DNDA’s Spring Nature Camp aims to get youth into nature over the week of spring break. Normally this program happens at Camp Long, and youth are given the chance to explore the intersection between art and nature. Due to Covid-19, we adapted this program to meet the needs of our community by combining virtual programming and outdoor learning.
This year youth from High Point and NewHolly explored nature and art through our at-home gardening program. In this program families received gardening kits filled with vegetable starts, dirt, terra cotta pots, and paint. Teaching artists Molly Duttry and Madison Bristol led youth through a week of activities including painting their terra cotta pots, planting their vegetable starts, drawing, scavenger hunts, and learning how to take care of their plants.
Although these classes happened over Zoom, bonds were formed between teaching artists and youth. Participants came to class excited to learn and paint. We were even gifted with several virtual garden tours from the youth and teaching artists.
Even with the challenges we have faced this year, spring camp was successful in bringing youth outside while sharing with them how beautifully art and nature go together.
