Ella and Savannah Carr practically grew up at Dodge. They attended the Preschool, returned for field trips throughout elementary and middle school, and spent their free time helping their mom, Preschool teacher Kristin Carr, in her classroom.
Now as young adults, the sisters are giving back to Dodge by volunteering at summer camps.
Ella started volunteering in 2018 when she reached high school. “I loved camp at Dodge, but I aged out of attending,” Ella says. “I wanted to share my love of nature in a new way.”
Savannah eagerly joined Ella three years later. She especially loves introducing kids to the outdoors. “Seeing campers become fascinated with nature—like I did when I was their age—is my favorite experience.”
Summer campers taking turns holding a chicken at Shepard Farm in 2023.
Summer camps at Dodge are hands-on, sometimes dirty, and always filled with fun. Over seven weeks, naturalists and camp volunteers welcome 400+ campers ages 6 to 14 years old for outdoor learning in woods, wetlands, farms, and fields.
For a sophomore in college and a senior in high school, summers are busy with seasonal jobs, prep for the next school year, and enjoying time with family and friends. Volunteering is hard to fit in, but Ella and Savannah make time for it every year.
“It’s what I love to do,” Savannah says. “I love the feeling of giving back to my community.”
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
Learn more about opportunities for ages 15+ here.
This article was originally published in the Nourish Your Need for Nature Newsletter, Spring/Summer 2024.