Whether it is the echos of laughter reverberating off Timothy lake or the smiles we all shared making garden beds, it is safe to say this summer has been full of joy and youthful wonder. 

Here are a few short re-caps of summer programing so far:

Grounding Waters

Blueprint youth in our Grounding Waters program had the opportunity to engage in experiential learning and deepen their connection to the land through a series of meaningful activities this past month. They began with a visit to Black Futures Farm, where they immersed themselves in sustainable farming practices, explored fields and greenhouses, and even led community tours. This experience not only strengthened their ties to the land but also fostered lasting relationships in a space dedicated to healing and togetherness. We are grateful for Black Futures Farm for hosting us as well as inviting our participants back to Black Sundays for days of healing, togetherness and enjoyment. 

Speaking of Black joy in nature, the youth had an unforgettable camping trip to Timothy Lake, enjoying water activities, sharing stories around the campfire, and forming new friendships under the stars. Not long after the camping weekend, wonder and connection to the environment continued with an exclusive Bull Run tour, where they gained hands-on experience with water quality testing and learned about the critical role of the Bull Run watershed in providing tap water to much of Portland.

Further hands-on learning took place during workshops with Elevate Oregon, where the youth explored soil health, planted herbs, and discovered the medicinal properties of native plants. The month concluded with a 'berry' fun day at Mudbone Grown, where youth and their mentors picked nearly 400 pounds of blueberries, contributing to food distribution efforts while fostering teamwork and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Some pictures from those adventures:

Change is in the Air

 Our Change is in the Air program, also known as CAP, has taken off this cohort! We extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Derron Coles, Wil Bridges, and the rest of the dedicated coalition members from Tetra Tech, Neighbors for Clean Air, City of Gresham, and more! Through the collective efforts of everyone involved, we now have over 10 student scientists deeply engaged in creating air quality monitors, coding, monitor installation, policy development, and other high-level aspects of recording air quality data. These students are displaying dedicated engagement and a keen willingness to learn during both classroom sessions and field trips. Their enthusiasm is truly inspiring as they interpret and put into action the next steps to protect their communities. One of the air quality monitors we have created is in our very own office! Check out the live data here: http://tinyurl.com/yskg4wve 

Some pictures from recent monitor installations and learning labs in the Blueprint office:

Constructing Hope Summer Camp

In collaboration with Constructing Hope, a combination of Blueprint students and partner org students embarked on a 5-week journey into the dynamic world of green building and energy. The camp kicked off with students diving into the practical skills of welding and framing tiny homes. This hands-on experience not only taught them the fundamentals of construction but also highlighted sustainable building practices.

They explored the essentials of healthy homes and building science, gaining real-world experience in home energy audits. They also uncovered the critical role of insulation and the thermal boundary in making homes more energy-efficient and comfortable.

The adventure continued with an exhilarating three-day deep dive into solar energy. Students got their hands on the latest solar technology, mastering the skills needed for installation and maintenance. This thrilling experience opened up a world of opportunities in the booming renewable energy and sustainability sectors.

By combining practical construction skills with cutting-edge green building knowledge, our camp prepares students for eco-conscious construction careers. They are now equipped and inspired to make a lasting impact on both their future and our collective future!

Some pics from the journey below:

Connecting Canopies

Our award-winning coalition serving BIPOC individuals, Connecting Canopies, has been making significant strides in workforce development, policy engagement, and collaborations. Cohort 3 interns have been gaining exposure to soil health, urban forestry, and restoration. As fall approaches, we switch gears into harvesting, preparing, and winter planting. We have received tremendous feedback from our interns. Follow our Instagram page to hear monthly testimonials from them!

We also had an engaging tree symposium with Lideres Verdes through Verde a few weeks back. We went outside with heat guns to identify the differences in canopy shade versus no shade. We also discussed tree codes, construction barriers, disproportionate tree canopy, and heat islands. Some participants shared how the lack of tree canopy affected their hometowns in Mexico and expressed their gratitude for having these conversations here. They also suggested that our next symposium should be a tree planting! We can’t wait to make that happen.

Stay tuned for more updates and see our videos and alumni intern highlights below:

A highlight from a previous Connecting Canopies intern...

We asked, where are they now?

We are happy to highlight the story of Joseph, a cohort 1 alumni...

Stay tuned for more highlights of past and current interns! Don't forget to follow our Instagram!

Other events, shoutouts and updates:

contact us:

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(503)389-0877                                                                  PO BOX: 83099 Portland, OR 97283

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