Building Relationships With Nature
EarthWorks is a youth development program offered by The Center for Youth that focuses on 21st Century Skills, experiential learning, STEAM and environmental enrichment, and personal wellness. By partnering with community leaders and educators we develop programs that build healthy, lasting, bonds between land and community.
Environmental science, forestry, and education are at the heart of what we do. Earthworks offer the skills and experience to facilitate safe, nature-based programs among diverse groups while helping them to develop skills and experiences that connect youth with their world and each other.
Earthworks staff are comprised of highly trained, diversely practiced, individuals with over 20 years of combined experience developing environmental and educational programs. They guide students through the natural world to educate, inspire, and empower youth by allowing them to develop connections with themselves and their world through meaningful experiences
EarthWorks recognizes the bond we share with nature, and we understand the everlasting relationship that exists between children and nature. Our mission is to provide children with support and space to experience this relationship through unstructured forest play, curiosity-driven exploration, and wilderness skill practice. We aim to create a physically safe and emotionally supportive environment, where students develop resilience, self-confidence, and an appreciation for the natural world.
In keeping with true appreciation for the natural world, we would like to acknowledge the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and by honoring the sovereignty of the Six Nations–the Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Seneca and Tuscarora–and their land where we reside. We recognize that our work takes place on their land, and we hope to demonstrate respect for the treaties established, and remorse for the harms and mistakes of the distant and recent past. We pledge to work toward consistent partnership with a spirit of reconciliation and gratitude.
Our team
Bradley Rickman
(Program Manager)
Brad is a valuable addition to the Earthworks team, having joined in 2024. With years of Adventure Education and Outdoor experience, he brings a love for the outdoors and a passion for providing life-changing programming to youth. Through Adventure Education, Brad aims to equip young people with the skills they need to overcome life’s challenges and lead successful teams.
Mike Dondorfer
(Lead Learning Guide)
Mike was born and raised in the City of Rochester where he developed a passion for youth education and completed his degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Rochester.
His journey in informal education has taken him through diverse settings, including roles at the Seneca Park Zoo, Monroe County 4-H, and the Strong National Museum of Play.
When he’s not outside, he likes to immerse himself in the world of cinema, gather with friends for game nights, and embark on epic adventures through the realm of Dungeons and Dragons.
Jenna Vangellow
(Learning Guide)
Programs
Wilderness Classroom
7 & 14 Week Sessions
With nature as our classroom, we guide students in the practice of appreciating the natural world and developing specific wilderness skills. Our daily focus consists of intentional work, cooperative play, careful observation, and wilderness exploration. Our work involves splitting wood, sustaining warmth and fire, building survival shelters, and cooking over the flame!
We hope to encourage children to carefully understand what they experience through the senses, and promote the natural curiosity of observing nature. We plan unstructured free play times, where children can climb, run, jump and talk. Ultimately, we hope children enjoy working together and experience the important bond that we all share with nature.
Our Forest School programs meet once a week during the traditional school day. We offer sessions for students between the ages of 4-5 (Pre-K with parental guidance) and a session for students 5-15. Read more below for information on locations and times.
Nature-Based Learning
Curriculum Aligned Outdoor Learning
With small school green spaces, local parks, and school gardens, we understand the need to support children’s natural curiosity and developmental need to move, play and interact. Our enrichment includes sensory exploration, acute observation, deliberate skill practice, and nature-based play. We aim to provide holistic, and enriching experiences that promote the development of wilderness skills, sustainable attitudes, and appreciation of the natural world.
Once a partnership has been made with either an individual teacher or the entire school, our learning guides work with both the teachers and students to create an experience that best suits their needs. Whether this includes a standards-aligned local field experience, team-building through the practice of hands-on wilderness skills, creating a community garden, or an in-classroom nature-based exploration the possibilities are endless!
An immersive character-building experience
Committed to immersing children in nature, our summer camp encompasses The American Camp Association pillars for a valuable and educational summer experience. Our nature guides encourage children to creatively explore the natural world, nurturing the development of resiliency and self-confidence through consistent hands-on skill practice. Each program is age-appropriate, with specialized outdoor skill practice aimed at improving self-confidence and developing positive social relationships.
Our summer camps provide a safe and structured space for children to dictate their learning while becoming aware of the natural world. Children are encouraged to embrace their curiosity, appreciate the natural world and explore the landscape. Expect your child to jump, crawl, run, hide and play in this fun-filled camp experience!
Summer adventure sessions are held at Helmer Nature Center in Irondequoit and are available for ages 5 to 16. All class days run from 8:30–2:30 pm M-F. Each age group runs for two weeks during the months of July and August. Parents have the option to sign their child up for one week, or both! Please note, each section is designed for that specific age group. In order to make sure everyone gets the best experience, we will not allow students into a section outside of their age range.