In the words of Charles Eisenstein:

"For years, normality has been stretched nearly to its breaking point, a rope pulled tighter and tighter, waiting for a nip of the black swan’s beak to snap it in two. Now that the rope has snapped, do we tie its ends back together, or shall we undo its dangling braids still further, to see what we might weave from them?"
(read more of his article on the current global situation here)

This is an unprecedented time in our country and around the world. As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 outbreak, these past few weeks have been nothing short of challenging for everyone – especially children. I recognize that these are unique times and want to do everything I can to alleviate any potential stressful decisions you may have about keeping your child enrolled for summer 2020. Please have a look at some adjusted policies I have made in regards to the specific circumstances we are in and the potential of cancellations.

Are you still planning on delivering programs as scheduled?

This summer, children will need Apple Yard Arts camp more than ever, connecting with peers after a length of separated time. I am preparing and hoping for an amazing summer and am currently planning to deliver all summer program weeks as scheduled. I also recognize that we are in a fluid, evolving situation. I am following the directions of the Vermont Department of Health, the CDC, & World Health Organization (WHO) and other state/local officials.

When will you make the call to cancel a program or cancel Camp?

At this time, I have no plans to cancel any summer programs. I will continue to monitor the situation and will make decisions based on the state of Vermont health policies and recommendations closer to the start of Camp, no later than May 31st.  If you have concerns specifically please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Are there any other resources that you recommend for talking to my children about COVID-19?

There are a number of useful resources available to assist families in understanding the current situation including these below:

Talking with your child about the coronavirus:

• Mind Body Green has published "How To Talk To Your Kids About COVID-19, From A Holistic Child Psychologist." 
• Psychology Today has published "How to Talk to Your Anxious Child About the Coronavirus."
• The Waldorf School of Philadelphia has a blog post  "Talking to Children about COVID-19"

TEACH, SHOW THE WAY & STAND UP!
I love the earth, I love this wonderful place we get to call home.  I value the way the weather changes and brings in new colors, temperatures and sounds.  I cherish the way the weather effects my thoughts and daily activities.  

I feel very called to spend time and energy doing my part to tread lightly on her back.  I feel that responsibility also includes showing and teaching the children how to be aware and advocate for those around us that are not human; the plants and animals!  We are the stewards, we are the thinkers, we are the ones with the dexterity to effect change.   Onward into 2020, each and every moment counts.

The sun was hiding for weeks that felt like years this spring.  The quality of light has been muted, dull and reading grey, monochromatic and did I mention dull.  Colors have been white, blues, dark tones, browns with out shimmer.  These conditions have me thinking, thinking about how much color and light impact our moods and perceptions of life.  The muted tones can have their beauty and purpose, sending us inward and holding us in a place of contemplation.  The lack of light has a way of switching your focus from the outward stretch we seem to be on at a fever pitch to an inward  reflection.  

With gratitude for the changeability of this world we have the ability to open our hearts and minds to the SUN when it finally shows its glorious face again.  The light and colors changing to a shimmering, bright and vibrant glow!  Now filled with internal reflection we are renewed to face the outward expanding world again.  Welcome SPRING!

It read 64 degrees on my thermometer today and in the full sun it was pushing 80.  Though the fair skinned, red headed people that live in my home were basking in the rays, reviving some much needed vitamin D, we were all a bit confused.  Shorts? Hats? what to do?  We were in awe at the rate the snow was melting, visible to the eye.  I can only imagine what the daffodil bulbs were feeling as the earth swelled up and softened around them. Frozen moments ago, no doubt there instincts kicked into gear to start their spring journey.  Not yet, please, not yet as we will no doubt be under the blanket of snow again.   This warm day inspired talk and excitement about Apple Yard Arts starting up.  The countdown is unofficially on!

The winter seems to always fill my mind with questions and reflections on life goals and ambitions.  I have moments of clarity and moments of doubt.  Today I am feeling happy and clear as the snow is actually falling! I can see a path in my creativity like a well worn stream bed awaiting the first spring thaw.  There and almost ready to flow.  

That spring green ever pulled from my memory and a beacon in the near future has me thinking of our garden and the potential ahead.  Holding onto the now while honoring the past and allowing the future to show her face without fear... a goal for this week.

One of the things that I love most about Apple Yard Arts is the discoveries that come from the messes on the table.  Accidental paper glued together, glitter spilled on a not quite dry painted stick, cut out paper scraps that make a really cool shape.  The open minds and willingness to be free with exploration that children have is in itself inspiring.  I look forward to the warm days ahead with the new discoveries and unknown possibilities waiting for us!