 It's really all about heart. It's what guides Jennifer and Rick Tan as teachers of Davis WLR. In the Winter-Spring term that ended yesterday, culminating in a musical theater performance, the children created a collage of heart and spirit, with bits of herbs, wool, and wood thrown in for good measure! Ten weeks of pure creative soul. Art, Herbal Alchemy, Woodworking, Handwork, Games & Movement, and Musical Theater. Rick and Jennifer teach from a place of intuition and inspiration. The children, in working with nature's gifts, imbue each craft with imagination and simple joy. Our featured picture at the top is of one of the student's mosaics of the ASL gesture for "love". When the children are given guidance to build artistic skills and given freedom to express themselves, they demonstrate capacities that will always amaze us. Their work becomes a reflection of the underlying lesson that Rick and Jennifer Tan impart - creative heart.  In her 20's, she pioneered investigative journalism and traveled the world in 72 days. Nellie Bly deserves a musical! So, the students of Wholistic Learning Resources of Davis in Davis, CA, performed one on the last day of their 10-week Fall term. The students gave a heart-warming, rousing performance of The World of Nellie Bly, a musical written and directed by Rick and Jennifer Tan, teachers at Davis WLR. The husband and wife team had previously offered two separate classes, music and drama. With an overwhelming interest by the students, the Tans joined their talents to create a musical theater class! In a twenty minute stage performance with four original songs, the students, ages 6 through 14, gave their family and friends a peek into the life of Nellie Bly. Born Elizabeth Cochran in 1864, she was a young child taught to seek the truth by her father, who was a landowner and judge of the town named after him, Cochran's Mills, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth eventually moved to Pittsburgh, where her writing skills earned her a job as a reporter with the Pittsburgh Dispatch. The owner and publisher George Madden gave Elizabeth the pen name Nellie Bly. She then worked for Joseph Pulitzer at his newspaper The New York World. Nellie Bly gained fame and notoriety for her investigative journalism into the poor working conditions of the city, and her expose into an insane asylum. And if that was not enough, she decided to travel the world in 72 days, beating the fictional adventure in Jules Verne's book Around the World in 80 Days. The students had a great time learning about stage direction, choral singing, and history! The cast ended the play with a fitting quote by Nellie Bly: "If you want to do it, you can do it. The question is, do you want to do it?!" 
Welcome to Syrendell Summer Camp! The chalkboard sign beckons our families to enter a sanctuary. It is a place for the children to explore the wonders of their own creativity and experience the joy of togetherness. It is a place inspired by nature and Waldorf. With artistic vision and dedication, co-directors Jennifer and Rick Tan created a two-week camp that promotes development of practical skills and social capacities. Activities in handwork, woodwork, mixed media, meal preparation, singing, and movement foster a sense of pride, confidence, and imagination as well as a sense of community, cooperation, and respect. With a team of compassionate, caring, and talented teachers and staff, Syrendell Summer Camp is a celebration of art, nature, and love. ​ Syrendell Summer Camp from Phillip Alan Films on Vimeo.
VENUE | Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis | Chris Hendrix-Chupa
DIRECTOR and HANDWORK TEACHER | Jennifer Tan | Syrendell DIRECTOR and WOODWORK TEACHER | Rick Tan | Syrendell CULINARY ARTS TEACHER | Brian Wolfe | Waldorfish EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER | Trisha Lambert | Colors of Nature Etsy AFTERCAMP TEACHER | Karen Hansen ASSISTANTS | Sabrina Esposito, Kelly Green, Ally Peart, ​Anny Schmidt, Mikaela Tancioco, Joey Tan VOLUNTEERS | Anna Huang, Wilson Tan, Nicole Woolley PHOTOGRAPHER | Robin Fadtke | Zoart Photography VIDEOGRAPHER | Phill Sheffield | Phillip Alan Films ​THANK YOU!!! ​  What makes summer a GREAT summer? For children, it means being with other children, playing, eating, and making something with their hands and their imaginations. Syrendell Summer Camp 2017 promises a GREAT SUMMER! Here's a peek into just one day of camp.
