PERMACULTURE KIDS CAMP

2024

PERMACULTURE Kids camp

June 24-28, 2024
9:30am – 3:30 pm
Ages 6-8 (Seaberry), 9-11 (Hermit thrush)
Cost: $325


Rooted in nature & place-based learning, children will explore the forest, knolls, fields, and waterways around them. Children will discover wildcrafting techniques, develop primitive skills, create woodland art, practice storytelling, and learn how to make maps through permaculture design. Woven throughout the day, children will practice connecting with and taking care of nature and each other (sowing seeds, practicing gratitude, planting trees/guilds, fetching water, gathering wood for the fire, tidying up camp).

SKILLS:

  • WILDCRAFTING – Identifying and gathering herbs, making herbal tea, natural plant dyes, plant prints & natural crafts.
  • STORYTELLING – Reading plant and animal stories, storytelling, integrating new ideas and skills
  • MAP MAKING & NAVIGATION – Observing, drawing, making measurements, building models & connections between places.

  • PRIMITIVE SKILLS – Fort building, fire making, tool making, tracking and awareness games

SCHEDULE

9:30 Gathering Circle: Welcome each other, check in and explore the theme of the day
10:00 Plant/Nature Walk: fun, physical, nature exploration
10:30 Snack time & free play.
11:00 Primitive Skills
12:00 Lunch/Free play
12:30 Storytime
1:00 Wildcrafting & Art
2:30 Service to Nature: give back to our natural community with an action based project
3:15 Farewell Circle: Share songs and highlights of the day, make connections, reflection
3:30 Pick-up

What to bring to camp

Please pack your child with the following daily:

  • Backpack your child can carry comfortably

  • Swimsuit

  • Sun hat or baseball hat

  • Natural bug repellent and sunscreen

  • Towel

  • Lunch

  • Snack x2

  • Water bottle

  • Rain gear, head to toe (muddy buddy)

  • Waterproof shoes or sandals

  • Extra set of clothes

  • Layers–always have a fleece or thin jacket packed

  • Wear closed toed shoes/boots and clothes that can get dirty! Close toed sandals are great.

    ** Please put child’s name on all items
    **We are outside in all weather conditions

INSTRUCTORS

Colleen Parenteau

Colleen Guertin Parenteau, M.S.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Environmental Studies from UVM, I began teaching field-based science and environmental education as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Oregon. Since then, I have worked as a classroom and science teacher, advocating for nature-based learning.  In 2010, I earned a Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning from Lesley University. During the summer of 2012, I had an exciting opportunity to teach and conduct research at a rural primary school in southwestern Kenya.

Currently, I teach science at the Tower School in Marblehead, MA. I love learning alongside students and guiding them to solve problems that interest them.

I particularly enjoy teaching and learning about gardening and permaculture, growing the juiciest tomatoes, and working with children to grow food.

I love skiing, hiking, practicing yoga, and playing with my kids in my free time. I am an avid bird watcher and naturalist. The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Mad River Valley are some of my favorite areas in the Northeast to view migratory birds. 

I am a graduate of the Whole Systems Design Permaculture Design Course and the Farmacy Herbs Herbal Foundations Certificate Program. 

 

 

Russ Wells

Russ Wells, M.S.


I earned a B.S. and M.S. in biology, in my home state, at the University of Vermont. While I was keen to work in molecular genetics—first at Dana-Farber and later at B.U. Medical, my interest in teaching quickly grew.

My teaching experience includes a non-profit STEM enrichment start-up, the Museum of Science, and the Cambridge Montessori School. I joined Tower in 2007. Today, I teach 7th and 8th grade science and health. I am also an advisor to 7th and 8th grade students.

In the summers, I co-teach a boatbuilding workshop at Redd’s Pond Boatworks in Marblehead and spend more time outside with my wife and children.
I have been part of the mentoring group Big Brothers & Big Sister of Massachusetts Bay for many years, and have seen a once fifth grade boy become a fine young man – now adult. It’s this type of long-term relationship that I enjoy fostering the most.

All camps take place on our permaculture farmstead in Rochester, Vermont.
Contact us at erica@wholesystemshealthvt.org with any additional questions.