Family Fun in Sisters
Recreation, education and cultural activites

Recreation, education and cultural activities - For organized outdoor, educational and cultural activities, turn to SOAR (Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation). SOARís community center is located adjacent to Sisters High School at 1750 W. McKinney Butte Road (1/2 mile west of downtown on the McKenzie Highway). This popular program offers year-round a Kidís Clubhouse Enrichment Program (pre-kindergarten-grade 5), from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. SOAR provides transportation from the Clubhouse to daily activities, which range from swimming and hiking to science field trips to Smith Rock State Park. There are fitness and martial arts programs, an adult softball league and many, many more offerings to help keep your visit to Sisters as active as you want it to be. SOAR programs are open to residents and visitors alike and fees are very reasonable. Call 549-2091. This summer, A Joyful Noise Learning Center will offer a series of activities for children. The program includes arts and crafts, games and themed events. Call 549-2066. The Sisters Library offers summer reading programs and other resources for children. Call 312-1070.

Disc Golf - An outstanding 18-hole Disc Golf Course is located next to the SOAR Community Center at 1750 W. McKinney Butte Dr. The course is open all the time and there is no charge for playing. Many clubs hold tournaments there and it is popular for casual group play.

Course maps are available at the SOAR Community Center.

Movies - Sisters Movie House, located in the FivePine development at the east end of town, is ìSistersí living room.î The movie house boasts four screens, seating for approximately 330 people and a cafÈ that will serve light meals and beer and wine as well as traditional theater concessions. The theater carries first-run mainstream movies and also some independent films you might not catch anywhere else. There are also special events. Call 549-8800. Check the schedule each week in The Nugget Newspaper.

If staying in for a movie is more your style, there are several video outlets in town that carry the latest releases on DVD.

Parks - The little ones will enjoy the playground right in the middle of town at the Village Green. Creekside City Park at the east end of Jefferson Street doesnít offer any equipment, but itís a great place to romp with supervision in Whychus Creek. There is a brand-new public playground on the grounds of Sisters Christian Academy located at 15211 McKinney Butte Rd. (behind Sisters Community Church). The playground is open to the public during non-school hours.

Camps - Big Lake Youth Camp offers a variety of camp sessions for children and teenagers. Some camps focus on specific activities such as golf or mountaineering. Family camp sessions are also available. Visit www.biglake.org for more information.

Camp Tamarack is where campers have fun while learning new skills — riding a horse to canoeing across the lake, making candles and challenging the ropes course. Located along the shores of Dark Lake, it features rustic cabins and a lovely knotty-pine paneled lodge. Call 541-595-1066 ext2 or visit www.camptamarack.com.

Suttle Lake United Methodist Camp has been in existence since 1922 and has seen many thousands of campers. It now offers opportunities year-round. Call 541-595-6663 or e-mail suttle@gocamping.org.