In partnership with Friends of Echo Glen, the Echo Glen facility hosted a field day on Aug. 19, 2026, for young people. The event included a petting zoo, an inflatable obstacle course, and a dunk tank where several staff were dunked by enthusiastic young people.
“I forgot for a few minutes. I was hanging out in the fresh air, laughing with my peers and staff and not talking about the same old negative stuff that I can’t change,” said one young person. “This was good. I’m glad I’m doing good so I could participate in this.”
Volunteers and staff created and led a variety of outdoor summer activities including water and sports relays, a water balloon toss, and a team trivia challenge. Echo Glen's kitchen staff provided food for young people, volunteers, and staff to enjoy together including an ice cream bar. Friends of Echo Glen volunteers accompanied each group of residents throughout the day, building positive connections, and strengthening social relationships.
“I was bored for a little bit and thinking, ‘why they making us do these little kid activities,’ and then I said, ‘I get to be my age right now. That feels good,” said one young person.
With the help of Friends of Echo Glen, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) hopes to make this an annual event. Friends of Echo Glen is a volunteer-driven Echo Glen community partner supporting young people.
