New Roots Book: Out Now!
Life Itself: Educational Roots Amid Global Uncertainty
How the Willowell Community came together in a time of global crisis
When the pandemic started, nobody knew what to expect. Out of a time of challenges and uncertainty, Willowell worked to put together a new outdoor program- New Roots. What started as a direct response to the pandemic flourished into a sustainable program out in the woods of Monkton that still runs today.
New Roots came together in 3 short weeks, with passionate instructors at the helm with one purpose: to provide quality outdoor education to address the community’s need. It kicked off with 80 kids that soon filled the woods with sounds of laughter and play. Founding core teacher, and program director Meghan Rigali brought a vision of interdisciplinary education, combining various outdoor and wilderness skills with a focus on art and its role in community building.
This book will take you on the journey of New Roots, and lay out how the wider Willowell community came together in an extraordinary way. Included are insightful contributions from staff, teachers, parents, AmeriCorps members, and visiting artists, as well case studies from the program.
All proceeds from purchases go toward the New Roots Scholarship Fund to ensure accessibility for years to come.