Kids obstacle challenge gets everyone muddy

A military-designed obstacle course in Bend had kids and their parents getting muddy Saturday.

The Oregon National Guard helped design the course, in partnership with 818 Productions.

The course consisted of a rope swing over mud, a cargo net climb (that the local director of the Boy Scouts hand-tied together), a plank walk and a full mud pit that young warriors crawled under.

The idea started last year and is based on the Warrior Dash, a Portland obstacle race.

“What’s fun about it for me is that it’s something that kids can do that’s challenging and gets them out of the house on a summer afternoon,” said Amanda Rose, event director. “Makes them think, makes them work — and I love that, because it just keeps them growing stronger. That’s what the course is kind of designed for.”

The event was open to all kids 5 to 14. and parents were able to go with their kids free of charge.

Around 200 people stopped by the course.

A portion of the proceeds went to Healthy Beginnings, which provides screenings for kids, and is a 21 Cares for Kids partner.