Fall Nature and Gardening in Prospect Park!
We pick kids up from BPCS downtown and Bed Stuy locations!
Registration is now open!
We pick kids up from BPCS downtown and Bed Stuy locations!
Registration is now open!
Kids will learn about the close connection between appreciating nature and working for social justice. We will ask: What is the kind — and just — way to treat plants, animals, and people?
Each week, we focus on one native plant or animal and learn about its history. We will also learn how they are used by Native American tribes and historically used by enslaved Africans. All ages will learn how to garden in a way that respects the earth and future generations, including fun projects like tree care, take-home plants, learning to identify native animals often labeled as “pests” and caring for and identifying native and endangered plants which are often mistaken for weeds. Older kids will discuss the link to today’s movements for climate and environmental justice, racial justice, and justice for incarcerated people.
In addition to the weekly fun focus on specific plants and animals, below are just a few things older kids will learn about:
Which plant was banned by European settlers in the 1500s because it was sacred to native people? What effect does this still have on Mexico’s economy today?
What is the link between trees and social justice in the city?
What role did gardening play in Nelson Mandela’s life during his 27 years in prison? What is the connection between nature and today’s prison system?
What can we do now to support our native American neighbors who were forced out of their homes, including in Brooklyn and what is the connection to Lefferts House in Prospect Park?
In short, we have fun while learning to do good! We empower kids through direct action!
GRADES: K- 5
SCHOOL PICKUP: 2:30 - 2:45 (or the dismissal time specific to your child’s school)
PARK DISMISSAL: 5:20pm
WHERE: Prospect Park and Garfield Place.
BAD WEATHER:
We will nature rain or shine or SNOW! Kids must be dressed for ALL weather! But if there is torrential rain and/or dangerous weather, we will bring kids to the beautiful Grand Army library for a fun plant/animal study with our sketch pads so kids can draw what we’re learning about with support from great library books and nature art projects..
WHAT TO WEAR
All kids must wear comfortable shoes which allow them to run, hike, hop, climb, skip and moonwalk. NO SANDALS. No fancy outfits because they will absolutely destroy them when they jump into that mud or rain puddle. Please dress for easy and comfortable outdoor movement and expect kids to get VERY dirty. We will sometimes be running or walking long distances as we learn about the plants and animals in the park. No crocs. We can’t hike in them!
SCHOOL CLOSURES!
We do NOT have classes when public schools are closed. This includes school holidays, snow days, half days, etc...
NO HANGRY KIDS
Please pack a full water bottle and 2 snacks because they sometimes eat them during lunch. And they eat the 3rd one, too, or trade it for something they don’t like. My point is you can’t go wrong if you pack tons of snacks!
EQUITY:
Equity requires effort. We cannot afford to give gardening scholarships without your help. Here’s how you can help: When you register, you have the option of adding any amount you like to help pay for another child’s scholarship! Or give to our GoFundMe! For the past few years, more than 25% of our gardeners paid nothing. Thank you to the incredibly generous families who made this possible.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Please apply in the registration form and we will respond within 14 days. If you have applied for a scholarship in the past, we will give priority to families who have never received scholarships, so please be patient while we sort out all applications.
WHO WE ARE:
We pay our staff a THRIVING wage (25% higher than a living wage), include generous scholarships and hire from the communities we work in. We strive to be economically, racially and LGBTQI diverse. When you sign your child up for our Brooklyn Seeds nature program, you are supporting a community. We do all this while using compassionate communication teaching tools and incorporate social-emotional learning. Please also consider giving to our GoFundMe campaign, where you can learn more about what we do and why we do it.
We pick kids up from BPCS downtown and Bed Stuy locations on the following days:
Mondays: 13 Mondays = $1300 (more details on registration form)
September 11, 18
October 2, 16, 23, 30
November 6, 13, 20, 27
December 4, 11, 18
Wednesdays: 14 Wednesdays = $1400 (more details on registration form)
September 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December 6, 13
Fridays: 13 Fridays = $1300 (more details on registration form)
September 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3, 10, 17
December 1, 8, 15
*We need a minimum of 3 registered children to pick up from a school!
Register below or email info@brooklynseeds.net for more information!
Each week, we focus on one native plant or animal and learn about its history. We will also learn how they are used by Native American tribes and historically used by enslaved Africans. All ages will learn how to garden in a way that respects the earth and future generations, including fun projects like tree care, take-home plants, learning to identify native animals often labeled as “pests” and caring for and identifying native and endangered plants which are often mistaken for weeds. Older kids will discuss the link to today’s movements for climate and environmental justice, racial justice, and justice for incarcerated people.
