May 2022 Newsletter
Folk Schools are for kids age 3 - 93 (and above)
Folk Schools everywhere have many things in common. One of the most important is the idea of intergenerational learning and community. We often see this manifest itself as people of all ages explore their creativity as they pursue new skills and experiences.
Building and practicing creative confidence is something everyone can benefit from. Creativity can take many forms- some tangible and some more intangible. The product of creative expression does not have to result in a physical object.
All of us have observed the wonder of a child trying something for the first time as they acquire new skills and knowledge through new experiences.
I see that same wonder and excitement exhibited by adults as they try something for the first time and exercise their creative muscles. For some it may come easier than others. Those who may have to work a bit harder to “create” often have a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
They can stand back and look upon the result - or share the experience with a story. In both cases, they can say “I did that, with others at the Avon Hills Folk School”. They leave with new friends, new skills and experiences that will never expire and take up no space in the closet, garage, or basement. And the memories will likely become even more valuable with age.
And if you’re fortunate enough, it may even change the trajectory of your life.
Coming up in May and June we have several classes and experiences for adults which are all or nearly all sold out. And we are excited to welcome children to the folk school again for our Spring Youth Hand Camp, June 21- 23 and our launch of TimberNook at the Avon Hills Folk School.
Angela Hanscom, the Founder of TimberNook, will travel to the Avon Hills Folk School June 13 - 15 for the launch of our first TimberNook program. Angela will also give a presentation and talk on June 14th about TimberNook, the nature-based, child-led play experiences that challenge the senses and inspire creativity, independence, and imagination for all children.
Watch for more information on Angela’s talk and other classes and experiences at the folk school for children ages 3 - 93 (and above).
To learn more about TimberNook go to: timbernook.com
This June, we will welcome Angela Hanscom to the Avon Hills Folk School to train us and offer an evening for the community to hear her speak and offer a book signing.
Angela J. Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook—an award-winning developmental and nature-based program that has gained international popularity. She is the author of Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children. Hanscom is also a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and in 2019 won a Small Business of the year award for the State of New Hampshire.
As we continue to decrease children’s time and space to move and play outdoors, we are seeing a simultaneous rise in the number of children that are presenting with sensory and motor deficits. At the same time, classroom teachers are observing more and more children having trouble with attention, falling out of their seats in school, increased clumsiness, and even aggressiveness with games like tag on the playground.
So, how can we reverse this alarming trend of sensory and motor issues in children? How can we ensure that children are fully engaging their body, mind, and all of their senses?
Using the same philosophy that lies at the heart of her popular TimberNook program—that nature is the ultimate sensory experience, and that psychological and physical health improves for children when they spend time outside on a regular basis—Angela Hanscom offers several strategies to help children thrive in outdoor environments using a therapeutic approach to nature play.
More info on Angela’s event to come!
Upcoming Classes and Experiences
Basic Timber Framing - May 11 - 15
Creating a Memory Shade Garden with Karen Schellinger - May 21
Being in the Woods: Practices to Help you Ground and Grow with Betsy Johnson - June 4
TimberNook Experience (Ages 3 - 12) - June 13 - 15
June Youth Hand Camp - June 21 - 23
Hand Camp - September 16 - 18
Upcoming Classes with Dates to Be Determined
Mushroom Foraging in the Avon Hills