 There are a few spaces left - so join us! A rock. A sharpened stick. In the hands of humans, tools. They improve our mechanical advantage. They help us build shelters, feed the masses, create art, conduct business. Syrendell uses tools for our hands-on workshops and retreats: hammers, files, drop spindles, lucets, and looms, to name a few. However, in this current technology, we also rely on things such as HoneyBook, Weebly, Instagram, and a thing called Google. They're all tools - devices that help us create, express, innovate. Like all tools, they were designed by people who were confronted by a problem and saw a solution. HoneyBook, for instance, is a people-first company in San Francisco founded by a couple of hipsters who saw a need for a wedding directory. Here is a list of the computer/digital/web tools we use for both of our businesses Syrendell and Tan Weddings & Events. These tools have allowed us to optimize our work flow, express our imaginations, develop our brand, and reach our audience. And as you will see, there's a specific tool for every task. You wouldn't use a paring knife to cut crusty sourdough bread, would you? So when you see your children enjoying handwork at one of our Syrendell Summer Camps, know that we use more than just a crochet hook to make it happen. The toolbox for entrepreneurs and business owners contains gadgets and Google, hammers and HoneyBook! Click on the icons to take you to the respective companies or to our own pages. Click on the HoneyBook icon and it will take you to a sign-up page!
Who are the teachers of Syrendell Summer Camp 2017? They are individuals who are passionate about their craft and happy to share the joy! Meet Jennifer Tan, our handwork teacher and camp co-director.  Photo by Milou + Olin Photography 1) Where were you born and where did you live as a kid? I was born in the San Fernando Valley, but my family decided to leave city life for the small mountain town of Chester, CA, on Lake Almanor, where I spent most of my childhood. 2) What did you like to do as a kid? I loved unicorns and the Greek myths, so my Barbies and stuffed animals often became characters in my imagined world of the gods and goddesses. I enjoyed playing the flute - I still do. 3) Who were one of your heroes growing up and why? I have always admired Deborah Sampson. I remember reading about her and how she fought in the American Revolutionary War disguised as a man! She is one of a very few women who actually experienced military combat in the 18th century. Another hero of mine is Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, harvest, the seasons, and the cycle of life and death. 4) What/who motivated you to become a teacher? My first teaching post was as a middle school band teacher. I've always wanted to make a difference in the education of our children. So I decided I could make a larger impact as a school administrator, and I worked as a vice principal and principal for a school of over 1000 students, serving the faculty so they can make a difference in their classrooms. Leaving that behind years ago, now I simply love teaching children and adults the crafty things I enjoy! 5) What inspires you to be creative? The fiber crafts - handwork - is such a fascinating form of art. It is a fusion of function and form, arising from our need for clothing and textiles. I think what draws me to it is that you can make something beautiful and it is also something you can use. For me, I love the problem-solving aspect of it, there are strict rhythms and patterns and yet there is a thrilling uncertainty of working with nature's resources. 6) Do you have a pet? What is its name? My family has a cat named George and a rabbit named Bun-Bun. It's fun to see them in the backyard hanging out while we do some yard work. 7) What is one of your favorite foods? I really like Mexican food - one of my favorites is a vegetarian burrito. Hold the mushrooms! 8) If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? I would be like secret agent Sydney Bristow from the TV series Alias. Her character verges on superhero - she speaks multiple languages, very fashionable even when fighting the bad guys, and is super intelligent. But instead of guns, I would be toting crochet hooks and knitting needles! 9) Why do you want to teach at Syrendell Summer Camp? Syrendell Summer Camp is a dream come true. As program director and teacher, I so cherish the administrative and creative autonomy to be responsive and sensitive to the children, the community, the culture. And I get to share this philosophy with like-minded individuals such as my husband Rick, and the other members of the team. Who are the teachers at Syrendell Summer Camp 2017? They are people who draw inspiration from Nature, cultural roots, and parents. And from a bull sire named Chester! Meet Karen Hansen, our AfterCamp teacher and faciliator.  1) Where were you born and where did you live as a kid? I was born in Cali, Colombia. I lived in Colombia and California as a kid. I'm grateful I got to live in another country and culture as a child. It gifted me important perspective I carried into adulthood. 