To better understand summer staff experiences, we interviewed Kel, Calvin, and Claire. In their stories, we found three fundamental guiding principles common to all three outstanding ICG staff members: empowering children, balancing risk and safety, and creating an inclusive environment. As those interviewed noted, these principles extend beyond summer camp to various educational and community settings. Learn what makes Summer Camp training at ICG unique!

(Find out more about what campers have done this summer by exploring ICG’s blog and social media.) 

Lesson 1: Empowering Child-Led Play

“Play looks differently for everyone.” Kel, a new addition to the Summer Camp team this year, learned this lesson early on in their ICG experience. “That’s a really important shift from the previous roles I’ve been in with children and young people. I’m here trying to guide them through their experience and let them be a leader of it . . . let them do what they’re interested in and find engaging.” Kel joined ICG after learning about the camp–and bolstered by ICG’s positive reputation among their friends– they joined the Garden for the summer. “So here I am,” Kel said, smiling.

The Playwork Primer, a manual on practicing ICG’s main philosophy for child-led play, prepares new and seasoned education staff with the essentials for interacting with children in ICG’s outdoor play space. One of the most significant takeaways from the Playwork Primer and Summer Camp experience is the value of empowering child-led exploration and play. Staff members have learned that providing children with the agency to guide their experiences fosters curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.

In using this approach, Kel witnessed how allowing children to take the lead in their play experiences encourages them to solve problems, think critically, and engage their imaginations.

“I’ve seen zip lines, chair swings . . . mud spas, the development of entire businesses,” Kel said, describing the kinds of play they witnessed in ICG’s second best-known feature: The Anarchy Zone. “I feel grateful to witness it.”

Lesson 2: Balancing Risk and Safety

“A lot of the time, when kids ask for help, I try not to,” Calvin said, recounting how staff approaches risk management and safety among campers. 

Calvin has worked at the Garden for 9 summers, starting in ICG’s Teen Urban Farmer (TUF) program in his 8th grade year. And he returned every summer. “I really enjoyed TUF and wanted to keep on going.” In TUF, Calvin rarely directly interacted with the public as he maintained the Garden grounds. Still, he had plenty of opportunities to observe playwork in action. So, when Calvin aged out of TUF at 18, he joined the ICG Summer Camp staff, intrigued by child-led play and eager to step up and make a difference. “It was exciting to make that shift. It made what I saw before as a kid make sense. I was like, ‘Oh, that’s why they were doing that! I get it now.'”

Calvin has since then learned many lessons regarding balancing risk and safety in child-led play. “Like climbing on a tube or something else risky. Suppose a child can’t get themselves in that situation without my help. In that case, they won’t be able to get themselves out of that situation. They have to do it on their own and take that risk – so, if they can’t, they can’t do it.”

Risks are calculated choices kids make that lead to opportunities for self-discovery and building resilience. Hazards present uncontrollable dangers (e.g., broken glass and rusty nails), and staff manage these to create an environment that prioritizes safety and encourages growth through risk-taking.

Calvin concludes: “Risk allows kids to find their boundaries, what they are capable of doing and not capable of doing.” 

Risk during play is not only in a physical sense, however. ICG education staff quickly understand that play can entail social risk. For instance, kids risk hearing “no” when they ask to join a game.

Kel’s approach to guiding children reflects this lesson. “I try to be intentional about saying ‘yes’ to the kids as much as possible, but within reason,” Kel said, reflecting on how little they have to say no at ICG. “I want the kids to do what they find fun . . . and [staff] is going to do as much as they can to give them what they need to have fun.” Staff at Summer Camp encourage children to interact and explore by providing a safe (limited hazards), expressive space where risks are expected and fun is plentiful. By supporting children in taking calculated risks, staff members foster growth, help children understand their limits, build resilience, and provide valuable opportunities to explore and learn outdoors that contribute to their personal development.

 “We want kids to take those risks and support them when it doesn’t go as they intended,” Calvin said. 

Lesson 3: Creating an Inclusive and Expressive Space

Creating an inclusive and expressive space for children to play, be imaginative, and be receptive to learning is crucial. ICG staff continue to learn and practice this lesson daily.

 “It is important to me to honor kids’ feelings and spaces.” Having worked at ICG a few years ago, Claire Volk has had many opportunities to apply this concept to her personal and professional life.

