Friends of the Cheat

As a result of high poverty levels and the economic situation of our local schools, notably rural districts with dwindling tax bases, such as Preston and Tucker Counties, local youth have limited options and restricted access to summer learning opportunities. Further, there are even fewer options that utilize outdoor spaces and nature-based learning experiences to grow stewardship, confidence, and resiliency in our youth. Studies show that being in nature, and engaging in both structured and un-structured activities, helps children focus and concentrate, as well as helps lengthen their attention spans and thus prevents summer learning loss. Being outside in nature also helps children expend energy in a healthy environment, helping them to develop their senses and keeping their brain active and engaged instead of experiencing learning loss through more sedentary activities during the summer months. Participants will engage in age-appropriate activities during camp that will reinforce lessons learned throughout the school year in science, math, art, and technology, as it relates to the environment. Friends of the Cheat seeks to fill this void and serve our youth through engagement in community events, summer camps, stand-alone workshops and lessons, as well as the development of environmental education-focused activity kits and additional educational materials both print and online.