An Interview with a Buffalo Whisperer

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!

learn more about karen and camp