By Peter Josten | Program Coordinator
School looks very different this fall, but at Piedmont Wildlife Center, we're still getting kids outside and exploring!
Thanks to a huge effort from our staff, community, and donors (like you!), we've gotten our fall afterschool programs up and running. We are no longer able to meet at the children's schools, but this has given us the opportunity to show many Earth Keepers the parks they've never visited before. So far, it's been a blast!
The first week of programming highlighted how valuable face-to-face interaction is to young people. During snack time at one of our Wild Wednesdays, another counselor and I watched in amazement as 10 kids simultaneously debated the subject "are pterodactyls dinosaurs." I'm not sure if anyone could hear anyone else, but I could see the energy and excitement in their eyes as they passionately interacted with a group of their peers.
While Earth Keepers as we know it has changed, the most essential parts remain: community, exploration, and respect. Mask use and social distancing have been challenging, but we've been very impressed with the respect and patience our campers have shown in order to keep their friends and family safe. We've had to change many of our games and activities, but the kids have joined us in brainstorming new ways to play their old favorites.
The biggest challenge this fall has been the needs we are unable to meet. More families than ever have requested financial aid. Kids need assistance with virtual classes, or a place to focus on their work. Piedmont Wildlife Center has the tools to help these families, but we need your support to get our programs to the people who need them most. Please consider extending your generosity to help us meet these needs, especially during the September little by little matching campaign.
If you're looking to work on some self care in the process, consider joining our virtual race. It's a great opportunity to bolster a worthy cause and explore the outdoors yourself!
We are so grateful for everything you do - our work would not be possible without your belief and support.
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