Programs

The Ventures Program in Art, Cooking, Foreign Cultures, and Nature

9-12 years old

The Ventures program is centered around creative expression. Much time is spent in the art studio creating artistic and constructive works, and exploring various media. In past years, projects have involved the use of paint, paper, clay, rubber, papier mache, wood and fiber, among other materials. This past year, Ventures worked with the following art forms: coil basket weaving, ceramics, perspective painting, carving rubber stamps for letterboxing, and photography.

Each year, the group learns about foreign cultures. Ventures visited the Netherlands this year through reading, cooking, games and a visit from a parent who lived there for three years. In past years, we have had cooking facilitations on the cuisines of The Netherlands, China, Japan, Mexico, France, the U.S. and other countries. Art projects, readings and group games are incorporated into the study of foreign lands.

Many kinds of thinking and communication skills are facilitated in the program. Verbal reflection in a group setting, using Balanced Responses, reading aloud, creative writing and written appreciations are practiced. Improvisational games and Conceptual Development activities are also part of the Ventures experience. For the past two years, each young person has chosen, studied and facilitated a presentation on a subject of particular interest to them. Examples are: guinea pigs, Greek Mythology, Origami, sharks and climate change.

Our large, beautiful campus offers many opportunities for group games, hiking and Real Work projects. Over the years, Ventures has made and installed outdoor mosaic stepping stones, construction boxes, sitting benches and a sculpture-laden herb garden. Ideas for the coming

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