Sustainable Cultures: Native American
Five full days of hands on learning about a fascinating culture. Your child can expect a busy week of building, role-playing, group discussion, handwork, music, dance, and cultural foods. Our hope is that your child will leave our camp with not only new knowledge of an ancient culture, but with an understanding of and great appreciation for the complex and timeless relationship between human life and nature.
- Build a branch, grass and leaf shelter
- learn to find water in the desert
- Appreciate nature through singing, dancing, drumming.
- Enjoy an ancient Chinese permaculture gardening lesson
- Build a bamboo fence
We will do lots of kid-size role playing to get connected to the culture we are studying. A cultural snack will be provided each day to be enjoyed in the style of the people we are studying.
Geography and History topics will include:
The World Map, Pangaea, Continental Drift, Anthropology, Landforms, Non-religious Human Origins and Migration.
Discussions will include:
- The importance of proximity to the equator in regards to physical characteristics, shelter, clothing, food and water.
- Cultures as hunter-gatherers, nomads and agrarians in relation to environment.
- Cultural spiritual beliefs
- The possibility that any of us could have been born in any other circumstance.
Each day will end quietly with tea and cookies, casual etiquette practice, conversation, and a sneak peek at the next day’s activities.
Everything that we teach is approximate and may be subject to innocent variances within the intention of creating a lasting impression of confidence in our inherent ability to live in harmony with nature. Also note that we encourage children to dare to make mistakes in the creative and discovery process. Conflicts will be resolved by a group circle discussion and group consensus.
The Teachers
For the past three years, Laura and Deni have been co-teaching a history/social studies class with a focus on indigenous and sustainable cultures at a local homeschool co-op. They have a strong commitment to share their respect and honor for nature with all children.
Laura completed a Tom Brown Jr. course and lives lightly on the land with her family in the Piney Woods.
Deni has a background in Therapeutic Recreation, permaculture studies and completed an Outward Bound Course, with extensive camping experience. They both continue learning to live in harmony with nature along with their kids.