Circle of Children
[email protected]
(877) 278-3083
Mission Statement
Circle of Children enriches lives of children and families by offering free experiential educational opportunities based on earth exploration, creative expression and community connection. The fertile environment we provide serves as a model of a sustainable education system that nourishes the spirit, teaches earth stew
ardship skills and inspires the world to follow our example by creating a unified voice for positive change. Vision
Circle of Children is establishing eco-villages which are also free schools open to the public. At these schools, we teach life skills while weaving in the basic subjects. Children are encouraged to design their own curriculum based on their passions and interests. Adults facilitate this learning by keenly observing each child and fostering growth in the areas which the children show interest. Experts in various fields from the greater community as well as the people living in the village act as educators, sharing their wealth of knowledge and sparking excitement around learning new things. Circle of Children unites families and provides an environment in which children may flourish through connecting with nature, community, and creative expression. We provide a space where children's unique skills, talents, and gifts can develop by learning about oneself, each other, and the earth. In an environment where interdependence of all living things is essential, a love, respect and honoring of life is instilled in the hearts and minds of the children. Our program is designed to empower youth to become active stewards of the earth and learn to use their voice to inspire positive change in the world. Philosophy
We believe children can be trusted to identify and pursue their passions when supported by the proper fertile environment. Learning is a natural process which children are drawn to and enjoy when they are allowed to follow their own inner guidance. Once a child has discovered where their passions lie, they are encouraged to focus their energy on this subject. Other subjects will naturally be integrated through the learning of the chosen topic to provide a holistic education. Circle of Children provides a space where emphasis is placed on eating a balanced diet of wholesome organic food. Children learn how to sustainably grow their own food and prepare it, taking pride in their accomplishments. Watching food grow from seed to harvest is fun and makes eating healthy foods exciting. Central to our learning process is the concept of stewarding the earth. Our school program puts emphasis on connecting with nature while learning valuable life skills. By cultivating love for the planet, children can then use their unique talents to inspire others to take better care of the earth. When children become proud citizens of the earth they inspire others, whether by planting a garden or planting seeds for change on a global scale. Our aim is to ignite passion for caring and to teach living in harmony with the land. All living things on earth receive the nourishment they need from the planet in order to sustain themselves. This is the natural order of things, demonstrated everywhere by the life cycle of plants and animals. Our community believes that it will thrive by having absolute trust in the abundance of the universe. We demonstrate how people can live together using a gift economy, rather than a monetary one. We trust that each need will be met as it arises, each material will be provided, and each person or element of creation will appear at the perfect time. The continuous support we receive from our environment enables us to extend our services to you free of charge. Circle of Children is here to offer a unique educational experience and help each individual reach their full potential. Who Are Our Teachers? All teachers are volunteers: parents of children living inside and outside of the village, children who have discovered and developed their passions, the local and global community, interns and apprentices from local high schools and colleges. We believe it takes a village to raise a child, so we call upon experts from all walks of life. Where Do We Get Resources? We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization which can secure the necessary materials and resources to sustain a school program. Volunteers and resource coordinators find venues of support from local businesses, organizations, foundations and philanthropists. Classes
Typical classes we offer may include:
Meditation
Yoga
Dance
Music
Visual Arts
Candle-making
Paper-making
Performing Arts
Theater
Organic gardening
Herbal medicine-making
Wildlife identification
Wild foraging
Natural Building
Native Traditions
Permaculture
Environmental Awareness/ Action
Social skills
Public Speaking
Core subjects
