Vashon Wilderness Program

“Nature-rooted seasonal celebrations have brought community together for millennia.” --Stacey Hinden, Executive & Program Director, Vashon Wilderness Program

The Vashon Wilderness Program sent us an exciting update on the ways the Kelly Ann Brown Foundation’s grant was key in helping them accomplish three key goals this year.
 
1. KABF helped underwrite a new program for children ages 4-6 years called Woodland Ways. This program provides sixteen hours of experiential, nature-immersion programming for eleven children. By experiencing nature firsthand and learning about the animals, birds, and plants of Vashon Island, these children come to feel at home with their own inner nature and that of the earth. The mentors celebrate each child’s unique gifts, foster their growing self-reliance, and cultivate community among these young earth stewards. Encouraged by the positive response to the program, VWP will now offer it as a full eight-month program beginning with Fall 2016!

2. KABF helped underwrite two free community events:

• On October 25, 2015, one hundred people attended VWP’s Ancestor Feast, in which they honored loved ones, and recreated the sweetness of people’s connections through stories, clay work, and sharing traditional foods from our divergent family heritages. The celebrants reported they felt much more connected with life for having celebrated our ancestors together.
  
• On April 30, 2016, they gathered again for the Spring Feast and Bizarre Bazaar to express thanks for new life in all its forms. The celebration included a special silent trading market in which families trade hand-made or nature-inspired items that nourish bodies, bring beauty, or deepen culture and community connections.
  

3. KABF monies were also used to help provide scholarships to families who would otherwise be unable to attend VWP programs. Over $14,000 was awarded this year to 30 percent of enrolled families.

KABF is inspired by the work Vashon Wilderness Program does to celebrate people’s connections to each other, their heritage and the earth.

Read more about Vashon Wilderness Program.