Terra Summer, offered by the Terra School

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by Sybil Fix
on Tuesday, June 16, 2009

We launch this summer in Mills River, N.C. Terra Summer, a one-of-the-kind interdisciplinary experience for middle-school students that uses the magical world of food-from growing to cooking to eating-to teach children elements of a rigorous academic curriculum while exploring local and global social, environmental, and economic issues.

About Terra Summer

Terra Summer is a fun, exploratory program designed to accelerate student learning, keep children from falling behind during the summer months, and positively affect character development by connecting children to themselves, others, and the world at large. Through the process of growing food at the school's organic farm, cooking in the school kitchen lab, and eating together, students deepen threads of their school curriculum-from math and geometry to plant science, chemistry, history, geography, economics, and anthropology. Also, we reflect on and discuss a variety of concepts that are central to the Terra School vision: where our food comes from; who grows it and under what circumstances; the empowerment of the individual to make choices; our responsibility towards the earth, communal resources, and other beings; awareness of other lands and peoples; respect for our bodies through nutrition and exercise; how food connects us all, in strife and joy. There is a story-and an impact-behind everything we eat, and we should know what it is.

Terra Summer is inquiry-based, aimed at making children active engines behind their own learning. Our program provides opportunities for meaningful readings, journaling, portfolio projects, reflections and discussions. We take field trips, learn about bugs and worms, make pizza, plant gardens, make art, and run a mobile produce stand called The Veggie Van.

Terra Summer is not a remedial program or an alternative program or a program designed for children with any particular needs. It is simply a program that uses a non-traditional vehicle to link and make sense of the array of wonderful topics that make our world. We seek a diverse group of children ages 11-14 (grades 6 through 8) who like to spend time outdoors and in the kitchen, question things, grow things, and taste and learn about new things. Come make new friends, taste new foods, and look at the world through a new lens.

Enrollment, Transportation and Location Details

Terra Summer takes place on a working organic farm located between Hendersonville and Asheville. The 2009 program consists of one four-week session from July 20 through August 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 4 pm Monday through Friday (early drop-off begins at 8:30 am). The total cost is $600; scholarships, full and partial, are available. Because Terra Summer is an academic enrichment program, students are encouraged to attend the full session. TRANSPORTATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE! ENROLLMENT IS STILL OPEN!!!

The Terra School believes that all activities should foster care, compassion, respect, and a sense of global awareness and responsibility.

For more information visit www.terraschool.org or call Sybil at 828-782-7842.