Colin leads conference attendees on an Earthwalk during the NAAEE 2022 conference at La Paloma.
The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) held its
51st annual conference in Tucson this year and brought hundreds of educators and organizations from across the world together to discuss new and proven approaches to teaching environmental and social issues. Cooper Center's presence could be found throughout the four-day event. You can learn more about NAAEE here.
Cooper staff participated as attendees, Colin and staff presented multiple workshops during the conference, and co-hosted a table on the exhibitor floor with longtime educational partner, the Institute for Earth Education. Learn more about the Institute for Earth Education here.
Director Colin, Corey Knox from the University of Arizona and Nicole Ramirez from Tucson Unified School District presented a workshop on a new research project to create culturally responsive content for environmental educational programs. Director Colin also demonstrated an Earthwalk through the landscaped resort grounds of La Paloma and was a highlight of the conference. Cooper education staff members presented on the concept
of preparing adults for their role in helping build better relationships between children and nature.
The conference was also a great opportunity to network and strengthen relationships with fellow environmental organizations in the Tucson area and across the country.
(From left to right) Nicole Ramirez from Tucson Unified School District, Colin Waite from Cooper Center, Corey Knox from UArizona College of Education presented
at the NAAEE conference.
Cooper educators presenting a workshop on setting expectations and preparing adults for the work of environmental education.
The U.S. Forestry Service international outreach program and Earth Island Institute's Arizona office took advantage of the NAAEE conference being held in Tucson this year to tour Camp Cooper with a delegation of environmental educators from Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. Learn more about Earth Island Institute here and learn more about U.S. Forestry Service International Programs here.
Ukrainian, Moldovan, and Georgian environmental educators with Camp Cooper staff hit the trails at camp.
After attending the event, Cooper staff collaborate and synthesize the important information gained from attending the conference this year to improve Cooper's outdoor classroom experiences.
This year's camp t-shirts are available now! We've got two fun, new designs to choose from.
Our "Retro Style" shirt takes its inspiration from the very first Camp Cooper camp t-shirt produced back in the 70's, and the colorful "Fitzsimmons Type" features playful, hand-drawn artwork from local illustrator David Fitzsimmons.
Available in a variety of colors and styles, they make the perfect keepsake after visiting us at camp and they are a great way to show your love and support for Cooper!
90% of the schools that visit Camp Cooper are Title I schools where many families are living at or below poverty levels and have little or no access to outdoor
activities for children.
We have never turned away a trip due to inability to pay. How? With supporters who take advantage of the Arizona School Tax Credit!
You can give money to support school field trips at zero cost to you. It's easy and it makes a HUGE difference!
Visit us here to learn how to today to share your Arizona Tax Credit donation with a Camp
Cooper field trip.
Preschool Family Nature Day was SO MUCH FUN!
Camp Cooper alumn and local music legend, Mr. Nature, performed with plenty of audience participation at Preschool Family Nature Day.
We hosted our Preschool Family Nature Day event at Camp Cooper on November 5th, and the event brought together families with young children and University of Arizona’s College of Education Early Childhood Education students for a morning of desert learning, music, games, treats, and refreshments.
The event was one of the best attended events in the history of the Cooper Center with around 150 attendees—half of which were young kids! It was amazing to see so many
families come together to learn about the desert and build fundamental connections for young children.
All morning, children visited Camp Cooper and engaged in fun activities for young children to help spark curiosity about the natural world while also giving future teachers in the College of Education hands-on experience with outdoor classroom teaching methods. From learning to spot different animal tracks to hearing stories about the animals and plants that coexist with saguaros, kids who completed the activity centers were rewarded with a treat of prickly pear candy.
College of Education Early Childhood Education students, Camp Cooper Staff, Maui Wowi Coffee & Smoothies, families and children all enjoyed the event.
Local children’s musician, Mr. Nature, who himself attended Camp Cooper as a child, gave a lively performance that had the crowd singing and dancing along with his many desert-themed songs. Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation
was also present with an engaging activity table, and smoothies and coffee drink refreshments were offered by Maui Wowi.
We
want to thank everyone who participated in making our Preschool Family Nature Day such a fun and wonderful event! If you liked this event or would like to attend upcoming Camp Cooper events, be sure to follow us on social media and check our event calendar on our website.
Follow Us!
Did you miss seeing all these colorful characters roaming around camp on Halloween? It was on our social media! Follow us and share our content on social media and you'll get an amazing perspective on Camp Cooper and our incredible team of passionate educators. There's always something fun and fascinating waiting for you on our Instagram, Facebook, and
Youtube. Click the links below to see which animals frequent our watering hole and what fun activities our team are up to.
