2020 NNSP Annual Conference

In 2014, Chewonki, an independent school and camp in Wiscasset, Maine, committed to a minimum of ten years in collaboration with our two neighboring public school districts, focused on nature-based education projects that encourage active, place-based learning. Through joint efforts with other mission-aligned organizations we were able to connect our local districts to two multimillion dollar statewide projects with foundation support. Transitioning away from a vendor-client relationship and stepping towards a deeper “whole school partnership,” we sought to discover the most effective collaborative models that would best serve our local learners and educators. Enlisting University partners to lead data collection and analysis, we are piloting and evaluating pre-k to 12th grade learning pathways - nature-based and youth-development activities - integrated with public school curriculum. This work includes strengthening resilience and capacity in teacher-leaders through professional development, jointly designing STEM-based curriculum, acquiring teaching materials and equipment, reimagining learning spaces, and on-boarding a 6-year mentorship program. Join us as we celebrate successes, reflect on challenges and consider what the next 5 years of partnership should include.