“I remember running this game with my group about an imaginary dragon and a child coming up to me crying. The dragon became real for this child . . . those emotions came from a space of truly believing and putting stock in this activity.” 

As Claire suggested, Calvin and Kel echoed creating space for children to feel and express their emotions is a technique called mirroring. Mirroring helps children perceive themselves positively and can be used in various scenarios and at multiple ages. 

(Learn more about mirroring and how to practice it here.) 

On mirroring during play, Claire said, “Play with kids instead of asking them questions about what they’re doing and what they have–actually mirroring them. It’s like improv; you’re building off each other.” 

After her brief time at the Garden, Claire described how using mirroring has positively impacted her and others. “It’s been instrumental for me in every community space I’ve walked in, for children and anyone experiencing strong emotions. Our brains are made for connections and mirroring. I learned that first through stepping into kid’s games.”

Claire’s emphasis on mirroring children’s actions, Calvin’s approach of letting children navigate social interactions, and Kel’s commitment to allowing children to explore their interests and not making assumptions about their decision-making have all contributed to creating an environment where children feel valued and supported. In line with ICG’s mission to promote positive growth for children and the community, the lesson is relevant at camp and beyond.

Lessons Summary: 

The Ithaca Children’s Garden Summer Camp experience has imparted valuable lessons to staff members that revolve around empowering child-led exploration, balancing support and risk, and creating an inclusive and expressive space. These lessons resonate within the camp’s vibrant environment and extend to staff members’ interactions with children in various settings. By embracing these lessons, staff members contribute to fostering resilience, creativity, and a love for nature in the children they guide.

Ithaca Children’s Garden is adding to its team.

Suppose you’re interested in making a real impact and have the skills to turn numbers into narratives: In that case, ICG wants to meet you. We’re hiring a Development Associate!

The Development Associate supports ICG’s donor and constituent records, provides key support for other fundraising activities, and works closely with the Development, Finance, and Education Departments. Compensation starts at $19/hour, 35 to 40 hours per week, and is based on experience.

To Apply

Applications will be reviewed starting September 8 and will be accepted until the position is filled. Please take a look at our Benefits Policy!

Please email your resume and cover letter to richard@ithacachildrensgarden.org with “Development Associate” in the subject line. Cover letters can be addressed to Richard Lansdowne, Operations Manager.

Learn more about ICG’s open Development Associate role and cover letter requirements.

If you require any assistance or accommodations to successfully submit your application, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may have the opportunity to assist you.

If you know anyone with collaboration and leading, administration, grant writing, or management skills, why not share this blog post with them? Your support is greatly appreciated.

As a part of Ithaca Children’s Garden’s community , YOU envision a world where EVERY child has the ability to get outside and play!

From muddy feet and hands, to bright eyes and belly laughs, experiences in nature are essential for children to grow into strong, confident adults and develop life-long relationships with the living world. ICG’s Scholarship Fund opens doors for every child to fill their lives with days of laughter, outdoor adventure, and lasting memories regardless of financial circumstances.

5 reasons to support ICG’s Scholarship Fund:

1. Nurture Children’s Growth in Nature

Research supports the benefits of outdoor nature play for children. Nature sparks curiosity, encourages learning, and nurtures physical and emotional development. By supporting ICG’s Scholarship Fund, you provide children with the vital ingredients they need to thrive.

2. Fuel Belly Laughs and Unforgettable Outdoor Experiences

The joy and happiness children experience during outdoor adventures is truly magical. Your donations directly fund these experiences.

3. Remove Barriers for Families

ICG’s camps and programs offer two-in-one advantages: supplying childcare and unbridled play in nature. The Scholarship Fund ensures equitable and inclusive access for all children, empowering families by removing financial obstacles and providing peace of mind to caregivers.

4. Make Magic Potions Possible

Supporting ICG’s Scholarship Fund means making a real difference in a child’s life. Your contributions bring smiles to their faces, fostering an environment where happiness multiplies and spreads throughout the community.

5. Create a Bright Future for children

One minute is all it takes to make a difference for children. Your support promotes nature access for children, fostering growth, curiosity, and well-being. Let’s work together to support children’s access to quality outdoor programs.

