Summer Play at Blue Rock School Hosts Free Lecture “Why Our Children Need Nature”

Summer Play at Blue Rock School Hosts Free Lecture

“Why Our Children Need Nature”

The community is invited to a free evening dedicated to exploring “Why Our Children Need Nature” on Monday, April 4, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nyack Library, located at 59 South Broadway.

The evidence is overwhelming: children thrive on so many levels when given regular opportunities to connect with the natural world. Unfortunately, today’s youth spend significantly less time outdoors than any generation before them. 

This informational, interactive evening will be led by Nyack resident Rachel Grob, MA, Ph.D. Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Consultant, Child Development Institute, Sarah Lawrence College, and colleague Barbara Schecter, Psychology Faculty Member, and will include a screening of the Institute’s When Learning Comes Naturally as seen on PBS.  The film will be followed by an open discussion devoted to investigating and discussing why it is so critical for children to "unplug and get outside."

The Director of Environmental Education for Keep Rockland Beautiful, Sonia Cairo, will also be present to offer another perspective: the vital role that a love for nature and environmental literacy plays in fostering future environmental stewards, and will cite some specific examples of where in Rockland County, schools are making a concerted effort to give children more hands-on, outdoor experiences and take care of the earth.

A multitude of free resources for parents, educators and community leaders will also be available to help encourage children’s enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling 845-358-3370, ext. 214. 

Summer Play at Blue Rock School is a joyful and enriching place to explore art, music, woodworking, drama, nature, games, water and free play. For children ages 3-10.  Five-week program from June 27 – July 28. Mondays through Thursdays (Mondays optional), 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Located on the lovely Blue Rock campus in West Nyack with three acres of playgrounds and woods. For more information call 845-627-0234 or visit www.bluerockschool.org.

Blue Rock School is a progressive, independent day school serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade, and is located on a beautiful, three-acre, wooded campus in West Nyack, NY.  The school was founded in 1987 with the purpose of providing an educational experience based on a child-centered and experiential approach that enables children to follow their own natural curiosity, develop as independent thinkers and grow in a dynamic learning community.  At Blue Rock School, students engage in a challenging academic curriculum that fully integrates the arts, nature and play, and nurtures their innate love of learning.

Blue Rock School -Where Every Child is an Honored Student