RU Roots and Shoots Group anyone?

[Zoa Conner]

I have led a Roots and Shoots (http://www.rootsandshoots.org) group for several years now. My kids love the projects we have done, but no one else in our area has cared enough about the projects to do more than a few and then wander off to their curriculum. We have not done projects in a while and are anxious for some way to work on them again - if not with IRL friends then maybe with online friends.

Roots and Shoots is a kids service and learning organization started by Jane Goodall (of chimpanzee research fame). They do good deeds for the Earth, animals, and people. Check out our group's old web page at

http://all_good_kids.home.comcast.net

So would anyone care to work on a project with us? We want to make wooden signs for the trails at a new state park in our area (Chapman Forest - www.chapmanforest.org). We will use wood burning tools. You can make the signs and send them to me. We'll go attach them to the poles already there.

Interested? Let me know!

[Kim S.]

Hi Zoa!
I love your idea! Yes, we would be interested in helping. Two questions: any tips on using wood burning tools with young kids (4 & 7)? What size signs do you need?

There is a Roots and Shoots group that meets 1.5 - 2 hours north of me. I'd love to participate with them, but their gatherings usually conflict with one of my kids' activities. Any tips on starting a group? I would consider doing it. My kids love anything nature oriented, so I think we could have lots of fun.
Kim

[Zoa Conner]

Thanks Kim! I am still working on the details of the signs. Do you have access to wood burning tools? I think I'll start a group for R&S here. See you there!

[Kim S.]

Yes, I can get my hands on the tools we'll need, so when you have more specific instructions, please share!

I love the idea of forming a Roots & Shoots group within this site - I would definitely join you!

[Zoa Conner]

It is done. See you at the new group!

[Mandy O]

Our family has been considering starting our own Roots and Shoots group. It seems like a good fit for our family and lifestyle. The only reason I haven't signed us up yet is that my children haven't decided for certain what they want to do. I would love to hear what other unschoolers are doing with Roots and Shoots. My children have mentioned selling Chico Bags as a fundraiser to send to save polar bears, taking over our recycling, and a few other things. My oldest is almost 6.

[Zoa Conner]

Maybe joining our online R&S group here (check over in the groups section) will be a good way for your family to get started doing R&S projects. Also, check out the web site http://all_good_kids.home.comcast.net for my family's past projects for ideas. Have you gone to the R&S web site to see if there is already a group near you?

[Sunfairie]

Hey thanks for starting this up..there was a group that tried to form about an hour away from me..so we just could not do the drive..I am not sure they still are active either....but this also appeals to me and my kids....even more so with unschoolers..I am going to join your group here and learn from you and others and see if I can contribute or what I can do at home.

I would like my kiddos to be able to make a difference at here home too.

Just a thought...if we all work on a project together we agree on here and share pics?

[Zoa Conner]

I like the sharing of pics. I also like the idea of each of us choosing a project that helps something/someone local to us. Let's help each other! See you over at the group.

[Mandy O]

There is a group in our Metro area, but that would add another long drive for us.

[Zoa Conner]

I am happy to have you here! The same is true in my area -- everyone interested is too far away or too busy :-) Please check out the discussion I started today.