A homeless young person never goes on vacation or gets the weekend off. The respite from daily stresses that we arrange for our own families is not something street kids are able to do. In keeping with the goals of our onsite programs, which are designed to intellectually and emotionally expand a young person's definition of him or herself, p:ear's recreation program physically takes youth to non-urban settings where they are free to explore identities and experiences beyond the chaos and fears of urban street life.

For any kid, experience in the natural environment is important for establishing healthy rhythms of play and relaxation. p:ear's annual three-day camp out and monthly day trips to Sauvie Island, the beaches and rivers over the summer, allow homeless kids to briefly leave street life behind and become engaged in nature. This provides time for quiet reflection as well as an opportunity to simply breathe, relax, laugh, explore, picnic, swim and cultivate friendships outside of the usual peer environment.

Our recreation program receives extra funding from The Foundation for Honey's Children. Our deepest thanks to them for affording us the opportunity to go on monthly and annual outings, including this year's trip to Ashland for our 3 day Shakesp:ear Fest! www.honeyschildren.org