Where there’s a will there’s a way. With most schools closed, we had to find new ways to bring outdoor learning to children this year. With creativity, collaboration, and careful planning we have launched four new programs, with several more in the works.
Children enrolled in our Outdoor PALS (Play & Learning Season) program spend a half-day with us each Friday. Led by Jess Sullivan, and assistant Kate Emrich, these twelve Boxerwood explorers share stories, adventures, and ever-evolving outdoor building projects. The program runs into November. In addition, every afternoon at Boxerwood, Monday – Friday, we host an afterschool program for fourteen other children, in partnership with Woods Creek Montessori. Every day we get to hear the the wild squeals and laughter of children in the Garden: truly it’s own kind of sunshine.
You might also see our educators out and about in Lexington and Buena Vista. Four days a week Hannah West brings Boxerwood outdoor magic to daycare children attending two YMCA emergency enrichment centers. She also meets up with a dozen pre-teen girls from Buena Vista. In cooperation with Parry McCluer MS, the Girls’ Hiking Club meets each Friday morning this fall for three-hour expeditions. Last week the crew tackled the entire BV Flood Wall walk (roundtrip six miles), and this week they’re heading to the Chessie Trail. Hannah reports the pre-teens love having a supportive group just for them, and that the girls are really happy and excited about their new accomplishments. Some are discovering hiking (and their community) for the very first time.
It’s not the kind of autumn any of us envisioned, but we are seizing the chance to bloom where we’re planted. We are grateful these outdoor adventures bring happiness to children in challenging times.
