Your role at Burke's - Director of After School Programs
When did this opportunity take place? May 2022
Summary of workshop/opportunity
This conference brought together educators, community organizers, activists and the like to grow and connect those that wish to bring children and nature more closely together on a daily basis. We took two field trips to see children and nature curriculum in action at Atlanta schools and care centers. This was inspiring as these were primarily Black communities. These examples challenged assumptions that environmental connection is reserved for primarily white and privileged communities.
Goals & Collaborations:
What were your big takeaways from your workshop or project?
My takeaways were manyfold and include the following:
How can our after school program support Burke's strategic plan to "Care for Community and the Planet?
I am very interested in exploring Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots program that we may be able to implement in our aftercare. Burke's has a meaningful history with this legendary woman and a re-connection with her vision can greater fuel our care for the community and the earth locally.
Numerous connections with educators and organizations with care for the planet at their heart. This was an invaluable experience and these connections will grow in unexpected ways in the future.
I am excited to tell more stories with the perspective of plants, animals even the world itself at the basis of the imagination. This will inspire students to think beyond their human shoes and empathize with all the elements of the earth's lived experience and how it is impacted.
How might this opportunity lead to collaboration with other faculty?
I would love to utilize the garden more in our after school program. Just for being in, but also possible for children to assist with any gardening, weeding, growing in support of the school, science program or Acre. Also, I am inspired to tell more stories in the garden :)
In addition, having the chance to present a Tedx-style talk has allowed me to grow the Story Stone Play practice I offer to children. I have a goal to do one Lower School and one Upper School grade per year with this presentation and also to offer the billion year-old stones I have to to the library for a month of display :)
6. Would you recommend this opportunity? Why or why not?
Yes. While not all of us teach environmental studies, it would be great to continue our connection with the outdoors on, and around, our beautiful campus.
7. Attach/add the URL/Website to the post
Thank you so much for this opportunity to grow, learn and meet others dedicated to this purpose!
Cyndera Quackenbush