The Stories We Shared: Vancouver Family Magazine 2025 Year in Review
This year, we covered a variety of topics including the coolest local date spots, art options for all, local mentoring programs for teens, kid-friendly trails, family volunteering options, the best family-friendly coffee shops and so much more. We also explored travel destinations with our feature on local state park camping spots, the San Juan Islands, Florence, OR and more. Did you miss any of these stories? Check them out below in our Vancouver Family Magazine 2025 Year in Review.
Table of Contents
January 2025
The 2025 Education Guide featured a selection of Clark County’s many schooling options, from preschools to high schools (plus college!).
The Vancouver Lighting Strikes: Meet the founders of Vancouver’s semi-pro indoor soccer team, Vancouver Lightning, and learn how they are providing a premier soccer experience for both local youth and fans.
Mosaic Family Voyage “Something About Adventure”: The Messerschmidt family spent eight years living on their sailboat and traveling the world, sharing many of their adventures with VFM readers. Find out where they are now, and what’s in their future.
February 2025
The Coolest Date Night Spots in Vancouver: Looking to spice up date night? Or just want a night on the town with friends? Check out these fantastic local spots for every kind of grown-up adventure.
Bended Ear Project: Leveled-Up Listening Brings Healing
Learn how one Vancouver woman is leveling up the listening as a certified peer counselor through her new Bended Ear Project.
Board Gaming in Clark County is Far From Boring: Bored no more! Discover how board gamers in Vancouver are creating community, one move at a time.
March 2025
Our 2025 Summer Camp guide was released, back this year with camps for all ages and interests!
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes: Sports and Beyond:
Founded in Vancouver in 2007, NWABA provides athletic opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Learn how their programs are improving lives all over the Pacific Northwest.
Get Hooked: Family Fishing in Clark County: Calling all anglers! Fishing is both an ancient tradition and a wholesome hobby that families have embraced for generations. Find out how to get started and the best local places to reel in.
April 2025
Slumberkins: Our Exclusive Interview with Co-Founder Callie Christensen: Meet the dynamic duo behind the popular brand that supports kids’ and families’ emotional well-being.
Reduce, Reuse, Repair: Learn how two organizations are boosting sustainability in Clark County, and how you can too.
Pregnant? 11 Questions to Ask Your Midwife: A local midwife suggests important questions to ask your clinician when meeting them for the first time.
May 2025
Art for All: Kids unleash their imagination at these art spaces in Vancouver and beyond.
Backyard Beekeeping for Beginners: Check out the buzz on hosting bees in your very own backyard–and seeing the fruits of their labor in your garden.
Leadership Clark County: Changing Lives Through Community Engagement: Learn how a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic leadership program founded in 1993 has helped develop generations of community leaders.
June 2025
Let’s Go Camping: State Parks of Southwest Washington: Discover our favorite state park camping spots within two hours of Vancouver, and what we love about each one.
Science on Tap: Curiosity meets community (and a pint of beer). This isn’t your typical science lecture.
Northwest Book Fair: Summer Fun for Readers and Writers Alike: Bibliophiles unite! The Northwest Book Fair came to Vancouver this summer. It was one for the books!
July 2025
NW Getaway: Great Adventure in the Gifford Pinchot Forest:
From the magic of Lake Merwin to the mystery of Ape Cave, explore Southwest Washington’s national forest.
Mentorship Matters: How Southwest Washington Teen Programs Help Youth Thrive: Learn how local mentoring programs are helping teens reach new heights.
Chai Guy Makes His Move to the Couve: Meet Kevin Wilson, AKA Chai Guy, a recent Vancouver transplant who summons his Sri Lankan heritage to stir up connection through home-brewed chai.
August 2025
NW Getaway: Visiting the San Juan Islands: If you love the outdoors, a slower pace and scenic views at every turn, the San Juan Islands are a perfect getaway for you and your family.
Finding Their Voice: How Speech Therapy in Southwest Washington Transforms Lives: When a child struggles to express themselves or understand others, the entire family feels the impact. Discover how speech therapy transforms lives of families.
Wag-Worthy Adventures: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Clark County, WA: Looking for your next great adventure with your furry companion? Here’s your guide to dog-friendly destinations in Clark County.
September 2025
Kid-Friendly Trails in Clark County: Top Babywearing, Toddler and Stroller-Friendly Hiking Trails: Enjoy safe, scenic outdoor adventures with your young children featuring wildlife, playgrounds and easy walking paths perfect for families.
Coastal Thrills and Hidden Trails: Visiting Florence, Oregon: Towering trees, secret beaches and sea lions galore – a road trip to Florence, Oregon offers coastal beauty with family-friendly charm. Get inspired to plan your own trip experiencing the famous sand dunes and walking trails.
Rising Above Daily: Where Kids Find Hope, Healing and Horses: Discover how a Camas nonprofit for children fosters togetherness through horses, sports and mentorship—building a warm community filled with connection and confidence.
October 2025
Best Family-Friendly Coffee Shops & Tea Houses in Clark County, WA: Looking for kid-friendly coffee shops? Explore the top coffee shops and tea houses in Clark County with play spaces, fun menus and cozy vibes.
Pickleball in Southwest Washington: Courts, Community and How to Get Started: From new courts in Battle Ground to family play in Vancouver, pickleball is thriving in Southwest Washington. Here’s how to join the fun.
Visiting San Diego with Kids: A Family Travel Guide for Southwest Washington Families: For a spring break or summer vacation, San Diego delivers family fun. Get insider tips on planning a family vacation to LEGOLAND California, the San Diego Zoo and more.
November 2025
Support Local Artisans: Unique Holiday Gifts and Makers in Clark County: Looking for meaningful gifts? Meet the talented makers and small businesses creating unique treasures right in our community.
Family Gardening and Cooking in Clark County: Growing Confidence and Skills as a Family from Garden to Kitchen:
From digging in the garden to working in the kitchen, discover how Clark County families can grow confidence, skills and tasty meals together this harvest season.
Teaching Kids to Ski: How Mogul Busters Ski School in Mount Hood Makes Learning Fun for Families: One family’s rollercoaster first ski trip leads them to Mogul Busters, where beginners finally find confidence on the slopes.
December 2025
Best Winter Outdoor Activities with Kids in Clark County: Learn about simple, low-cost ways to explore nature with kids this winter, from birdwatching to cozy picnics under covered shelters.
Family Volunteering in Clark County: Ways to Give Back and Make a Difference: Learn how families can volunteer together at food banks, animal shelters and more, allowing kids of all ages to give back and create lasting memories.
Where Words Gather: Exploring the Southwest Washington Poetry Scene: Explore Southwest Washington’s vibrant poetry scene with open mics, local readings and community gatherings in Vancouver and Camas.
Online Exclusives – Vancouver Family Magazine 2025 Year in Review
We published over 20 online exclusives this year! Be sure to read them all, including:
