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Zetty: Chill utilizes playmeo.com for finding new and creative activities

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Zetty: Chill utilizes playmeo.com for finding new and creative activities

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Search 530+ Fun Interactive Group Games | playmeo

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Search 530+ fun, interactive group games on our website. Designed to build trust & connection. Become a member to unlock premium content...

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Zetty: All of Chill's Winter COVID guidelines can be viewed here: https://www.chill.org/programs

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Zetty: All of Chill's Winter COVID guidelines can be viewed here: https://www.chill.org/programs

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Zetty: Yes, most resorts have identified restrictions whether through reservation systems or simply ticket limits. We have drastically reduced our numbers for programs this year and in some cases are unable to deliver program due to the resorts restrictions. All of Chill's Winter COVID guidelines can be viewed here: https://www.chill.org/programs

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Zetty: Yes, most resorts have identified restrictions whether through reservation systems or simply ticket limits. We have drastically reduced our numbers for programs this year and in some cases are unable to deliver program due to the resorts restrictions. All of Chill's Winter COVID guidelines can be viewed here: https://www.chill.org/programs

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Zetty Weber, Director of Programs, The Chill Foundation

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Zetty Weber, Director of Programs, The Chill Foundation

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rosettaw@chill.org

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CHILL INSPIRES YOUTH TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES THROUGH BOARDSPORTS

Chill is a positive youth development program where boardsports become a vehicle for empowerment. Revolving around a core value-driven curriculum, Chill programs consist of experiential learning activities, reflection, and discussion, paired with boardsport lessons. Chill's six core values provide youth with a foundation and framework for learning and growth, supported and enhanced through on-board progression and adult mentorship. Chill removes all barriers to accessing boardsports by providing youth with everything they need to get after it, at absolutely no cost.

Since inception in 1995, Chill is proud to offer programs in 24 cities in 10 countries throughout the world.

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Chill is a positive youth development program where boardsports become a vehicle for empowerment. Revolving around a core value-driven curriculum, Chill programs consist of experiential learning activities, reflection, and discussion, paired with boardsport lessons. Chill's six core values provide youth with a foundation and framework for learning and growth, supported and enhanced through on-board progression and adult mentorship.

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From Nicole Conte to All panelists :  Pre-school kids love going on a hunt to look at mushrooms. 

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From Nicole Conte to All panelists :  Pre-school kids love going on a hunt to look at mushrooms. 

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From Nicole Conte to All panelists : Teachers in Barnard, VT are using 5 gallon buckets with lids - one for each kid - that serve as chairs, tables and for storage. 

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From Nicole Conte to All panelists : Teachers in Barnard, VT are using 5 gallon buckets with lids - one for each kid - that serve as chairs, tables and for storage. 

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From Nicole Conte to All panelists : Teachers in Barnard, VT are using 5 gallon buckets with lids - one for each kid - that serve as chairs, tables and for storage. 

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From Nicole Conte to All panelists : Teachers in Barnard, VT are using 5 gallon buckets with lids - one for each kid - that serve as chairs, tables and for storage. 

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From Zetty Weber (she/her) on Abenaki land, Chill Foundation to All panelists : also reaching out to local companies to do gear drives with their employees - those tend to yield a lot of good results!

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From Zetty Weber (she/her) on Abenaki land, Chill Foundation to All panelists : also reaching out to local companies to do gear drives with their employees - those tend to yield a lot of good results!

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From Zetty Weber (she/her) on Abenaki land, Chill Foundation to All panelists : Patagonia and burton (and probably other companies) have worn wear programs that could be a good place to start. Really any outdoor industry company is worth reaching out to! (Columbia, Black Diamond, Marmot, Mamut, Outdoor Research, etc.)

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From Zetty Weber (she/her) on Abenaki land, Chill Foundation to All panelists : Patagonia and burton (and probably other companies) have worn wear programs that could be a good place to start. Really any outdoor industry company is worth reaching out to! (Columbia, Black Diamond, Marmot, Mamut, Outdoor Research, etc.)

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From Harmony Roll: Here's a great set of plans for benches for outdoor classrooms. We had a parent precut all the pieces and families took the kits and put them together: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/bench/QgrcJHrnzwQWKFxfrmTdZWtSFTgfQpFXfJl?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

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From Harmony Roll: Here's a great set of plans for benches for outdoor classrooms. We had a parent precut all the pieces and families took the kits and put them together: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/bench/QgrcJHrnzwQWKFxfrmTdZWtSFTgfQpFXfJl?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

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From Jenna Plouffe : darn tough donated 2 pair of socks for each student in my class.

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From Jenna Plouffe : darn tough donated 2 pair of socks for each student in my class.

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From Amy Jackson to All panelists : we work with and highly recommend the oak rain suit!!!

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From Amy Jackson to All panelists : we work with and highly recommend the oak rain suit!!!

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From Rebecca Jackson to All panelists : I just learned about Donors Choose, you can ask for funds for specific projects/materials for your children.  You have to register and write up a description of your program

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From Rebecca Jackson to All panelists : I just learned about Donors Choose, you can ask for funds for specific projects/materials for your children.  You have to register and write up a description of your program

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From Matthew Schlein (he/him) Abenaki to All panelists : Audubon Societies are great

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From Matthew Schlein (he/him) Abenaki to All panelists : Audubon Societies are great

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From Amy Jackson : Oakiwear, Polarn O Pyret, and Deuter offer school discounts

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From Amy Jackson : Oakiwear, Polarn O Pyret, and Deuter offer school discounts

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From Matthew Schlein (he/him) Abenaki to All panelists : Outdoor Gear Exchange

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From Matthew Schlein (he/him) Abenaki to All panelists : Outdoor Gear Exchange

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From Jean Bressor : We got a Ben & Jerry's grant for outdoor gear.	 

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From Jean Bressor : We got a Ben & Jerry's grant for outdoor gear.	 

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From Harmony Roll : Bogs and Oakiwear have donated to my groups with over the years

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From Harmony Roll : Bogs and Oakiwear have donated to my groups with over the years

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From Harmony Roll : We have some great outdoor classrooms that parents built behind our school at Richmond Elementary: There are photos on my class instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/resenrichment/

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From Harmony Roll : We have some great outdoor classrooms that parents built behind our school at Richmond Elementary: There are photos on my class instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/resenrichment/

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From scott ellis :  Thought people might like this recent PBS episode.16:41:11	 https://video.nhpbs.org/video/outdoor-classroom-sazuwy/

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From scott ellis :  Thought people might like this recent PBS episode.16:41:11	 https://video.nhpbs.org/video/outdoor-classroom-sazuwy/

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Q: What do you do to help keep hands warm while preschoolers journal outside?

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Q: What do you do to help keep hands warm while preschoolers journal outside?

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Ross Doree (he/him) on Abenaki Land, (Crow's Path): Load up the core, neck and heads, run up a hill, then write!

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Q: Do any of you use wifi tools outdoors? 

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Q: Do any of you use wifi tools outdoors? 

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From Celeste: Urban youth: we did a fun map and compass lesson --how to navigate starting with city street maps. Then we did it at our site in the woods with trails.

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From Celeste: Urban youth: we did a fun map and compass lesson --how to navigate starting with city street maps. Then we did it at our site in the woods with trails.

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Q: Does anyone use microspikes or another traction device for kids?

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Q: Does anyone use microspikes or another traction device for kids?

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Q: How do you deal with cold hands while eating? 

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Q: How do you deal with cold hands while eating? 

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Ross Doree (he/him) on Abenaki Land, (Crow's Path): We have done some work in public schools that fit this description. It is certainly challenging. Large games with a topical theme can go a long way, even if some kids are kicking grass on the edge, it can capture a critical mass and slowly build the rapport needed to go further. We also do indoor work with these groups ahead of time, telling stories, explaining expectations, building excitement for exploring the school yard.

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Ross Doree (he/him) on Abenaki Land, (Crow's Path): We have done some work in public schools that fit this description. It is certainly challenging. Large games with a topical theme can go a long way, even if some kids are kicking grass on the edge, it can capture a critical mass and slowly build the rapport needed to go further. We also do indoor work with these groups ahead of time, telling stories, explaining expectations, building excitement for exploring the school yard.

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Zac Cota (he/him) on Abenaki land: Hey Juliet! That is a fantastic, big questions. I work with students in Montpelier, a (tiny) city with a small park within walking distance of the elementary school. The simplest advice I have: start small. Even a 20 minute walk around the block to tally bird species, or count and map the nests of Grey Squirrels gets kids outside and connecting with nature.

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Zac Cota (he/him) on Abenaki land: Hey Juliet! That is a fantastic, big questions. I work with students in Montpelier, a (tiny) city with a small park within walking distance of the elementary school. The simplest advice I have: start small. Even a 20 minute walk around the block to tally bird species, or count and map the nests of Grey Squirrels gets kids outside and connecting with nature.

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Q: for the pre-K ages, what is your "feels like" temp threshold for staying out? and Do you have a wind protocol?If the wind gusts get above a certain speed do you leave the forest for safety? (Not cold, but falling limbs)

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Q: for the pre-K ages, what is your "feels like" temp threshold for staying out? and Do you have a wind protocol?If the wind gusts get above a certain speed do you leave the forest for safety? (Not cold, but falling limbs)

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Zac Cota: We go outside in all weather! No such thing as bad weather, just bad preparation. That said, on super cold and windy days, we may only be out for 5 minutes before heading back in.

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Q: Tips for keeping track of gear with young kids who tend to remove mittens and hats while playing. + How do you keep mittens on little ones? 

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Q: Tips for keeping track of gear with young kids who tend to remove mittens and hats while playing. + How do you keep mittens on little ones? 

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Zac Cota (he/him) on Abenaki land: Tie it to them! Mitten keepers clip to jacket arm cuffs so that kids can take mitten off without losing them.

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Q: What is your favorite can't-live-without-it piece of teacher outdoor clothing?

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Q: What is your favorite can't-live-without-it piece of teacher outdoor clothing?

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Zac Cota (he/him) on Abenaki land: Footwear! It’s got to be sturdy with good traction, well insulated and waterproof. Multiple sock pairs helps, too.

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Ross Doree (he/him) on Abenaki Land, (Crow's Path): We love to constantly include a broad practice of gratitude, connection, recognizing the sentience of the natural world, developing a borderline spiritual appreciation of the globe that is a great foundation for further detail work

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Ross Doree (he/him) on Abenaki Land, (Crow's Path): We love to constantly include a broad practice of gratitude, connection, recognizing the sentience of the natural world, developing a borderline spiritual appreciation of the globe that is a great foundation for further detail work

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Ross Doree (he/him) on Abenaki Land, (Crow's Path): Outdoor Olympics (come up with a million games involving toss sticks, rolling clay balls, jumping logs, rolling up a hill, you name it), hiding games, camouflage, capture the flag stye games, improv acting games.

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Ross Doree (he/him) on Abenaki Land, (Crow's Path): Outdoor Olympics (come up with a million games involving toss sticks, rolling clay balls, jumping logs, rolling up a hill, you name it), hiding games, camouflage, capture the flag stye games, improv acting games.

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Ross: When people are close to the fire it can block the heat for those who are behind them/further away. So a big fire with a big circle for lunch time is great. Then, with masks on, kids can get closer to toast their hands. Two or more fires is great also.

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Ross: When people are close to the fire it can block the heat for those who are behind them/further away. So a big fire with a big circle for lunch time is great. Then, with masks on, kids can get closer to toast their hands. Two or more fires is great also.

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Ross Doree (he/him) on Abenaki Land, (Crow's Path): SCARVES! and neck warmers, they do so much to prevent heatoss at the neck. In combination with layers of “regular” clothing, it can go a long way.

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Ross Doree (he/him) on Abenaki Land, (Crow's Path): SCARVES! and neck warmers, they do so much to prevent heatoss at the neck. In combination with layers of “regular” clothing, it can go a long way.

