Naturally fun

Ben and Rachel graduated from our 8th grade in June and are here this week as Seek to Lead interns, assisting the teachers in Energy Quest camp. Today they planned a hike and games, collected and released Japanese beetles, and helped with water science activities. Yesterday was a trip to the neighbor's pond (found a frog and a leech!) - tomorrow damming the creek.

From our buddy program they both know how to work with younger children. I like watching them step into this role with greater responsibilities - sort of a friend "plus." Good humor and flexibility are required - and a sense of fun. Plus hanging out in the faculty room. They are naturals.

Beautiful summer days

The weather has been beautiful. It is great having summer camp here - I have an excuse to stay outside taking pictures!

I got to go with History and Adventure campers to Schuyler Mansion last week. What an amazing historic site right in our backyard.

This week Survivor campers have been creating a community on planet "X" - wind turbines, solar ovens (with solar brownies!), methane experiments, trips to a "green" house and local landfill - on Friday they will finish their community and give tours. Teddy Bear campers have traveled to outer space, too. They have made rockets and solar crayons, plus taken some time out to water the vegetables.

Work continues in our office, too. I am meeting with a trustee committee to refine our sustainable energy and environmental science programs. We will have some exciting things to bring to the school and greater community by summer's end. Stay tuned...