Introducing "Nurtured in Nature": An Immersive Outdoor After-School Program for K-5 Students at Pitney Meadows Community Farm
Pitney Meadows Community Farm is thrilled to announce the launch of "Nurtured in Nature," an innovative K-5 program designed to connect children with the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities in science and mindfulness.
Could your child benefit from a healthy dose of nature? Of course, we all could!
Nestled under the farm’s Explore to Learn Program umbrella, over the course of two sessions of eight weeks, students will embark on an enriching journey, exploring the rhythm of nature through the distinct seasons of upstate New York, right here in the living classroom of Pitney Meadows Community Farm. Each month, the group will meet twice: one gathering focusing on a nature-based science lesson and exploration, and the other on a nature-based mindfulness lesson and discovery.
This program offers a unique opportunity for children to immerse themselves in the natural environment, promoting curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and overall well-being. Nurtured in Nature is offered to the community with generous support from Deborah and Dexter Senft.
Program Highlights:
Becoming a Nature Champion: Students will learn to explore nature in a safe, educational, mindful, and exhilarating way. This session sets the stage for future sessions by incorporating free play in nature while promoting self-monitoring and reflection.
Animal Signs: Students will discover how to "read the forest" by exploring animal signs and setting up trail cameras to capture images and data.
Taking 5 in Nature: Using their senses, students will gain insights into the true essence of nature and how it impacts them personally.
Falling Leaves: Exploring the diversity of deciduous and coniferous trees, students will connect to art, science, and social-emotional learning.
Be Prepared: Learning how animals prepare for winter, students will explore nature for evidence of these preparations.
Our Getting Prepared Super Power: Drawing inspiration from nature, students will learn strategies to prepare for life events and obstacles.
The Sounds of Nature: Differentiating between nature sounds and human sounds, students will appreciate the stillness of winter woods.
Our Signs and Patterns: Students will practice noticing their own signs and patterns to better understand their internal weather report.
Discover more about the exciting activities we have in store here.
Each session is carefully scaffolded to accommodate learners from K-5, ensuring that all students can participate fully and benefit from the program. At Pitney Meadows, our programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that kids of all abilities can participate fully and benefit from nature.
Session Dates:
Session 1, 4:30pm - 5:30pm: September 11th, September 25th, October 9th, October 23rd, November 6th, November 20th, December 4th, December 18th, with a Family Celebration Lantern Walk on December 19th.
Session 2, 4:30pm - 5:30pm: January 15th, January 29th, February 12th, February 26th, March 12th, March 26th, April 9th, May 7th, with a Family Celebration + Mindful Walk on May 8th.
"We see Pitney Meadows as a vibrant, living classroom and have collaborated with exceptional education partners to design a program that immerses kids in every corner of our property. “Nurtured in Nature” will not only deepen their understanding of the natural world but also foster mental health and inspire a lifelong curiosity for conservation,” said Brooke McConnell, Executive Director. “We’re thrilled to partner with Leah and Andrew on this transformative program and deeply grateful for Deborah and Dexter Senft’s shared vision and support."
Meet Our Instructors:
Andrew Ferrone brings nearly two decades of classroom experience, specializing in nature-based learning, technology, and social-emotional learning. His passion for nature has fueled many projects, including several published children's books and articles. Andrew lives in upstate New York with his family, where they spend as much time outdoors as possible.
"We developed this program with the goal of helping this generation of young people reconnect with nature, for the simple reason that nature is healthy. It’s healthy for the mind, for the body, and it’s healthy for the heart," says Andrew.
Leah (Lanci) Ferrone is a mindfulness and yoga instructor through her company Brave Lion. She offers neuroscience-based mindfulness programming rooted in movement and play to help children build confidence, resilience, and self-regulation. Leah incorporates nature-based mindfulness exploration in her lessons, recognizing the profound impact nature has on regulating the nervous system. Leah also lives in upstate New York with her family, where they regularly seek nature adventures.
"Pitney Meadows is the perfect location and partner to offer this unique experience. Together, we are going to discover, embrace and connect to the magic of nature's rhythm through the lens of upstate New York's distinct seasons - right here on the farm," says Leah.
Join us in this incredible opportunity for your child to blossom in nature. "Nurtured in Nature" is more than just a program; it’s a pathway to a deeper connection with the environment and one another.