Category Archive

Covid-19 Challenge

Shelly JohnsonMarch 22, 2020Family adventures, Outdoor Education1 Comment

Coronavirus, COVID-19, quarantine, and social distancing — none of those words were in my daily vocabulary a week ago. Now they seem to be everywhere! How about you? Covid-19 Challenge Video How are you doing during this crazy time? Health check from back in the days of the Adventure Learning Center–Thumbs up? … Read

Chalk Art

Sara LockieFebruary 25, 2019Art for Life, Family adventures, Features, Mindfulness & Movement2 Comments

What do the Northern Lights, mountain landscapes, STEM, and chalk art all have in common? They all showed up at our activity at the Walnut Hills STEAM Festival in Waukee last week! Not just Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, but we celebrated Art, too, at this festival. We took over the art room and had full tables of artists of all ages … Read

FUN!!! With Kids & Worms

Shelly JohnsonFebruary 12, 2019Family adventures, Outdoor Education, Team BuildingLeave a Comment

How do you get middle school kids to think about garbage and composting? Well, you simply bring some wiggly worms to school. Along with the live ones, it doesn’t hurt to provide some gummy ones as well. Last Wednesday I did just that–I took worms of both types, along with some other stuff to College, Career, and Community (C3) Day at … Read

Summer Days

Sara LockieAugust 29, 2018Family adventures, Outdoor EducationLeave a Comment

Last spring our mailbox was crammed with glossy brochures filled with summer opportunities. Day camps, overnight camps, weekly classes, weekend trips. They all sounded like fantastic new experiences that our kids would enjoy and remember for a lifetime. “I just want to be at home,” my 10-year-old son glanced at the brochures and said, “But Mom, the schedule is always … Read

Thanks for a great conversation. You started the meeting with an observation of my noticeable happiness I receive from my passion for my work. Last evening as I sat on my deck watching the sunset and reflecting from the day, your statement was at the top of my list for appreciating the day. A few tears of being overwhelmed with joy may have also transpired.

Jerah Sheets, Iowa DNR

Thank you thank you! I'm just beginning to find my tribe here and this was a boon.

Mary Beth Einhorn, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat Participant

The Mindful Movement and Mingling was just so inspired! I've never been to a retreat that did that type of program. The usual sitting around, alone, and slowly meeting one or two people can be pretty isolating. You guys brought us to that place of connectedness in a fun way.

Lisa Evans, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat participant

Thank you again for coming on Friday. It was an incredible hands-on learning experience for the students. Once the simulation was finished students reflected on their experience and newly gained insights into life near the poverty line.

Kenny Baker, 11th grade - Gilbert High School

Next Step was an excellent addition to our Super Power Summit for middle school students. They incorporated hands-on learning activities that involved dirt, art, leadership, and the great outdoors!

Carrie Scheidel, Iowa Department of Education

Thank you so very much for your love, care, and support on this journey. You truly are a great teacher and healer.

Therese, Yoga student

The STEM Camp at Harding this summer was awesome! Our students were actively engaged in activities, learning, and lots of fun! It was a great experience for students to connect with their school, community, and science!

Joy Linquist, Principal

Next Step has been a solid addition to our student leadership workshops. Their connection with students is thoughtful, purposeful and brings great energy.

Chad Elsberry IHSAA Assistant Director

Poverty simulation was fantastic. Great job forcing us to deal with the everyday complications of living in poverty. It was impossible not to get frustrated. Participants came up with “creative” ways to solve problems or cut corners for a lasting impact on their family, job, or both. I was extremely impressed with the entire process.

Wil Wiemann, 8th Grade Social Studies, Edward Stone Middle School, Burlington, Iowa

I heard great things about the training and would like to find a time this fall for an early out training for our staff to visit the park as well as hear about the wonderful things offered.

Brian Crook, Principal, Studebaker Elementary School, Des Moines, Iowa

It only takes a minute or two and can totally change the classroom atmosphere. One minute they can be going a million miles a minute coming in from lunch and recess, and after a quick breathing technique, they settle down, giggle a little, and then get to work.

Mychele, Kindergarten Teacher