The New Roots Project
Outdoor education for extraordinary times
Trimester sessions for New Roots Project are now open! We will accept students on a rolling basis.
OVERVIEW of program
New Roots is entering it’s fourth year as an interdisciplinary, outdoor, multi-aged program to round out the week for children of all ages. Our energized group of teachers, artists, and craftspeople collaboratively run New Roots at the Willowell Foundation land in Monkton throughout the school year.
The New Roots Project is entirely outdoors through varying weather. For students to fully immerse themselves in the program we ask that they come prepared to get dirty, and learn through the elements of Vermont weather (it may be cold and wet). We ask that students wear comfortable and practical clothing. If you need help accessing adequate winter gear so your child can engage fully in the program please let us know- we are happy to help source warm gear for families.
Our sessions run three days a week with the option to come for any number of days. We follow the MAUSD school calendar in terms of observing inclement weather closings, vacations, and some early release days.
Students engage in wildlife skills, art, theater, science, community building, carpentry, fire building, games, mindfulness, and so much more! If families are seeking a tutor for additional subject focus, we advise seeking out tutor networks throughout the state of Vermont.
Check out an example of course offerings from our 2022-2023 teaching team below:
TIME
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 AM- 3:00 PM
Dates
We will run on a trimester schedule with each session running approximately 12 weeks. We encourage and hope children will enroll for all three sessions.
Fall Session: Sept 12th- November 16th
Winter Session: November 28th- February 29th
Spring Session: March 5th- May 30th
Ages
Ages 7-15
Although we will have yurts for inclement weather days, this program will require a certain level of stamina and ability to adapt. Please only enroll young children if you believe they are physically and emotionally ready to be outdoors through all weather.
Student narrative evaluation
We offer a student narrative evaluation for students and their families wishing to document learning during their session(s) participating in The New Roots Project. The Director of New Roots will work with teaching staff to support the creation of curriculum and project based learning that challenges and fosters student growth. This process is detailed in the evaluations. These evaluations include course descriptions, personalized comments, and photographic evidence. Historically, New Roots families have included our evaluations in annual Home School Student Portfolio submissions to the Vermont Department of Education, and as documentation of learning for students attending public school. Additionally, evaluations can apply as evidence for Personal Learning Plans and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Families can opt-in for a student narrative evaluation at the start of each trimester to document learning goals at no additional cost. If requests are made after the opt-in period, extra costs may apply as the creation of these narratives are ongoing.
LOCATION
Stoney Meadow Lane
Monkton, VT 05443
This program will run outdoors through all weather.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please note: Enrollment is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Upon confirmation of enrollment, full payment is due at the beginning of each session. We are not able to prorate tuition if you choose to return to school or have a scheduling conflict.
Complete the New Roots Project Registration Form Online:
PAYMENT
Tuition covers the cost of an entire session (one of three sessions for the year), and will be prorated for students who begin after the session’s designated start date. Tuition will not be prorated for days missed due to personal reasons, illness or other. All families are responsible for the full amounts listed below:
One day a week: $600 for the full session
Two days a week: $1,200 for the full session
Three days a week: $1,800 for the full session
Make checks payable to the Willowell Foundation, and mail to PO Box 314 Bristol, VT 05443. Please make sure you write “New Roots” and your child’s name in the memo.
Scholarships
We will be offering a select few need-based scholarships. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please fill out the application, linked below and send a copy of your most current tax return to:
Willowell Foundation
P.O. Box 314
Bristol, VT 05443
instructors:
Ethan Mitchell
Co-Director
As New Roots Co-Director, Ethan Mitchell brings over 15 years of teaching experience to the program through his involvement in the Walden Project and with various other programs throughout the state. Ethan’s focus is on history and mathematics, but he likes teaching a wide variety of subjects and is particularly skilled at pivoting from traditional teaching modalities toward more integrated and embodied approaches to learning. Ethan is an innovator; he's also a dad, an essayist, a researcher, and a dreamer. When not working with children, he spends a lot of time cooking, canning, coding, and doing construction.
Casey Burger
Co- Director
Casey is thrilled to be collaborating with Willowell, growing a nature-based-educational response to the social and environmental changes rocking our world today. Gardener, musician, craftsperson, and carpenter, Casey has worn many hats throughout her career as a human being and is dedicated to sharing her passions and knowledge with children. She has been running nature-based craft and cooking camps with the Willowell Foundation for the last 5 years. Originally from the Northern Catskills of New York she ventured into the NYS Public School System working with children with special needs. She went on to co-create a full time nature-based elementary curriculum at Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School in Columbia County NY and worked as a teacher there before moving to Vermont in 2015.
Casey holds a B.A. in Integral Sustainable Development from Warren Wilson College; a Certificate in Biodynamic Agriculture and has training in Inclusive Social Development through the Camphill Village Academy.
Ian Gramling
My name is Ian, and I am serving as an AmeriCorps member at the Willowell Foundation. I am a lifelong resident of Ferrisburgh, Vermont and a Walden Alum. I graduated from the Walden Project in 2017 and am taking a gap year from Norwich University, where I’ve been pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Studies in War and Peace. I enjoy working with kids, and have lots of experience with it from volunteer positions at Ferrisburgh Central School, Shelburne Farms and working at New Roots during the first session this past fall. In my spare time, I enjoy historical reenacting, primitive camping, hiking, metal detecting, playing Celtic music, and spending time with my family and my cats.
Greyson Ersick
Greyson comes to Willowell with 15 years of experience working with kids in a variety of settings—from teaching students in public schools grades K4 to 5, to leading outdoor education groups in the woods and offering hands-on STEM programming, Greyson enjoys working with kids in any capacity, but especially loves sharing in the joy of getting dirty in the forest!
When they aren’t teaching they can be seen running a yarn shop in Bristol, VT with their spouse.
In their free-time, they can usually be found wandering around the forest, reading strange books, drawing with fancy art supplies, playing guitar, obsessing over their day planner, and writing mediocre poetry in their notes app.