Decoding the Language of the Birds

February 2, 2020

It is said that every being on earth has been given original instructions – a blueprint for the unfolding of their life’s purpose.  Our journey as humans is to remember our original instructions and to celebrate our interconnectedness with all beings.  Birds in particular, it is said, are here to lift our spirits with their song.

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Celebrating Imbolc in the Rain

January 31, 2020

At VWP we love to see and support the natural affinity that exists between young children and Elders.  In the Fall we host a special Grandparents Day that many of our family members participated in with us.  Grandparents Day is one of our favorite program days!  But, of course, many of our childrens' grandparents live far away and cannot make it to Grandparents Day.  When those Elders come to town we are so happy when they ask to come and join us. We had just such an opportunity last Friday …

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Beach Discoveries

December 14, 2019

While our morning began with drizzle and damp, the prospect of a day on the beach warmed the hearts of one and all! We began the day with games to warm us, skulls and bones to mystify us, and a tale chronicling the life of Mag, a drop of water. What were the many transformations of Mag? Where and how did Mag travel? Where might Mag be right now? Perhaps your family can observe a drop of water, and wonder about the many travels that drop might take!

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What is something smaller than your hand that you feel grateful for?

December 6, 2019

Last Friday was a fun and spontaneous one! We had Kristiana (one of our elders) spend the day with us. She brought with her such wisdom, in the form of joy, curiosity and playfulness. We all absolutely love when she spends the day with us. As an instructor it is hard not to feel alive and inspired when she is around, and I could see the same sentiments reflected in the children.

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Cooler Days, More Play Outside

November 8, 2019

We had a lovely day together! It was cold, but dry. Of course, many of your little ones seem to strip off their layers very quickly!

After a time of gratitude, we gathered around a warm fire and had a bit of theatre. Many children enjoyed acting out a scene they experienced in Nature and we all had fun guessing! Maybe your kiddo is paying a bit more attention to the natural world in the hopes that they have some news to share for next program...

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Coho Salmon

November 9, 2019

Our day began with a beautiful fire Yasmin built with assistance from our teen volunteer Orion. It burned brightly all day under our dry shelter. We also welcomed another new teen volunteer, India, who has been part of VWP programs since she was four years old. The fire and these two lively volunteers brightened our day immensely!

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Grandparents Day

October 26, 2019

Elders play a special role in our programs, helping to guide us with their wisdom, and modeling for us what it means to have a loving and forgiving heart... two essential ingredients in healthy culture. In addition to our Elder Council which serves to protect the health and integrity of our people and work…

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Ancestor Feast

Join other families and friends at beautiful Camp Sealth to honor our ancestors and create connections with each other. Including stories, song, and clay work for all ages. Saturday, October 26th, 2019, from 4-7pm, at Camp Sealth, Vashon Island.

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CommunityStacey Hinden
Nature Connection Spring Sampler

Join a group of nature lovers for a day of exploration on beautiful Vashon Island. We’ll gather to share core practices for nature connection, then choose an area of focus for deepened exploration, and return to share stories of discovery with one another around the fire. 

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WorkshopsStacey Hinden
Playing Around

Nothing prepares a child’s brain for learning more than an adrenalized state. It focuses the mind and improves sensory input, which deepens the imprinting process. Nature gives us this capacity to activate our senses and be receptive to our environment. It’s a survival skill. When coupled with child’s passions …

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Welcome Back Fire Tenders!

September 27, 2019

Was it chop wood-carry water, or carry water-hold wood.  Oh, now I remember… carry wood-hold water. Some took up the challenge and made over a dozen trips of holding the same water in their mouths while carrying wood! The task of moving our wood supply was a breeze with all the helping hands and joyful hearts…

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Aidless Navigation

Finding your way in any landscape brings a sense of freedom and adventure. Think about those salty sailors guiding their ships upon the open seas, figuring out their position and course with knowledge of geometry and astronomy, and the use of special instruments.

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Nature ActivitiesStacey Hinden