Countywide DINO Program Strengthens Youth Connections, Supports Career Pathways

On December 19 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County brought a Touch a Truck event and maritime career presentations to Island County as part of its Dabble In New Opportunities program. The event featured career exposure from maritime pilots and ship captains alongside hands on activities that are typical of DINO programming, which has ranged from crocheting and soapstone carving to horseback riding and sports outings. The goal is to provide free social and skill building opportunities for youth ages roughly six to 24.

Since 2022 the DINO program has reached roughly 800 young people, with about 65 percent of participants living in Oak Harbor. Those participation figures place DINO among the larger youth outreach efforts operating in the county and reflect a concentration of demand in Oak Harbor, where schools and community centers form a hub for services. DINO operates as part of the countywide SOAR effort, which stands for Social Outreach, Adventure and Resilience, and receives state legislative funds routed through SOAR in addition to grant support.

Beyond immediate recreation and social time the program is designed to address behavioral health by increasing social connectedness, an objective that local leaders and funders have prioritized. Structuring activities around career exposure taps into local labor markets, especially maritime and transport sectors that are significant in Island County. Early introduction to careers such as piloting and ship operations can help expand the local workforce pipeline and align youth interests with regional employment opportunities over the longer term.

For Island County governments and service providers the DINO model illustrates a preventive investment approach that channels public and grant dollars into community based youth engagement rather than crisis interventions. That policy orientation can relieve downstream pressures on schools and health services, though sustained funding and volunteer capacity will be critical to scale and equity across the county.

Organizers are seeking volunteers and squad chaperones to support future activities. Partner organizations on DINO events have included Sno Isle Libraries, Island County schools and The Center of Oak Harbor. Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County to register youth or sign up to volunteer and to learn about upcoming events and locations.