Camp Staff Special Training for Summer 2009

For the second year, a team of staff members will attend the weekend workshop "Building Strong Naturalist Communities" held at 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.

FREE SPIRIT NATURE CAMP WELCOMES SPECIAL GUESTS IN 2009

We are pleased to announce that local artist and activist Shawn Dell Joyce has agreed to teach at camp this summer. She will lead "Plein Air Painting" and talk about the history of the Hudson River School painters, as well as the school she helped to create, the Wallkill RIver School. Shawn will be teaching a Pathway for Session 3 (July 13 - 23).

We are also thrilled to announce a partnership with Black Dirt Dance's Eve McClanahan and Lisa Albornez for session 4 (July 27 - Aug 6). They will be teaching Movment and Music as a Pathway, which will culminate in a performance on August 8th at camp's 20th Anniversary Celebration.

We are very excited to have Brother Wolf contribute to camp once again this summer. He will be working with us for session 5, August 10 - 20. 2009. He is also offering a one-day workshop at the farm, date and time to be announced.

Melissa Peterson, a local potter affiliated with Judy Duboff's studio, will be offering Pottery again this summer, Session 2 (July 6 - 10).

His website: http://www.ericwolf.org/

 

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 and 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.