Camas student raises $6,000 for birding equipment

A Camas High School junior has raised more than $6,000 to help teachers across Southwest Washington introduce students to birding, with a goal of making outdoor education accessible to children regardless of their families’ ability to afford equipment.

Shaunak Deshpande, who founded the youth-led Wings of Change conservation fundraiser, hosted a teacher workshop Oct. 8 at Discovery High School in partnership with Educational Service District 112. Educators from Camas, Washougal, Hockinson and surrounding districts received hands-on birding training and access to equipment they can borrow for classroom use.