weekend with seven and eight year olds

A rewarding weekend exploring the concept of Service and Stewardship with young boys at Larrabee State Park. We pulled some plants that are out of balance (common terminology: invasive). Discussed the difference between flowers and weeds... flowers, we love, and weeds we just haven't learned to love yet. We discussed that somethings must die so that others can live. Seven year-olds saying, "Life and death go hand in hand," is poetic, beautiful, true, and insightful. And inspiring. I am happy about this nature connection work, male mentorship, and stewardship ethic building too. Connections everywhere and perfect from every angle.

 Found, hidden in the sword fern

 About to search for amphibians

 Different types of stewardship: Trail-building and maintenance

Can you hear me in the back?!

Reward for a life of service

Feedback from a mom of a participant from two summers ago:

See the below link for Climate Challenge past participants Stella Tsitsiragos and Colin Middleton (Summer 2011).  They loved their 3 weeks in the North Cascades and the newspaper has a story of how they decided to do community service.

Thanks for everything you do!

http://www.goanacortes.com/news/entry/students_hydration_station_popular_way_to_reduce_waste

I broke down in tears. It's so nice to know that my work makes a major difference... as teachers and mentors we don't often see this happen so soon if we ever get feedback that it happens at all. Keep trudging along, team! And thank you Stella and Colin for such good work. I am so proud of and for you both.