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Preparing food around an open fire is a wonderful communal event, and connects us with our deep humanity. It's also a great opportunity to incorporate maths and sciences, such as measurements, ratios, solutions, and states of matter.

Here are some photos, and a basic cranberry sauce recipe for you to try with your outdoor learning crew, following safe cooking and eating protocols for the COVID era. - Zac Cota

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How Do You Have a Ski Season in a Pandemic? (Published 2020)

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From how we ride the lifts to where we sleep and what we eat, ski areas are taking steps to minimize crowding and to curb opportunities for the virus to spread.

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Scientists are testing everyday items to find the best protection from coronavirus. Pillow cases, flannel pajamas and origami vacuum bags are all candidates.

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Credit... Samuel Aranda for The New York Times

Federal health officials have now recommended that we cover our faces with fabric during the coronavirus pandemic. But what material offers the most protection?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted a no-sew mask pattern using a bandanna and a coffee filter as well as a video on making masks using rubber bands and folded fabrics found at home.

While a simple face covering can reduce the spread of coronavirus by blocking outgoing germs from coughs or sneezes of an infected person, experts say there is more variation in how much homemade masks might protect the wearer from incoming germs, depending on the fit and quality of the material used.

Scientists around the country have taken it upon themselves to identify everyday materials that do a better job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored well, as did vacuum cleaner bags, layers of 600-count pillowcases and fabric similar to flannel pajamas. Stacked coffee filters had medium scores. Scarves and bandanna material had the lowest scores, but still captured a small percentage of particles.

If you don't have any of the materials that were tested, a simple light test can help you decide whether a fabric is a good candidate for a mask.

"Hold it up to a bright light," said Dr. Scott Segal, chairman of anesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist Health who recently studied homemade masks. "If light passes really easily through the fibers and you can almost see the fibers, it's not a good fabric. If it's a denser weave of thicker material and light doesn't pass through it as much, that's the material you want to use."

Researchers say it's important to remember that lab studies are conducted under perfect conditions with no leaks or gaps in the mask, but the test methods give us a way to compare materials. And while the degree of filtration for some homemade masks seems low, most of us - who are staying home and practicing social distancing in public - don't need the high level of protection required for medical workers. More important, any face covering is better than none, especially if worn by a person who has the virus but doesn't know it.

The biggest challenge of choosing a homemade mask material is to find a fabric that is dense enough to capture viral particles, but breathable enough that we can actually wear it. Some items being touted online promise high filtration scores, but the material would be unwearable.

Yang Wang, an assistant professor of environmental engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, worked with his graduate students to study various combinations of layered materials - including both air filters and fabric. "You need something that is efficient for removing particles, but you also need to breathe," said Dr. Wang, who last fall won an international award for aerosol research.

To test everyday materials, scientists are using methods similar to those used to test medical masks, which everybody agrees should be saved for medical workers who are exposed to high doses of virus from seeing infected patients. The best medical mask - called the N95 respirator - filters out at least 95 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. By comparison, a typical surgical mask - made using a rectangular piece of pleated fabric with elastic ear loops - has a filtration efficiency ranging from 60 to 80 percent.

Dr. Wang's group tested two types of air filters. An allergy-reduction HVAC filter worked the best, capturing 89 percent of particles with one layer and 94 percent with two layers. A furnace filter captured 75 percent with two layers, but required six layers to achieve 95 percent. To find a filter similar to those tested, look for a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of 12 or higher or a microparticle performance rating of 1900 or higher.

The problem with air filters is that they potentially could shed small fibers that would be risky to inhale. So if you want to use a filter, you need to sandwich the filter between two layers of cotton fabric. Dr. Wang said one of his grad students made his own mask by following the instructions in the C.D.C. video, but adding several layers of filter material inside a bandanna.