In addition to the weekly fun focus on specific plants and animals, below are just a few things older kids will learn about:
Which plant was banned by European settlers in the 1500s because it was sacred to native people? What effect does this still have on Mexico’s economy today?
What is the link between trees and social justice in the city?
What role did gardening play in Nelson Mandela’s life during his 27 years in prison? What is the connection between nature and today’s prison system?
What can we do now to support our native American neighbors who were forced out of their homes, including in Brooklyn and what is the connection to Lefferts House in Prospect Park?
In short, we have fun while learning to do good! We empower kids through direct action!
GRADES: K- 5
SCHOOL PICKUP: 2:30 - 2:45 (or the dismissal time specific to your child’s school)
PARK DISMISSAL: 5:20pm
WHERE: Prospect Park and Garfield Place.
BAD WEATHER:
We will nature rain or shine or SNOW! Kids must be dressed for ALL weather! But if there is torrential rain and/or dangerous weather, we will bring kids to the beautiful Grand Army library for a fun plant/animal study with our sketch pads so kids can draw what we’re learning about with support from great library books and nature art projects..
WHAT TO WEAR
All kids must wear comfortable shoes which allow them to run, hike, hop, climb, skip and moonwalk. NO SANDALS. No fancy outfits because they will absolutely destroy them when they jump into that mud or rain puddle. Please dress for easy and comfortable outdoor movement and expect kids to get VERY dirty. We will sometimes be running or walking long distances as we learn about the plants and animals in the park. No crocs. We can’t hike in them!
SCHOOL CLOSURES!
We do NOT have classes when public schools are closed. This includes school holidays, snow days, half days, etc...
NO HANGRY KIDS
Please pack a full water bottle and 2 snacks because they sometimes eat them during lunch. And they eat the 3rd one, too, or trade it for something they don’t like. My point is you can’t go wrong if you pack tons of snacks!
EQUITY:
Equity requires effort. We cannot afford to give gardening scholarships without your help. Here’s how you can help: When you register, you have the option of adding any amount you like to help pay for another child’s scholarship! Or give to our GoFundMe! For the past few years, more than 25% of our gardeners paid nothing. Thank you to the incredibly generous families who made this possible.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Please apply in the registration form and we will respond within 14 days. If you have applied for a scholarship in the past, we will give priority to families who have never received scholarships, so please be patient while we sort out all applications.
WHO WE ARE:
We pay our staff a THRIVING wage (25% higher than a living wage), include generous scholarships and hire from the communities we work in. We strive to be economically, racially and LGBTQI diverse. When you sign your child up for our Brooklyn Seeds nature program, you are supporting a community. We do all this while using compassionate communication teaching tools and incorporate social-emotional learning. Please also consider giving to our GoFundMe campaign, where you can learn more about what we do and why we do it.
We pick kids up from BPCS downtown and Bed Stuy locations on the following days:
Mondays: 13 Mondays = $1300 (more details on registration form)
September 11, 18
October 2, 16, 23, 30
November 6, 13, 20, 27
December 4, 11, 18
Wednesdays: 14 Wednesdays = $1400 (more details on registration form)
September 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December 6, 13
Fridays: 13 Fridays = $1300 (more details on registration form)
September 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3, 10, 17
December 1, 8, 15
*We need a minimum of 3 registered children to pick up from a school!
Register below or email info@brooklynseeds.net for more information!
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
See payment options below: Venmo or Zelle or Check or Credit Card
Venmo -- www.venmo.com/Brooklyn_Seeds
Zelle -- Zelle Brooklyn Seeds using mobile phone number 646-302-3149. https://www.zellepay.com/
Check -- Check made out to Brooklyn Seeds.
Mail to Brooklyn Seeds. 127 Avenue C. #2, Brooklyn, NY 11218.
Credit Card -- Click for all the Credit Card payment options for After School
When making payments on all platforms, please note your child's first and last name, school and season-Spring 2023.
Would you like to support other economically struggling families? Please give what you can and we will apply it to scholarships. Over 25% of our kids receive scholarships, so any additional amount will help!
If you have any problems, please email info@brooklynseeds.net or text 646-302-3149. Please always text first.
Brooklynseeds.net
info@brooklynseeds.net
646-302-3149