2 to 4 night options available. 2-4 chaperones required.
Farming and Food Sovereignty in Berkshire County
This multi-day program connects youth with the vegetable and flower gardens at April Hill Conservation Center and with other Berkshire County organizations that address food security, organic gardening practices, community gardens, and food sovereignty. Learning about soil, water, sun, and seeds, this day on the farm will foster a connection to land and food. Through hands-on activities, youth learn the art of cultivating hand-scale vegetable farming, sustainable practices, working in service to the local community, and caring for the environment. Beyond cultivating plants, youth cultivate a sense of responsibility and empathy as they contribute to local food security assisting with the building, planting and maintenance of gardens and garden beds in Berkshire County.
Youth will also learn about local history including the important contributions of W.E.B. DuBois, Elizabeth Freeman, and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans. Exploring the ties to the land and contributions of these figures will help youth understand the context of the work that is being done by Greenagers and the other community organizations that we partner with.
During this week the group will also participate in at least one challenging hike on either the Appalachian Trail or at one of the many conservation areas in Southern Berkshire County. As they hike on conserved land, they will learn and work together, forming a deep connection to nature, their team and the communities they are working in. This portion of the program empowers youth to become advocates for conservation, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to protect our precious natural resources and leave a lasting positive impact on our environment.
By the end of this workshop participants will not only have a newfound appreciation for hand-scale gardening and working in service to the local community, they will also gain practical skills, teamwork experience, and a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the gardens at April Hill. This program empowers youth to become environmentally conscious, socially responsible individuals, while fostering personal growth and community engagement.
Stewardship & Craftsmanship
This multi-day program connects youth with the historical buildings and grounds at April Hill Conservation Center and with projects in other Berkshire County partner organizations. Participation in this program will allow youth to explore the building trades, hands-on craftsmanship and learn how to use a variety of tools and methods that are applied to historic and timber frame construction.
This multi-day program connects youth with the historical buildings and grounds at April Hill Conservation Center and with projects in other Berkshire County partner organizations. Participation in this program will allow youth to explore the building trades, hands-on craftsmanship and learn how to use a variety of tools and methods that are applied to historic and timber frame construction. youth will learn about different types of wood and joinery techniques and they will actively contribute to the creation of a community project.
Additionally, youth will gain insight into the historical significance of various construction methods, as well as learn the fundamentals of design and planning for the selected project. They will work with professional instructors, tradespeople, and community partners to create drawings, interpret blueprints, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the project before the hands-on construction begins.
During the week the group will also participate in at least one challenging hike on either the Appalachian Trail or at one of the many conservation areas in Southern Berkshire County. As they hike on conserved land, they will learn and work together, forming a deep connection to nature, their team and the communities they are working in. This portion of the program empowers youth to become advocates for conservation, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to protect our precious natural resources and leave a lasting positive impact on our environment.
By the end of this workshop participants will not only have a newfound appreciation for the artistry and techniques inherent in the building trades and working in service to the local community, they will also gain practical skills, teamwork experience, and a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the workshop setting. This program empowers youth to become environmentally conscious, socially responsible individuals, while fostering personal growth and community engagement.
Backpacking & Environmental Stewardship
This multi-day program connects youth with the diverse landscape of Berkshire County, giving them a chance to connect with the local environment. This program can either be scheduled as a day hike program, or depending on staff availability, a guided overnight hike where three of the four nights are spent on the Appalachian Trail. Service learning experiences in environmental conservations will cap each end of the program, instilling a sense of connection to the land and environmental stewardship.
Through hands-on activities such as trail maintenance, invasive species eradication, and habitat conservation, youth not only gain valuable ecological knowledge but also actively contribute to the preservation of our local ecosystems.
Through challenging physical activity we will support youth as they develop independence, confidence, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline, decision-making and problem-solving skills. We will also foster a connection to nature, local history, play, and exploration. This program encourages youth to step out of their comfort zones, inspiring a lifelong passion for adventure and the belief that they can accomplish difficult things through teamwork and perseverance.
By the end of this week-long experience, participants will not only have a newfound appreciation for the environment and their own capabilities. They will also gain practical skills, teamwork experience, and a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the wilderness setting. This program empowers youth to become environmentally conscious, socially responsible individuals, while fostering personal growth and community engagement.
Please contact Cynthia, Education Director, with any questions or to schedule a trip.