We know our earth is in rough shape – that without our extreme care, pollution, global warming, garbage overload, the imbalance of obesity and hunger, weather extremes and so on, will continue to destroy our natural life space and the dignity of humanity. Earth Day, now celebrated around the world, was started in 1970 to help awaken people to the need for individual commitment. Part of our stated mission is to help our students realize their responsibility as stewards of the earth. Students regularly pledge to this purpose and work not only on Earth Day, but all year. We know that if children are to care for the earth, they must love the earth, and you can’t love something you don’t experience. So an important part of our mandate is to provide as much opportunity as possible for our children to connect with and appreciate their natural environment.
Aline Wolf also points out the vital importance of children being in close contact with the natural environment. Children have a hard time appreciating the earth if they don’t know it! One of the most important gifts a parent can give a young person is an infectious enthusiasm for the outdoors. This gift will last for the rest of a child’s life – long after the video games have disappeared.
-Kristin
