Nature and Me - Summer 2024
This summer, we teamed up with some incredible partners for our Nature and Me program, a collaborative initiative by A Reason to Survive (ARTS), Olivewood Gardens, and Ocean Connectors as part of the Full STEAM Ahead - National City based Collaborative. This innovative program aims to provide holistic education on health, nutrition, environmental sustainability, ocean science, conservation, creativity, and the arts to students in grades 3-6.
a summer of fun & learning
Last week, we wrapped up this four-week summer program, and it was genuinely inspiring to see the widespread impact of this initiative. Twenty-five South Bay youth were fully engaged in hands-on STEAM activities at Olivewood's outdoor classroom and the ARTS Center, with activities that matched the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Curriculum, giving the students a well-rounded and fun learning experience.
Olivewood-led activities focused on garden, environmental, and nutrition science, covering essential topics such as plant parts, pollination, resource use, composting, and nutrition.
Ocean Connectors took the lead in educating the students on climate literacy, ocean science, and conservation, emphasizing crucial subjects like ocean ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, ARTS spearheaded creative placemaking and art projects inspired by the program's themes, allowing the students to express their creativity while reinforcing their learning.
A highlight of our time at the ARTS Center was working on this incredible project created by ARTS Teaching Artist Sheena Rae Dowling. The project involved making garden post signs with the active involvement of youth in every step. The process included selecting their favorite plants, writing and sketching icons, and painting and adding color to the finished wooden laser-etched signs. These signs will be installed in the gardens at the Olivewood Gardens Learning Center, creating a lasting memory for the youth participants to share with their family and friends.
At the end of the four-week camp session, we hosted a pizza and popsicle party for the kids. After that, we held an art show at the ARTS Center for the families to attend. During the event, the youth proudly displayed the art they created and everything they learned during the camp. We had a full house with well over 60 attendees, and the kids showcased all eleven art projects they completed while at the ARTS Center.
As part of the experience, the youth had the opportunity to explore nature in exciting new environments with a fun and educational field trip to Mission Trails Regional Park and a trip to La Jolla Tide Pools, hosted by the Ocean Connectors team. The youth spent the whole day at the park, hiking the nature trails, participating in a fun scavenger hunt, and watching a short movie in the exhibition hall to learn more.
Well-Rounded Community Programs
This program was made possible through the generous support of the San Diego Foundation. Their involvement has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of supporting community organizations, and we are deeply grateful for their contribution.
We aim to meaningfully impact the youth participants by providing them with an enriching experience and valuable knowledge through Nature and Me. This will help shape their understanding of the world and inspire them to become stewards of our environment. This success is a testament to our collaborative efforts and your invaluable support.
Programs like Nature and Me are a shining example of the power of collaborative partnerships. We are hopeful and inspired by the dedication of the partnering organizations and the immense potential of these young minds. Together, we are nurturing well-rounded and environmentally conscious individuals, paving the way for a brighter future.
