Guardians of the Haw: Haw River Assembly Supporters Speak! The Learning Celebration with Dr. Maja Kricker
What inspired you to volunteer for the 4th Grade Learning Celebration at Haw River Assembly?
I attended the Haw River Festival and enjoyed it so much I volunteered to help the following year. Elaine Chiosso and Cynthia Crossen convinced me to volunteer for a day. I had so much fun that I returned for several more days. That was in 2006. I have volunteered for the Learning Celebration for every year since then. (This will be Maja's 18th year!)
How has volunteering with Haw River Assembly impacted your life and your perspective on environmental education?
I have gained life long friends and a community that I love. At a time when we are struggling with environmental challenges, volunteering the Haw River Assembly has given me hope and a sense that I can effect positive change.
I have always felt that environmental education is better taught with hands-on activities out in the nature. I have seen the responsiveness of children with my own eyes. They are learning with joy!
Please share with us a memorable moment or experience from your time volunteering at the event.
There have been so many it is hard to choose.
I was teaching the Stream Watch Station and the children were identifying macroinvertebrates. I pointed to a round critter and asked "What’s this?" The children shouted out in unison "It’s a Water Penny!!"
Once, I led a group to the path down to the river and there, sitting on a rock was a huge water snake. Two little girls stepped up and started taking photos of the snake. They were still far enough away to be safe. Their teachers told them to get back and return to the main trail. The girls protested, "No! We are supposed to report on this station! This is our station, we have to get pictures." I was so proud of them. After they took photos and made a few notes I brought the other children two by two to see the snake. They were so excited and happy to see wildlife.
Another fond memory was at the end of our puppet show when we were marching inside a giant river puppet towards our young audience. Suddenly, four children jumped up and ran inside the puppet with us. They began chanting, "We are the river! We are the river!" Then about ten more children joined them inside the puppet. It was so beautiful and spontaneous that I always picture that moment.
Be part of something extraordinary by joining Maja and our dedicated community of volunteers who work tirelessly to inspire the next generation of young stewards for our cherished Haw River. Your support and passion make a lasting impact on the future of our sacred river and its vibrant community. To become a volunteer or contribute to this worthy cause, please visit the sign-up and donation page HERE.
Together, we can ensure that our annual 4th Grade Learning Celebration continues to be a memorable tradition that unites and uplifts our watershed community for generations to come. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the Haw River!