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Bee-Cause it's Awesome!
Our Observation Hive is Buzzing
Do you suffer from apiphobia
(of the fear of bees)? Don't worry, the bees at Glade Run Adventures are safely contained in their observation hive where the only way in or out is through a pipe in the concrete block wall. The new hive is a-buzz with activity and allows us to teach a variety of valuable lessons. Students are already learning about the vital role that bees play in our everyday life (nearly all fruits and veggies are possible thanks to these pollinators) but they are also learning about social responsibility, social learning and shared governance! Many thanks to the Whole Kids Foundation for providing such an amazing resource! Plus, on the super sweet side of things, campers will 'bee' excited for some honey tasting this summer (the puns never seem to end)!
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Spring Appreciations
Plant Sale Support Keeps us Growing
Each year, on the Friday and Saturday before Mother's Day, months of hard work in the greenhouse becomes liberated, along with our spirits. Sharing blooming beauties, garden starters, divided perennials, and gifts for cherished Mothers is what the event is all about, along with sharing the growth of the Adventures Program. We were so appreciative of everyone who shared their time and supported this event. Watching families spend the entire day enjoying the gardens, games, animals, and newly opened Sensory Playground rallied a sense of belonging to an amazing community. Thanks!
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Cruisin Critters
Farm Visit in Pgh Classrooms
Marty and Pikachu were thrilled to be invited to three different classrooms at Grandview Elementary and Rankin Elementary this past Friday. These furry and feathered friends made great farm ambassadors while the students reciprocated as equally welcoming city dwellers. The students focused on topics of environmental stewardship, kindness, and compassion while petting, holding, and sharing their visitors. Marty, our Flemish Giant bunny rabbit was particularly impressed with students' patience while Pikachu seemed to most appreciate their smiles and laughter. Many thanks to everyone who played a part in creating this opportunity!
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Symposium Energy
Doug Oster, Soergels Orchards & Brenckles Organics Excite Crowds
There were far too many moving parts which made the Spring Symposium an amazing event to name them all. Doug Oster, keynote speaker and organic gardener extraordinaire, was one of many balls of energy that contributed to a fantastic day and left registrants excited and energized. Participating family farms, such as Soergels Orchards and Brenckles Organics, were another moving force, quite literally spinning around as they raised funds by waiting on tables. Vendors, garden clubs, and auction items vibrated with anticipation for an early spring while Ms. Rhonda's presentation brought to crescendo a school year full of successes in the therapeutic horticulture program. We are so thankful for this energy, it's what keeps the program physically growing and it's what provides amazing opportunities for emotional growth too! Thank you, from the top, bottom, inside and outside of our grateful hearts!
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Sensory Park Open for Camp!
Summer Camp!
Without even exaggerating, it's easy to say that our summer camps are stellar. Kids have FUN, and that's the whole point! We may use the catch phrase "social skill development" so schools and parents understand what we do, but what we really do is focus on how to have the most fun we can with friends. Sounds awesome right? Well, our awesome camp just got a little awesomer (I can't believe spell check didn't mind that word) because the Sensory Playground is open! Campers will be spending time
pushing each other on crazy swings, climbing together on treehouse towers and spending time building sandcastles or relaxing in the shade of a variety
of beautiful trees. We can't wait to add the playground into the rotation of activities
during the
two different two week sessions this June and August. We love camp just as much as the kids do ~ if that's even possible.
Get the camp details here! If you want more details on the park, feel free to get in touch. It is open to the public weekdays from 4-8 pm and by reservation on weekends.
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JV Do-Gooders 
Junior Volunteer Program is Ready to Confound
People are awesome, we love all people, but have a special affinity for Junior Volunteer people. They are so... teachable, and helpful, and downright handy to have around. Approximately 25 Junior Volunteers, between the ages of 12 and 18, sign up to help out in the Adventures Program each summer. They scoop poop, clean saddles, water planters, weed gardens, lead horses, and leave each day covered from head to toe in dirt with smiles on their faces. It sounds like a conundrum, but one that has perpetuated for decades in the Adventures Program.
We only understand it because we did it, and no, our parents couldn't get us
to clean our bedrooms either, but no one ever gave us pitchforks to do it! Welcome to another season of JV awesomeness!
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It's not Cool to be a Sheep
Unless You Are A Sheep Who Has Been Sheared
Just like the rest of us, the sheep are thrilled to shed their winter wear. As Carrie and Carey can attest, shearing sheep is super fun...in theory. The weight and heat of a winter's worth of wool (and poo) clipped from an uncooperative ruminant, or two, makes for a unpleasant task to say the least. Just think how the sheep feel! Luckily, we are getting better (which means quicker and involving less
human
bloodshed) thanks to generous donations of unrestricted funds which we used to purchase higher quality shears. The wool is headed for cleaning and carding to be returned as roving so that campers and students can try their hand at felting this summer. It's not easy - but it's cool... at least in the end!
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