Fairview Lake YMCA invites teachers to weekend environmental workshops

Stillwater - The Fairview Lake YMCA in Stillwater is inviting teachers and education professionals to join them the weekend of March 15 through March 17 for their Bringing the Outdoors In workshops. The three-day series of workshops is designed to educate teachers on methods for bringing an appreciation for nature into the classroom. The Fairview Lake YMCA, an accredited professional development provider, will conduct each of the workshops from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will include a continental breakfast and lunch. “Fairview Lake YMCA has a rich history of environmental education, so we feel it is our obligation to help assist educators by giving them the tools they need to instill an appreciation for nature in today’s youth,” said Ellie Daingerfield, interim executive director. Set against the pristine backdrop of Fairview Lake, the YMCA is nestled at the base of the Kittatinny Mountains. The 600-acre site remains virtually unspoiled and adjoins the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, making it an ideal setting for the workshops. Each day will feature a different workshop focusing on how educators can incorporate nature into the daily curriculum of a variety of areas of study. “Nature in Humanities” (March 15) will focus on how to use nature as inspiration for the arts such as writing, storytelling, drawing, sculpting, song, dance, photography, etc. The workshop will feature Fairview Lake YMCA’s newly designed “Eco-Inspired Art” Program, drumming and colonial/native games. “Nature in the Sciences” (March 16) will help educators utilize what is available in their school’s backyard to make nature more apparent. It will concentrate on hard-science based activities and outdoor math, and will feature the YMCA’s new bat, weather and insect programs. “Nature in the Life Skills” (March 17) participants will start the day by learning team building and communication skills activities, and continue with outdoor cooking, building shelters from natural materials and creating an orienteering course. Cost of the workshops is $35 per workshop if registered before Feb. 28, and $40 thereafter. For information or directions, call 800-686-1166, or log on to fairviewlakeymca.org.