How it all began…
The Funhouse was founded in September 2000 by local activist Jim Bredouw. He and his wife Anne wanted to construct a facility designed to inspire, teach & enchant kids, believing the philosophy that the best return on investment isn’t always measured in dollars. Investing in the future of children was the smartest investment they could make.
Originally, The Funhouse, a 501 c(3) organization, was designed and used as a children’s science museum. It served not just as a tourist destination, but as an educational workshop, a home-schooling center, a location for field trips, parties & community meetings, and as one of the primary hangouts of Orcas Island youth. It was a place where young people could enjoy each others’ company in a safe, stimulating & constructive environment.
In 2017, thanks to the generosity of the Henigson family, The Funhouse underwent a large building remodel, transforming it into what it is today: a youth-focused community learning center serving over 70% of Orcas Island youth ages birth to 18.
The Funhouse is the only organization of its kind on Orcas Island. We fulfill our mission by providing research-based, best practices out-of-school-time programming, and expanded learning opportunities for island children, teens and families. Our core Afterschool, Summer Camp and Mentor Programs (including early childhood education) support youth gains in positive social/emotional learning, affirming peer/adult relationships, resiliency, self-efficacy, skill-building, and greater college/postsecondary education preparedness.
San Juan County is one of the least affordable counties in Washington State. Island wages for a number of Funhouse families are often insufficient to support their basic living expenses. Our rural island is a place where some families are not thriving due to domestic violence, neglect, drug/alcohol abuse, isolation, and poverty.
To address these serious issues, The Funhouse offers an Arts/Skills Share Mentor Program that serves as a form of mental health support; affordable out-of-school time programming for children during parents’ working hours; and youth workforce development and college preparedness to support career readiness and future economic stability. Additionally, The Funhouse serves as the community hub for the Coalition for Orcas Youth, a community prevention coalition formed in 2018, to help address/reduce destructive social behaviors (e.g., drug/alcohol abuse) in youth and increase community connectedness.
The Funhouse Commons is celebrating our 24th year and we continue evolving to meet the needs of our community by expanding our staff and programming to reach a wider range of young people offering more diverse opportunities for out-of-school programming, enrichment opportunities, and events. As Orcas Island’s only out-of-school center, we strive to be a place of belonging and discovery so that every young person on Orcas feels welcome, supported and inspired! We proudly never turn any families away due to lack of funds which means we rely solely on individual donations and grant support. Thank you for supporting us in this mission.
It takes a Village, and a Funhouse!
Meeting the needs of our Community…
Scholarships for our Community
The Funhouse is proud to administer four college scholarships funded by the Daniel & Margaret Carper Foundation, the Henigson Family, Pichu Fund, and Realtors of Orcas Island. We are honored that these very generous donors have entrusted The Funhouse with the important task of helping Orcas Island’s college-bound students achieve their dreams!
Funhouse Commons Scholarship
On behalf of the Daniel and Margaret Carper Foundation, Funhouse Commons is honored to annually award a college scholarship of up to full tuition for a 2-year or 4-year Washington state public school to one or more graduates of Orcas Island High School. This scholarship is for students who demonstrate a determination to succeed, a passion for their education, and are committed to completing college directly after high school.
The Funhouse College Scholarship Program is structured so that the scholarship recipient will be awarded funds each year of college, subject to the enrollment and performance standards.
Henigson Family Scholarship
As part of our commitment to education and on behalf of Bob & Phyllis Henigson, the Funhouse Commons will award an annual college scholarship of up to $50,000 for a four-year college or university to one graduate of Orcas Island High School. This scholarship is for students who do not have the resources to finance their education without financial support. The student selected will also, in the words of Robert Henigson, “demonstrate real motivation to receive a higher degree.”
Pichu Scholarship
The Pichu Scholarship, on behalf of Jeremy & Angela Foster, is a one-time $2,000 scholarship awarded to a Latinx graduating student from Orcas Island High School. This scholarship is intended to support further education at Community College, 4 year college, Accredited Trade School, Accredited Agricultural School or a bonafide apprenticeship, or a professional training program.
Realtors of Orcas Island
The Realtors of Orcas Island scholarship is a one-time $2,000 scholarship awarded to a well-rounded student who uses their time to contribute to their community via care and volunteer efforts. This scholarship is intended to support further education at a community college, 4 year college, accredited trade school, or other qualified school.