NEWS:

KATE FOX & ED HELBIG given ORANGE ENVIRONMENT'S

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AWARD

On October 28th, 2006 Free Spirit Nature Camp directors, Kate Fox and Ed Helbig were awarded Orange Environment's annual Environmental Education Award.

Orange Environment Vice President Toby Schack amd President Mike Edelstein presented the award, "for their efforts through their Free Spirit Nature Camp located on the Kezialain Organic Farm to offer children the opportunity to develop an understanding and respect for nature and farm life."

They were also honored with Certificate of Merit from Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, and a Distinguished Service Award from the Orange County Legislature.

Orange Environment is a 25-year old environmental watchdog organization working to protect the county's environment and residents. Orange Environment (OE) is commited to environmental activism, research, education, and advocacy.

Ed Helbig & Kate Fox at the OE Awards Dinner, October 28, 2006.

Camp Staff Special Training for Summer 2008

This spring, 2008, Free Spirit Camp Staff will be training in Primitive Skills at the Mid-Atlantic Primitive Skills Meet in June. Instructors from around the country are available there to teach Fire Skills, nature crafts, wilderness awareness, weaving, herb identification, and lots more.

Another team of staff members will attend the weekend workshop "Building Strong Naturalist Communities" sponsored by Flying Deer Nature Center in New Lebanon, NY. This is an opportunity to meet and learn from other nature instructors who teach at camps and schools, especially those inspired by the Vermont Wilderness School and the Institute for Natural Learning.

Every member of the staff is excited to be learning together and bringing new skills, stories, and perspectives back to camp.