Syrendell Summer Camp: Nature-Inspired Enrichment

Syrendell Summer Camp offers children a hands-on experience of nature's arts and crafts, music, and cooking that promotes creativity, gratitude, and graciousness.
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​Syrendell Summer Camp has blossomed into a summer enrichment program that offers a high-quality, hands-on, holistic experience for children. The students receive guidance and instruction with handwork and woodwork projects, partake in the preparation of healthy snacks and lunches, and participate in music, movement, play, and art.  A well-balanced and harmonious summer camp such as this could only be inspired by nature. 

It may have had its roots in the home school setting the Tan family created in lovely Fair Oaks, CA. Walking distance from Rudolf Steiner College and bike trails along the banks of the American River, a shingled two-story house stood among oak and fig trees, a biodynamic garden, and a creek. The Tans were fortunate to meet the owner Vicki Boyd, a Waldorf teacher and gardener. At the time, Rick and Jennifer, with Ricky, Joey, and Wilson (before Linden was born), were in search of a home. Vicki was renting the adjoining space in what was a duplex-style house, and the Tans quickly became her tenants! 

It was a sanctuary for the Tans - and the most amazing space for homeschool. A large set of glass double doors opened up from the dining room onto a small raised porch that looked out onto the garden and the trees. Homeschool often happened outside in the garden, in the gravel patio, on the lawn. There was an abundance of vegetables that the Tans harvested with Vicki - a kindred spirit. On the ground were fallen branches, pine cones, acorns, and ivy that provided the decor.  Wool crafting happened under dappled shade. Wood working progressed in sunny spots. Watercolor painting was set up on a table in the patio without worry of occasional misplaced drops of paint. Guitars and singing were enjoyed on the porch. Playtime and imagination knew no limits. Academics, arts and crafts, and nature - harmoniously combined! It was a joyful homeschool experience for the Tan children. It was the kind of synergy in learning and teaching that Rick and Jennifer loved.

Syrendell Summer Camp developed from these feelings and experiences. The program would foster an appreciation for nature's bounty, respect for each other, and the healthy development of our selves and our relationships with the world around us. It has been a few years since living in Fair Oaks, but we are grateful for the blessings of family, of having met our friend Vicki Boyd, and of our learning together. With this, in anticipation of the children and families who will join us at Syrendell Summer Camp, we look forward to an amazing, harmonious, nature-inspired summer camp in 2016!  

​Click here for more information and to access our camp brochure. Click here to register!