RK Update

Hey, everyone!

I hope you're enjoying the last weekend of spring break!  I've heard from a
few families and it seems that "break" is a relative term...some people
travel, some stay home, some run around doing all the things they normally
can't do, some increase the dent in the couch, some clean obsessively, some
make more messes than usual, and for some...life just goes on as usual...not
everyone gets a break.

No matter how you spent your "break," one thing seems certain...the fact
that spring break exists is one of a series of reminders that the cycle of
the seasons continues...spring is here.

This is the time of year when we notice the redbuds bloom and the daffodils
rise...the warmer temperatures and longer days signal the native plants and
animals to become more active, to grow, to change...

As a teacher and a naturalist I've always noticed the correlation between
nature's explosion of change, and that of my students around the same time.
The kids have grown into current grades and are growing out of them as we
speak.

It's a time I've always cherished as a teacher, mainly because it's no
longer a daily struggle to define routines and expectations...there's a
sense of ownership being passed on to the kids...and a sense of increased
independence within the kids...Bottom line - 4th graders are finally 4th
graders, and so on.

I always used to find these next two months of the year to be the toughest
personally...because the kids and parents are moving on soon...and in a
classroom setting, it means saying goodbye to one set of families that have
really served as extended family since the fall.  Plus, you start to realize
that if there's something you haven't done yet, you've only got two months
to take care of it ALL!  :)

One of the great things I've discovered about moving to a Specialist
position is that I don't have to say goodbye to as many kids and
families...I see most of them the next year.  However, those that do leave
after being around for so long, are often harder to let go.

There are some of us in River Kids that will be saying goodbye after this
year.  And since that will be so tough on me, and it's really all about me,
let me selfishly extend an invitation/request to all families who might be
leaving after this year:

1) Leave loudly...don't assume that everyone knows you're leaving...I'm
blissfully ignorant most of the time.  No wise cracks, Claire...or any of
the other 30 people who thought of something to say.  :)

2) Take something valuable with you as you leave - not a drum or a keyboard
- I'm being figurative here.  Leave with a story to tell about how River
Kids affected you...leave with a new sense of responsibility for our
rivers/nature/Earth...leave with a new friend...leave with memories.  Maybe
if you're lucky, someone will make one for you; some you'll have to create
for yourself.  And don't forget to share what you take with others wherever
you may go.

3) This is an important one - Leave something valuable behind - in this case
I'm being literal...cash is good.  Okay actually...it's not as easy as it
sounds, but leave good memories for others to treasure...create moments that
will teach, humor, entertain, provoke...affect the rest of us.  Let your
actions contribute to the evolving definition of River Kids.

We are now who and what we are because of every child and family member who
has been there along the way.

4) Return whenever you like - visit, write, call, email, fax,
webcast...whatever you're into.  Or stay a member family and come back to us
for meetings.  This is a genuine invitation...leaving the building doesn't
mean you have to leave River Kids anymore.

(I suppose 2 and 3 aren't such bad advice for anyone, now that I think about
it...)

So, while spring is about warmer weather, new life, and cycles continuing,
it's also a reminder that most things last only so long...Our time is a
finite possession...one that should be invested in a way that reflects that
very fact.

No doubt, River Kids is founded on the principle of taking action.  We don't
still long.  We are about to embark on about 5-6 weeks of River Kids
madness, filled with cleanups, festivals, climbing nights, performances,
painting, unveiling, celebrating, teaching, singing, camping, canoeing, and
on and on...

As we make this journey, like 4th graders become 4th graders at this time of
year, I expect we'll see many River Kids become true River Kids through all
of this...

Thanks ahead of time to all the parents and kids who will be investing their
time, energy, and heart these next few weeks.  I'm looking forward to the
adventure!

See you soon!  Maybe tomorrow, if you're heading to the Brentwood REI
cleanup!

Ben