is incorporated throughout the curriculum to inspire an appreciation of fitness and to build habits that lead to a lifetime of health.

The North Cascades Institute seeks to inspire closer relationships with nature through direct experiences in the natural world. Their mission is to conserve and restore Northwest environments through education.

Rooted Emerging intentionally creates the elements of a healthy culture by joyfully coming together to support one another during times of transition.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) serves as a liaison between youth nationwide and The Trevor Project, as it relates to young people and the issues surrounding suicide, sexuality, and gender identity.

The purpose of the Whatcom County Youth Fair is to provide an educational two-day fair for area youth ages 6-18 to prepare them for other fair competition. Fair events include animal projects, a rodeo, photography, clowning, woolcrafts, entrepreneurship, public speaking, wildlife habitat, computer wizards, performing arts, amateur radio, and country crafts.

The mission of the WDRC is to provide and promote constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict through mediation, training, facilitation, and community education.

Locations in Bellingham, Ferndale, and Lynden. With a commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow, and thrive

Whatcom Kid Insider is the premiere local resource for discovering events, activities, and businesses just for kids in Bellingham. Parents can use this site to find activities the whole family can enjoy!

Wild Whatcom is a non-profit organization founded by experienced outdoor educators with the shared vision of providing innovative experiential education in Whatcom County, Washington. Exploring, serving, and connecting with nature, self, and others are the foundation of all their offerings.