2) What did you like to do as a kid? I loved Nature…exploring outside …trees, plants, flowers, stones….warm rain …sun. My father was a master gardener, so our yard and garden were a wonderland for me - delicious too! My mom was a master gardener with indoor plants. We grew up without a TV, so we were outside as much as possible. 3) Who were one of your heroes growing up and why? My mother. She was an amazing person who came from a simple indigenous background and beautiful culture and became a career woman and then mother. She led a life of service and touched a lot of people for the better in her life. She's still a hero to me! 4) What/who motivated you to become a teacher? My mother. She was a teacher. She raised me in a way that reflected every moment of life as an education. She taught me the value of giving and sharing, especially with children. 5) What inspires you to be creative? Bottom line….Nature! There is a flow that we are all a part of. It's never turned off. It's always there if we just allow it. I love the thought, the knowing, that we are all inter~connected by this flow. 6) Do you have a pet? What is its name? I don't have a pet presently but not long ago I had a buffalo herd and Chester was our bull sire. He was an amazing Teacher. At 2400 pounds his presence was profound, and I am grateful to have known him and his herd so closely. 7) What is one of your favorite foods? Ummm…that's a hard one, as there are so many….but on a sunny day like right now…a perfectly ripe papaya sounds heavenly! 8) If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Oh this changes from time to time… today I think I'd like something like teleportation for myself and the power to take others with me (willingly of course:). I could travel freely and take friends with me. ….Where shall we go? 9) Why do you want to teach at Syrendell Summer Camp? It's an amazing staff with a profound love for children and all their Potential. The location is ideal with Nature holding us as we explore. This relationship with Nature as we share time together enriches us all! Who are the teachers at Syrendell Summer Camp 2017? They are people who are kids at heart, never outgrowing their spirit of imagination and wonder. Meet Rick Tan, our woodworking instructor and camp co-director.  Rick with Wilson and Linden at West Davis Pond 1) Where were you born and where did you live as a kid? I was born in the Philippines. We (mom, dad, and two younger brothers) emigrated to the United States when I was five, landing in Chicago, Illinois. After three years of chilly winters, we headed to sunny California, where I lived in Sacramento for most of my childhood years, and our family grew by two more brothers! 2) What did you like to do as a kid? I enjoyed playing outside! In the provinces of the Philippines, I remember being outdoors for most of the day, playing with my brothers under the fruit trees, chasing chickens, digging in the dirt, hunting for spiders, chewing on sugar cane. 3) Who were one of your heroes growing up and why? Aside from my parents, I would say Lolo Victor (my maternal grandfather). He sparked my love for art when he taught me how to draw a bird when I was only 4 years old. I remember how encouraging he was when I proudly showed him my drawing. Whether it really looked like a bird or not, I just knew I was forever hooked on the creative process. 4) What/who motivated you to become a teacher? There was no "Aha!" moment. In fact, teaching was not my original path. I had studied to practice medicine, but my heart fell away from it after graduating med school to raise a family. Jennifer was at the time (twenty years ago) working her way up as a school administrator, and I became a substitute teacher in the school district. I discovered that being in service to humanity and being a healer could also be accomplished in the classroom. 5) What inspires you to be creative? I am inspired by the thrilling notion of bringing an imagined idea or concept into the sense world. It's the Renaissance spirit (Leonardo da Vinci, another hero). Whether it is a piece of furniture, a play, a painting, or a musical composition, the process of making it tangible to see, hear, feel, and touch is exhilarating. It most often starts with, "How can I do it?" 6) Do you have a pet? What is its name? We have a tuxedo cat named George. He was born the day before my family moved from Fair Oaks, CA, to Davis, from a stray momma cat who adopted us a month or two before that. We also have a bunny named Bun-Bun. The two like to forage in the backyard. 7) What is one of your favorite foods? There are several traditional Filipino dishes that I love, love, loved as a kid, and still do - comfort foods that my taste buds will always crave - adobo, kare-kare, dinuguan, lumpia! Or fried calamari, when it's on the menu. Sashimi, on special occasions. ONLY ONE?! 8) If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Possessing a chi-bending skill like the Force. 