ICG’s Scholarship Fund is dedicated to empowering children’s nature access, ensuring every child can explore and learn through outdoor adventures. By supporting this cause, you become part of a movement that fosters strong, confident, and happy individuals. Let’s come together and impact children’s lives, ensuring that the joy of playing outdoors with friends is a cherished memory for everyone.

Thanks to Cornell University’s Entomology graduate students, ICG’s Willows summer campers (ages 6 to 10) are embarking on a journey to become the natural world’s tiniest stewards. In a summer filled with exploration and discovery, the young campers will immerse themselves in the captivating world of insects to boost their awareness, inspire curiosity, and, above all, embrace ICG’s ultimate value of fun!

Cornell Entomology graduate student Tobias Mueller led the first of many entomological adventures that Willows will embark on this summer. Tobias began the journey by delving into the crucial roles insects play in our ecosystem, emphasizing pollinators’ indispensable contribution to our food sources.

Willows discovered that, for most of the dishes we enjoy, we have pollinators– like honeybees–to thank. For instance, imagine a holiday feast without pumpkin pie!

Afterward, it was time to send the Willows, and their newly acquired knowledge, to the Wildflower Meadow and Bioswale to uncover insect life hiding amidst the foliage. The meadow was a treasure trove of tiny wonders, and campers tried to spot as many insects as possible. Tobias was there to help, guiding Willows through the insect kingdom and revealing the fantastic things these critters need to survive.

One remarkable discovery was a mysterious growth on a goldenrod plant, which Tobias explained was the ingenious handiwork of a fly. The fly laid its eggs inside the stem to protect the offspring (larva) from predators and provide them a food source before emerging in the fall—a remarkable example of nature’s ingenious parenting strategies.

The next few weeks of summer camp will offer Willows more exciting entomology adventures, with the graduate students of Cornell’s Entomology Department returning to present to ICG. Simply put, these young stewards are well on their way to becoming guardians of the environment, armed with knowledge and a sense of wonder that will last a lifetime.

When I think of the life that ICG supports, I feel humbled and deeply appreciative of its willingness to hold so much.

With linear mechanical time blasting by at a breakneck pace, we at the Garden relish in the special moments that pile up into the treasures of a day. Summer campers crafting, field trippers squeezing it all in, and TUFers elevating. And every other type of participant experiencing is welcomed with vitality and abundance here at ICG – and this is ever encouraging and exciting. Whether you seek a peaceful stroll through the continually blooming Bulb Labyrinth, a mud-covered revel playing till you fall down, or some thoughtful grazing through the available delectable, it is all fair game. We each come hunting our own treasures: quietly discovering berries (black currants, soon blackberries), hunting for the hidden carrots, trying new strong flavors in the kitchen garden (stevia, shiso, fennel, dill, chives), appreciating any number of the daily floral performers that entertain pollinators and people alike. 

Each day, filled with surprises and discoveries, we support the place while being held in a safe and fun magical bubble that provides and excites in endless ways. With the diligent works of TUF, the imagination and energy of summer staff, and the consistent awareness and efforts of the dedicated year-round team, all fueled by the immense joy and vitality of the children, the organic play of the year is ever lively and rooted in the rhythms of a welcoming place that is safe and welcoming to those present.   

So, come seeking a new flavor, new experience, new favorite place in the Garden, or have a classic lie in the grass (or mud) and take it all in as so many children and adults in the know are inclined to do. The Garden has a place for you.

The Maples Farmstand is open to the public for shopping every Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Treat yourself to freshly baked cookies and bread (with vegan options!), refreshing lemonade, and unique handcrafted items like tie-dyed bandannas and washcloths, candles, and herb bundles. And guess what? With every purchase, you’ll receive a free ICG sticker to spice up your bike, car, water bottle, or anywhere you like to add shine.

The Friday Farmstand at Ithaca Children’s Garden has become a weekly source of excitement and anticipation for the Maples campers (ages 10-12). Kenley, ICG’s Youth Program Educator and the Maples camp leader, understands the value of giving them free rein, allowing the Maples to explore their entrepreneurial spirit and learn essential skills in business management. While few restrictions exist, the campers revel in this newfound freedom and use it to explore their interests. All the campers find their place and actively take on roles, from decorating the board and writing the menu to becoming advertising maestros; the Maples collaborate and collectively contribute to running the Farmstand. 

