Calling All Artisans, Community Builders, & Young Dreamers!
The Oregon Country Fair is more than just a vibrant marketplace; it’s a living testament to creativity, community, and the power of mentorship. For over 50 years, the Fair has been a source of inspiration for countless artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Now, we’re inviting you to be a part of a new chapter.
Introducing the OCF Craft Guild Mentorship Program:
Imagine a young mind, brimming with curiosity, standing beside you as you create. Imagine sharing your hard-earned wisdom, your passion, and your unique perspective with the next generation. Imagine the joy of watching a spark ignite into a flame.
This is your chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people, while also gaining fresh perspectives and perhaps even a helping hand at your booth. As a mentor, you’ll offer guidance, share your expertise, and help young participants discover their own creative potential.
For the youth of the Fair, this is an unparalleled opportunity to:
Learn directly from the masters:
Gain hands-on experience and insider knowledge from skilled artisans and community leaders.
Explore your passions:
Discover new interests and talents through shadowing, workshops, and collaborative projects.
Connect with a community:
Build meaningful relationships with mentors and peers who share your creative spirit.
Make a difference:
Contribute your unique voice and energy to the vibrant tapestry of the Oregon Country Fair.
The program is open to all vendors and camp leaders who are willing to share their time and expertise. There’s no cost to participate, and the rewards are immeasurable.
If you’re ready to inspire the next generation of Fair artists and leaders, sign up for the OCF Craft Guild Mentorship Program today!
OCF Mentorship Program
Program Vision:
To inspire and empower young people by connecting them with skilled artisans and experienced community members, fostering a deeper understanding of craft, creativity, and community engagement.
Program Objectives:
Provide unique learning experiences:
Offer youth hands-on opportunities to learn from experts in a variety of creative and community-oriented fields.
Foster mentorship relationships:
Cultivate meaningful connections between youth and adult mentors, promoting personal and professional growth.
Enhance the fair experience:
Enrich the overall fair environment by showcasing the talents and aspirations of young people, adding another layer of vibrancy and engagement.
Preserve and pass on traditions:
Ensure that the skills, knowledge, and values of the fair’s community are passed on to future generations.
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Program Structure
(Year 1 - Pilot):
Target audience:
Youth aged 14-20 (can be adjusted based on interest and available resources)
Mentor recruitment:
Begin with a small group of 5-10 experienced vendors and camp leaders who are passionate about teaching and mentoring.
Youth recruitment:
Promote the program within the fair community (children of vendors, staff, etc.) and potentially open a limited number of spots to the broader public through a competitive application process.
Mentorship pairings:
Match mentors and mentees based on interests, skills, and availability.
Mentorship activities:
Shadowing: Youth observe and assist mentors at their booths or camps.
Workshops:
Mentors lead small group sessions on specific skills or topics.
Projects:
Mentees work on collaborative projects with mentors or other youth.
Presentations:
Mentees share their experiences and learnings with the fair community.
Program hub:
Utilize a central meeting point, information center, and showcase for the program.
Program Evolution
(Years 2+):
Expand mentor network:
Recruit a wider range of mentors from different disciplines and backgrounds.
Diversify youth participation:
Actively reach out to underrepresented groups and communities.
Develop structured curriculum:
Create a more formal program with specific learning objectives, milestones, and evaluation criteria.
Create a youth-led initiative:
Empower youth to take on leadership roles in organizing and facilitating the program.
Volunteer Roles:
Program coordinator:
Manages overall program logistics, recruitment, and communication.
Mentor liaison:
Supports mentors and facilitates communication with mentees.
Youth coordinator:
Recruits and supports youth participants, organizes events and activities.
Public relations:
Promotes the program within the fair community and to the public.
Fundraiser:
Secures funding and resources for program expansion and sustainability.
Additional Considerations:
Liability and safety:
Ensure that all activities are properly supervised and comply with fair regulations.
Evaluation and feedback:
Collect data and feedback from mentors, mentees, and other stakeholders to assess the program’s impact and identify areas for improvement.
Financial sustainability:
Explore funding options such as grants, sponsorships, and donations to support the program’s long-term growth.
Names Emphasizing Mentorship and Community:
OCF Community Mentorship Program
Fair Family Mentorship Initiative
OCF Next Generation Mentorship
Growing Together at OCF
The OCF Legacy Mentorship Project
OCF Spark Mentorship Program
Fair Futures Mentorship
Names Highlighting the Fair’s Unique Culture:
The OCF Creative Community Mentorship
OCF Artisan & Community Mentorship Guild
Passing the Torch at OCF
The OCF Seedling Mentorship Project (emphasizing growth)
The OCF Tapestry Mentorship Program (referencing the diverse community)
OCF Creative Roots Mentorship
The OCF Village Mentorship Circle
Names Focusing on Skill Development and Inspiration:
OCF Pathways Mentorship Program
OCF Inspire & Create Mentorship
Fair Skills Exchange
OCF Creative Compass Mentorship
OCF Imagine & Engage Mentorship
Fair Foundations Mentorship
Names with a Playful or Whimsical Touch:
The OCF Dream Weavers Mentorship
Fair Friends & Mentors
OCF Magic Maker Mentorship
The OCF Firefly Mentorship Program (symbolizing sparking inspiration)
OCF Community Cauldron Mentorship (referencing the Fair’s eclectic mix)