Can you believe school is winding down and summer vacation is just days away?  The start of summer break begins a transition into a  new rhythm for our family.   We’ll be hanging out in our backyard more often, tending to our growing veggie patch, squeezing in a few camping trips, and taking care of our dear friend’s daughter several days a week.  Most importantly,  we’ll be putting school and work aside to spend more time together.  I’ve got exciting plans for some special mommy and kid time, including a four week session at Smiling Tree’s Summer Camp.

Many of you know Gail Saunders, and her famous warm smile.  Gail says opening her home, Smiling Tree Farm, is a natural extension of her past 30 years working with children and families.  Her dynamic approach to serving families is a unique mix of yoga, children’s music (Music Together teacher), cooking, child development, and a deep love for little people.  Her experience shows!  Children immediately gravitate to Gail as her warmth and gentleness are magnetic, and help her accomplish her goal of offering a “natural and non-pressured environment in which to explore and learn.”

This summer, Gail put together a fabulous experience for families.  “This parent/child class is a sweet mixture of laid back preschool, a visit to grandma’s house and an outdoor adventure.  This is a place for kids to explore and create with paint, glue, play dough and all sorts of art supplies, have fun with real cooking, listen to stories and play with friends,” shares Gail with delight.

We’ve come to know Gail and her Smiling Tree activities very well over the past year.  Our past adventures included walks through Smiling Tree’s willows, veggie garden, and exploration of two fish ponds.  To his particular delight, Bryles quickly discovered a collection of metal construction trucks in a gravely corner, and returns their often for serious boy play.  We’ve learned to listen for Gail’s ringing of a copper garden chime calling everyone to gather in a small meadow for circle.  After singing and learning about our projects for the day, Gail welcomes the families to enjoy the farm or explore the project tables.

I am always impressed by Gail’s casual air, and the way she encourages the children to come to their own experiences at their own pace.  It never takes long for Bryles or the others to discover the project tables where something like paint and a “naked” cardboard “worm” waits for their artistic touches.  After a bit of focus, the kids are always happy to try the swings, splash at the water table, and play trucks again.  Later, they may dabble at a garden activity like digging for earthworms,  but they can easily flow in and out of free and structured play.   With things like the laundry tub calling the kids to make bubbles, who can stay at any one thing for long?

After about an hour of open play and projects, Gail corrals her groups again for a snack.  She often offers children a turn at her apple peeler and hands out apple slices or passes around a colander full of cherry tomatoes, spinach or basil  for tasting.  This lady must have a magic wand up her sleeve as she had Bryles gushing over fresh basil and tarragon!

Smiling Tree Camp will follow much of the same routine.  “This will be primarily an outdoor experience.  We’ll start each class with an informal circle time on the lawn including a few songs and maybe a story and a little yoga.  Then everyone is free to explore and do the projects which will be set up for the kids to do with their grown up at their own pace.  This summer I’m planning lots of gardening for the kids to help with and yoga on my new outdoor yoga deck ’studio’.  Bring a lunch and we’ll all gather together on the lawn for a picnic and a closing story,” encourages Gail.

I jumped at Gail’s offer to trade me some camp time for Sono-Ma advertising, as we are committed to community sharing and trading to fill our family’s needs. We also thoroughly enjoy every chance we get to follow Gail on a trail through her hydrangeas, splash in her paints, or to join her in making suds in an old laundry bin.