Longwood Gardens’ Post

The Camp Research Revolution: Transforming Youth Development 🏕️📊 Ever wonder why "camp magic" is so hard to explain? 🤔 Traditional approaches to understanding camp's impact often relied on anecdotes and vague notions of "magic." This left us struggling to articulate camp's true value to skeptics and decision-makers. (*If you have ever seen me present or you are a long-time CampHacker listener, you know how much I _dislike_ the term Camp Magic.😡) Our "aha" moment: Camp researchers realized years ago that we needed concrete evidence to support our claims and guide our program improvements. Here's how innovative camp research is changing the game: - Action Research: Involving camp staff and participants in the research process - Longitudinal Studies: Tracking camper outcomes over multiple years - Creative Methods: Using art and mapping to capture campers' perspectives - Ecosystem Approach: Examining camp's role within a broader developmental context Results: - Increased legitimacy for the camp industry - Evidence-based program improvements - Better articulation of camp's value to parents scared of the "risk" of sending their kids to summer camp Potential applications: 1️⃣ Informing youth development policies (at camp and in the larger world) 2️⃣ Enhancing school-camp partnerships (we have the research to show your Superintendant hesitant to give permission to bring your class) 3️⃣ Improving staff training and retention strategies 🎯 Reflection: Creative problem-solving in camp research has validated our work and opened new avenues for growth and innovation in our very important youth development work. https://lnkd.in/gPamsQ8s Thank you to my The Pudding Podcast partner Mandi Baker, Laurie Browne , Jacob Sorenson, and Victoria Povilaitis, PhD, for talking to us about the state of camp research. We're so excited to start to release our Season 2 episodes soon! Cheers to the American Camp Association, Illinois and Camptivities for continuing to make this show possible! #CampResearch #YouthDevelopment #InnovativeApproaches #BecauseofCamp #ThanksToCamp #CampPros

Attending the Creative Convergence Workshop was a reminder of what’s possible when we embrace creativity and community. We explored how the arts can: ► Bring communities together ► Spark authentic connections ► Shape a positive, forward-thinking future For Pulaski County Tribe, it’s about more than projects. It’s about building relationships that matter, fostering creativity that inspires, and creating spaces that bring us together. When head, hands, and heart align, truly transformative things can happen in arts, in leadership, in business, and in community. This workshop reinforced the principles that guide our work: ► Who Not How We achieve more by leaning on the unique strengths and creativity of others. It’s about finding the right people to make the difference. ► Collaboration is Key When we come together, our impact multiplies. Creativity thrives in connection, and our collective efforts go much farther than individual ones. ► Together We Rise By lifting each other up, we create a foundation for resilience and growth. This experience strengthened my belief in creative collaboration as a force for growth and connection. The arts are a catalyst, but the vision extends further. It's about what happens when people choose to be inspired and take action. Through Pulaski County Tribe I'm excited to keep partnering with our community to spark meaningful projects, build local pride, and shape a future where creativity leads the way. Whether it’s through art, business, or the connections we cultivate daily, we all have a role to play in shaping our future. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆?

Serving on boards isn't just about personal growth; it's about making a meaningful impact in our communities and industries. Here’s why I believe it's so rewarding: 1️⃣ Professional Growth: Board roles provide invaluable experience in leadership, strategy, and governance, enriching your skill set in profound ways. 2️⃣ Impactful Contributions: You have the opportunity to shape decisions that drive positive change, whether it’s in non-profits, startups, or corporate settings. 3️⃣ Networking and Collaboration: Working alongside diverse professionals fosters new perspectives and opens doors to exciting collaborations. 4️⃣ Personal Fulfillment: There’s immense satisfaction in knowing your efforts contribute to something bigger than yourself, leaving a lasting legacy. Let’s continue to champion board service as a catalyst for both personal and collective growth. Together, we can inspire and empower others to step forward and make a difference! 💼🌍

🏫🎨 **Empower Students with ChalkWild Backpacks program** At ChalkWild, we’re transforming the student experience with our **art-powered backpacks**! These backpacks are more than just school supplies—they're tools for: 🧘♀️ Reducing anxiety & stress 📚 Enhancing focus & academic success 🤝 Building social skills 🧠 Boosting cognitive abilities ❤️ Strengthening self-esteem & resilience 🎨 Fostering creativity A 2024 survey of 4000 US schools shows ⅓ of K-12 students are still behind grade level. In schools with 75% or more of students of colors, it’s 42%. Anxiety, stress, and trauma are major roadblocks to learning. ChalkWild and standards aligned art activities remove these barriers by empowering students in school and beyond. Many school districts and organizations like YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Salvation Army have implemented ChalkWild program with positive impact. Join us in bringing art-powered backpacks to all students! Let’s unlock their full potential. #ChalkWild #EmpoweringStudents #ArtEducation #MentalHealthMatters #FutureLeaders #SEL #CreativeLearning https://lnkd.in/gVbr7uEW

Whether it’s in the home or out in the community, SENse Learning takes education out of the classroom in a holistic and bespoke manner that meets the needs of the individual. One young person explores the farm, expanding on their knowledge, while engaged by their love of animals. www.senselearning.co.uk #BespokeEducation #AlternativeEducation #CreativeLearning #educationjobs #readytowork #sen #sendteacher #SENEducation