Dr. Wang's group also found that when certain common fabrics were used, two layers offered far less protection than four layers. A 600 thread count pillow case captured just 22 percent of particles when doubled, but four layers captured nearly 60 percent. A thick woolen yarn scarf filtered 21 percent of particles in two layers, and 48.8 percent in four layers. A 100 percent cotton bandanna did the worst, capturing only 18.2 percent when doubled, and just 19.5 percent in four layers.

The group also tested Brew Rite and Natural Brew basket-style coffee filters, which, when stacked in three layers, showed 40 to 50 percent filtration efficiency - but they were less breathable than other options.

If you are lucky enough to know a quilter, ask them to make you a mask. Tests performed at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., showed good results for homemade masks using quilting fabric. Dr. Segal, of Wake Forest Baptist Health, who led the study, noted that quilters tend to use high-quality, high-thread count cotton. The best homemade masks in his study were as good as surgical masks or slightly better, testing in the range of 70 to 79 percent filtration. Homemade masks that used flimsier fabric tested as low as 1 percent filtration, Dr. Segal said.

The best-performing designs were a mask constructed of two layers of high-quality, heavyweight "quilter's cotton," a two-layer mask made with thick batik fabric, and a double-layer mask with an inner layer of flannel and outer layer of cotton.

Bonnie Browning, executive show director for the American Quilter's Society, said that quilters prefer tightly woven cottons and batik fabrics that stand up over time. Ms. Browning said most sewing machines can handle only two layers of fabric when making a pleated mask, but someone who wanted four layers of protection could wear two masks at a time.

Ms. Browning said she recently reached out to quilters on Facebook and heard from 71 people who have made a combined total of nearly 15,000 masks. "We quilters are very much in the thick of what's going on with this," said Ms. Browning, who lives in Paducah, Ky. "One thing most of us have is a stash of fabric."

People who don't sew could try a folded origami mask, created by Jiangmei Wu, assistant professor of interior design at Indiana University. Ms. Wu, who is known for her breathtaking folded artwork, said she began designing a folded mask out of a medical and building material called Tyvek, as well as vacuum bags, after her brother in Hong Kong, where mask wearing is common, suggested it. (DuPont, the maker of Tyvek, said in a statement that Tyvek is intended for medical apparel, not masks.) The folded mask pattern is free online, as is a video demonstrating the folding process. In tests at Missouri University and University of Virginia, scientists found that vacuum bags removed between 60 percent and 87 percent of particles. But some brands of vacuum bags may contain fiberglass or are harder to breathe through than other materials, and shouldn't be used. Ms. Wu used a bag by EnviroCare Technologies, which has said it does not use fiberglass in its paper and synthetic cloth bags.

"I wanted to create an alternative for people who don't sew," said Ms. Wu, who said she is talking to various groups to find other materials that will be effective in a folded mask. "Given the shortage of all kinds of materials, even vacuum bags might run out."

The scientists who conducted the tests used a standard of 0.3 microns because that is the measure used by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for medical masks.

Linsey Marr, a Virginia Tech aerosol scientist and an expert in the transmission of viruses, said the certification method for respirators and HEPA filters focuses on 0.3 microns because particles around that size are the hardest to catch. While it seems counterintuitive, particles smaller than 0.1 microns are actually easier to catch because they have a lot of random motion that makes them bump into the filter fibers, she said.

"Even though coronavirus is around 0.1 microns, it floats around in a wide range of sizes, from around 0.2 to several hundred microns, because people shed the virus in respiratory fluid droplets that also contain lots of salts and proteins and other things," said Dr. Marr. "Even if the water in the droplets fully evaporates, there's still a lot of salt and proteins and other gunk that stays behind as solid or gel-like material. I think 0.3 microns is still useful for guidance because the minimum filtration efficiency will be somewhere around this size, and it's what NIOSH uses."

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Scientists are testing everyday items to find the best protection from coronavirus. Pillow cases, flannel pajamas and origami vacuum bags are all candidates. Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share.

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Hand warmers and warm beverages are great! Even having a water bottle with warm water that a kid can put in their jacket while sitting is a great way to warm up the core.

