July 31, 2023 (Newark, Delaware): Last week, Lang Cares funded around 30 children and 8 staff members from Wilmington Head Start to attend a week-long nature-immersion camp experience. Despite the heat, children and teachers stayed cool in the creek and shade of the tree canopy. They demonstrated bravery as they jumped, balanced, climbed trees, and explored! They found calm in a new and unfamiliar space with deep breathing, yoga and song singing. They shared that they loved splashing, playing with their friends, finding pumpkins hiding in the garden, and taking new risks. The staff made new discoveries right along with the children each day — dragonflies, butterflies, toads, rocks, and much more. Time spent in nature builds resilience, strengthens gross- and fine-motor skills, increases expressive language skills, lowers cortisol levels, provides opportunities for problem-solving skills, and creates future stewards of our planets. Lang Cares’ mission of building stronger communities was absolutely met through the collaboration of Wilmington Head Start and UD Lab School Nature Camp 2023!

Wilmington Head Start, Inc. is a free preschool program that provides services to children and families. Their core program is tailored to meet the needs of children ages three to five.

The University of Delaware Lab School is an inclusive early learning school, serving children aged six months to six years. Our two instructors for the Lang Cares sponsored Nature Camp have been teaching at the UD Lab School for many years.