9) Why do you want to teach at Syrendell Summer Camp? My wife Jennifer and I wanted to create something special for families who share the same vision for their children of a wholesome, joyful, creative, inspiring hands-on program. It is a way for us to give to our community a unique experience, a top-notch camp experience, with super-talented and super-dedicated people like Trisha and Brian and Karen. Who are the teachers at Syrendell Summer Camp 2017? They are creative people with a passion for teaching. And snacking! Meet Brian Wolfe, our culinary arts instructor.  Robyn and Brian Wolfe 1) Where were you born and where did you live as a kid? I was born in Juneau, Alaska. I grew up in a military family and we moved every two years until I was in high school. I don't remember living in Alaska (it was probably too cold for me anyway). When I was a kid we lived in Alaska, Virginia, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. 2) What did you like to do as a kid? As a kid, I loved martial arts, playing baseball and basketball, collecting baseball cards, drawing and painting, playing the guitar, and snacking! (I guess this is what I like to do as an adult too). 3) Who were one of your heroes growing up and why? My Dad has always been a hero to me. He inspired me to be interested in a wide range of activities and to always strive to learn more about myself and the world around me. He was a Commander in the Coast Guard, a Judo black belt, an architect, musician, and he now owns a community theater! From martial arts to music to painting back drops for plays, my love for the arts comes from my dad. 4) What/who motivated you to become a teacher? My mom was an elementary school teacher for 30 years. Her dedication and passion for teaching definitely rubbed off on me. I was also lucky enough to have some amazing coaches and martial arts instructors growing up. The inspiration that I've received from good teachers in my life inspire me to be the best teacher I can be. 5) What inspires you to be creative? As an introvert, I'm not always the most socially outgoing person. Art and music has been a great way for me to express myself and connect with people. I also love to be creative when I cook and I'm grateful to have a family that puts up with me making a huge mess in the kitchen and testing out all of my recipes on them. 6) Do you have a pet? What is its name? One of our cats is named Hendrix after the greatest rock guitar player who ever lived. Hendrix the cat has a big ego, loves attention, and he's an accomplished hunter. Our other cat, Henley, is a giant, reclusive Maine coon named after Don Henley, drummer and lead singer for the Eagles. Our cats are rock stars. 7) What is one of your favorite foods? I love a good turkey sandwich with everything on it! Turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, bacon, dijon mustard, mayonnaise, toasted sourdough bread! 8) If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? I would be able to make turkey sandwiches appear out of thin air! This is such a tough question. Actually, I think time travel would be a really cool superpower! 9) Why do you want to teach at Syrendell Summer Camp? Rick and Jennifer Tan see everything through a beautiful, artistic lens. The attention to detail, quality of staff, and atmosphere of creativity and fun is like no other camp for kids out there. AND, I get to cook great food with the kids and EAT all week! Arts, crafts, food, play... what more can you ask for!? Who are the teachers that teach at Syrendell Summer Camp? They are kind, creative souls who were once children too! This is first of a series of interviews with these wonderful nature folk. Meet Trisha Lambert, our early childhood track instructor.  1) Where were you born and where did you live as a kid? I was born in San Diego and lived there my whole life until I moved to Davis for College. 2) What did you like to do as a kid? As a kid I loved being outside, at the beach, playing in the canyons and going to the San Diego Zoo when ever I could. In my early teens I walked everywhere with my best friend- we walked miles home from school just to be together, we would just talk and talk the whole way. In the summer we would walk miles to the beach because we just loved to walk and felt like we had all the time in the world. 3) Who were one of your heroes growing up and why? My dad was my biggest hero! He knew so much about everything- especially plants and gardening. I still love to garden. I also remember him motivating me to have good spelling- he could connect any possible grown up job to needing to have good spelling! 4) What/who motivated you to become a teacher? A love of children. 5) What inspires you to be creative? Nature the most, if I don't have much time in nature I find I have trouble being creative. 6) Do you have a pet? What is its name? Shadow. I found him when he was a tiny, tiny kitten in the snow in South Dakota. 7) What is one of your favorite foods? I really enjoy fresh berries in the summer. I currently live surrounded by berries! Heaven! 8) If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? To be able to heal all people with love. 9) Why do you want to teach at Syrendell Summer Camp? I love working with young children and I love the adults that run the camp. I love crafting! and enjoying helping children learn that they too can be creative. |
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