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Hand warmers and warm beverages are great! Even having a water bottle with warm water that a kid can put in their jacket while sitting is a great way to warm up the core.

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- Zetty Weber

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Meadow Mouse Race - Food Chain & Survival Game

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Meadow Mouse Race - Food Chain & Survival Game

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Here is a fun, simple game that can be adapted to fit your teaching space. It's a great way to introduce food chains and winter survival strategies. - Zac Cota

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Teacher/Naturalist
North Branch Nature Center
Montpelier, VT
zac@northbranchnaturecenter.org

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Check out NBNC Online , our hub for COVID-adapted programming and resources for all ages. Our work is made possible by generous contributions to our NBNC Resiliency Fund , our special fund to support NBNC during these difficult times. If you find these resources valuable, please consider making a donation. Thank you, and be well!

COVID-19 Program Adaptations and Expectations - Click to Open

In order to keep you, our staff, and our community safe, NBNC is adhering to strict safety protocols based on CDC and VT Department of Health guidelines. We're in this together, so here's what you can expect from us, and what we ask of you as a participant of an in-person NBNC program:
What you can expect of us:

Breathing Room: We've capped all our programs at 10-12 participants or fewer, and designed them to take place outdoors, with the exceptions of bathroom access, thunderstorm contingencies, and (in some cases) short-term use of the community room.

Cleanliness: All potential shared surfaces will have been sanitized before and after each program. No two programs will share the same indoor space (including bathrooms) on any given day. We'll start each program with a briefing to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding behavior, expectations, masks, distancing, etc.

Professionalism: We have completed state-mandated safety trainings, established a staff/board safety committee and a COVID-19 Task Force, and are adhering to strict workplace guidelines to make sure we are taking appropriate measures to make NBNC a safe place to work, learn, and play.

Honesty: Our instructors will be following state safety guidelines, and complete health screenings prior to each program to ensure a healthy staff and a safe space for each program.

Respect: Our staff and instructors will wear a mask at all times (inside and outside), and maintain at least 6' distance from all other people throughout all programs.

Transparency: We want to make sure you are comfortable. If you've got questions or concerns about our programs and policies, please reach out to us at [email protected] .

What we ask of you:

Honesty: Do not come to the program if you are feeling ill in any way. You'll be asked to sign a waiver and health screening document upon arrival acknowledging that you are symptom-free and haven't been at high risk of exposure to the coronavirus recently. If you develop COVID-like symptoms within 14 days after the program, notify NBNC immediately.

Respect: Wear a mask at all times (inside and outside), during NBNC programs. Maintain at least 6' distance from all other people, including staff, during the program. Follow all safety guidelines explained by our staff.

Cleanliness: Sanitize bathrooms and other common surfaces before and after use, according to our guidelines posted in each space. Bring and use hand sanitizer, and wash your hands thoroughly.

Flexibility: Please understand that programs may be cancelled on very short notice, and that our protocols are continually adapting to best available science and expert recommendations.

Thank you for your support in keeping our community safe!

Naturalist Journeys is back for its 25th season with this fall/winter online presentation series featuring biologists and explorers from around the country. This winter, learn about aquatic bugs, the secret lives of fish, wild apples, macro photography, slug thieves, ginseng poaching, animal acoustics, birdsong, and much more. Tune in live via Zoom or catch the recording afterwards. Thanks to our sponsors: Hunger Mountain Coop, Onion River Outdoors, Union Mutual, GreenVest, and Capitol Copy. More Info

Support scientific research at NBNC by adopting an owl! An excellent birthday or holiday gift, our owl adoptions come with a beautiful certificate with the band number and measurements of an owl caught, tagged, and released by NBNC staff. If your owl is ever re-captured anywhere in North America, you'll receive notice of your adoptee's whereabouts. More Info

Knowing that more students are learning from home this school year, we are launching our new ECO Homeschool program. The woods and fields of NBNC will be our classroom, where students will learn by doing, using all five senses to engage with the landscape through standards-based lessons led by our ECO Teacher-Naturalists. More Info and Registration

Our staff and board have been listening, learning, and discussing NBNC's role in perpetuating systemic injustice in our society, as well as how we can begin to play a role in dismantling injustice. We invite you to read our letter addressing our perspective on the intersection of nature and justice in our community. The Imperative of Diversity and Equity

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North Branch Nature Center - Connecting All Ages to Nature

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Check out NBNC Online , our hub for COVID-adapted programming and resources for all ages. Our work is made possible by generous contributions to our NBNC Resiliency Fund , our special fund to support NBNC during these difficult times. If you find these resources valuable, please consider making a donation.

