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Letter to the Editor

Dover-Sherborn "Hometown Weekly"
May 31, 2007

Dear Editor,
You may not need to be convinced that being outdoors helps us focus on and interact with the local environment, developing a relationship with our surroundings. Children in particular can gain much from that relationship and it's a pity if they know more about the Amazon rainforest than their local backyard. Students and faculty at Pine Hill School in Sherborn spend time at Broadmoor wildlife Sanctuary on Route 16 in Natick and know about and appreciate both.

The Broadmoor program at Pine Hill began many years ago and has grown to a comprehensive program, fully integrated with the science curriculum. To achieve this, the Broadmoor staff works closely with school faculty to create both classroom and outdoor sessions at various locations that are interactive and engaging for students. The curriculum is enhanced because Broadmoor shares access to resources that most schools and teachers don't have. Pine Hill's Community School Association (CSA) provides the financial support allowing the school and Broadmoor to collaborate, creating a unique program that goes beyond the traditional classroom learning experience.

As anyone who deals with children knows, they are curious about nature and enjoy any opportunity to explore it. The Pine Hill naturalist-in-residence, Gail Fenton, guides the children in a safe environment, helps them to develop observation skills and shares a wealth of natural history with them. A Grade 5 teacher said of the Broadmoor program, "The students look forward to the Broadmoor program at each level…being at grade 5 we talk about the previous years, too. I always hear nothing but positive feedback."

Lately there have been articles in the local papers bemoaning the spread of so-called "nature-deficit disorder" and a number of studies chronicle a nationwide trend of disconnect with the natural environment. Richard Louv's book "Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder" argues for a return to awareness of and appreciation for the natural world as a way to teach kids science and nurture their creativity. He maintains that thoughtful exposure to nature will help children in their role as future stewards of the environment.

Being outdoors can be exciting, renewing and full of adventure and learning, as Pine Hill students and staff have discovered. Discovering our "sense of place" can just be plain fun and we can do it in our own backyard or right on Route 16 in Natick.

For questions, contact Marie Kelfer at kelfer3@verizon.net or Kristina Gallant at kcgallant@comcast.net.

Sincerely,

The Pine Hill Community Association