Wild Arts Learning Center: More Accessibility!

Hi. Cina Canada, here, with the Wild Arts Learning Center in Springfield, MO.

Intro

The Wild Arts Learning Center evolved from my annual nature camp for kids. After several years of incorporating nature-based arts projects into the programming for camp, I realized this could be developed into a full curriculum. So, my co-founder Bethany Joy and I began developing content for what would become the Wild Arts Learning Curriculum. After two years of development, and a desire to have a site-specific outlet to continue developing this curriculum in real-time via in-person classes and workshops, the Wild Arts Learning Center was launched.

We are now in the first full year of community-based classes, workshops and programs, for kids and adults. Our curriculum will be released later in 2024 in conjunction with our first teacher-training program and we're expanding our learning gardens. Exciting things are happening!

Here is where you come in. I want to create accessibility to more of our community through two specific projects in 2024:

1. Wheelchair and walker-accessible garden pathways and beds

2. Scholarship fund for camps and workshops

Every person who comes to the Learning Center, including those in wheelchairs and walkers, should have access to all that we have to offer, even the learning gardens! Every person should be able to get their hands in the dirt, grab dye plants for classes, shove noses into the herbs, pick edibles to taste and engage all the senses as they walk or wheel right up to appropriately built garden beds. This project will also serve our blind and visually impaired community with tactile guides and braille signs at each bed.

Our builder is secured along with consultation to help guide our designs to create the most accessible gardens possible.

Our next priority is our scholarship fund and funds for camp-related activities. This fund allows us to offer families who might not otherwise be able to access our programs and camps an opportunity to do so through our scholarship application process. We already have families applying for 2024!

Questions you might be asking:

How are you currently funded?

We charge fees for workshops, classes and camps. Those fees include all supplies, educators and food. The goal for 2024 is to have a fully funded scholarship program to expand the reach of our offerings.

Why nature through the arts?

Because this is what we enjoy sharing, it inspires us and it’s where we feel compelled to participate and work for positive impacts in people and place. When people feel connected to the natural world, they are more likely to be good stewards of it. Engaging all the senses through creative learning and expression opens pathways toward those connections.

Conclusion

The Wild Arts Learning Center is already positively impacting every participant (and teacher) coming here to learn and experience nature through the arts. As they engage in meaningful activities that cultivate creativity and develop inspiring new skills to take back into their everyday lives, this place is serving its purpose.

Even $5 helps us reach our goal, but it most importantly says to us, “Hey, you have a community out here who believe in what you’re doing and working toward.” Or, if you want to get involved but financial support is not a good fit for you, come volunteer! Regardless, I hope to see each of you in person, here at the Learning Center. ♥️

For now, and with so much gratitude for this opportunity to share,

Cina Canada

Director, Wild Arts Learning Center

Springfield, MO