A few of the Maples had this to say about their experience interacting with customers and younger campers: 

When asked about the skills they developed at the Farmstand, it became apparent there was a common theme regarding leadership: Many of the campers felt that Kenley’s leadership and their experience at the Farmstand were vital in shaping the kind of leader they want to be, especially when they join ICG next year as Counselors in Training (CIT). 

“We actually work with Kenley and not just do what he tells us,” said Renna, a first-time Maple camper and the Farmstand’s primary voice person for advertising to passersby this week. Renna explained what a leader should be: “You can’t force people to listen to you, so to be a leader, you must be nice to people and gain their trust. Which is not easy to do, but leading is not just ‘bossing people around’; it’s working with them.” 

Phoenix, a camper attending their seventh year at ICG and a potential CIT next summer, had a unique experience with Kenley as their Maple leader, describing how Kenley gave them an example of how they want to lead. “​​He makes activities fun, especially with his energy. If we don’t want to do something, we have options, and he asks us, ‘What do you want to do?’ which makes things more fun.”

Overall, the Farmstand is a unique platform that has proven to be a transformative experience for the Maples, uniting them through collaborative efforts and instilling valuable leadership skills. As the campers look forward to becoming future CITs, they are determined to carry Kenley’s inspiring leadership example forward.

Week 1: Falling in line, and falling, at ICG

In his role, Kenley will serve as co-lead of After School @ ICG and Lead the Maples Summer Camp Group (ages 10-12).  Kenley will be helping plan activities, taking care of the program participants, and helping plan and support ICG events. 

Grace Heath, ICG’s After School Program Manager says,

“Kenley’s passion for working with school age children is what really stood out in his application. He talked about the importance of creating comfortable and safe spaces and relationships with the kids he works with and that to me is what we really value the most at ICG so I knew he would be a great fit.”

What drives Kenley

Kenley Beljour is all about health and wellness, through fitness, good eating, and approaching health through a holistic lens. Growing up, he lived in predominantly urban areas; it wasn’t until he was admitted to Green Mountain College in Vermont, where he was exposed to major sustainability efforts that he found himself gravitating towards going more green and learning about the environment. From there he started working with animals, became vegan, and even worked on a farm after college.

Spreading the knowledge of food and trying to be holistic for the mind is central to Kenley’s purpose. Kenley’s mom and dad both loved cooking growing up and Kenley loves transforming the traditional Haitian recipes into vegan culinary delights, putting his own spin on old classics. He also loves to bake. Kenley’s favorite Haitian meal to make is called Soup Jomou, a meal his family eats every January 1, which is Haiti’s celebration of independence. “I just want to be an advocate for health and wellness in any form,” says Kenley.

Kenley comes to ICG with education and summer camp counselor experience; he worked as a residential camp counselor at Hawthorne Valley Camp in Ghent NY, supervising campers ages 8-13, and organizing meals for the camp. He also served as a role model for BIPOC youth and worked hard to foster a safe, fun, and inclusive learning environment. 

Cats wearing jackets – and other art – are also on his resume.

Looking forward to ICG

What is Kenley most looking forward to about his work with ICG?

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the kids better. I connect more with them every day. I know by summer’s end I’ll have a big connection with all of them. I also want to contribute to the program and grow it; whether it’s making more connections with the community and community partners, or thinking creatively, I want more people to know that we are free and always open and that we can collaborate on events,” says Kenley.

Kenley anticipates the biggest challenge will be “Being a leader and being their friend at the same time. I want them to respect me and also come to me if they need anything at all.”

Kenley first discovered ICG when he and his partner were strolling the farmer’s market. They saw Gaia from across the inlet and it stayed in the back of his mind as a place he needed to check out. When he learned about the opening, he discovered it was a perfect blend of all his passions: nutrition and fitness, farm life, sitting down for intentional meals, working closely with children.

“I scoured ICG’s website and thought, “This is perfect. This is amazing.”

Grace adds, “I’m really excited to see the different knowledge and experiences that Kenley has that he can bring to After school and the education team in general. He has a lot of experience working directly with plants and animals, but is also very passionate about art as well that creates the perfect combo for a place like ICG.”

“The team has been very welcoming and has made it so easy and I think I’m going to have a great time here,” says Kenley. “The kids are already acting like they know me… I’m just excited to jump in.”