We are a New Haven, CT based non-profit founded in 2000 dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to develop a positive sense of self, and a connection and commitment to others through programs that incorporate environmental exploration, leadership and community service. Here are our stories and adventures.
During April vacation from public school, Solar Youth held it's annual Youth Summit, focusing on The Wisdom of Native Americans. It was three days of fantastic weather, fun, games, learning and adventure!
Day One
On our Kids Explore Day, the youth, from Neighborhood Steward Teams based around the city, participated in an interactive tour of Edgewood Park in Westville, New Haven, CT. The youth were divided into four groups and were led by an intern-adult pair. During their hike, youth were given a scavenger hunt of specific species of trees and plants in the park, which they photographed. They cleaned up several bags of trash on their travels and stopped at four workshop stations along the trails.
There was a Nature Sit, where youth first heard poems about nature by famous poets, then other youth. Then they tried their hand at writing nature poetry, several to much success. At another station, youth learned about Native American foods and had a snack of cornbread and flatbread. Youth played a Native American game called Throwing Stick at another station. Papermaking was set up along the trail as well. At the end of the day, members of the Mohegan Tribe performed for our group at the sundial in the park.
Day Two
During the Kids Do Day, we separated into two groups, rotating between building Trudy the Trash Turtle from all the trash and recyclables collected and putting together an album of photographs from the previous day, information about each plant or tree, and copies of everyone's nature poems. The youth had a great time making art from trash to show others how much trash is littered in the park.
Day Three
For the Kids Teach Day, youth practiced speeches about different species of plants and trees they had photographed in the park, some rehearsed their poems, some memorized bits about Trudy the Trash Turtle. Then, around 3pm, the youth presented what they had learned during the summit at the gazebo in the park, then leading their audience of friends and families into the clearing where Trudy resides. Several of the youth acted out Hanifa's, the Director of Education, narration of a turtle myth and then explained the purpose of Trudy. After a little BBQ, we sent the Summit participants on their way, after a long and successful three days.
Jalana Kelley discusses the creation of Trudy the Trash Turtle
Photo in the New Haven Advocate of Trudy the Trash Turtle
Day OneOn our Kids Explore Day, the youth, from Neighborhood Steward Teams based around the city, participated in an interactive tour of Edgewood Park in Westville, New Haven, CT. The youth were divided into four groups and were led by an intern-adult pair. During their hike, youth were given a scavenger hunt of specific species of trees and plants in the park, which they photographed. They cleaned up several bags of trash on their travels and stopped at four workshop stations along the trails.
There was a Nature Sit, where youth first heard poems about nature by famous poets, then other youth. Then they tried their hand at writing nature poetry, several to much success. At another station, youth learned about Native American foods and had a snack of cornbread and flatbread. Youth played a Native American game called Throwing Stick at another station. Papermaking was set up along the trail as well. At the end of the day, members of the Mohegan Tribe performed for our group at the sundial in the park.
Day Two
During the Kids Do Day, we separated into two groups, rotating between building Trudy the Trash Turtle from all the trash and recyclables collected and putting together an album of photographs from the previous day, information about each plant or tree, and copies of everyone's nature poems. The youth had a great time making art from trash to show others how much trash is littered in the park.
Day Three
For the Kids Teach Day, youth practiced speeches about different species of plants and trees they had photographed in the park, some rehearsed their poems, some memorized bits about Trudy the Trash Turtle. Then, around 3pm, the youth presented what they had learned during the summit at the gazebo in the park, then leading their audience of friends and families into the clearing where Trudy resides. Several of the youth acted out Hanifa's, the Director of Education, narration of a turtle myth and then explained the purpose of Trudy. After a little BBQ, we sent the Summit participants on their way, after a long and successful three days.
Jalana Kelley discusses the creation of Trudy the Trash Turtle
Photo in the New Haven Advocate of Trudy the Trash Turtle
About me
- I'm joanne
- From New Haven, CT
- We are an environmental education and youth development non-profit in New Haven, CT. We engage urban youth in their local environment using our unique program model: Kids Explore! (where youth learn about their local ecology and ecosystems) Kids Do! (where youth identify an environmental problem and utilize youth-led action to solve the issue) Kids Teach! (where youth educate others about what they have learned an accomplished). Our curriculum uses hands-on experiential lessons, games, songs and a dedicated staff to teach environmental concepts, build teamwork skills and empower youth. We run several programs, including our afterschool Steward Teams, in-school Hands-on Outdoor Learning Adventure, and our summer Citywide Steward camp. We also facilitate a Youth Advisory Group (YAG), where dedicated participants take leadership in the organization, including running their own programs and sitting on the Board of Directors. Our high school interns work in youth-adult partnership to run all our out of school programs, learning critical skills for future careers and personal growth. Join us as we share our many adventures and accomplishments with you.
- For more information about us, check out our website: SolarYouth.org
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