BEING A KID IN BEND
When a Bend kid with the whole Deschutes National Forest as his backyard talks about growing up in Central Oregon, everything comes into focus. Trading screen time for summit views and river currents, Max has grown up wild and free in one of America's most remarkable outdoor communities. Learn why Bend, Oregon, is raising a generation of kids who measure childhood in campsite memories, fresh powder days at Mt. Bachelor, and days on the water that end with zero fish and zero regrets.
Small Town, Big Life: Asked by longtime friend JUSTIN SCOTT to share what it's like to grow up at the edge of the DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST, kid and Bend native MAX gives us the unfiltered, wide-open truth about coming of age WILD and FREE in CENTRAL OREGON.
“I LOVE being close to a mountain so I can ski and snowboard. I also like that I get to play sports like baseball, soccer, and football.”
Small Town, Big Life:
Asked by longtime family friend JUSTIN SCOTT to share what it’s like to grow up on the edge of the DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST, kid and Bend native MAX gives us the unfiltered, wide-open truth about coming of age WILD and FREE in CENTRAL OREGON.
How I met Max.
If you want to know what it's really like to grow up in Bend, don't ask a realtor. Ask a kid. I've known Max since he was small enough to lose in the tall grass along the Deschutes, our families spend Summers together camping and fishing, the kind of unhurried days that Bend seems to manufacture better than anywhere else. His mom and my wife are best friends. His dad teaches high school physics and has been a coach for many years in our community. Max has grown up in Bend with dirt under his fingernails and a river in his backyard. Last Summer, during our family's annual camping trip, I asked Max what it's actually like to be a kid growing up in Central Oregon. He didn't hesitate. He just started talking, and it was exactly what you'd hope to hear.
Fishing with Max at Suttle Lake:
Some days on the water, the fish are beside the point. Max and I spent two days at Suttle Lake last summer, the first pinned to the dock by wind that turned the lake into a whitecap mess, the second out on the glass right after a cooked-over morning campfire hearty sausage and egg breakfast, the kind of flat calm that makes you feel like you're floating inside a mirror. We motored over to the lodge mid-afternoon for soft serve and cold sodas, then got back to the serious business of catching absolutely nothing. Zero fish. All day. We talked the whole time and loved every minute of it.
MAX + KID IN BEND
“It’s fun to be a student, and Mr. Gillette (my teacher) is a really great teacher.”
9 QUESTIONS: WITH MY FRIEND MAX
001: What is one thing you love about living in Bend?
I LOVE being close to a mountain so I can ski and snowboard. I also like that I get to play sports like baseball, soccer, and football.
002: What are three words you would use to describe Bend?
Beautiful, fun, my home!
003: You're an athletic kid who loves being outside. What are your favorite sports and things to do outside?
I like baseball and playing with my friends. We go get friends on our bikes and then hang out at compass - we built a jump that we go off on our mountain bikes!
004: This past Summer, you raced your bike downtown in the Cascade Cycling Classic Downtown Criterium (The Crit). This is one of my favorite events in Bend. It was really fun to watch you participate in that race. What was that race like for you? How did you prepare for that race, and what was going through your mind as you raced your bike around downtown in front of all those people?
It was fun, exciting, and hard! I prepared by doing all the practices and riding a lot, and it felt good that everybody watched me and cheered me on.
005: In addition to racing and riding your bike, you love to fish. What do you love about fishing? And what advice do you have for kids who want to get into fishing?
I love that at some ponds you can catch stuff! When you get a fish on the line you should keep your tip up, and reel in slooooowly. I would tell other kids - it’s not easy to catch a fish, but don’t give up if you fail. That’s all the advice I would give.
006: What is a book you've read that you highly recommend? Why?
Hatchet, because it’s full of awesome, amazing adventure.
Buy Max’s favorite book at one of Bend’s Local Book Stores: Roundabout Book Store • Big Story in Bend • Dudley’s Book Shop and Cafe in Downtown Bend
007: Where is your favorite spot to grab a bite to eat in Bend?
I really like eating at Americana or Mountain Burger.
008: You are a hard-working and creative kid. What is something you wish your teacher knew about what it's like to be a kid at your school?
It’s fun to be a student, and Mr. Gillette (my teacher) is a really great teacher.
009: You and I both love ducks. I love hunting for them, and you love the actual Oregon Ducks. How did you get to be such a big Oregon Duck fan, and what is it that you love about the Ducks?
My mom and dad were big Ducks fans and I eventually started watching the (football) games and it was really fun watching them get some amazing plays and beat one team after another. I hope I will go to U of O someday.
Do you know someone who is thinking about buying or selling in Central Oregon?
I’d love an introduction. My business is built on referrals, friendships, and word of mouth. Thank you for telling them about me. As always, if you’d like to get into some Summer camping with Max and me and our families, give me a call, and we’ll make it happen! There’s room in the boat for one more.
❤️
Justin Scott
(541) 797 - 9939
Justin@varsityoregon.com
Pictured Below: Left image: Max balancing on his bike after finishing his race downtown. Middle: Max’s fly collection that his grandpa gave him, he has one of the nicest vintage Orvis set ups i’ve ever seen, rod, reel, line, flies. Max is dialed!. Far right: Max in the boat on Suttle Lake, taking a short break from casting to grab a drink and a picture.