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Stump sit spots help to get small bodies off of the cold and snowy ground, reducing conductive heat loss. - Zac Cota

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Stump sit spots help to get small bodies off of the cold and snowy ground, reducing conductive heat loss. - Zac Cota

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Our Mission:

To cultivate healthy communities by connecting people to arts, education, the environment, & each other.

Our Programs

We offer land-based programs and activities that focus on experiential learning and connecting the community with the natural world. Willowell is excited to present a diverse listing of Vermont summer day camps this year.

land-based nature school

Wren's Nest Forest Preschool is a licensed, land-based nature school for youth ages 3-6. This creative program gets youth in the woods. Kids find themselves tracking, identifying wild edibles, making forts, and viewing nature as their teacher.

summer days on 230 acres

Our camps bring children outdoors to play, get dirty, and learn from Willowell's 230 acres of meadows, wetlands and forest.

education in the mountains

For the last 18 years, Addison County students have been given the opportunity to take their education into the mountains of Vermont to pursue their own passions in a democratically governed community.

immersive sculpture art

The Gordon Sculpture Park is an art immersion experience in nature on our 230 acre property in Monkton, VT. As you walk the land you pass by unique sculptures hidden among the trees and fields. We continue to commission artwork each year.

Our Impact

The Willowell Foundation is committed to changing the community we serve for the better. By teaching & mentoring youth, developing innovative community resource initiatives, & stewarding the land on which our organization operates, we are building a stronger community today and fostering a greater vision for tomorrow.

youth served

Land-based programming for youth is Willowell's calling card. Our organization proudly connects youth from preschool through high school to Vermont's natural beauty and to each other.

Years Serving communities

Since 2001, Willowell has grown from an 18-student alternative high school program in an unused school building to a youth environmental education center and conductor of vital community resource initiatives, including community gardening, home heating fuel assistance, and a network of open access art and nature trails.

aCres of land protected

Commitments to stewardship and partnerships with Vermont's Nature Converservancy and Department of Fish & Wildlife from 2010 to the present have restored and conserved wetlands and forest that are vital to Champlain Valley wildlife. This is part of a larger 400 acre reserve in the Pond Brook/Lewis Creek Watershed.

Get Involved

We want your skills and strengths. Are you an artist, a teacher, a carpenter, or a parent? From getting dirty in the Willowell garden, to stacking wood for the Monkton wood bank, to teaching a class or workshop at Walden, there are ways for everyone to join the Willowell community.

SERVE WITH AMERICORPS

Join Willowell as part of a national community of AmeriCorps service members. Each year Willowell hosts two Americorps through VISTA and state programs.

Volunteer opportunities

Come volunteer at Willowell! Work on innovative land-based projects, help with garden maintenance, build cabins, or create art installations. Willowell needs your support.

Make a Donation

Donations go to support outdoor educational experiences for youth, programs, projects, and community. We appreciate any support you can give.

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To cultivate healthy communities by connecting people to arts, education, the environment, & each other. We offer land-based programs and activities that focus on experiential learning and connecting the community with the natural world. Willowell is excited to present a diverse listing of Vermont summer day camps this year.

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In addition to general COVID-19 safety protocols, your organization might consider developing specific guidelines for specific activities. Here's an example of our outdoor cooking protocol. - Zac Cota

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#NAAEE2020 Gems: Recommendations for Outdoor Learning in Winter

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It's getting cold out! Struggling with what to teach? Snow problem-our #NAAEE2020 conference attendees have you covered.