Wonder and Wisdom® is a program that goes above and beyond the standard “giving back to the community.” It nurtures the souls of the young and old by enriching their life experiences, mind, body, and spirit.  Through play and other explorations, Wonder and Wisdom® is committed to making the world a better place by taking care of the people around us.  We pay attention with intention and build relationships characterized by Safety, Trust, and Respect. We connect children and seniors with the world around them by learning through new experiences and by providing much needed socialization in our rural community.

There is a sense of radical amazement when children learn through play. This is emphasized in our Summer Journeys Program. We expose children to fun activities that promote self-esteem and a desire for lifelong learning. The possibilities of life expand as the children develop the core competencies of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Summer activities run full-days, five days a week, for seven weeks. Daily scheduling gives children both active time for theme-based learning and play and quiet time for reflection and rest. We learn in solitude and community who we are becoming and how we belong to each other.

The Wonder and Wisdom® After-School Program is licensed by the State of Vermont to provide childcare for children ages 5-12.  Our talented staff picks up the kids after school, enjoys a nutritious snack with them (we are Vermont Foodbank partners), and provides social and emotional learning experiences in many contexts. We practice speaking Giraffe Language (Marshal Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication) and explore our inner lives, an important resource in finding meaning and purpose in life (in partnership with the PassageWorks Institute). We spend as much time as possible outside and otherwise exploring the natural world around us. The learning that takes place outside of school is just as important as what happens inside it. Wonder and Wisdom® incorporates generous amounts of the expressive arts in our programs through music, visual arts, yoga and movement, and a wide selection of crafts.  Special visitors share their talents with us, and we have a pet tarantula whose name is Taco.

We know it is important what we do with children.  It is even more important who does it.  Wonder & Wisdom® is exploring ways of training and supporting teachers in learning and teaching in Wonder & Wisdom-like ways.  We want to share what we are learning.

The Senior Trotters (ages 65+) take monthly day trips to keep our community’s seniors active in body, mind, and spirit. We promote a vibrant quality of life for The Trotters with trips to theaters, interesting shops in other communities, museums, and cultural activities. Their joy for life is contagious, and the network they have woven is rich and beautiful. The Senior Trotters laugh a lot, love to share food together, and explore new experiences and old favorites with each other. We see our seniors as rich resources of community wisdom, and one of the things they teach us is the importance of play. Our programs help improve quality of life. Our Elder Circle, a small pilot project of Wonder & Wisdom®, explores the meaning of conscious elderhood, how we encourage and honor wisdom in our community, and how we can raise our children to be elders. We encourage a love of learning throughout life and embrace the ways we are unique and the same withthe wonder that inspires wisdom. Wonder & Wisdom® connects young and old and helps create a community that learns, plays, and grows together.