Plows rumble through the streets creating piles of sledding potential and wonderful winter experiences while every peek of the sun promises warmer weather to come. As we relish each moment of the changes in our outdoors, we are getting ready for summer camp at the Urban Ecology Center!

Autumn is knocking, summer vacations are in the rearview mirror and we are preparing for the school year ahead and our Neighborhood Environmental Education Project (NEEP) for schools. While students are thinking about homework and teachers are creating lesson plans, we are in full-gear preparing for tons of outdoor experiences, nature play and educational fun!

Excitement for new connections

NEEP is a partnership program. We partner with schools within a 2-mile radius of our branches to provide multiple field trips per year. Students have multiple trips, sometimes for multiple years, to learn in and connect to the land in the green spaces we use as “outdoor classrooms.” In addition, our Educators work closely with teachers to ensure that our programming fits seamlessly into their curriculum.

Studies have shown that a child needs two things to inspire environmental awareness: constant contact with nature early in life and an adult mentor (parent, teacher, friend) who demonstrates positive behavior toward the environment. Our Environmental Educators are excited to get to know their students and teach them throughout the school year.

Ah, the birds are singing and the sun is shining! Maybe it’s the mid-winter heat wave. Maybe it’s the vision of summer camp dancing in our heads. We’re getting ready for summer camp at the Urban Ecology Center and looking forward to the highlights of the summer season as we swing with the winter weather. As summer camp registration draws near, we look forward to the activities and programs we’ll lead when school’s out.