Sustainability Camp

So much of the education that takes place at Synergia and Finding the Good is experiential. Building and creating a structure, a film, a trail, a wall, a meal, or a book is one of the most valuable ways to learn. One gathers and makes all the parts, and from the parts, crafts a “whole”.

This summer, we are delighted to offer “Sustainability Camp” here at Synergia. We will be working on several building projects, such as “green” cabins using recycled paper (“papercrete”), earth, and lumber that we will mill from our land; and an earth oven for baking homemade bread and pizza.

We’ll explore local, sustainable food systems, shop at the Farmer’s Market, and cook up some delicious meals together in cooking “class” (aka, breakfast, lunch and dinner) ~ all while learning about one of our most basic needs and how best to meet that need.

To balance the project-focus, we will build teamwork and reach new heights on the challenge ropes course. In the hot afternoons, we’ll head to the river to hike, swim and relax, experiencing how to live with nature, and how to connect to one’s “place”.  



Two sessions are offered:
Session I  JULY 11-18  is open to ages 14 and up.
Session II JULY 18-24 is open to ages 11 and up.

Students 14 and older are encouraged to attend both sessions, as they will be taught to mentor the younger students in Session II, working beside them, and experiencing the pleasure of teaching others.

FAMILY WEEKEND

We end Sustainability Camp with an open weekend for families. This weekend is designed to give families an introduction to sustainable models and practice, with an emphasis on the importance of building community through food and shared work. This session is a fundraiser for Finding the Good. There is no charge to attend. Rather, at the end of the weekend, we will ask you to deeply consider how you might contribute to Finding the Good, in whatever way you are inspired to do so. This may include: hosting a house party in your area for a Finding the Good presentation; putting us in touch with others who you think will be interested and supportive; organizing a fund-raiser; helping with student recruitment in your local community; putting us in touch with a like-minded philanthropist; donating supplies, materials, or other hard goods; the list goes on. Financial contributions are always needed and welcome, of course, but the real purpose of this gathering is to build community around sustainability education and concern for the future.