It is almost time for Homecoming 2024, Yellow Jacket Nation! We're inviting our alumni home October 10th-12th for a weekend filled with events, activities, and some WVSU Football! 🖤💛Meet the 2024 Mr. and Miss State🖤💛 🎉Jeremie Thomas, Jr. and Ryleigh Clayborn 📝What is your Major & how did you choose it? Ryleigh: I’m a double-major with Agriculture Business and Economics; I chose these because my grandpa was a farmer and I had the opportunity to participate in FFA and FBLA while in high school. Jeremie: I study Communications; I came to WVSU undecided, but then I started dabbling in photography after getting a camera for Black Friday. 🌟What do you like to do in your free time? Ryleigh: I’ve been learning Spanish, but I also like to crochet in my free time. I also enjoy fishing! Jeremie: I love working with my camera and being a photographer. I actually run my own photography business (insta: @bigbankroll_p). 🌎What is a cause that you are passionate about? Ryleigh: I’m really passionate about mental health and advocating for those who are struggling and don’t know how many resources are out there to help and protect them. Jeremie: I am passionate about community togetherness, and helping others understand just how beautiful our lives can be when we’re unified instead of divided. 📔✏️What advice would you give for others interested in your major? Ryleigh: 100% Explore! There is so much that you can do with Agriculture, it isn’t just farming. Even when I came in, I didn’t know how much was out there that I could do with it, and I encourage others to do their research on the field to see if it is a fit for them. Jeremie: Don’t get stuck on being perfect. The industry is so, so subjective and there is room for everyone’s voice within it. It is a very versatile major, and you can literally do anything you want with it! 🖤💛What is the best part of WVSU? Ryleigh: WVSU has grown, and is continuing to grow, so much and I’m really happy to have been along for the ride during my time here. It has been positive journey to use our voice for student needs and help the university be better for future classes. Jeremie: The students, faculty, and staff are all the best part of WVSU. I’ve never met more encouraging people to help me along my journey. #WVSU #Homecoming

🌿 Investing in Nature-Based Play and Learning in Tucson 🌿 At PNC, we’re thrilled to collaborate with incredible partners in Tucson to foster high-quality, nature-based outdoor play and learning environments for young children. Together, we’re creating spaces where children can explore, discover, and thrive in harmony with the natural world. ✨ What we’re building together: * Interactive play areas featuring natural surroundings and sensory elements. * Professional development for teachers to implement nature-based curricula. * Family engagement opportunities to deepen connections between home, school, and nature. A huge thank you to the UA School Garden Workshop for leading these enhancements, providing technical support, and sharing their expertise on how gardens can thrive in the desert. We’re also grateful for the partnership of the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD1.org) and the Brichta Infant & Early Learning Center, whose collaboration makes this impactful work possible. And there’s more to come! Future enhancements include a farm stand, where children can sharpen their math skills by selling produce, and—yes—a chicken coop to bring learning to life. 🐓🥬 These efforts are backed by research. Recent PNC-funded studies by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) revealed: 📊 Nearly 49% of children ages 3-5 play outside less than once a day. 📚 A literature review highlights that nature-based pre-K programs promote better learning and development outcomes for children. By combining research-driven practices with local expertise, we’re cultivating a brighter future where children connect with nature and grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we’re planting the seeds of a lifelong love for learning—and the environment. 🌱 #PNCGrowUpGreat #NatureBasedLearning #EarlyChildhoodEducation #OutdoorPlay #CommunityPartnerships #Tucson Cathleen Walker, Sally McCrady, Brett Plains, Kyle A. Steinbuch, Jeffrey Quijano, JD, LLM, CFP®, Annabel Whiting, Moses Thompson, Jaime Garcia, Dorella Anaya, Corie McGrath, Shannon Anderson, David Crummey, Mary Zier, Heidi Hurst

Today, on World Braille Day, we celebrate the transformative impact of the Braille system in empowering individuals with visual impairments around the world. Braille is more than just a series of dots—it is a gateway to education, independence, and equality. For millions, it provides the means to access knowledge, pursue careers, and fully participate in society. Yet, there’s still much to do. Many in Pakistan and beyond still lack access to Braille resources, inclusive education, and employment opportunities. As we commemorate this day, let’s recognize the importance of building an accessible world that leaves no one behind. #WorldBrailleDay #InclusionMatters #AccessibleDevelopment #Empowerment

#CommunityInAction 🎶 Strumming strings, building bridges, and finding our rhythm together! 🎶 From hallways to harmony—every step is a chord in our shared story. At Four Forest Schools, our values of kindness, respect, and resilience come to life through creativity and connection. #WeAreCognita #FourForestCommunity #FourForestSchools #Values #BilingualEducation #CreativeBeats #LearningOnTheMove

Unless you become a volunteer, you will never really become aware of the full extent of reward you can get from working. Nor will you be fully aware of the value and meaning of work in your life - until you strip it of its monetary dimension. #Volunteering teaches you personal and professional skills and #mindsets that no vocational or academic training can. It won't automatically create value and meaning in a "pointless" career or life by itself - rather, it will offer the right conditions for you to construct that meaning for yourself and those you care most about: The clean, moist and fertile ground where all that's good flourishes and all that's "stinky" dissolves and gets out of your way... #volunteersday