Hey All!
I know it's strange, but the first real river cleanups are finally popping
up. This is the time of year when everyone starts announcing events and I
start inviting families to strap on the boots and head out to the river.
Before I start announcing events, please know that all river cleanups, as
with small group meetings, are indeed optional. You need to decide what
your family can handle in your schedule.
In order to make it possible for your child to participate without you,
there will be a RK coordinator at announced cleanups (unless otherwise
posted). As long as you communicate with the coordinator about dropping
your child off and a pick up time, you're set. Of course, we love to see
whole families out there dragging huge sign posts, mattresses, bikes, and on
and on, out of the river. We see this stuff as some good ol' fashioned
family fun. If nothing else, it's fun to see your spouse knee deep in the
muck with mud streaks across the forehead...humbling experiences, these
river cleanups are. Great photo opps too.
If you've never been to a cleanup, it's very easy to get involved. Most
equipment, except the boots, is provided. All you have to do is show up
with some energy. Gloves, trash bags, water, and sometimes other goodies
are usually provided. And if you would prefer to stay on the banks, there
are always places filled with trash that are accessible from dry land. In
addition, honeysuckle removal is often tied into cleanups.
Kids of all ages are welcome to tag along to cleanups...in my experience,
children under 5 don't do so well at cleaning, but I've seen a couple
Kindergartners pull out more than their fair share before. Just plan to be
close to these kids.
There are some safety issue related to cleaning rivers. We coach the kids
well before allowing them into the rivers. We've had wet/muddy kids come
back from a cleanup, but never had anyone hurt in 5 years. So we (you) must
be doing something right.
Showers/handwashings are a MUST after a cleanup. That may seem obvious to,
but I thought it worth a mention.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at bgriffiths@newcityschool.org.
We're looking forward to the first cleanup of the year...March 29 in U.
City. I'll send details in a separate note.
Rock on!
Ben
I know it's strange, but the first real river cleanups are finally popping
up. This is the time of year when everyone starts announcing events and I
start inviting families to strap on the boots and head out to the river.
Before I start announcing events, please know that all river cleanups, as
with small group meetings, are indeed optional. You need to decide what
your family can handle in your schedule.
In order to make it possible for your child to participate without you,
there will be a RK coordinator at announced cleanups (unless otherwise
posted). As long as you communicate with the coordinator about dropping
your child off and a pick up time, you're set. Of course, we love to see
whole families out there dragging huge sign posts, mattresses, bikes, and on
and on, out of the river. We see this stuff as some good ol' fashioned
family fun. If nothing else, it's fun to see your spouse knee deep in the
muck with mud streaks across the forehead...humbling experiences, these
river cleanups are. Great photo opps too.
If you've never been to a cleanup, it's very easy to get involved. Most
equipment, except the boots, is provided. All you have to do is show up
with some energy. Gloves, trash bags, water, and sometimes other goodies
are usually provided. And if you would prefer to stay on the banks, there
are always places filled with trash that are accessible from dry land. In
addition, honeysuckle removal is often tied into cleanups.
Kids of all ages are welcome to tag along to cleanups...in my experience,
children under 5 don't do so well at cleaning, but I've seen a couple
Kindergartners pull out more than their fair share before. Just plan to be
close to these kids.
There are some safety issue related to cleaning rivers. We coach the kids
well before allowing them into the rivers. We've had wet/muddy kids come
back from a cleanup, but never had anyone hurt in 5 years. So we (you) must
be doing something right.
Showers/handwashings are a MUST after a cleanup. That may seem obvious to,
but I thought it worth a mention.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at bgriffiths@newcityschool.org.
We're looking forward to the first cleanup of the year...March 29 in U.
City. I'll send details in a separate note.
Rock on!
Ben
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